Hon Chairperson and hon members, I would like to thank this House for engaging in this debate in the manner that they did. The comments made and the views put forward convinced us in the IFP that, indeed, the debate was worthwhile. However, I would like to also underscore the remarks made by the hon Ramatlakane from Cope when he said that the same debate was long overdue. He said that it was time for action. Indeed, this is an indisputable fact.
The last speaker before me has already referred to the input made by the hon Sogoni, especially the number of interventions that are being introduced by the ruling party in the municipalities. Indeed, these have been noted and are appreciated. However, these interventions which look so beautiful on paper are only one side of the coin. On the other side of the coin is implementation. This is where many of the officials in the South African municipalities have let us down.
I have been allocated only three minutes and therefore I won't comment on each and every input made by the members. However, I would like to say that hon Lorimer of the DA hit the nail on the head when he elaborated on the lack of skills on the part of officials. He particularly referred to engineers. I would like to add to his list by saying that we are also lacking municipal managers and chief financial officers. These are at the forefront of delivery, and yet are among the officials that let us down.
In conclusion, I would just like to say that low expenditure does not only deprive citizens of this beautiful country of basic services, but it also translates into fewer jobs in this climate of so much unemployment. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.