Hon Chairperson, we in the ANC who are governing this country knows all too well that climate change is inextricably linked to almost all facets of our society particularly socioeconomic progression as resources such as water, fish stock in a form of food, fiber, biodiversity, amongst others, determined the production potential of many sectors of the economy which in turn affect human development aspirations of the country because we take a responsibility for all people of this country.
The South African economy is dependent upon primary sectors such as agriculture particularly mineral extractives which are natural resources dependent and energy intensive with the energy generation being very important as it also subject us to the challenges of climate change.
The National Development Plan developed by this government which is a vision for the future, includes excess to affordable food, safe and reliable water supply also for people here in Western Cape where they don't have water. We are saying this approach of the NDP cannot only be based on an economic model or assumptions or infinite availability of
these and other resources. This Carbon Tax Bill helps us as a ruling party, helps us as a country to deal with the challenges that we are confronting as South Africans committed to working together. The Carbon Tax Bill will assist in at least a cost effective manner in reducing carbon taxes and strong carbon emissions and ensuring that South Africa will meet the NDC commitments as part of our ratification of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement emphasises common but differentiated responsibilities in the sky.
The President of South Africa, hon Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasised during the state of the nation address 2019, the impotence of dealing with climate change to protect the poor and vulnerable people of our society. Therefore, this Act is a way of the ANC and this government taking action to look at what we have committed to and also in our manifesto which is being sensitive to the plight of poor and vulnerable people of South Africa. The main aim of the Carbon Tax Bill is to put the price ... [Inaudible.] Thank you, Chair. [Time expired.]
Question put: That the Bill be agreed to.
Bill accordingly agreed to, in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.