Speaker, a joint government and private-sector initiative has resulted in a R90-million village for vulnerable children, based on the operation Sukuma Sakhe model of integrated services.
The Lungisisa Indlela Village comprises houses with each house having a house mother or guardian who looks after a nuclear family that consists of up to six children per house. The project also fulfils many green and environmentally friendly standards, with most of the energy needs of the houses provided for through solar energy. The houses are fitted with gas cooking stoves and also the wonder-bag concept of cooking using an energy- saving technique.
The village also has a school which has begun with learners starting from Grade 0, and the eventual plan is to provide teaching up to Grade 12, which is in the pipeline. The village, once completed, will boast a multipurpose sports court, a clinic, a crche, a primary school and a secondary school to cater for the children.
Caring for vulnerable children is a government priority, and establishing such homes for children who have been left parentless and neglected ensures that future generations develop with a sound childhood and an upbringing of values, compassion, love and warmth. It is envisaged that similar projects will follow this same model. I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Unfortunately, I have to again make a point of order on the absence of Ministers in the House. The programme was specifically postponed to allow Ministers to come from their Cabinet meeting to be here when statements are read. Like last week, yet again, from where I am, I can see only two Ministers. I think it is really a sad day for us.
Hon Speaker, the reason why we have a multiparty Chief Whip's forum is to share information. If the Chief Whip of the DA had approached us, we would have informed him that the President was hosting the President of Benin and the Ministers had to be there. [Interjections.]
Hon Speaker, what the Chief Whip of the ruling party says is quite correct and it's not that we didn't share information. If he had listened carefully, he would have heard that I said that the programming committee was made aware of that, and - for that reason, the Benin visit - statements in this session were delayed to be held at the end of the proceedings in order to allow for the Ministers to be here. Thank you.
Thank you, hon member. Your concerns have been noted and will be communicated.