Thank you, Chair, because I'm left with a minute and a half.
It will also be important to investigate how, in the medium and long term, we can start to covert revenue generated from our production work back into direct funding for development programmes.
I would like to thank the Deputy Minister for the support she has given me and for her availability to share the work we have been appointed to do.
Our gratitude also goes to the chairperson and members of the portfolio committee for their support and oversight work. I take this opportunity once again to thank Judge Desai and the members of the previous National Council on Correctional Services, who have done a sterling job in providing support and advice to the Ministry of Correctional Services. We also wish the new members, chairpersons and co-chairpersons of the NCCS, who are here with us in the gallery - will you please wave - well in the execution of their work.
It is important, if we are to succeed, that we harness the energy and skills of all staff within the department. I therefore also want to take this opportunity to thank our officials who continue to work under very strenuous and dangerous conditions. From all our members we continue to expect vigilance, discipline and professionalism. I particularly want to thank Ms Jenny Schreiner, who has been at the helm of our department, for steering the ship while we await the appointment of a permanent National Commissioner. I will be the first to concede that some of the challenges that we have to deal with are indeed serious, but I believe none are insurmountable.
The President has declared this year the year of action! We agree, and declare ourselves ready!
Last but not least, it is proper that I thank my staff in the Ministry for the support they have given me - they left the office at half past two this morning! I also thank my boys - I have four boys, you know - for the support that they continue to give me. Thank you very much. [Applause.]