Hon Chairperson, it is always such a tragedy to follow on an eloquent speaker like the hon Adams because I cannot step into his shoes. I just ask the House to bear with me for a while.
I would like to deal with the matters raised chronologically because most of them have a great deal of substance that I would like to respond to. The hon Watson has, unfortunately, used the occasion to make sweeping statements about the policies that have underpinned our economy and has made very oblique references to and implications of the Bill. The Bill, however, I must note has been called progressive by the DA - I don't know whether I should take this as case of death for my Bill - but anyway I welcome their support because, indeed, I do regard it as a very progressive Bill.
The point about child-headed households is considered, hon Watson. Let me explain the policy on housing. We allow a choice of housing opportunities to all. What we do for the most vulnerable - which will be child-headed households - would be either free housing or subsidised housing. We would like you to understand that so that you can channel them to those who need to be given free housing. We give support to a particular segment of people that have the ability to rent. We do not regard child-headed households as having the ability to rent. Therefore, we did not make special provision for them because we are hoping that they are provided for in the law, to give them free housing and are prioritised on the waiting list. I hope that this is taken care of and understood. So, should you encounter child-headed households in your constituency, please understand that they receive priority on our waiting list and we give free housing for such categories.
I'm grateful to the chairperson for providing the necessary background information about why this sector of housing is such a crucial intervention, especially with regard to ensuring that people have access to places close to workplaces and social amenities; the important notion of shared experience across previously desperate groups; and a shared experience that will ultimately build a truly transformed country and people.
Hon Tau, your concern about the role of the private sector is noted. Social housing in itself does not ensure co-operation between the private sector and government, but through the subsidy we attract and harness the private sector. The regulatory framework that has been established through the Bill will ensure that we are able to lay down laws, norms and standards for any institution that operates in this segment. We will pay particular attention to this for the comfort of the provinces that have raised this with you. Indeed, hon Matlanyane, I also grew up in Atteridgeville. You won't believe this but through this intervention we intend to ensure that people have a choice to live where they want. Hon member, I am very grateful for the input that you have made by calling on our people with the message that they should understand that they have a responsibility especially in terms of the project you mentioned in Limpopo. We, indeed, do everything we can and, therefore, we expect that the citizens have to understand their responsibility within democracy. It imposes a particular responsibility on them to do their bit and to look after the government's provision. I'm glad that you mentioned it in the language understood in Limpopo; I hope they are listening.
We are also very concerned about the issue you raised about ensuring quality. We are making sure, as you have indicated, that there are inspectors. This is a priority for us. When people use their hard-earned money to rent accommodation, the quality has to be worth the rental. This matter will be attended to.
Hon Adams, the screen indicated that you will be speaking English, so I thought I had a split personality when you launched into Afrikaans. I was diving for my interpreting device and missed the most vital part of what you said. But what I got I am extremely grateful that you did mention it and it is absolutely true is that the City of Cape Town has undermined all the efforts which both the national and provincial government have put in place to ensure that most of the policies are tested somewhere. I am very glad that you have said it in a language that will reach the people who understand what we are saying.
Finally, within the limited time that I have I would like to apologise to the hon member from KwaZulu-Natal for the fact that the state law advisors did not see it necessary to send this Bill to the traditional leaders. In a way, I'm very glad because the turnaround time was so much quicker. But I apologise as it gives the impression that, perhaps, they were omitted from this. I am very glad that you and the IFP have accepted this Bill. I would like to think that wherever it is possible you will explain that it was not our intention to exclude them and that whenever possible we will bring them on board. I hope that the House will explain that the intention of this Bill is to ensure that, especially in areas within the urban areas where people come to work, we provide affordable accommodation.
I want to say to the hon members that beyond those areas that we have mentioned, we live in difficult times to which most people have to adjust. We hope that this Bill will create the necessary safety net for those who need shelter and can no longer afford where they live. I hope, now that this Bill has been passed, those categories on which members have elaborated will be catered for. I'm extremely impressed with and grateful for the level of interaction we had between the Bill and the members of this House. Thank you very much. Debate concluded.
Voting deferred.