Indeed, Chair, I did read the report and did raise some concerns with the researchers, including the sample that they used to arrive at major conclusions. The sample is too low to draw the conclusions they have drawn, and I think they have accepted that it is actually methodologically quite problematic.
However, in terms of the substance of what they are raising I do not think we have difficulties. Indeed, private schools have provided a very good alternative for our people if they want to make choices.
We do support private schools as an alternative which people want for religious purposes, but also for financial reasons. If you have lots of money and you want to go and pour it out somewhere else, you can go to private schools, because we do have public schools.
It is a good choice for teachers. I do not think we have any difficulty with that. I even have no difficulty with the conclusions of the report, except that methodologically the sample that they were using to draw the conclusions is flawed. I do not think that there are fundamental problems with their conclusions. If parents choose to go to private schools, that is fine.
In terms of registration, provinces can register at a certain pace. When people submit something, you cannot register them before you have at least verified the points that are there.
I have worked in the province. There are lots and lots of problems with your fly-by-nights. In all fairness, you have to go and verify all the information before you can register a school. We had schools which unqualified people have registered; any other crook can register a school.
As the state, we have a responsibility to make sure that we have all the information, and that is where the delays occur sometimes. But as a principle, we have no problems with private schools. It is their right to choose. They are given that right by the Constitution, and it does not give us competition. They supplement the work that we do in the public sector.
Strategy to harmonise housing delivery and stabilise housing market
207. Ms B N Dambuza (ANC) asked the Minister of Human Settlements:
What strategy does his department have to (a) harmonise housing delivery in the country and (b) stabilise the housing market in order to attract private-sector investment in rural towns in view of the decline of economic activity in those areas as a result of urban migration? NO3126E