Hon Speaker, let me first and foremost thank the Deputy President for the detailed and comprehensive response. The Deputy President's response clearly illustrates that procurement of goods and services by the state is far more than just tendering. It is a tool designed to achieve developmental objectives for the delivery of basic services at the local level. It is a tool to reduce poverty and inequalities in society and promote social cohesion. It is also a tool to promote social activities and localisation of industries to promote manufacturing at the local level.
As the ANC, we further appreciate the measures already taken by government, particularly at the local level where the prevention of the convergence of political office and the bidding process has already taken place in order to avoid conflict in terms of tender awarding. We also welcome and support the speedy implementation of the measures announced in the Budget Speech, particularly the appointment of a chief procurement officer and the establishment of a national pricing reference system. We really feel that it is important to speedily put measures in place to achieve these objectives. Thank you.
Responsibility of three arms of state in transformation of society
4. Mr L N Diale (ANC) asked the Deputy President:
What is the key responsibility of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of state in leading transformation to achieve the vision of a united, democratic, nonracial, nonsexist and just society?