Deputy Chair, I'm asking the question through the Chair. If you listen to me, you will hear that I always refer to Madam Chair.
The point that I'm putting across is that democracy, in this case, is a relative term because only 48% of South Africans, in terms of the trends, come out to elections, particularly at the local government level. Therefore, 52% of South Africans do not vote for local government. Now what do you call that? That is the point that I'm putting across.
The system that will be followed in appointing or in establishing ward committees is still a matter for debate; the jury is still out. However, we have concerns that the ward committees at times represent political parties. Ward committees are supposed to represent sectoral interests - the issues of the safety of our people, the economy, social development, and so on. But these structures are sometimes hijacked by other forces, and they don't run them in a proper way.
How we are going to counter that is still a matter that is being discussed. How we are going to ensure that these structures enjoy popular support is still a matter for discussion. How are we going to ensure that these structures are accountable to our people? Sometimes they represent their own jackets! They go to a meeting, come back and do nothing. From our point of view, it is something that is still being looked at, and we will be happy if the NCOP itself contributes in enriching the debate. Thank you very much, Deputy Chair.