Deputy Speaker, the details of how we intend to ensure maximum use of the Gripens were shared with the portfolio committee on my behalf and the member is fully aware of what we want to do.
I would like to indicate that yes, indeed, we have serious problems with funding of the Air Force. This is nothing new. We have said it over and over again; at every Budget Vote we have had the occasion to express our concern around this matter.
We had requested an amount of R325 million. Unfortunately, because of the situation that the country finds itself in, the request was turned down. I am sorry - it was R322 million that had been requested and refused by National Treasury. What we have done is ... [Interjections.] I am sorry, by Cabinet. My sincerest apologies - I can't go wrong with you: I need a lot of money. [Laughter.] The Minister of the National Treasury has just corrected me; it was not Treasury that turned it down, but Cabinet. Please correct that for Hansard purposes. I was not party to the decision.
However, what we have done is try to use the virement method, and we are very cognisant of the fact that the Minister has insisted that it should not be beyond 8% to make sure that we can have the Gripens fully functional.
In fact, you are putting this in the wrong context, because this year alone we have flown the Gripens more times than we had allocated for them - we were present at the ceremonies of the Soccer World Cup and therefore utilised all the space and time for the flights that were available. So, for this year, we are quite comfortable with the usage of the Gripens. We bought those Gripens because we needed them. We will therefore make sure that they are fully funded. Thank you. [Applause.]