With regard to the question of billing in Johannesburg, we have had a long set of meetings with Mayor Tau and his colleagues. One of the issues that I wanted to raise earlier on is the following, and I quote from a statement that they have given me:
A concerning phenomenon has been noted in Johannesburg which may also be occurring in other municipalities and metros.
(Johannesburg) has identified a misalignment between the consumption of services and revenue, resulting from the collusion between certain customers and individuals to deliberately avoid payment.
Currently, that avoidance of payment amounts to some R200 million. They will also work with us to ensure that we overcome this.
Secondly, regarding the question of corruption in the supply chain process, I want to announce that we will shortly make public the setting up of an advisory panel, which will include civil society, government representatives and other representatives, to advise on how we can tighten up systems at the local government level, and also how we can go about creating a different ethic and a different system of values amongst those who operate within local government.
So, let me say to Mr Mileham that there will be a long list of complaints like there will be in any system, but that is not the real issue. The issue is whether we have and can command the maturity and constructiveness that are required to work together to create a system that will serve many generations of people after us. That is the challenge that the DA must respond to. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]