The institute that's referred to in the question does not exist. It was formerly an idea of the Deputy Minister to establish an organisation, an institute, and it never came to fruition. For this reason, such envisaged institute or organisation was never established let alone registered. Therefore, parts two and three of the question fall away as a result of this response. Thank you.
Chairperson, I'd like to thank the Acting Minster in the presence of the Deputy Minister for answering the question. Mr Acting Minister, the allegation is that the Deputy Minister established a youth organisation of some sort, and he then organised for the payment of travel and accommodation for members of this organisation. Now whether this institution existed or not is an allegation, I understand, that was being investigated at the time.
Could I then ask you to give an assurance to this House, on behalf of the actual Minister that, in fact, this institution's allegation is incorrect; that no such organisation was established by the Deputy Minister; that no such persons were ever sent, whether they were on Home Affairs business or other business, around the country; that transport or accommodation costs were incurred, and in fact that any money that was spent - if in fact it was spent at all - was spent in the best interests of the taxpayer on Home Affairs business? Could you give us that assurance, please? Thank you.
I think I've already mentioned that it was an idea. The Deputy Minister and anybody else in this country have a right to ideas, thinking of the good things that they would want to do.
On the question that you are asking on giving assurance, you've already asked that question. It's Question 276, which is still coming up. So, I would rather you wait until we get to that question, then I can deal with all the other aspects of what you are asking now. Thank you.
Plans to improve effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) and to implement dual therapy for PMTCT
264. Ms M L Matsemela (ANC) asked Minister of Health:
In order to meet the millennium development goals to decrease the mortality rate among children under five years of age, and considering that HIV and AIDS are important causes of mortality in this age group, (a) what plans does her department have to ensure that policies are developed and implemented to improve the effectiveness of the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programme and (b) when will her department implement dual therapy for PMTCT?