At this point I think I need to move to something very important and close to my heart. I am happy we have the Mother of our Nation here, Comrade Nomzamo Mandela. [Interjections.] I think it is important, when presenting a Budget Vote on ICT, to remember some of our stalwarts who really championed the importance of ICT, especially for connecting women who are vulnerable people in rural areas and all other women who are in informal settlements and poor communities.
We would be failing in our duty if we did not mention the R51,4 million that has been set aside to fund e-skilling. We are hoping that a huge percentage of it will benefit women. [Applause.]
I want to mention the late Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri as one of the women who learned, on arrival from exile, from Mama Winnie Mandela about the importance of putting women at the centre of development. With passion and energy she drove the inclusion of women in ICT and ensuring that women were not only beneficiaries, but also in the driving seats when it comes to that. [Applause.]
The late Minister Roy Padayachie passionately drove the ICT industry collaboration initiative together with the captains of the ICT industry. We acknowledge all the captains of industry, our Director-General and the officials and we will revive the work that was left by the late Minister Roy Padayachie. I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]