Chairperson, the Minister must surely be aware that one of the issues facing this government is access to government buildings, for both government employees with disabilities and members of the public who have disabilities. The Department of Public Works has purchased 34 mansions to house Cabinet Ministers at a total cost of R183 million.
The department continues to budget millions of rand for improving, renovating and providing accommodation for Cabinet members. Yet, the department has only budgeted R15 million per year in order to ensure that government buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. This meagre amount has to cover major requirements such as ramps, packing facilities, ablution facilities, appropriate doorways, lifts and signage.
Given this background, does the Minister agree that the amount budgeted for by the Department of Public Works is hopelessly insufficient; and does she intend meeting with the Minister of Public Works to urge him to provide more budget for this important task? Perhaps the Minister could take a magic broom along to help persuade him. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Chairperson, yes we have met with the Minister of Public Works and we are going to meet again. I also want to advise the DA to use a broom when they go to New York and not expect other people to do something that they do not do. They fly business class and they should not expect other people ... [Interjections.]