Chairperson, hon Deputy Minister, hon members, it is commendable to see that the Department of Trade and Industry has been mandated to contribute to the regional economic development. It is also commendable to see that the DTI will increasingly partner with the Department for Provincial and Local Government and other role players in strengthening local economic development initiatives.
Local government is much closer to the people on the ground than any of the three spheres of government. The implementation of policies and the bringing of service delivery to the people is the responsibility of local government. However, the crux of the matter is that we see our people running around dissatisfied in the streets demonstrating their feelings.
We look forward to seeing the lives of our people being uplifted by the sphere of government that is closest to them. Inefficiencies need to be addressed. When complaints reach our offices in relation to alleged corruption by local government officials, we, the people of South Africa, have the right to know the outcomes of those complaints if any disciplinary action was taken. But, most of the time, a deadly silence deafens us.
The Minister of Sport and Recreation asked the question: "Why the suspicion?" He asked the question in Potchefstroom when the NCOP took Parliament to the people. I will answer that question. It is because most of the time people are not informed of the outcomes of investigations, whether they are positive or negative. We see written complaints of nepotism and tenders being taken by councillors, like in Naledi Municipality in the Free State. We need to rectify what needs to be rectified for the sake of our people and our country. This Bill needs to speak, in order to rectify. I thank you, Chairperson.