Hon Speaker, first of all I'd like to respond to the question or statement made by the hon Oriani-Ambrosini.
Parliament, some years ago, in its wisdom or its stupidity, but I think in its wisdom, decided that, rather than to try to deal with consumer matters in portfolio committee meetings, it would pass a National Consumer Act and establish a National Consumer Commission. Now, that National Consumer Commission did report to Parliament at the end of January. I don't know whether the hon member was there or not.
However, amongst other things, the National Consumer Commission reported that it was undertaking extensive work on the cellular phone industry and, amongst other things, was dealing with the question of roaming charges. Therefore I think that the matter of the cellular phone industry has, in fact, been dealt with.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission has indicated a desire to deal with bank charges, although that matter is now being complicated by the fact that there are already consumer protection bodies dealing with the financial sector and insurance industry.
I think that is more likely the way to go, rather than to hold portfolio committee meetings to hear grievances of this sort. Secondly, in response to the hon Williams, I think it is important to take note of the fact that the growth rate in the South African economy increased considerably in the fourth quarter of last year compared to the third quarter. In fact, it increased to 3,2% in the fourth quarter compared to 1,7% in the third quarter.
Among the sectors that were responsible for that growth, after wholesale retail, trade and accommodation, was the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing is important because it is actually one of the largest job multipliers in the economy.
However, I think the hon member was making an important point when he said that, while there is some improvement recorded, we are in turbulent economic times and we need to take steps to ensure that our economy is on a sustainable, new growth path that is capable of providing jobs.
In fact, we know that times are tough. However, we believe that some of the measures that were announced by the Minister of Finance in the Budget Speech - for example, the R5,8 billion to be disbursed in the manufacturing competitiveness and enhancement programme, and the money that is also available to support the industrial development zones, will contribute to supporting job creation. Thank you very much. [Applause.]