Speaker, the ANC condemns the conduct of the DA in the Western Cape in its handling of the education crisis in Mitchells Plain, where it is alleged that more than five weeks into the school year hundreds of schoolchildren have not yet been placed in Mitchells Plain schools, thus denying them the right to basic education.
This is at cross purposes to what they claim in their education policy, which stipulates that every child has an opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Instead, the DA Western Cape government is failing our children and denying them the right to education, especially Grade 1 learners.
Unlike the DA, the ANC has always maintained that education is our priority and should be handled as such. [Interjections.] The ANC thus calls on the Minister of Basic Education to intervene in the crisis and to help resolve this dire situation. Working together, we shall move South Africa forward.
Maatla, motlotlegi Mmusakgotla! Ke a leboga. [Legofi.] [Power, hon Speaker! [I thank you.] [Applause.]