Chair, I would like to begin by complimenting the Minister, once again, on a dazzling outfit - though I would suggest, given recent events in the SA National Defence Force, that her choice of colour is unfortunate.
Like the Minister, I would like to begin by recognising an important milestone in the establishment of the SA National Defence Force. Commander Handsome Matsane, whom the Minister has introduced, recently took command of the SAS Queen Modjadji, one of the submarines operated by the SA Navy.
He is one of only 34 South African submarine captains, one of 1 060 qualified submariners and, most importantly, he is the first black South African submarine captain. [Applause.] This is a huge achievement for the Defence Force, given our country's history, and it should be celebrated, not just by us here today, but, indeed, by all South Africans.
HON MEMBERS: Hear! Hear!