Chairperson, I would like to respond to two statements. The first is the one that came from hon Ngonyama. I agree with him on the importance of small enterprises and entrepreneurial skills development but I would also like to say that success is not only measured by the number of SMMEs in existence. In turbulent economic times we of course expect many SMMEs to be facing difficulty and be more vulnerable. What we have been doing as the department is trying to focus our attention on those parts of the SMME programme that we think are working well. In that regard, we have highlighted the incubation programmes, which have worked well, both in South Africa and elsewhere. The problem we have in South Africa is that we have very few incubation programmes. I'm pleased to say that whereas up to now we had about 31 supported by government, a further 28 have now been identified for roll-out by our department in the near future. This is part of the programme of trying to roll out 250 incubation programmes by 2015.
The other statement I would like to respond to is the one by hon Borman. I don't know whether we are one of the departments that responded to her - I will have to check on that - but on the question of saving energy she is absolutely spot on. For example, last year we introduced new building regulations and energy-saving requirements. These are absolutely essential.
Our department is also promoting a particular standard, which corresponds with the international standard on energy saving. Energy saving is increasingly becoming an element of competitiveness. I think it is important that we realise that energy saving is not an add-on or a nice-to- do. It is actually essential as we move forward.