Declaration on Basic Education Budget Review and Recommendations Report, delivered by Gavin Davis, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Parliament, 28 October 2015

In the last two weeks, the attention of our nation has been rightly focused on the issue of university fees. In raising their voices, the students have forced government to finally address their plight.

But, in the background stand the silent majority. They are the millions of young – mainly black – South Africans who don’t finish school, let alone university.

Of the learners who entered Grade 1 in 2003, only 36% passed matric last year. And just 14% qualified for admission to university.

And here is another uncomfortable statistic: only 12% of black South Africans enter higher education, compared to 60% of whites.

This explains Stats SA’s report last year, which found that the proportion of black youth in skilled employment actually regressed between 1994 and 2014

The truth is, if you are a black child born into a poor household, the odds of getting a decent education and building a career are stacked very firmly against you.

Madam Speaker, it is all well and good to stand here and discuss targets, audits and what boxes have been ticked. But be warned:

There is a crisis brewing that is far graver than affordable university fees. And that is the failure of our school system to give every child access to a quality basic education.

The silent majority will not remain quiet for long. If the student protests were a fuse, the millions of young people failed by our school system may well be the powder keg.

Government needs to act now, before it is too late. We need a bold new plan that gives every child the chance of a better life.

The DA objects to the Report.

Issued by the DA, 28 October 2015