Chairperson, hon Ministers, the ACDP applauds government's commitment to education, which remains the largest area of government spending. Education is clearly the single most important black economic empowerment strategy and its significance in reducing poverty and accelerating long-term economic growth cannot be overemphasised.
The additional R2,7 billion, which has been allocated to the Department of Basic Education to roll out easy-to-use workbooks in all 11 official languages to help to raise literacy and numeracy levels and to test all learners in Grades 3, 6 and 9 is a positive move.
The ACDP notes with approval the additional R9 billion over the next three years for teacher salary upgrades and the efforts by the government to refine the occupation specific dispensation for educators to improve the quality of teaching to retain and attract much-needed skills to the profession.
In 2008, 62 000 out of about 400 000 teaching posts at public schools were vacant and 32 000 were filled by temporary teachers. Hon Minister, what are the current statistics? Have we managed to improve on the situation or have shortages of skilled teachers increased?
Programme three, which aims to promote quality teaching and institutional performance has, as we see, only received R513,7 million, a 3,44% decrease in real terms. This is of some concern, considering the critical need for training in general and specifically for management training of principals. The ACDP would like to applaud the Gauteng MEC for Education for her campaign to utilise retired teachers and principals in classrooms and in the general running of schools. To use these services voluntarily or for a small stipend to cover local transport and lunch is, however, entirely unrealistic if not perhaps insulting, especially given the current economic situation. The ACDP urges government to support these efforts with budget provision for realistic salaries to ensure our children benefit from these valuable resource and wealth of experience.
Hon Minister, are you satisfied that the promised streamlining and simplification of the administrative system for teachers, which is necessary to free up their time for teaching, has been adequately addressed? Is the budget adequate in this regard? What about the laptops for teachers that were promised some time last year? Has provision been made for them in this budget? Are they still on the cards?
The ACDP is pleased to see that investment in infrastructure includes the building of libraries. Books are the source of great individual advancement and few schools in poorer areas have functioning school libraries. Does this budget make provision for posts for librarians at poorer schools?
Early childhood development, ECD, is not yet available at all schools and in all areas, despite legislation requiring provinces to prioritise spending on ECD in poorer areas. Again, does this budget adequately accommodate ECD needs? We need to know from you. Will it ensure access to quality ECD teacher training? Is ECD teaching being marketed as a viable career option?
Lastly, the ACDP would like to congratulate the department for the excellent work done through the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign. We support this Budget Vote, which will require close monitoring by the portfolio committee. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]