I hope we won't be any in any of those errors, house Chairperson, Honourable House Chairperson, Honourable Members, and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development; MECs for Social Development here present; Act. Director General of the Department of Social Development, Mr Mzolisi Toni, CEO of SASSA; Ms. Busisiwe Memela- Khambula, CEO of NDA; Ms Thamo Mzobe, UN Population Fund Country
Representative to South Africa, Ms Beatrice Mutali; I really wish to thank her for being here and to say that many of the community members who are here today, she was out there with us and it was one of the best times that they gave me, the energy to be here and be able to speak here. Thank you very much for being here. Social grant bene?ciaries, as well as bene?ciaries from other programmes of the DSD Portfolio; Representatives of development agencies, cooperatives and civil society organisations the public at large in the gallery.
From the onset, please allow me to tender the apology of the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu who is unable to join us due to a family bereavement. Please join me in expressing our deepest condolences and in wishing her family hope and comfort during this time of grief.
I am presenting Budget Vote 17 of the Department of Social Development for your consideration and support under the theme: "WORKING TOGETHER TO