May I also ask the presiding officer if we can ask Mr Lethu Ngcobo, a scholar from Durban, to stand up. [Applause.]
Let me tell you a story. It was 50 years ago this past December when Chief Albert Luthuli, ANC president, stepped onto a plane to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize - the first South African to do so. In December last year, Geoffrey Qhena and I made an appeal for contributions to provide solar water geysers to a nominated township or rural area. We raised R802 000 from corporates, unions and visitors to the Department of Economic Development stand at Cop 17. We selected iLembe as the area where 500 solar water geysers would be installed. Groutville, home of Chief Albert Luthuli, is in iLembe. Installation started in late January, using locally produced water tanks. All 500 units were installed six weeks later, bringing hot water to a poor community and paying tribute to the memory of Chief Luthuli.
However, there is one more element to this story: During Cop 17, Lethu Ngcobo's mother brought him to visit the expo. He saw the board for pledges to install solar water geysers. Normally, corporates and other institutions contribute but he pulled his mom by the arm and said, "Let me give some money." He took R10 from his pocket and paid it over to the staff. This young man showed the spirit of solidarity that we need as we build an inclusive economy. [Applause.]
Young Lethu, what you have done was to give us an example of how every South African, however little we may have, can contribute to creating broader welfare and ensure that we are able to create 5 million new jobs by 2020. Hon members, please join me in applauding young Lethu. [Applause.]
I wish to acknowledge the support given by President Zuma and Deputy President Motlanthe during the past 12 months. Colleagues on the PICC and in the Economic cluster, including Ministers Nkwinti, Davies, Pandor, Gordhan, Gigaba, Nzimande, Peters, Ndebele, Nxesi and others have all made the work of the department a success.
I thank my former Deputy Minister, Enoch Godongwana; previous director- general of the department, Richard Levin; the acting director-general of the department, Saleem Mowzer; heads of agencies we have worked hard with in the Department of Economic Development to ensure that jobs are truly placed at the forefront of all of their mandates: staff in the Ministry, who work very long hours; and the staff in the department for the work they have performed during this period. All of them deserve my thanks and appreciation.
I thank members of the portfolio committee for the constant friendly spirit in which they have engaged with the Ministry and the department. I would also like to thank my family for their support. [Applause.]