Hon Chairperson, hon members, members of the public and fellow South Africans, I seriously consider changing my surname after today. But let me leave it there.

Hon Smit, I have to respond to your flimsy dog point you made during the debate. You talk about preserving water and the quality of water

but your ANC-led local governments are the biggest contributors to water pollution through both negligent and deliberate sewage spills into water systems.

If I can only mention Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng that caused unimaginable damage to the Vaal River system that the estimated cost for repair will be R1 billion.

You talk about fires and their impact thereof, but if we look in the Western Cape and the number of fires and the possible involvement of politicians and political parties in initiating that, you should look in your back door.

Hon Ndongeni, you referred to the ANC's commitment to the environment, but let us just look at the budget allocation to this specific department then we see how serious you are actually.

Afrikaans:

Soos ons in Afrikaans s, suig aan die agterspeen.

English:

Hon Cele, it is rich from you to blame neoliberal tendencies while your corrupt infested ANC should take responsibility for corrupt mining deals at the cost of the environment.

You also referred to people losing their homes and belongings due to floods, but in Mogalakwena your ANC-led government built houses in extension 14, 19 and 20 within the 50 year and 100 year flood lines.

Minister Creecy, I want to urge you and your department to urgently attend to the large scale of soil erosion taking place just outside Polokwane in Limpopo. It is having a massive impact. If you fly over you will actually see it.

Hon Ntsube, I sometimes wonder what is the contribution of Ace Magashule in you being here, but if you actually attend Parliament more you will actually know what is going on and what the topic of the day is.

Hon Arnolds, when I look at your party's action and behaviour like burning tires I sometimes wonder if the EFF doesn't stand for Eliminate your Future Forever!

Hon Chair, we find ourselves in a time of extremes. A time of frequent and fast-moving change ...