Education & Recreation, Arts & Culture, Science & Technology Select Committee consideration & adoption of Committee Programme

Meeting report

Ms B Mncube (ANC, Gauteng) raised concerns regarding the lack of communication and coordination by the Committee Section. She mentioned that she had not received prior notice of the meeting venue and had only obtained the relevant documentation (for the meeting) that morning.

The Chairperson noted that this was an isolated case as other Members had received their documents the day before. She apologised to Ms Mncube and asked the Committee Secretary to notify Members telephonically as soon as any documentation is placed in their respective pigeonholes.

Adoption of Draft Programme
The Chairperson tabled the draft programme and asked Members to prioritise items for action.

Mr M de Villiers (DA, Western Cape) suggested that the Director General for Basic Education brief the Committee on the performance of learners, especially Grades 1,2 and 3.

Mr S Plaatjie (Cope, North West) expressed concern about the level of violence at schools and cited the recent stabbing of a learner as an example. As a result, he proposed that the Department of Basic Education brief the Committee on school safety as it contributed to the results of the learners.

Ms R Rasmeni (ANC, North West) supported Mr Plaatjie’s recommendation.

Mr Plaatjie suggested that the briefing on school safety should be conducted at a provincial level.

The Chairperson disagreed, and pointed out that policies and guidelines were set by the national department and therefore any engagement should be held at a national level. He added that the Committee could still conduct oversight visits at a provincial level.

It was agreed that the programme would include the following priority areas:
- School Safety and Drug Free in schools
- Literacy in schools and Early Childhood Development
- Development of sport and infrastructure and Safety of Sport and Recreation Events
- Libraries in communities and in schools
- Briefing on the Safety of Sports and Recreational Events Bill

Adoption of Minutes
Minutes of Meetings held on 4 June 2009, 24 June 2009, 30 June 2009, 1 July 2009 09h00, 1 July 2009 11h15; and 8 July 2009 were tabled and adopted with amendments.

The Chairperson advised Members to be punctual for meetings and to tender apologies in writing when they are absent.

The meeting was adjourned.