I think this is not only dependent on the improvement of refineries but also, and equally so, it is dependent on the strength of our economy. If we strengthen our economy enough to get to a point where the rand strengthens - say, equal to the dollar - these things would be much easier and affordable. It would not be that costly for petrol consumers in South Africa.
Of course, there are others in the economy who would argue that a strong rand is not good for our economy. It depends on whether you are an exporter or an importer. We are an importer of liquid fuel and we are caught up in that bind, but we have got to do everything in our power to try to keep the price of petrol as affordable as possible by a number of interventions, including through PetroSA.
If it owns blocks of petrol and we have our own refineries, it may be possible to stabilise the price of petrol. At the moment, as I said, in the main the biggest push behind the petrol price is the strength of the rand. The rand has to be strong, and the same with the economy. We need to try to strengthen the economy and therefore the rand.
Progress made in relation to sanctioning of Ministers who violate Executive Ethics Code
11. Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) asked the Deputy President: (1) Whether, with reference to the President's letter to Parliament dated 26 August 2010 relating to sanctioning of Ministers who violate the Executive Ethics Code (details furnished), Cabinet has received any progress reports on the implementation of the Public Protector's recommendations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(2) whether Cabinet has established a deadline for approving the final report on the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2434E