I won't take any questions. [Laughter.]
Reversing the imbalances of the past is indeed the way to go, as per the instruction of the preamble to our Constitution, the National Development Plan, NDP, and the ANC manifesto. It is our submission that all relevant departments - national and provincial - municipal entities and parastatals must join hands to realise this mammoth task of reviving the mining towns.
To date, mining towns and townships have thousands of potential beneficiaries. Some earn above the R3 500 bracket; others are only looking for serviced sites; while still others, such as nurses, teachers, police officers and office workers, need more information on the gap market and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme, Flisp.
We are quite happy that the Minister this morning explained these programmes in detail. We have no doubt that the department will respond to all the stakeholders who are waiting for government to deliver.
Those in the mining hostels also want to hear that the Minister will urgently engage mine bosses to fast-track the programme of converting hostels into family units. The mine bosses are expected to assist your department as you revive the mining towns surrounding their mines.
Minister, our emerging contractors are not paid on time. Could there be consequences for those behind the misconduct of squeezing our contractors out of business?
Emerging youth and female contractors need intensive support, financing, coaching and incubation, as they are ready to participate in human settlements construction. Could the Minister once more reassure them, as she has already done?
The ANC supports this Budget Vote. Thank you very much. [Applause.]