Chair, please allow me also to pay tribute to hon Mme Motlalepula Chabaku, with whom I shared a platform in Bram Fischerville when we were dealing with the gang rape of a young, disabled woman only a few weeks ago. I would like to express my condolences to the family and tell them that her legacy and the legacy of the women of her generation will remain to guide us. Hers was a generation that remained accessible to our people. They were fearless, principled, responsive, and trusted leaders. I thank her for her contributions to our struggle and to building a new democracy. I thank you, Chair, for that opportunity.
I also want to thank hon Worth for the question around medical toxic waste. In response, I would like to say that currently all medical toxic waste must be disposed of in accordance with the prescribed regulations and incineration processes of the provinces. In this instance we would like to reiterate that this applies to both the public and the private sectors.
In reply to the second and third parts of the question, all provinces are aware of the requirements with respect to the disposal of medical toxic waste, and this includes conforming to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, Act 59 of 2008; the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act 39 of 2004; the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998; and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2006. The disposal of medical toxic waste is adhered to in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, by all provinces and relevant institutions.
Finally, in the past three years medical toxic waste dumping was reported first by the Free State province at the showgrounds and Maximus Bricks in Welkom. In respect of this and any other intervention, the relevant Acts that I have quoted need to be invoked.
The department has also developed and produced information, education and communication materials, which have been disseminated to provinces for use by health professionals, community members and the public at large. In addition, training of environmental health practitioners was conducted on health care risk management in this regard. Regulations on health care waste have also been developed. I thank you.