House Chair, may I acknowledge the presence and excellent work of directors-general, October and Tom and their team that have helped to put all of the hard work that we have publicised together.
There is much to welcome in the debate that took place today. Hon Rayi's comment about the role of competition policy cuts to exactly what we need.
Hon Mmoiemang's call for a social compact echoes what this government is about. Hon Dangor reminded us about the change in the global political economy and its implications for South Africa must inform our policy right now. But of course those are ANC members of the NCOP but it is also for opposition members, today, that I think ... I want to express my appreciation; appreciation to hon Mfayela, who reminds us of the interplay between infrastructure and growth; something that this government has embraced.
Hon Cloete, recognising the enabling environment that government needs to create is something that is been echoed in so much of what we are doing.
Hon Koni, I wish to thank you for supporting the policies of government on SEZs with tax benefits for supporting government's calls for greater localisation by state-owned companies and for supporting government's call for more competitive energy prices. [Applause.] That's really great.
I would also like to thank hon Brauteseth for the support for the African Continental Free Trade Area and women's empowerment and also crucially, land reform that help to unlock economic assets. When I listened to him, I thought, my word! That's the 54th national conference resolution that is coming out there. I think that's great.
Hon Boshoff's focus on action; she has picked up on the theme that the President has made - the major theme of his administration - implement - khawuleza [hurry up.].
And so, I say, the day after Sona ... so, the President in the state of the nation address said this is what we will do. The day thereafter, we signed an agreement involving R27 billion worth of purchasing by Chinese companies from South African companies. [Applause.]
Seventeen days after Sona, the President gets together with heads of state across the African continent to give effect to Kwame Nkrumah's dream of a united Africa when, in fact, that summit endorsed that an African Continental Free Trade Area will be put in place.
Let's just look at the last week, Ford Motor Company says 12 000 new jobs will be created out of R3 billion investment in expanding their plant. A day later, BFG Africa Rail composite says we are going to put R50 million in a plant in Germiston so that we can expand capacity. Tomorrow, Aberdare Cables, in Nelson Mandela Bay will be opening up a new high voltage power cable plant that will receive an investment of R135 million extra. That's action, that's not talk, that's doing, that's not saying, that says let's get the country working, lets get moving on these things.
I do think that there are some areas in the debate that we should not overstate the differences amongst us but identify what is common as South Africans and work across the different political parties in building this great nation. I listened, for example, to what hon Boshoff said about the importance of provincial growth. I am very proud every time there is growth in the Western Cape. Every job that is created in Cape Town is a job for South Africans in South Africa and should be celebrated, like we celebrate the fact that in the
year 2015, North West was the fastest growing province in South Africa. In 2016, Gauteng was the fastest growing province in South Africa. In 2017, Limpopo was the fastest growing province in South. We only have provincial data until 2017.
In the last 10 years, Gauteng, for the decade 2007-17 was the fastest growing. But let's celebrate every bit of growth, every job that's created, whether in Western Cape, Limpopo, Free Sate, KwaZulu-Natal or Eastern Cape; this is one South Africa in which we must celebrate all of that. [Applause.]
I want to say one last thing and that is the work that my colleague, Minister Ntshavheni does is very important. What she does is in every programme that we do in different departments. She asks us a sharp question ... as I conclude, how are you promoting small business? How are you promoting township enterprises and that helps to ensure that we don't have only growth but it is inclusive growth.
So, thank you very much. We are really looking forward to working very closely with the NCOP and with the members who are here today. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
----------------------- Hon Deputy Chairperson, I wish to echo the mandate of the National Youth Policy, which highlights a comprehensive approach that provides space opportunities and support for young people to maximise their individual talents.
The Budget Vote by the Minister, pronounced on making strategic
As I conclude, hon Deputy Chairperson I want to assure the people of the Eastern Cape that my department including its agencies and stakeholders will continue to strive for the betterment of their lives and the realisation of a Caring Society. I thank you. [Applause.]
-----------------------