We are indeed, hon Beukman, satisfied that it is already bearing fruit. We are simplifying the processes of application, production and distribution of IDs so that the process becomes seamless. We are also ensuring that in the offices where we are processing and producing the IDs, there is greater and stricter production so that corruption is dealt with at that level. We also need to improve the work that is taking place at that level - that will be at our offices at BVR in Pretoria. So we are satisfied that there is work taking place and that that work is already beginning to bear fruit. In the next 18 months it will begin to be felt by all South Africans. This is because, at the end of the day, it is not us who must be satisfied as the executive and officials in the department that our work is bearing fruit, it must be ordinary South African citizens who feel that there is real change taking place in terms of the work that we are doing and the promises we are making. Thank you.
Position regarding offering of choice voluntary termination of pregnancy to HIV-positive pregnant women
261. Mrs M M Madumise (ANC) asked the Minister of Health:
Whether, in light of the many challenges facing maternal health and the notable progress being made in this regard, particularly in terms of the offer of high quality antenatal and post-natal care to HIV- positive women, she will heed the recent call by the Health Systems Trust to routinely offer the choice of voluntary termination of pregnancy to HIV-positive pregnant women; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?