Hon Speaker, hon President and Deputy President, hon members, guests, without characterising or commenting on how they were, we want to congratulate you, Mr President, on completing 100 days as head of state. We have noted the appointment of commissioners to the National Planning Commission and we wish to wish them well in the execution of their duties and mandate.
The idea of establishing the commission remains a good one. The functions of the commission are very clear and we hope that the commission will operate as a body independent from those who appointed the commissioners. We want to caution that there should not be a gap between policy and implementation. Differently put, there is a need to ensure that monitoring of implementation takes place. Good policies on their own, Mr President, cannot and will not change the quality of life of our people. It is the implementation of those policies that will make a difference in their lives.
We were very excited, Mr President, when you announced that Ministers would enter into some form of performance contract. We are glad to hear that all of them have signed. To the Ministers we can only sing the wedding song, Go saena mo ga se morabaraba [Getting married is not a game]. But even more, we hope that the content of those contracts will be made public so that we can all know and understand what their key performance areas and expected outcomes are.
We have also noted with appreciation, Mr President, your comment on the progress in Zimbabwe, albeit very slow progress. As you and your team continue in your role to bring the parties together, please impress on all the role-players that the implementation of the Global Political Agreement is the only sensible way to go for Zimbabwe.
Our support for the role chosen by the people of Zimbabwe comes from our experience and knowledge that this model has succeeded in other countries: Burundi, Kenya and, to certain extent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the DRC. It also comes from our experience of how the other model has failed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. Azapo supports the Budget Vote. Thank you very much. [Applause.]