House Chairperson, I would also like to refer the hon member to the answer I gave in reference to why it is important for mining houses to take care of their own. However, government legislation is very, very clear in respect of human settlement: Where people work must be where they play and, also, stay.
The mining houses - and I've said this in the past have the obligation to build houses for their own staff; the thousands of mineworkers who go underground every day. Secondly, in terms of the new mandate, when building houses for their staff, they have to take into account the fact that those mines are located within specific existing communities. Northam Platinum mines, where 3 000 houses had to be built for staff, including people from the local community, is a key example to keep in mind. Therefore, the Department of Human Settlements is no longer about housing.
In as much as mines are there, they should not be stand-alone entities. It is about the integration of communities and the consolidation of resources, both of these mining houses and of the municipalities, provinces and government assisting these communities. So, working together with communities at provincial and local government levels, and including the mines, we are putting an integrated strategy on the ground.
I would like the House to rest reassured that my task as Minister is to ensure that such policies eventually assist the poorest of the poor by deterring the mining companies from using loopholes in government policies - because sometimes it's their money - to get away with what they have been doing over a period of time. I thank you.
Research findings and interventions regarding learner retention in schools
45. Ms F I Chohan (ANC) asked the Minister of Basic Education:
(a) What were the findings of the research that was conducted into learner retention in schools and (b) what interventions were identified by her department to address any challenges in this regard? NO562E