Chairperson, hon Sithole has asked a question that affects one of the most intractable problems the country is confronting. The question is about hostels. The specific question is about the Thokoza Hostel which, as I recently mentioned in this House, I personally visited.
To change the landscape of hostels is going to be one long haul. We should all know that.
The national department is currently reviewing its human settlements development funding model in line with the new service delivery approach of the outcomes-based targets, which we recently signed with the President as part of our delivery commitment. The funding of the Thokoza Hostel project will therefore be made available in terms of this model.
The availability of the funding will be dependent upon finalisation by National Treasury, which is currently being consulted through the Medium- Term Expenditure Committees process.
Therefore, I assure hon Sithole that this commitment remains. However, it is prudent that this process be strictly adhered to before any public funds are expended. This House knows very well that, from my side as a member of the Cabinet, and together with Cabinet, the last thing this department would want to entertain is to spend public funds without exercising due care. We therefore remain committed to the Thokoza initiative, but now the changes have to happen in line with the new commitment around the outcomes- based approach. The fund is there and, as soon as we are ready to send that money, we will do that. I thank you.