Hon Speaker, we are approaching the end of the first term of the academic year and some schools in Limpopo are still waiting for books to be delivered. The Department of Basic Education issued media statements and even reported to the portfolio committee that books had been delivered.
I was on constituency work in the Schoonoord and Malegale Districts of the Sekhukhune District and what I found was shocking, to say the least. Before we get denials, I invite the Minister to visit the following schools: Namadzavho Secondary School, Kgagatlou Secondary School, Makatane Secondary School, Tshehlwaneng Senior Secondary School, Tshabadietla Secondary School, Lerato Secondary School, Legare Senior Secondary School, and others.
For many learners the dream of a better life has turned into a nightmare. The dream of the liberation struggle has been betrayed by an uncaring government. Children of the poor are made to pay for the downright incompetence of those in charge. Principals have been intimidated and threatened, and are afraid to speak about the plight of their schools. This is not a good story, and as we speak the children of Limpopo are facing the prospect of a strike next week that is being threatened by teachers because they have not been paid their marking salaries. Thank you.
