VERBATIM

“We have made progress in restoring the integrity and credibility of the ANC. Where necessary, we have taken measures to deal with cadres who have undermined the integrity of the movement and the ethical standards expected of public representatives and ANC leaders.” — ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the party’s election manifesto on Tuesday in Durban.

“The ANC has washed its hands of the learners at these schools. It has no care for their futures, and whether they can secure a future in employment or further studies. This is the only story the ANC has to tell: one of siphoning government funds for connected cadres.” — The Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on education, Nomsa Marchesi, lambasting Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga for “ignoring” schools that have been underperforming for more than five years.

“Despite the challenges they are faced with, especially the contestations related to the rationalisation of small and unviable schools, under the leadership of MEC Mandla Makupula (may his dear soul rest in peace), the Eastern Cape has managed to roll out a variety of strategic learner support programmes. I wish to encourage the executive and administrative leadership of the Eastern Cape to keep the fires burning in memory of MEC Makupula’s ... legacy.” — Motshekga congratulating the Eastern Cape on its improved (78.2%) national senior certificate pass rate.

”As we begin 2019 employees will be going for the third month without being paid their salaries as the business rescue practitioners gave unlawful instruction that employees should not report to work, which goes without saying that come end of the month employees will not be paid their salaries.” — National Union of Mineworkers’ Highveld regional secretary Tshilidzi Mathavha, speaking about the Gupta-linked Optimum and Kroonfontein mines.