Hon House Chair, if you will allow me to ask hon Shenge a question. Is ``claptrap'' sufficiently parliamentary? [Interjections.] ``Claptrap''? [Interjections.]
I think you must address me, hon Minister. [Interjections.]
He is always very handy ... [Interjections.]
I think he is still thinking about it. [Interjections.]
Right.
In the meantime, I think you should continue.
Well, thank you very much. But he did teach me that ``balderdash'' is parliamentary. [Interjections.]
I think it is very good English. [Interjections.]
Thank you very much, hon House Chair. [Laughter.]
So, that is my answer to the hon Gana. What you have just said is claptrap.
The confusion that exists in the Western Cape between the building of houses and attending a meeting that I have called indicates why we actually have such a huge backlog of houses that are not built for our poor in the Western Cape. I called this particular meeting and it was specifically for mayors. Nobody else can elect a mayor except the Mayoral Committee itself. Nobody else. I wanted to see the mayor, not a representative. [Interjections.] Because I can, as a Minister, decide who I want to see. Not you! [Interjections.]
Order, hon members!
There are rules and procedures in this government. I wanted to see the mayors on very specific issues to do with their expenditure - mayors, not their representatives.
The DA is very abusive of their powers. Their mayor is never available for any meeting that is called. That is why we have such poor delivery of human settlements in this province. [Applause.]
Moreover, the Minister of Finance has just indicated to me that we should investigate this wasteful expenditure. How can a member - who is informed that she is not invited - get into a plane and go to Johannesburg to attend a meeting where she is not invited? That is wasteful expenditure. Thank you, very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Order, hon members! I am sure you want to hear the responses to the statements you have made.