Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Minister, what turnaround strategy do you plan to implement to justify the increase in funding in a Ministry that has been dysfunctional from the outset? Could the lumping together of the vulnerable groups be reconsidered, as many within the three groups find this grouping objectionable? Paying special attention to the varying needs might also ensure greater efficiency. I would like to know what your view is on how we can make this Ministry really relevant and meaningful in order to justify its creation. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Madam Deputy Speaker, we are busy looking at the structure and at how we can capacitate the Ministry. Already, we have a director-general in the department and a chief financial officer ... [Interjections.] This will assist us in ensuring that we put systems in place in the department, which will see to it that we cut costs on travel and make sure that the money goes where it is supposed to go.
We have already had a strategic session, and we will be coming out with our strategic plan. Since Monday or Tuesday, we have been dealing with that, and I will come to the portfolio committee to brief them on our strategic plan. I believe, also, that we will boost our communications unit to ensure that the work of the department is transparent and that Parliament and the nation are aware of the programmes and plans of this department.
I know that there have been questions about whether or not we need the department. The women of South Africa have said they need this department. [Interjections.] [Applause.] All the other sectors - people with disabilities, children's groups, the children's rights structures - say that they need this department. In the past two weeks we have been consulting with our stakeholders, with national women's groups, with children's welfare and children's rights groups, and with people with disabilities, and we will come up with a turnaround strategy in which they have participated. We have committed ourselves to only doing things about them, with them. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Vote No 8 - Government Communication and Information System - put.
Vote No 9 - National Treasury - put.
Vote No 10 - Public Enterprises - put.