Chairperson, firstly let me take the opportunity, as we close, to express appreciation for the participation in this debate by all members. This is probably our last Budget Vote.
Secondly, I would like to express appreciation for the role that is being played by my deputy, Zoe Kota-Fredericks, who does all the foreign travels. As Minister, I have never undertaken a single foreign trip, because I have to be here to deal with the problems that you are raising here. She does all the international travels. I want to thank her for keeping the lights burning whilst we know that she has a family behind her. [Applause.] Thirdly, I would like to express appreciation to the director-general and Team Human Settlements, together with our advisors, for the role they play. This is one major job, because we are turning around the whole country - apartheid did damage here, serious damage.
I am taking my time now, because earlier today, when I read my 20-minute speech as Minister, I had to read fast, and some of the things may have gone over your heads. Read the speech very carefully, because that is where the detail, as well as policy changes, lie.
I also have to express my appreciation to my staff led by the chief of staff Meloney van Eck, together with the rest of the team. They take everything that comes at us and have to make sure that the detail of the work that I do is uppermost. [Applause.] A word also to all the leaders, chairpersons and chief executive officers of the entities, of our boards, for doing the kind of work that is telling. These boards are difficult to run; they are like private companies. We appreciate what they do.
No one in this House should play political football with housing. Everybody, particularly people who are black - and I have never used this term; you have never heard me say that before- should have an appreciation of what this government is doing for black people. [Applause.] I say this because, Mr Mokgalapa, you are a very good critic, but sometimes you forget that you are a black person. [Interjections.] It is very important - we are talking about the year 1913. We lost a country then, and we are trying to fix this mess. What we would like you to do within your party, the DA, a very important South African party, is to transform it. Don't be transformed by it. [Applause.]