Deputy Speaker, I have two statements. I'm going to leave the last one to the Minister because I see that I have unseated him. We welcome the Know Your Money newspaper initiative that the hon member, Prof Ndabandaba, from KwaZulu-Natal - the glorious province - spoke about. We applaud this initiative and recognise the role that savings play in the economy. I think this is an important step towards making sure that our citizens know their money. I also want to say that this does not only relate to individuals knowing their money but also to making sure that we handle public finances in a proper way. I hope and believe that the other provinces will emulate and replicate this initiative. We will see results if we all act together on this one.
The hon Bhoola from the MF spoke about the R178 million for infrastructure repairs. This is in response to the crisis that arose as a result of the floods in the province. I trust that he, as an hon member of this House, will also be part of the oversight to ensure that these funds are used for its intended purposes.
With regard to the issue of restructuring in the middle of the recession, you do not throw away your anchors only because there is a storm. What is important, particularly during a recession, is to make sure that you have all your systems in place so that funds are spent properly.
Hon Mpontshane, on the issue of the teacher who has committed the heinous crime of raping 11 students, I agree with you that there is no place in society for such animals. I think the law must take its course and the community must ensure that morality is restored in our societies. We cannot tolerate this.
I'm sure the Minister would love to respond to the issue that the hon Van Dyk raised with regard to the Transnet question.
Hon Deputy Speaker,I just wanted to remind the National Assembly Table that members of the House are allowed one-and-half minutes for member's statements, and that is applied rigidly. However, when it comes to the Rules that apply to the members of the executive, unfortunately, we see that they are granted additional time to respond, which is not in accordance with the Rules. I just want to request that we keep the balance of the House. [Interjections.]
There are definitely Rules for the members of the executive, but the Table definitely has discretion, in particular when a Minister responds to more than one statement, which is what the Deputy Minister was doing. He was responding to other statements as well. May I hand over to the hon Minister of Finance? [Interjections.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, then we really need to get a clear understanding of how the National Assembly Table is interpreting the Rules, because according to the Rule Book a Minister may respond for two minutes. The fact that there are only five Ministers of the entire Cabinet in the House is not a problem that this House should have to contend with.
Hon Kilian, do you really want a response to that?
Hon Deputy Speaker, yes, what we need to know is that subsection 9 ... [Interjections.]
No, do you want a response? I will give you a written response later. Thank you.