The way in which I argue the point, especially in the context of the Limpopo textbook debacle, is as follows: democracy fails when any part of society outsources its responsibility.

We all accept that there is no way that government can absolve itself of responsibility for the provision of pupil support materials. But similarly, we haven't seen teachers take to the streets, toyi-toying because the absence of their tools of trade prevents them doing that which they're paid to do.

Parents have not noticed that there are no books to cover or homework to supervise.

The school governing bodies all failed to notice that there was a problem.

In fact, not even the village priests inquired into whether learning and teaching was taking place.

If any part of society attempts to absolve itself of responsibilities, democracy fails. This is a slightly different emphasis from "Trevor Manuel attacked parents who have no regard for children's wellbeing."

I hope that the shift in emphasis is appreciated in the context.