Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to welcome the statement by the hon member from the ANC concerning the census that will be conducted in 2011. I think it is vitally important that we encourage our citizens to participate in the census. I am hopeful that as we hold meetings with the public, all our constituency offices will ensure that we communicate about the work that is being done and will be done as part of the census.
I would also like to direct the hon member Kalyan to study the contents of Outcome 10 of the 12 outcomes that have been adopted by government as our priority focal point. Outcome 10 deals with the matters that the hon Kalyan correctly raised around the environment and the accessibility of the environment, its sustainability and strategies both in terms of research and development, as well as in terms of other areas that would assist us in enhancing the protection of our environment.
Outcome 10 contains the details of what government will do. It is an important priority and one that we will pursue vigorously. As the hon Kalyan said, that work will involve departments across the board, including Environmental Affairs, Energy, Science and Technology, and so on.
Finally, we are certainly pleased to hear the report from the hon Mushwana concerning the efforts of the Department of Basic Education to advance mass literacy in South Africa and ensure that opportunities for adult education go beyond basic education and to a post basic level of access. We certainly congratulate the Department of Basic Education on the work that is being achieved through the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign, as well as the adult basic education and training, Abet, programmes that are under way.
With respect to Water Affairs, again, I would not say that we are on the verge of a catastrophe. I think there are many challenges to be addressed. The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs has been very upfront about alerting us to the challenges with respect to water resources. She responded that her department is putting in place the necessary measures in order to address the challenges with respect to clean water and sustainable resources.
We are a water-scarce country and one that has not always provided access for all its citizens to quality water resources. In the past 16 years, I think this government has certainly led the way in ensuring that more and more people have access to water. Through the efforts of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs we will continue to ensure that those who continue to lack such resources are catered for, and where there are gaps, that we certainly address this. I thank you. [Applause.]