Deputy Speaker, on 25 September 2008 the acting chief director of procurement and finance administration in the Department of Home Affairs issued a request to the department's suppliers to complete a supplier-satisfaction assessment survey. One of the questions asked was how long it took to get through to the department, and included an answering option marked: "Failed completely". The survey's questions are on the department's website. What is not on the website are the results of the survey, more than a year down the line.
Trying to obtain these results, the IFP called, starting with the office of the Deputy Director-General of Finance, to the chief financial officer's number. However, there was no answer on the numbers we were given. We then decided to call the 0800 enquiries number, and we were given a switchboard number, but, unfortunately, that also rang unanswered.
If we were to answer the survey questions, we would be obliged to tick the box that says our attempts to get through to the department failed completely. We wonder how many suppliers feel the same way. How many gave up trying to even submit their survey, and where are the submitted results lying now? Unfortunately, despite the talk of a turnaround strategy at Home Affairs, it seems as if the situation in the department remains as dire as before. The only hope is in the diligent office of our new Minister, which we believe will bring about a change of attitude from department officials on issues of customer service. I thank you. [Applause.]