Hon Speaker, just to add on to what the Minister of Science and Technology said, ...
... ka Setswana gatwe setopo re supa nakedi magogwe re mmega a sule. Ka mantswe a mangwe ke gore ... [... in Setswana it is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating . In other words ...]
... we can indeed prove that this ANC government does deliver from information that has been tabled in this House. I stand to make comments on the issue raised about a number of departments that have not been able to spend their budgets as at the third quarter. Firstly, we would like to assure hon members that indeed we are also of the view that it is necessary - it is not even just a view - that we spend the entire budget as it has been allocated to all of us. I just want to assure the hon members that we will be able to spend our budget, particularly that of the Department of Water Affairs.
There are reasons at all times why particular aspects of the budget have not been spent. One of the reasons is not what the hon member said - employing relevant or qualified people, especially with regard to Water Affairs, because we do have qualified people in the infrastructure budget that was not spent in that particular unit. There are aspects of the work we do where we have to pull up our socks, and we will definitely do so. Rest assured, hon member. All departments will be able to spend their budgets, as I said.
On veterinarian services, this government does its level best to provide all skills that are required in all areas of the work we do. We are confident that we will be able to provide skills in this area of veterinarian services, as the Minister of Higher Education and Training and all other colleagues involved in this field continue to train those of our people who require the skills. We are aware of the shortage of skills in this regard. However, we must also indicate that even if we acquire or have adequate skills in veterinarian services, it's not a given that these will stop a disease like foot-and-mouth, because if it comes, it will come. We will have to fight it. [Interjections]. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]