Deputy Speaker, I want to respond to the statement by the hon Njikelana, who has understood that the announcement by BMW the other day was an extremely positive vote of confidence in the future of this country by one of the most dynamic motor manufacturers in the world. Now, announcements of this sort ... [Interjections.] ... I don't drive one, unfortunately. Announcements of this sort are not accidental occurrences; they're actually the product of hard work.
In particular, the development of the Automotive Production and Development Programme and the confirmations that we were able to provide to BMW created the conditions of confidence that made this possible. Inputs from the Gauteng provincial government and the City of Tshwane were also very important in this regard.
The motor industry is an extremely important strategic industry in this country, not just in its own right, but also because of the linkages upstream and downstream.
Notwithstanding some unfortunate press articles, you can rest assured that we are working expeditiously and with the industry stakeholders to build confidence in the Automotive Production and Development Programme as a basis for positive investment decisions by other original equipment manufacturers and component manufacturers alike. Thank you very much. [Applause.]