Hon Chair, although we acknowledge the responsibility of the mining companies to contribute in accordance with the social and labour plans in terms of the Mining Charter, it is important to note that the mining sector contributes approximately 8% of the national GDP. Many billions of rands are paid to government in taxes, royalties, fees and other charges in fulfilment of that particular responsibility.
Hon Deputy Minister, the question is what steps you are taking to ensure that the ANC government at the local, provincial and national levels is fulfilling its duties towards the receiving and labour-sending mining communities in regard to water, electricity, sewerage reticulation and the health sector. Also, what is it doing to contribute to uplifting those mining communities, where the responsibility should be co-shared with the mining sector? Thank you very much. [Applause.]