Deputy Speaker, I welcome the statement by the hon member Maggie Madlala on government's commitment to prioritising education. I wish to tell this House that earlier, immediately after the elections, there was a national teacher education summit that was very successful. It reached all the teachers' representatives and their unions and they committed themselves to the non- negotiables of being in class on time and teaching.
We recently saw the first-ever gathering of school principals addressed by the President of the Republic, during which the school principals committed themselves to making sure that our schools are functional. I also wish to say that the President will soon be meeting with the Vice Chancellors of all the universities as well as all the rectors of the Further Education and Training Colleges.
I would also like to say that, in relation to other matters on our educators, we are currently exploring modalities for enhancing teacher development, including the possibility of opening teacher training colleges.
Yesterday the South African Democratic Teachers Union, Sadtu, representing about 70% of the teachers, signed the Occupation Specific Dispensation agreement. [Applause.] All these developments show that despite those who are cynical and have no responsibility for governing the country, all stakeholders are responding positively to government's initiative to make education a priority.
Allow me to conclude, Deputy Speaker, by saying that I hope the hon Mpontshane will tell us, at some stage at the next available opportunity: If the IFP is so stable, what was the IFP youth doing or symbolising by their march yesterday in Durban? Siyabonga. [Thank you.]