Thank you very much, Chairperson. Let me express appreciation for the support from all parties in the House, and deal with the issues at hand.
The first issue I'd like to deal with is that which the hon Gololo raised about the friendship that we enjoy internationally. Minister Erwin has assured me that this is not because of diplomatic endeavours, but rather because of the awesome array of weaponry that Denel has produced that has created this condition in which there are no external threats. So, it is in that context that we have to see the Additional Adjustments Appropriation Bill as well.
Of course there are different issues at play here. In agreeing, as this House does this afternoon, to an appropriation of an additional R2 billion to Denel, it is done against the backdrop of very intensive discussions, detailed presentations by the CEO and the Minister to the portfolio committee on state-owned enterprises; discussion then about the choices we exercise in order to retain the capacity in weaponry manufacture; and also against the backdrop of where Denel has been, understanding why this additional appropriation is now important.
The issues in the Road Accident Fund are considerably different. It's worth commenting on them again, because a number of hon members did so here this afternoon. We don't have a choice about the Road Accident Fund. The R2,7 billion that we're asking Parliament to appropriate to the Road Accident Fund arises against the backdrop of, firstly, understanding that the Road Accident Fund is an integral part of our social security network. It's part of the raft of social security that we have.
If we take that perspective, then a series of other issues follows. Yes, firstly, I think we must agree with those members who raised the fact that we have to do considerably more to ensure that drivers are held responsible for their conduct on the roads. It's too easy a cop-out to say that it's potholes in the roads. There is an incredible amount of driver irresponsibility in South Africa, and that is something we have to take joint responsibility for wherever we find ourselves.
The second issue is, of course, that this has been the most remarkable honeypot for all kinds of interests - lawyers, doctors, hospitals, people who claim way in excess of what they had previously - and what we need is a system that minimises the fault and minimises the payout.
Now, if you accept that this is part of our social security system, we then don't take responsibility for paying wealthy people more by way of pensions. Why should we suddenly have to pay wealthy people more when they have their private insurance as well? It's all part of retraining and re- educating, and I hope that this House will stand united as we transform the conduct of those who drive on our roads, those who are responsible for accidents, and ensure that we can maintain the RAF as an instrument within the raft of social security institutions we have in South Africa, recognise that there must be equity in how we go about this, and ensure that we can keep the fund solvent. I thank you for your support. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Bill read a first time.