Madam Speaker, the ANC wishes to convey its deepest condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones during the recent disasters. We also convey our heart felt appreciation for the efforts of community development workers, ward committee members, volunteers, council and department officials - including public representatives - who took proactive steps to prevent and help mitigate the impact of these disasters in, for example, the Free State, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.
The ANC further urges all stakeholders to prioritise disaster management, not only to defend life and limb, but also to protect the infrastructure that we have put in place.
The ANC also urges government at all levels, national and provincial and including local level, to improve its response time so that we really minimise the impact of these natural and manmade disasters when they do occur. Thank you. [Applause.]