Hon Chairperson, I am surprised okushiwo yi-DA [by what is said by DA]. The ANC supports the Budget Vote. In his 2012 state of the nation address, President Zuma placed emphasis on, amongst other things, the massive infrastructure development drive for the year 2012 and beyond, that will underpin economic growth and job creation and be pivotal in supporting enterprise development and enhancing the transformation of the construction industry.
As a leader in the provision of government building infrastructure in South Africa, the Department of Public Works plays a critical role in providing an enabling environment for the effective and efficient implementation of social and economic infrastructure.
The department's mission is, therefore, to promote government's policy objectives by providing and managing the accommodation, housing, land and infrastructure-related needs of user departments, co-ordinating the national Expanded Public Works Programme and driving the transformation of the construction and property industries. By bringing to the market modern, improved methods of construction, the dignity of people who live under disadvantaged circumstances will be restored. [Interjections.] You were there in the past; you know what you were doing.
Through skills transfer and training, Public Works will be contributing to the national goal of job creation and poverty alleviation, while, by applying innovative technologies suitable for fast-tracking rural development, public services will be improved, especially in rural areas. In this way, the ANC-led government will fulfil its promise of developing affordable, improved housing and infrastructure in a healthier habitat. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. Thank you, Chairperson. [Time expired.] Division demanded.
The Council divided:
AYES - 32: Adams, F; Boroto, MG; Bloem, DV; Chaane, TE; de Beer, CJ; Dikgale, MC; Feldman, DB; Gamede, DD; Jacobs, MP; Mabe, BP; Mabija, L; Magadla, NW; Makhunyane, T; Mashile, BL; Matila, AG; Mazosiwe, S; Mlenzana, Z ; Mncube, BV; Mnguni, BA; Mofokeng, TMH; Mokgoro, GG; Montsitsi, SD; Nesi, B; Ntwanambi, ND; Nyambi, AJ; Nzimande, LPM; Qikani, AND; Rantho, DZ; Rasmeni, RN; Sibande, MP; Sinclair, KA; Tau, RJ.
NOES - 12: Abrahams, BL; Bekker, JM; de Villiers, MJR; Faber, WF; Groenewald, HB; Gunda, JJ; Joseph, D; Lees, RA; Manzini, VM; Makhubela, MW; Van Lingen, EC; Worth, DA.
Vote accordingly agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).
Vote No 8 - Women, Children and People with Disabilities - put:
Declarations of vote: