Chair, the ANC would like to take this opportunity to commend the gallant steps government has taken in recognition of prior learning. This is correctly positioned as a progressive instrument to build a more inclusive education system and to provide easy access to different levels and forms of learning to those who have been left out of the formal system under the previous government.
Some of the best performing students are those who gained access through recognition of their prior learning. Part of this is attributed to a very good guidance programme that concentrated on portfolio development. In view of this, the ANC believes that it is important to have the national will to proceed with this system. Although the RPL, Recognition of Prior Learning, was a national policy, it is nonetheless an unfunded mandate presently.
Therefore, the ANC would like to put emphasis on the need for a funding model to give impetus to this instrument. We feel that it is necessary to address the gabs in the legislation. There is also a need to nurture those guiding RPL candidates as this was a carrier path that, despite its good results, rather ran the risk of not being recognised because of uncertainty in funding. I thank you. [Applause.]