Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members and distinguished guests, first and foremost let me thank all parties that participated in this presentation of the Bill. There's no contrary view, and therefore my work as the last speaker is very simple.
Chairperson, I just want to correct two things so that we do not set any precedents among the public out there. The statement uttered by the member of Cope, which says that they will hold our executive accountable to Cope, is not a correct statement. The executive is not accountable to any minority party, including Cope. Our executive is accountable to Parliament, and not to Cope.
Secondly, it is true that we have a rhino poaching problem, as has been highlighted by hon Morgan. We all have this problem, and it's not only the DA. But we are so thankful that you support the Bill.
The Bill we are debating today talks to government's priority number two - that is, dealing with enhancement of the health of the people - and government's outcome number 10, which deals with ensuring that environmental assets and natural resources are well protected and continually enhanced.
One of the objectives of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act is to provide for the use of the indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner, and the purpose of the amendment is to make provision for, among other things, the protection of species listed as threatened or protected. This amendment Bill will clarify that the intention is to ensure that the threatened or protected species are utilised in an ecologically sustainable way.
As I conclude, other amendments are designed to address some of the challenges of the permit system with respect to the hunting of listed threatened and protected species, alien species or listed invasive species. One example that comes to mind is the ruthless virtual extermination of South Africa's rhinoceros population. Currently, the permit system is being abused by ruthless individuals or syndicates to obtain protected and vulnerable species.
Although there are many amendments of a deserving nature, I've only referred to the more important ones. The ANC supports the Bill. Thank you very much. [Applause.]