Mr Gaum, an advocate, was elected to Parliament in 1999 as a member of the New National Party, and was the Chief Spokesman for Education for the NNP and subsequently the Democratic Alliance.

He was sworn in as the province's new Minister of Education when the Western Cape's new Cabinet took office on Wednesday, December 5, 2001.

Mr Gaum said in a statement that he would do his utmost to maintain the quality of education in the Western Cape.

“Our crucial challenge lies in helping historically disadvantaged schools that do not function well. I will focus on assisting these schools, while also taking care of schools that are achieving.

“Infrastructure is always a problem, and in some cases, education is taking place in environments that are not conducive to effective teaching and learning.

“While we must address this problem, our most important success factors include the motivation of teachers, discipline in the profession, and the fact that some teachers do not have the training they need. All these factors require attention.

“I am a strong believer in rewarding teachers who work hard and achieve, and in consequences for those who avoid the challenges we are facing.

“Many teachers serve us well beyond the call of duty. We are very proud of them. Unfortunately, the reverse also applies. We cannot afford to carry passengers, because to do so would be to the detriment of our learners.

“We must find a way of dealing with schools that do not achieve and that do not have the will to achieve."

“I will visit schools often, with or without giving notice. Where I find disorder and chaos, consequences will follow.

“The time has come for our schools to work together towards making a greater contribution to the Western Cape and South Africa. Our schools and local communities should also get together more to promote education.

“Many qualified members of the community sit at home when they could be contributing more to education, using their skills. Many of those working full-time would also like to help. I will attempt to tap these valuable resources.

“I have no doubt that people of the Western Cape are ready, willing and able to help their province and their country. I will provide the opportunities for them to do so.”

Mr Gaum matriculated from Hugenote High School in Wellington before studying law at Stellenbosch University, where obtained his BA and LLB degrees in 1991. He was a member of Stellenbosch’s Student Representative Council, and received the university’s honorary colours.

He became a State prosecutor in 1992 in Paarl, before being admitted as an attorney and an advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1995. He received his LLM degree in the same year.

Mr Gaum was Head of the NNP’s legal division from 1996 till 1999, when he was elected to Parliament. He was appointed as the NNP’s Chief Spokesman on Education, and as the DA’s Chief Spokesman on Education following the formation of the alliance in 2000.

He has served on Parliament’s Education Portfolio Committee, and various other Parliamentary committees, including the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, the Constitutional Review Commission and the Rules Committee.

He lives in Stellenbosch and is married to Ilse, who is also a lawyer.