Chairperson, hon Minister Asmal, hon MECs from the provinces, special delegates and dear colleagues, I mentioned once before in this august House that the DP, though in opposition to the Government, will not oppose every piece of legislation that is brought before the House. We see this Bill, the South African Council for Educators Bill, as a piece of legislation that should be supported, and I have pleasure in doing so on behalf of the DP. At least on this occasion I will be spared the mandatory ministerial chastisement for presenting opposition to Bills presented in this House. Let us quickly traverse the terrain before the South African Council for Educators Bill came about in its present form. When the SA Council for Educators was established in 1995 it was, understandably, perceived to be an extension of the Education Labour Relations Council. The idea of a professional body which would promote and control the teaching profession, as intended, was thus diminished to some extent. This shortcoming was redressed in 1998 when the Employment of Educators Bill was tabled in Parliament. The Bill was amended to include Chapter 6, which converts the SA Council for Educators from a labour-oriented body to a statutory body, thereby ensuring that the SA Council for Educators would be regarded as an independent professional body outside the influence of the Education Labour Relations Council.
However, the SA Council for Educators, as a statutory body, was found wanting in one important respect. The scope for application of this professional body was restricted to educators in public schools and public learning centres, and was not applicable to private or independent institutions. Hence, the need for a comprehensive, all-inclusive professional body to regulate the whole teaching profession wherever educators may be employed. This new SA Council for Educators will thus have a new face.
Furthermore, it will not only develop, maintain and promote the image of the profession, but also place professional ethics for educators on a distinct plane. The Minister, of course, will ensure that the SA Council for Educators will function in a transparent manner and that it does not function in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to educators at large.
The DP cannot but support the good intentions of the hon the Minister in proposing such a Bill, which would clearly elevate the status of educators and their professional conduct and ethics to a higher plateau.
Finally, I want to compliment the Ministry for the manner in which the Bill was presented to the select committee, and the accommodating manner in which the amendments were received. The DP particularly welcomes the amendments now contained in clause 6(5) under ``composition of council'', as well as clause 7, regarding the appointment of the chairperson by the Minister.
Finally, I reiterate that my party has pleasure in supporting this piece of legislation. [Applause.]