Hon Madam Chair and members, I deliver this statement on behalf of the IFP's secretary-general, hon Ngcobo. The consideration of this report quite obviously requires the concerted efforts of both the Ministers of Health and Basic Education, to protect those who are the most vulnerable in our communities.
The findings by the SAHRC on the lack of safety and security measures in schools are distressing, even to read it. I want to call on each and every one of you in this House and those who are watching today to ask yourselves if defenceless children deserve to be in a place that poses direct dangers and poor conditions for any child. Now, extend your thoughts to a time when you saw a child living with a disability struggle as a result of difficulty. These thoughts should unite us in the common cause to not allow suffering to touch any child, especially those who live with disabilities and struggle to fend for themselves.
The factual findings by the SAHRC reveal that special schools' infrastructure is not only insufficient but poses a direct and imminent threat to the health and safety of these learners. Inspection of the Kutlwanong School in the North West province found dangerous and poor conditions. The report found, as a matter of fact, that there is a lack of legally binding norms and standards to ensure safety, minimum qualifications of ... care from staff, a lack of understanding of the legal policies that exists in the event of emergencies and as usual, no accountability by provincial and district department officials in terms of compliance.
The IFP rejects the report by the Department of Basic Education and supports the recommendations of the committee's findings. I thank you.