Hon Deputy Speaker and hon members, the matter before us today is a very sensitive and emotional issue. It is a matter that can further divide the communities of Matatiele instead of uniting them, as our Constitution bids us to be united in our diversity. It is our duty therefore as public representatives to bring about unity where there are divisions, cohesion where there are several dissenting opinions, stability where the pangs of apartheid seem to be dominating and causing instability.
Best practice, in every respect, should be the aim of each one of us, including the opposition parties involved in community affairs. The Minister and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development have clearly outlined the objectives of the Bill as well as the content of the ruling of the Constitutional Court, and I am not going to speak on that.
The hon Sibanyoni has given the content and context of around 10 000 submissions made to the committee by the people of Matatiele, an indication that public participation and public involvement have taken place. I know that there are plans for public hearings by both the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal, as required by the ruling of the Constitutional Court.
The most disturbing factor is that opposition parties appear not to have the interests of the people of this country at heart. [Interjections.] Of course, I understand why, because most of these parties are not represented in the committee and therefore they do not have information and understanding of all the processes and briefings that have been received by the committee. They are not even aware of the consequential matters that have arisen from the redetermination of the boundaries in this area. Redetermining them again, when we are only 18 months from the end of the term, would obviously cause unhappiness for the people and also instability.
Perhaps I could briefly outline some of the reconfigured Matatiele benefits. The population that stood at 16 000 now stands at 194 629, and this is very good for the economy of the area. The number of councillors has grown from 21 to 48 in the municipality. The 2005-06 budget was R46,6 million and since the reconfiguration it is R84,4 million. The municipal infrastructure grant for 2005-06 was R4,1 million and now, after the reconfiguration, it is R18,5 million.
The status of section 27 employees has grown, with senior posts being filled. Access to basic services has greatly improved. If, for instance, we compare electricity supply, it is 55,22% compared to 69,7% of the Republic of South Africa, and when it comes to bucket latrines the percentage is 0,65% compared to 4,08% of the Republic of South Africa. More than eight access roads are being constructed with the assistance of the nearby Alfred Nzo District Council.
The list is endless. We therefore understand that there is still a lot to be done, especially in the rural areas of Maluti which have been disadvantaged by the separation of Matatiele and Maluti.
The ANC supports the Constitution Thirteenth Amendment Bill. [Applause.]