Ms F I Chohan (ANC) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether all stakeholder unions have agreed in specific terms to the purchase by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) of a property of R12 100 000 and the improvements and or reconstruction of the building projected cost of R49 281 812; if not, (a) who and (b) on what basis; if so, when was this agreement (i) sought and (ii) reached?
Response:
At the outset we wish to point out that council does not seek specific mandates or agreements from any of the stakeholders participating in Council regarding impending decisions in council. Council strives initially to arrive at a council position on all issues pertaining to its work, including finances and infrastructure.
Thereafter council engages with stakeholders and other interested parties to explain the rationale of its decisions. Further, in response to this question, we are informed by Sections 5(d) and 6 of Act no. 31 of 2000 (South African Council for Educators Act of 2000).
Of particular reference to this question is that all stakeholders indicated in the question form part of the SACE Council, and were present when the decision on the purchase of the building and the subsequent decision to increase the levies to cater for amongst others, the refurbishment of the building, were taken. The attendance register and the minutes in this regard are available on request.
Furthermore, based on the decision of council to increase the monthly levies to R20.00 per educator, consultations were held with the minister as stipulated by the SACE Act.
Source: Department of Education
