Chairperson, firstly, I would like to say I am very disappointed in Mr Schmidt. I thought he was intelligent enough to understand the objective of this Bill.
It is interesting that the DA has been up in arms about the Information Bill and the state concealing information. However, when it is the private sector, the DA says that it has a right to conceal information on exploration. I am really disappointed. You are not consistent. [Applause.] You can say "Wha, wha, wena", but it is just like that.
The Council for Geoscience wants the state to be the custodian of any exploration that happens in the country so that anyone who wants to invest in South Africa can have access to that information. That is the purpose.
We want to promote investment and to grow this country's economy; and the mining sector must also grow. In fact, as far as the private sector is concerned, the mining companies are keen to provide that information to the state as the custodian. That's what we want the Council for Geoscience to do. I am very disappointed, Mr Schmidt.
We welcome the support from the ANC, but I also must say that we should not confuse what is in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, when it comes to the mining rights, and the custodianship of the mining data. Those are two different things.
We want to grow the economy. Research is very critical in making sure that technology in the country grows and that we understand what the state has and where to find that information. We want to make South Africa globally competitive, so that's the purpose and objective of the Council for Geoscience.
I must respond to hon Kotsi: We recognise the issue of professional bodies, but it must also be open. It cannot only be one institution for life because then you'll have ancestors who serve on the Council for Geoscience for ever - 30 years! Why don't we give other people a chance also to participate? That's the issue. This person you are talking about has been idlozi [an ancestor]. [Applause.] We cannot have amadlozi [ancestors]. Space must be created for others.
We welcome the support of the IFP.
I agree with Mr Marais that when it comes to the issues of skills and infrastructure there are challenges, but we are addressing that with Treasury to making sure that the Council for Geoscience can be properly funded.
I hope that through the new system of budgeting you will also play a role in making sure that we get better resources from Treasury. I hope that you will contribute positively.
With this particular Bill, we welcome the support of the ANC. I also want to thank the chairperson for the appropriate and important public hearings he held and that he managed to steer this ship in the right direction. The Council for Geoscience is very important when it comes to making sure that we know what is where. If it were not for the Council for Geoscience, we wouldn't know about those areas in the country that are dolomitic. Today we have this knowledge because of this institution, hence we now need to capacitate it much more.
In conclusion, Mr Schmidt, do not mix up state-owned mining companies with the Council for Geoscience; it is going to come and you will understand its role.
There are no blurred areas between the Council for Geoscience and the state- owned mining company. It will come and compete, as we've said, with the rest of the private sector. We don't have the intention of taking short cuts.
It will go through due diligence like any other company and it will apply to the Department of Mineral Resources for opportunities like any other private company.
Let's not mislead the public into thinking that the lines are blurred. There is nothing that is blurred; everything is clear. [Interjections.]
Hon Ellis, you're the oldest member of this Parliament, you must teach us how to behave. Thank you. [Applause.]