Chairperson, in the few months that I have been in Science and Technology, there is something that I have picked up. If I may make an analogy, it is like a fish which will lay millions of eggs and just move away without being noticed, compared to a hen, which will lay one egg and make a lot of noise. The point that I am trying to make here is that there is a lot that has been done in Science and Technology, with meagre resources.
However, we know that we, as Parliament, have the power to work on the department's budget. We know that we are targeting 1,5% of the GDP for Science and Technology but, having said that, we understand why it is like a fish; working so hard, yet going unnoticed. It is because of the passion of the leadership of the department. With passion, you can do a lot with meagre resources. But, without passion, even if you have a lot of resources, things may not happen.
I want to ask a question of those who are against this passion. Are you saying we must be in the vicious cycle of producing our scientists and our innovations with donor funding? Because that is what will happen if you do not want us to pass this budget. Innovations will have to come from somewhere else, instead of from South Africa. Instead of exporting our innovations, we will import them.
So, do you or do you not want us to pass this budget? That is the question, but you do not have to answer it here. Thank you. The ANC supports the Budget Vote. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting).
Vote No 35 - Tourism - put.
Declarations of vote: