Chairperson, the APC obviously supports the Budget Vote. [Laughter.] That is a given. Let's get to the serious stuff. Our concern is firstly the proper integration of the Grade R teachers within the administrative processes and systems of the schools where they teach. As things stand right now, there is almost a duality. They are at the various primary schools, but they are treated as if they are not properly integrated. That has created a lot of problems.
Secondly, there is a duality in respect of the roles of the Department of Basic Education and Social Development relating to early childhood education. We believe that this needs to be resolved so that early childhood education falls either under Social Development or Basic Education. Right now, there are serious problems with funding. We say early childhood education is important, but if you look at how it is being funded, I think there are still huge gaps that need to be attended to.
I think basic education is not yet where we want it to be, but at least we are satisfied that there is a positive energy driving the department forward. However, we need to strengthen management, especially school principals and circuit managers. As long as those two levels are weak, there is no way in which schools are going to perform well at the end of the day.
Lastly, we believe that, as a country, we have not shown sufficient appreciation for the role that teachers play. As the APC, we believe that we need to do more to recognise and support teachers.