Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - April 12, 2004
"Working parents are the backbone of our society," said Van Schalkwyk.
"When parents cannot find jobs and earn a steady income, food is scarce and families are often torn apart or find themselves forced into patterns of petty crime and violence."
On security, he said children need to be shown that crime and violence do not pay, "that gangs are not glamorous, and that actions have consequences".
He also said that in education -- unlike in the past when learners competed only with other South Africans for jobs -- today's learners find themselves up against contemporaries from countries such as India, Taiwan, Brazil and Australia -- all of whom compete with South Africa for international investment and job creation.
Van Schalkwyk also said HIV/Aids can be beaten.
"Mothers with Aids do not need to pass a death sentence to their unborn children. We have shown in the Western Cape what can be achieved when anti-Aids drugs are rapidly and widely provided."
He also said parents -- not politicians -- know best what families needed "in terms of moral instruction, cultural and religious upbringing, language and discipline".
"It is not appropriate for the government to interfere in issues that are rightfully the responsibility of families. This is why the NNP in the government will continue to stand up for the rights of school governing bodies and parents in their homes to choose what is best for their children."
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