Hon Chair, the ID finds itself in a particularly difficult position with regard to this Budget Vote. On the one hand, we are fully supportive of the Minister's attempt to liberalise the market, converge telecoms and broadcasting, and roll out services to all South Africans.
However, we are particularly concerned about the attack on the independence of the regulator, a constitutionally protected organ of government, to weaken the assisting body, and the attempt to wrestle control of the industry away from Icasa to transfer it to the Ministry and the department. Unfortunately, the ID cannot support this Budget Vote. I thank you.