Acting Speaker, my question relates to the war on poverty. Hon Deputy President, Millennium Development Goal 1, MDG 1, is the Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Hunger. In 2010 the President of our country, the hon J G Zuma, said:
In addressing the scourge of poverty, MDG 1 is South Africa's first priority. We shall speed up growth and transform the economy to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods.
Hon Deputy President, from the 2011 MDG Report, which I have, I quote:
Based on recent economic growth, performance and forecasted trends, the extreme poverty rate in the sub-Saharan region is expected to fall below 36%.
Hon sir, my question is, given that the economic growth rate in our country is much lower than what was forecast two years or even a year ago, do you think South Africa is on target in reaching MDG 1 by the year 2015? Thank you.