Chairperson, the frustration is understandable because, in the first place, the numbers and the complexity of some of these claims were beyond what we expected. There had to be resolution of the conflict among beneficiaries, sometimes amongst themselves. Regarding the legal processes that had to be followed, unfortunately we couldn't force the courts to speed up the resolution of decisions about some of these claims. So some of the frustration arising from the claims you are talking about include many claims that, as we speak, remain in the courts for resolution. So, some of the delays are matters outside of our immediate remit. Those that are within our remit, we are discussing with claimants themselves. The processes we are undertaking include digitising the information - so that at a click of a button we are able to provide claimants with information about where their claims are at and how they can help us fast-track the claims themselves.
As we speak, we are visiting districts throughout the country to communicate that. We were in Venda yesterday, sir. And, in terms of the frustration you are talking about, people when given information appreciate it dramatically. Often the mistake is owing to there not being sufficient communication. As we are doing this now, the results show for themselves that people are able to work with us to produce the results that we would like to see.
Vote No 36 - Trade and Industry - put.