You are going to discover Soweto too? Is that so? [Laughter.]
The work that is being done to rebuild Umtata and surrounding areas is continuing, and we are happy with the progress being made. In fact, it was confirmed by a bishop when I was at a church in the Eastern Cape.
The oversight role of Parliament needs to be enhanced to allow more positive and constructive outcomes from engagements, rather than point- scoring in debates that do not change the lives of the people in a practical way.
We have also noted the comments and concerns of hon Holomisa on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, known as the e-tolling system. The Deputy President is leading government in seeking solutions regarding this matter. We assure hon Holomisa that, whatever we do, we will be mindful of the need not to compromise the huge infrastructure programme which is crucial for raising the level of South Africa's economic growth as well as the standard of living of citizens, especially the poor and unemployed.
Hon members, we need to appreciate the truly historic significance of South Africa and Africa hosting the major part of the Square Kilometre Array project. The awarding of this project has catapulted Africa into being an integral part of the world's scientific community.
This community is seized with the challenge of exploring and understanding the origins of our universe and of life itself. This is our continent's rightful place. It is the cradle of humankind and was at the forefront of research and science centuries ago through our ancient universities, as exemplified by the hallowed city of Timbuktu in Mali.
Now, at last, our youth can once again share in the excitement of discovery and the development of understanding. [Laughter.] We'll discover something up there where no human being has been before, but we can't discover places where there are other humans already. [Laughter.]
There are many opportunities for our youth in this very important victory. As we become part of the advance guard of the scientific community, our challenge will be to give our youth the quality education that will make them the scientific explorers of tomorrow. Let the hosting of the Square Kilometre Array inspire our youth and give us the strength to meet this challenge.
Let me remind the hon members of this august House that we have been given a huge responsibility as Members of Parliament and of government. We have the privilege of taking decisions that influence the lives of millions of people. This requires us to use this privilege responsibly, knowing when to score points and when to put the interests of the country first.
Mama Phumeza Mhlanga, my special guest from Alice, came to me this morning, traumatised. She left this House early yesterday. She was shocked and disappointed by the conduct of some hon members in the House. [Interjections.]