Chairperson, the hon member is indeed correct. There are situations like that, where schools within 1 or 2km of each other are in different quintiles. Therefore, through the Education Management Information System we submit to provinces, annually, the data that we have and the ranking of each school, and we invite them to review and revise them.
We have also indicated that if an MEC is of the view that the quintile is not correct, he or she could adjust that. I have even given the example of the former MEC for education - who is now the Minister of Health - who has adjusted many, many of the schools in the Limpopo province that may have been ranked as quintile 4, but had to be changed because of the poverty index.
Indeed, this is an ongoing process. From year to year there is a review that is taking place. But, indeed, it is an inconsistency, it is a contradiction that we have two schools on either side of the road, one being a beneficiary of the programme and not the other. Therefore, you should be the eyes and the ears of the communities and draw it to the attention of the MECs and the Ministry wherever you discover that. Thank you.
Position regarding discussions with Higher Education South Africa on long- term solutions to certain concerns
21. Ms N D Ntwanambi (ANC) asked the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether he had discussions with Higher Education South Africa (HESA) on any concerns about (a) learners entering the higher education sector being poorly prepared and (b) the low rate of completion in regulation time in many higher education institutions across the country; if so, what was the outcome of the discussions in respect of the long-term solutions; if not,
(2) whether he considers it necessary to engage this sector on the issue; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?