The Committee is of the view that one of the key priorities of government is rural development, which the country cannot afford to postpone any longer. Rural communities have been marginalised and neglected over the years through the uneven distribution of resources between rural and urban areas. This has resulted in a lack of economic activities in rural areas, thus forcing people to migrate from rural areas to urban areas in search of employment and better living conditions. A serious burden is put on government's social programmes, like housing, water, and electricity as a result of this phenomenon. The Committee notes the underdevelopment of rural areas in South Africa and the neglect they have been experiencing over the years. The lack of infrastructure to support the initiatives of rural communities is another worrying factor. The Committee is of a view that budget in this area does not recognise the urgent need and intervention to deal with the backlog in rural areas. It supports the HSRC's recommendations that more funds should be channelled for rural development.