Hon Chairperson, I observe all protocol. The AIC believes that of all the natural resources, water perhaps permeates most deeply into all aspects of life. It is as essential for our survival as the air we breathe. Its presence determines the nature of the natural environment in which we live, and the majority of our economic activities depend on it.
If that is the case, the AIC is deeply concerned about the fact that our rural communities are still in dire need of this natural resource. It is totally unacceptable that after the so-called 20 years of democracy, we still have the vast majority of our people in the rural areas sharing water with animals. This is a clear indication that we do not have value-based leadership in this country. What we have is transactional leadership, which is concerned with self-enrichment through underhand activities. What we have here are microbes of the state. The time has come for the people of this country to rise against lumpen politicians, because if we do not do that, this country is going nowhere.
The AIC is also concerned about the fact that there seemingly is no clear- cut plan for the department to ensure that our rural communities ... [Interjections.] No, don't disturb me! [Laughter.] There is nothing clear- cut in terms of how the department is going to develop rural water infrastructure in our communities. We are greatly concerned.
In conclusion, the AIC will monitor this budget to ensure that rural communities are not undermined and not treated like second-class citizens. We are equal human beings and we must be treated as such. For instance, I am from KwaLunda village, in the Magadla administrative area of Matatiele. As I speak, there is no water there ... [Time expired.]