Hon member, there are norms and standards with regard to transport. We don't expect learners to walk for more than 10 km. All in all the standard is that if the distance is greater than 5 km, then transport has to be provided. It might be somewhat unequal. It depends again on the context. In Gauteng 5 km is a long distance, whereas in Limpopo it is regarded as a short distance. So, that's relative. But norms and standards are certainly applicable.
What we are trying to do is to ensure that we have uniform standards that apply across the country. At the centre of what we do are the interests of the child. I think this should be the primary and principle consideration. But we wouldn't want provinces to feel that because they have a particular responsibility, they are then going to inconvenience learners and create unnecessary burdens. So, these norms and standards do apply. They are being looked at again in terms of the review of the policy to see how, again collaboratively, we can do better in order to ensure that we provide easy and better access for our learners. Thank you very much.
Plans to ensure learners can make up lost time occurring as a result of service providers not being paid
36. Ms M W Makgate (ANC) asked the Minister of Basic Education:
What plans her department has put in place to ensure that learners can make up for the lost time which occurred as a result of any service provider not being paid? CO244E