Chair, let me say, first of all, that the ANC supports the Budget Vote.
NgesiXhosa sithi, ithemba alibulali. Abantu bakuthi bahlala belinde utshintsho. Ngoku xa kufuneka kwenziwe, abo baxhamlayo bayalila. [In isiXhosa we say, you must not lose hope. Our people are always waiting for change. When there must be implementation, those who are benefiting are complaining.]
We do so, because this department has made sure that minerals in this country do not belong to a few white people but rather benefit South Africans, particularly those who were disadvantaged.
In as far as Eskom is concerned, it is unfortunate that the member was not present when we were briefed. Let me tell her that Eskom is now 95% functional and they are making sure that they increase capacity. A new reactor is being built very near Koeberg in Atlantis and there is another one for the southern Cape. Those are the two areas that were really affected by the outages.
The laws that govern this country stipulate clearly that in order for the country to progress, the best thing is to close the gap in the economy. In as far as energy is concerned, we know very well that the rising cost of oil is something we have to consider. It cannot be only one person's problem. It is for us all.
The issue of biofuels is something that the department and the Minister is considering. As the Congress of the People drew up the programme in 1955, we are here to do nothing else but implement that. This is in order for this country to recognise that today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today. I urge all of us, including the DA, to support this Budget Vote.
Division demanded.
The Council divided:
AYES - 43: Adams, F; Botha, D J; Dlulane, B N; Gamede, D D; Goeieman, M C; Hendrickse, N D; Hollander, P M; Kolweni, Z S; Mabe, E S; Mack, N J; Madlala-Magubane, N M; Manyosi, A T; Masilo, J M; Matlanyane, H F; Matlhoahela, B L; Mazibuko, N F; Mchunu, A N T; Mkhaliphi, B J; Mkono, D G; Moatshe, P; Mokoena, M L; Moseki, A L J; Mzizi, M A; Ntuli, Z C; Ntwanambi, N D; Nyanda, F; Oliphant, M N; Qikani, A N D; Ralane, T S; Robertson, M O; Setona, T S; Shiceka, S; Sibiya, J; Sogoni, E M; Sulliman, M A; Tau, R J; Themba, M P; Tolo, B J; Van Rooyen, C J; Vilakazi, J N. Special delegates: Moerane-Mamase, N; Phenduka, N C; Radebe, M.
NOES - 9: Chen, S S; Lamoela, H; Le Roux, J W; Robinson, D; Terblanche, J F; Thetjeng, O M; Van Heerden, F J; Watson, A; Worth, D A.
Vote accordingly agreed to.
Vote No 31 - Science and Technology - put and agreed to. Vote No 32 - Trade and Industry - put and agreed to.
Vote No 33 - Transport - put and agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus dissenting). Vote No 34 - Water Affairs and Forestry - put and agreed to.
Question put: That the Schedule be agreed to.
Schedule agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.