Deputy Chairperson, hon members, the first question I am required to answer is from hon member D Z Rantho about requests for assistance from municipalities regarding disasters and the rainy season. Yes, hon member, requests from disaster-affected provinces were received, but this was only for support in respect of malaria.
The following municipalities were among those affected in the disaster areas which requested support from us at the national level: Nkomazi municipality in Mpumalanga, and Mutale and Giyani in Limpopo. You will realise that these are the areas in which malaria is endemic, whether they have floods or not. They do have programmes in regard to malaria every year, but when there are floods it is a special problem for them.
Remember, hon member, these areas in these provinces have to spray a substantial number of houses for malaria every year during the rainy season. Now, that job they do every year. In this case, their request came because of the floods. They specifically asked for more information, education and communication, and we gave them materials for such information and communication.
In addition, we held workshops for doctors and nurses in these areas so that there can be a high level of alertness. They must be able to pick up the signs and symptoms of malaria as soon as they emerge. They must also be highly skilled in the treatment of such patients. So, that is what we have done, hon member. Thank you.