1. HON. Speaker, I commend the Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee on their oversight visits to libraries.
2. HON Members, the visit to the Bilanyoni area public library showed that community members were unhappy on the construction delays accusing the Mayor of using library funds to construct a house for him. I believe that a follow-up must be done as no resolution was taken.
3. The Portfolio Committee should ensure fast-tracking of the provincialisation of all libraries to foster literacy.
4. I must commend other well run libraries. I attended the Montford Bookworm Club launch and spoke on language nutrition for the development of a child’s brain.
5. HON. Members, from 3 to 8 years, children need to learn between 500 to 1000 words to pass standardised tests in 3^rd Grade, such as ANA.
6. HON, Speaker, the MF recommends that such oversight visits must be followed by a comprehensive statement in this House by the MEC at another sitting to respond to resolutions taken, as these visits provide valuable insight and are costly.

Thank you.

Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front Leader (KZN Legislature)