Hon House Chairperson, by amending the South African Weather Services Act of 2001, this Bill brings a greater measure of certainty to our weather services by extending the powers, functions and objectives of the SA Weather Service. South Africa finds itself in a geographical locale that potentially lends itself to bouts of severe weather, both on land and at sea.
We have an extensive coastline and erratic weather patterns. We therefore have a great need for meteorological certainty. In this regard, we particularly welcome the insertion of clause 30A, which obliges the implementation of Resolution 40 of the World Meteorological Organisation, which urges members to strengthen their commitment to the free and unrestricted exchange of meteorological and related data and products.
No weather forecasting service is 100% accurate. It is in this vein that we encourage greater collaboration between the Saws and private forecasting concerns. The IFP supports this Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]