1. MEC, now that transport has come back under the control of the department, please render this HON.House an executive statement about matters raised under finance recently, which has budget implications.
2. With regards to the mismanaged sanitary towels distribution, as explained by the HON. Scopa Chair, Mrs Govender, this unique project is one of many that boosts enrolment of girls in schools. We need to make all schools “Girl friendly”, therefore every effort made in this regard, needs to be treated as a special project, led by project managers who understand the project scope. Does the department have the capacity, HON.MEC?
3. Members the subject of gender equality in education is much broader. It is hoped therefore HON MEC, that the improved baseline budget shift and increased conditional grants to Education are planned for and used wisely.
4. What is required in terms of gender-budgeting is gendered sanitation facilities: appropriate teacher training based on gender equality, more female teachers, the development of ‘girls clubs’ which has been proven to have relevant impacts on education outcomes, reproductive health and gender-based violence.
5. MEC, we need to develop ‘mothers clubs’ to raise educational awareness and ensure that our girls get educated.
6. Finally, HON.MEC, there was a time when the private sector took huge interest in schools maintenance and other educational, initiatives. This enthusiasm is not there anymore. Is this due to the development of a lack of trust that, such donations will be appreciated and not destroyed?
7. The Minority Front recommends a focused intervention study in this regard because business partnerships can champion change in education outcomes.

The Minority Front supports the education budget of R50, 903 billion.

Thank you

HON. S. Thakur-Rajbansi