Hon member, take your seat. I'm not going to force the Minister to name people. Hon Minister, continue.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Thank you, hon Chairperson. These are reliable sources. [Interjections.]
In this Budget Vote I reiterated the need to strengthen collaboration amongst stakeholders, and co-operation with all spheres of government and other relevant social partners in our quest to offer a better life for all. I also emphasised our express excitement about the new opportunities presented through our participation in the various global economic blocs, which will invigorate our production capacity while stimulating our job creation and alleviating poverty.
I wish to extend my gratitude to the director-general, Mr Langa Zitha. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the chairperson of the portfolio committee, the chairperson of the select committee, and the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform. These are comrades who have made a very valuable contribution towards agriculture, and if it means cadre deployment, I'll deploy them over and over again.
My appreciation is extended to the many industries related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries for their readiness to engage and to contribute positively to the government's call for food security and job creation, particularly in the face of the global recession and other adverse socioeconomic influences affecting our country.
I would like to thank the entire staff of the department for their support, particularly in reshaping the new structure and repositioning it for effective and improved service delivery.
I wish to apologise to the staff for the abuse they have to suffer at the hands of certain hon members. I also wish to thank the Deputy Minister, Dr Pieter Mulder ... [Interjections.]