Chairperson, her entire speech was spent slating the police and then at the end she thanked them for their hard work. I find this rather strange. [Interjections.]
But I must say that the hon Schfer was constructive in her speech, because she came with solutions. Perhaps she should share with her counterpart how best to come and interact with us in these debates. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
I would like to address myself to the hon Mluleki George of Cope. In case he has forgotten, he was Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security for five years. Perhaps he should tell us what he actually did during those five years. I suspect, nothing. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
I also want to say to him that he was part of the decision that was taken to remove the SA National Defence Force, SANDF, from our borders, yet he sits here with this holier-than-thou attitude. Perhaps we should remind him that he was the Deputy Minister of Defence. You were deputy to the then Minister of Defence, Mr Lekota, who is now the leader of your party. We should remind you of that, sir. [Interjections.]
The hon Groenewald of the FF Plus is correct in saying that the people of South Africa want to hear what the Minister has to say. The ANC listens to the people of South Africa. We do, and that is exactly why the Minister came here and said what he did, because we have listened to them during this past election campaign. I have been in this committee for the past few weeks and I am left with no doubt that the Minister and his deputy will stop at nothing to rid South Africa of this scourge of crime. I thank you very much. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Applause.]