Hon Chair, permit me to indicate that it is not feasible to separate what is happening in the Eastern Cape from what is happening in Limpopo. I will therefore say something as far as both are concerned.
Compared to other countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China, our country spends a higher proportion of its gross domestic product on education. This is an indication that education is an ongoing priority for the government. However, the system continues to be crippled by the following: poor administration; a lack of infrastructure; frequent policy and curriculum changes; corrupt tender practices; and the lowering of standards. The education system in South Africa is in crisis. Even before I go on with what I am raising, I want to ask the following question: Do we really have a President in this country? Do we have a President in South Africa? [Interjections.] I am going there. [Interjections.]
In the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report, South Africa is ranked at number 137 out of 139 countries for the quality of maths and science education; and number 125 for the quality of primary school education. [Interjections.]
Now, while section 100(1)(b) of the Constitution provides for an intervention by the national department, the measure has proved to be totally inadequate. The national Minister's intervention in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape has not led to the full delivery of textbooks to learners on time, in compliance with the court order. It is not only the issue of textbooks, but of classrooms as well.
The Presidential Inter-Ministerial Task Team has completed its investigations, but why is President Zuma incubating the report? The country needs answers. He is clearly an uncaring and incapable leader. Is he the President? [Interjections.]