Chairperson, two matters: I just want to develop the thing, and I fully support the member from the DA, the hon member, who raised the issue of compliance with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and access.
I just want to say, from the transport side, we take this duty very seriously, and one is pleased to say that the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system is a wonderful example of beginning to move in this direction. It is very difficult, obviously, to turn public transport around in general and specifically also then to make our public transport accessible to people, not just to the disabled but to pregnant moms, to people with prams, and to young children and so on. It's a big challenge.
The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system in Johannesburg has ramps, platforms that are level with the floors of these buses and large doors so that people can get in and out very easily. We have monitored the process over the last couple of weeks of its starter service and are very pleased to notice that people in wheelchairs are using the bus rapid transport system.
There are also special locking systems for at least two wheelchairs in every bus, so this is a small beginning but moving in the right direction.
Obviously, I also want to add my support to the statement from the hon member from the ANC welcoming the Cosatu congress. I was pleased to see that hon member Shilowa also added his applause to that statement. [Laughter.] It is incredibly important that, in South Africa, we have a well-organised trade union movement. It is a huge asset, and I think particularly in times of global capitalist crises, in a situation of deep recession, one of the wonderful things about South Africa is that, unlike most other countries, our response embodied in the Nedlac framework agreement is a response that is not top-down just from government or just from government consulting with the business sector.
Uniquely in South Africa we've got a framework approach to the global crisis - which is affecting us obviously quite seriously in South Africa - that is a joint effort between government, the trade union movement, the community sector and business.
I think that is a testament to the strength of the working class. Otherwise the working class, and poor people, always become the brake pad for these kinds of crises, and I think we are lucky to have a strong and effective Cosatu meeting. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]