These are things that I would want to hear. I want to tell members: If there are challenges that you are experiencing, don't be afraid to come to us. We will attend to the issues. Even the speeches that you prepared for today, we would be happy to get them. I am not sure about those who didn't prepare speeches, but we will go to Hansard and get the views. We would like to respond to each and every one of these issues so that together we are able to confront and deal with the problems.
We must agree that the issue of employing people who don't have the requisite skills is something that we must deal with decisively. We must combat the issue of corruption and deal with it as a bulldog deals with a ball to ensure that we eradicate this scourge. [Applause.] This phenomenon is parasitic and benefits the few at the expense of the majority of South Africans, and that cannot be allowed in this country. Every corrupter has a corruptee. It is a two-way street. We must ensure that those who are involved are dealt with decisively, so that we are able to remove this scourge from our country.
We take note of the views that you have expressed on these issues, starting with the DA - my colleague Doman - to Cope and to all parties, including the ruling party. When I was listening to the debate, I could not differentiate between the opposition and the ANC. That is what I have noticed. Everybody is critical. And we must allow that; it is healthy. We must not have a situation where the ANC is praising us. They must be able to engage on issues so that they show us the blind spots that we must deal with as a department. [Applause.]
From our side, I have raised this very strongly with the officials in my department. Those who don't want to contribute to saving the nation of this country must step aside and make way for those who want to serve this country. We must make this country a better country in which to live and work. As South Africans we should be proud of this country. We should be patriotic. Therefore I believe that we must ensure that this is done.
Members of the opposition have raised the issue that we should leave other spheres of government untouched. On the one hand you want me to account in this House, but on the other hand you are saying that there are things that I must not get involved in. If you are saying this, you are speaking with a forked tongue. We must be able to say: We will enter any space in this country, wherever it may be.
We are not going to allow a situation where South Africans are treated as second-class citizens. We must make sure that, whether you are in Musina or in the Karoo, you are getting a quality service. South Africans are very important. They cannot be treated in a way that shows disdain. Therefore I every province or municipality in this country is going to feel us. We are going to breathe heavily down their necks to ensure that we deal with the issue. [Applause.]
Even in the Western Cape, I am called on by the community of Knysna - they are raising an issue with the municipality that it is not co-operating. They have been writing letters asking for meetings and nothing has happened. I am going there. Issues have also been raised with me regarding other municipalities that are under the DA. [Interjections.] That is why I am saying let's not look at the issue of local government in a partisan way. Let's look at the interests of our people in this country, and we will be able to do that.
I have agreed with the Premier of this province, the leader of the DA, that we are going to work together. As the choir conductor, I am going to conduct this choir. [Applause.] [Interjections.]