Hon Chairperson, it is very clear that the DA is either blind or deaf. This is because in the budget presentation and the tabling of the national Budget, the Minister of Finance tabled the Budget Review for the country, clearly stating the position of mining in the economy of South Africa.
We have had a global economic downturn and we are connected to it. I hope the hon member understands that. If she doesn't understand it, she should get a copy of that document in my office. It is available. [Interjections.] The ANC has placed minerals and energy right at the centre of its socioeconomic and political agenda, committing itself, with even more vigour, to changing the lives of our people for the better. We are speaking of the poor people, the disadvantaged.
It is our collective obligation to ensure that our country's considerable wealth is utilised to generate socioeconomic benefits and integrated development for our nation. Go and read the state of the nation address, hon member. To do this, we need to ensure that our mining industry is socially progressive, environmentally sustainable and economically competitive, and that it is so in the world because we want to export quality and give work to our poor people.
There is more urgency now than ever before. The challenge for the developmental state is to ensure that it has the ability and the capacity to lead and shape the national agenda in respect of the mineral resources of this country. The ANC supports Vote 32. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).
Vote No 33 - Rural Development and Land Reform - put:
Declarations of vote: