Question No.163
Mr RA Lees (Democratic Alliance, KwaZulu-Natal) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Has she been informed that learners were taken out of school during school hours to provide entertainment to members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and other delegates at the Taking Parliament to the People visit to Limpopo on 23 March 2010; if not;
(2) Whether she will investigate the matter and report on it; if not, why not; if so, (a) why were learners taken out of their classrooms, (b) how many learners were involved in the function and (c) what action will be or have been taken to ensure that learners catch up on school hours;
(3) Whether any of these learners or schools were paid for the services of entertainment; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the reasons for the payment and (b) what was the amount paid to each (i) learner and or (ii) school?
Reply:
1. No, the minister was not informed about learners been taken out of school to entertain NCOP members.
2. The minister was not at the NCOP Taking Parliament to the People session, instead the MEC for Education in Limpopo was in attendance. It is therefore her considered view that the MEC is better placed to respond to the questions in a more detailed way.
3. Not applicable
Source: Department of Education
