Chairperson, yes, I agree, hon Mr Worth, that an area such as Giyani should really be assisted with the generation of solar power. In fact, I am aware that there are initiatives, led by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to establish factories for the manufacturing of solar panels in these rural areas, particularly in the Northern Cape because there is a lot of sunshine there.
I am also aware that part of the challenge facing us with the generation of electrical power is the fact that the use of private generators is kind of limited because their price. We've always prided ourselves on marketing the country as a country that supplies the cheapest electricity in the world. And, I think, if we are to succeed in addressing rural development, we have to look at other forms of generating electricity for it to remain affordable but that would also address our obligations with regard to carbon emissions. I am aware of work that is being explored in that regard.
The essence of our rural development strategy is really to close the gap, the divide, between urban and rural and that would see investment in bulk infrastructure in rural areas. That is the only way in which development can become sustainable and properly diversified.
A province such as the Northern Cape, which is vast and sparsely populated, unfortunately, has not been selected to host in 2010 and therefore has not benefited from investment in infrastructure development that other provinces have been able to benefit from. I think that province deserves special attention. Thank you. [Applause.]
Particulars regarding line functions and responsibilities of new Department of Economic Development
6. Mr T Harris (DA) asked the Deputy President:
Whether the line functions and responsibilities of the new Department of Economic Development have been identified and formalised; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are they, (b) how do they relate to the responsibilities of the Department of Trade and Industry in the (i) old and (ii) new Cabinet structures and (c) how do they relate to the planning and policy development responsibilities of the National Planning Commission in the Presidency?