Sihlalo, mangibonge amalungu ekomidi loMkhandlu weziFundazwe Kazwelonke... [Chairperson, let me thank the members of the NCOP ...] ... for the manner in which they have dealt with the budget. I would like to thank the Chairperson, Mrs Makgate, and all the members.
Into yokuqala esifuna ukuyisho ukuthi sikubhale konke lokhu okushiwo namhlanje, njengoba nibona wonke lama sosha ahleli laphaya, abhala konke okushiwo lapha eNdlini. [Firstly, what is said here today is being recorded; as you can see all the soldiers sitting over there are recording all that is said in this House.]
Members have raised a number of issues around libraries, youth development, and language.
Ngingasho Sihlalo ukuthi le mibono yonke imibono emihle kakhulu ezintweni esizenzayo, kodwa sikusho ukuthi asinayo imali yokwenza zonke lezi zinto esithanda ukuzenza ... [Chairperson, I can say that all these ideas are great ones with regard to the things that we do, but we must say that we do not have money to do all that we would like to do ...]
... because our budget is limited. However, we are going to use the limited resources that we have across all the programmes that we are supposed to implement. We do know that there were a number of good ideas that came from members in their interaction with the department and also in the debate this afternoon.
Let me assure members that we have made progress on Robben Island and we have now appointed its fully fledged board. They have already started with the process of ensuring that the place is transformed into a proper heritage site that visitors would be proud to visit. We are speeding up the process of appointing a CEO. Members would be aware that until now, we have only had an acting CEO. That process is under way and we do hope that Robben Island will soon be sorted out.
Regarding the libraries, we are busy helping all the provinces. We have a dedicated conditional grant that we have been using to support provinces in rolling out libraries, particularly in previously disadvantaged areas. Let me say that the programme is currently unfolding in many areas and that libraries are being built. We are going to continue working with all the provinces to ensure that we reach out to many communities out there. Our main focus last year, and in this current financial year, was particularly on rural areas.
We are working hard to promote all official languages. We are working with the Pan South African Language Board, PanSALB, in making sure that all languages are being promoted equally. Together with PanSALB, we are working hard on that programme, trying to ensure the promotion of multilingualism in the country.
Members said a lot about youth development, and I fully agree with them. A lot of work is unfolding. The national skills academy will, amongst others, target a lot of young artists in their various spheres.
We are also working with the Department of Correctional Services, targeting young people in places of correction. We are also working with women who are in correctional centres, making sure that we are promoting skills development in those sectors as well.
Modulasetulo, a ke fet?e ka go leboga gape maloko kamoka a Komitikgetho ya Bokgabo le Set?o, ka moo ba bolet?ego ka gona. Ke re re tlo ?oma le bona mo ngwageng wo. [Hon Chairperson, in conclusion I would like to thank all the members of the select committee dealing with arts and culture for their well-delivered speeches. We will work hand in hand with them this year.]
We are going to make sure that we continue constructive engagement with the committee in order to address the issues that were raised as a priority, particularly, as part of nation-building and social cohesion.
I would like to end this debate by once again reminding members of the House to support Bafana Bafana. They should also go to the stadia to enjoy the games. We are welcoming all the visitors. As we have said earlier, I am sure that it is going to be a spectacular event which will be the first of its kind in our country and in Africa. With these few words, I would like to thank the hon members of the House and members of the committee. I thank you.
Debate concluded.