Deputy Speaker, the ANC-led government welcomes the launch of the new hydrogen-powered bicycle, called "A hi Fambeni", by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor at the Resource-driven Technology Centre for South Africa Conference on 12 August 2010. The hydrogen bicycle was designed by Pierre Terblanche, an internationally renowned bike designer, and built by students of the Tshwane University of Technology.
The bicycle, translated as "Let's go", is made of cutting-edge light and strong materials. The design is meant to accommodate the transport needs of people living in rural villages. A hi Fambeni offers a practical way to promote public awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technology as a clean energy alternative. Electric bikes are a huge part of the future of the green transport economy.
In 2007, the department launched Shova Kalula, a programme that means "pedal easy", which is a partnership between the private sector and civil society. This programme plans to give a million bicycles to schoolchildren by 2015 and to construct a dedicated bicycle pathway. There will be some energy between Shova Kalula and A hi Fambeni, the hydrogen-fuelled e- bicycle prototype. According to the Minister of Science and Technology, the department plans to start a bike, a trike, and then a car. The ANC welcomes this initiative which will, upon completion, add value to the lives of our people with regard to offering them an alternative mode of transport. I thank you.
That concludes members' statements. Are there any ministerial responses?
Say something!
I have nothing to say.
Then that concludes ministerial responses.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this is the second time this week that there has been, including today, no ministerial responses at all. The other day there were two. Can we presume that this means that the Ministers are totally happy with everything that every opposition party says in this Parliament? It is very significant if that is the case, particularly when people like the hon Trevor Manuel is sitting here. He normally has so much to say for himself, that if he is agreeing with us, this is very good news for the opposition, indeed.
I just want to ask: Who beat the hon Ellis with a broomstick? [Laughter.]
Are you going to respond to that?
Absolutely! [Laughter.] I just want to say that if he raises matters like that again in this House, Madam Deputy Speaker, I may be tempted to beat him with this crutch. [Laughter.]
Are these threats parliamentary, Deputy Speaker? [Laughter.]
Well, they are not far from the question, though. Hon Cronin.