The new ANC continues to reward nonperformers. We have become a nation that has sold its airbase to the highest bidder, the Guptas of the new ANC. Minister, you are truly a history-maker, and you deserve a wooden microphone.
During the commemoration of World Food Day in October last year, Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson promised the poor people of South Africa that government would ensure the realisation of the right to have access to sufficient food and water. She went on and said that President Zuma had challenged the Cabinet to actively take part in ending the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality by adopting policies that prioritise the basic needs of our people, particularly in rural communities. She told poor South Africans that our country is generally a food-secure country. This is far from the truth. Many South Africans experience chronic poverty and chronic food insecurity. In places like KwaZakhele, Pongolo and Bizana the food security of many South Africans depends substantially on the household income and assets or wealth status. A low-income household is more likely to suffer food shortages than a wealthier household. This means that millions of households with weak livelihoods are vulnerable to food insecurity. In statistical terms 45% of all female-headed households live below the poverty line compared to only 25% of male-headed households.
Millions of children are going to bed hungry and have no access to food and clean water. Thousands of children under the age of five years suffer from severe malnutrition. Twenty percent of children are undersized and 10% are underweight. What policies did the Minister adopt to eradicate poverty? [Interjections.] The only thing you know to do is to make a noise. [Time expired.] [Applause.]