Hon House Chair, hon chairperson of the portfolio committee, my Deputy Minister, hon Members of Parliament, chairpersons of boards and CEOs of water entities, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to thank you and the people of South Africa for once more affording us this time to reflect on the strides we have made towards the fulfilment of our mandate, which is the delivery of water to the people of South Africa.
We are meeting here at a time in our country's chequered history when freedom and democracy for all South Africans have been translated into tangible and meaningful results.