Chairperson, I think the hon Chief Whip, hon Ntwanambi, has actually responded to quite a number of issues. I am sure you will agree with me that the ANC government has done a wonderful job in the past 15 years. In my research, in my study and in everything I have done, I have not heard of any country that ushered in democracy and has done so many things in 15 years. I have never seen it. They have produced a Constitution which is accepted and applauded internationally. They implemented that Constitution in 15 years' time.
When we took over government in 1994, we were in an economic recession of 1% economic growth. All those who could remember 1994 - I was here. I took part in the negotiations and I took part in the transitional executive council, and I have been taking part in Parliament since 1994. The economic growth of South Africa was standing at 1% and there was an economic recession. We have built the economy of this country from then up until now to above 4% towards 5% economic growth in this country. What an achievement in 15 years! There are countries who have been 20, 30, 40 years in democracy and they could hardly move to 2% or 3% of their economic growth. We have managed to bring the debt of this country down, which was caused by the apartheid government when they were aware that the new government will come in. That big debt has been brought down and we are now enjoying a bit of a surplus in our budget in this country. What an achievement beyond that! That's the greatest achievement that you could have seen.
All that I am trying to say is that people must not think that we are going to address all the problems over one day. If the apartheid government, which separated us into different homelands, could not address all these problems during the years when they were in government, how do you expect this government to address all of these issues overnight? I mean, it's impossible.
What we should say is that our government has done a lot in 15 years, we have got challenges to face and we will continue doing those things, because our people have not achieved all the things that they need to achieve. So we will continue to do that. I think, if you have been listening very well, I said there's one thing that the NCOP should still do very well and that is follow-ups. That's what I said in my speech. I can quote my speech right now; it's in writing. I raised that because I think once we go to the people, we raise their expectations, and we must go back and make sure that those things are happening. We are in charge of overseeing the implementation of the budget that we are voting for as Members of Parliament. That is the key issue.
You vote on a budget, so that it can go and be put to work. You heard what Mr Trevor Manuel said yesterday. What are we doing about some of the underexpenditure in some departments? That's our job! We've got to say that money has got to work, because we have allocated it to that particular department and make sure that we ask questions to those who are in charge when they come to the House. I am referring to the executive, of course. What has happened? We must be alive to all the issues that the people have raised on the ground. But, Mr Watson, thank you very much today that you have actually come to the fore and said that you supported this. I am very glad that you are actually responding to the questions that you are putting. It is impossible to deal with these issues over a day; it's impossible; we can't do so. You will find those problems, but let's all stay focused. Our people should not lose hope down there. Those who have not yet got water, electricity, clinics - those things will be done. We are committed by the Constitution, because it's a constitutional obligation that we have to deliver services wall-to-wall throughout the South African nation.
Therefore, I want to thank the House for its effective and positive deliberation in terms of this report. Thank you very much. I hope you will pass the report.
Debate concluded. Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.