Speaker, the hon Smith's question raises a broader issue. I think it is an issue that is fundamental to this stage of the development of our democracy, and that is the respect that we should accord to the institutions that we have established in the Constitution and through legislation. We cannot adopt an approach that suggests that these institutions are independent and worthy of respect when they decide in ways that we want them to decide, and when we are not happy with their decisions, we then impugn their dignity, and we impugn their reputation. I think that is a very, very dangerous thing to do in any democracy, but especially in ours at this stage of our development.
The hon Smith, I think, was quite correct to say that he was referring to perceptions. He predicted that I might not agree with the factual case that he was making. Indeed, I do not, because he did not make a factual case. He stated what is a perception, without any facts to support that perception.
As I have said, the Municipal Demarcation Board is established by the Constitution. It operates in terms of the law, and I think that unless there is concrete evidence to suggest that it has not complied with the Constitution or the law, we must then respect the outcomes of its processes.
Furthermore, the hon Smith is quite correct - there are three vacancies on the board as it exists now. A further seven positions will become vacant at the beginning of next year and, in order to ensure that there is a smooth transition and that the work of the board is not interrupted, a process has been put in motion to identify candidates to fill those vacancies. I think, as we speak, those interviews are being conducted or would have been concluded yesterday. Thank you very much. [Applause.]