Madam Speaker, the question is in relation to how contractors, or a specific contractor in Matatiele, are manipulating, or are alleged to be manipulating, lists of beneficiaries of houses and how we are dealing with that situation.
In response, we are saying that we are watching the Matatiele human settlements situation very carefully with regard to the question of corruption. A number of steps have been taken.
The provincial department, working with us, has scheduled a meeting with the housing committee, including the contractor and municipalities, to try and obtain the names of those persons who had allegedly acquired housing units fraudulently as a result of the activities of the said contractor.
Once the information is available, the matter will be investigated further and put before the Special Investigating Unit. To ensure that housing allocations are done in an equitable, fair and just manner, my department has developed a National Housing Needs Register from which all prospective beneficiaries will be sourced. It is envisaged that the new system will minimise corruption in the allocation of housing.
To further enhance the process, the department has also developed allocation guidelines to assist the provinces and municipalities. We ensure transparent and fair processes for the allocation of housing subsidies. We believe that these measures will go a long way in strengthening our policies.
However, Speaker and hon Dambuza, what applies to Matatiele must apply everywhere. Hon members would also be aware that we have launched a comprehensive national audit on fraud and corruption to respond proactively on all these matters, whether they are in Matatiele or anywhere else.
Let me state without any equivocation that we are not going to retreat in our fight against corruption. We are putting measures in place to tighten up on monitoring, working together with Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Cogta, and other relevant players.
We want to bring normality to Matatiele and other areas. Those contractors, builders or government officials who get involved in corruption will be brought to book. I am happy to announce - we will make a further announcement in our budget speech as the situation develops - that we have already arrested more than 300 people, including government officials. The majority were at national government level and the minority at provincial government level. [Applause.]
Colleagues, corruption is something that we all must fight on both sides of this House, if the poor are to get their services correctly. I thank you. [Applause.]