Madam Deputy Speaker, we as the ANC have succeeded in consolidating and building on our support base since the 2009 general election. Support for the ANC currently stands at 71% of eligible voters.
After the election a sociopolitical trend survey was conducted by Ipsos Markinor as part of the "Pulse of the People" public opinion series, the findings of which confirmed what we have known all along - support for the ANC and for our President is growing tremendously. [Applause.] According to the findings, seven out of 10 South Africans chose the ANC on the ballot paper.
In this survey people were also asked to rate political leaders, including President Jacob Zuma, on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means "totally against" and 10 means "totally in favour of". President Zuma's rating increased over the past six months from 6,1 out of 10 - which was measured in April 2009 - to 7,6 out of 10. [Applause.] This rating increased not only amongst black people, but also showed a significant increase amongst minority groups. This proves beyond any doubt that the people of South Africa have confidence in the ANC and in President Jacob Zuma's ability to lead the country. We will support the President in making 2010 a year of action. Together we can do more. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon members, can I ask: When you clap, you are eating into the time of the speaker, and it is only one and a half minutes.