Speaker, one suggestion might be for us to be frank and say that election campaigning has really started in the House. Then at least we can place some of the statements in some kind of perspective.
With reference to my statements quoted by the hon member on the other side, let me state what I said. Firstly, the lack of an adequate supply of electricity is a structural constraint in our economy; it's in the Budget Review. It's in speeches we have made. We don't hide that. Secondly, the delays at Medupi have had an impact on the supply of electricity and it would have changed the growth picture marginally had it been on time. Thirdly, the weather, it appears, did have some impact on the supply of the appropriate quality of coal and we must accept that.
What is the sum total of all of this? The "kick in the ankle" is about asking what we want to do as South Africans: remain paralysed because we have a problem and shout that we have a crisis, or actually say, yes, we have a challenge and we have to adapt to the environment in which we exist. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
We have to accept that users have to change their behaviour, whether they are households or businesses. Eskom will have to take another look at certain of the arrangements it has for the supply of power and the cost of that power supply, plus do something about the constraints.
What are we doing about the constraints? At the moment we are in the process of developing three power stations. We have R110 billion's worth of renewable energy independent power producers and more to come. We have plans for a new coal power station if we actually require it. The Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010 is being reviewed currently. Shale gas explorations will start shortly in this country.
If you look at this package, I reckon that in the next two years or so we will have an adequate electricity supply, but we have to admit that we have to make the adaptations necessary now in order to cope with the current situation. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
There are no lies. There is absolute frankness about where we stand. So, let us not mislead the public because it is election time. [Applause.]