Hon Chairperson, we know that our mines cannot be relied upon in the long term. There are two areas, in addition to infrastructural development, that can ensure that we sustain our development and our growth.
At least, let's make South Africa a country where an agricultural revolution succeeds; we had a political revolution and we cannot say we are waiting for the agricultural revolution.
Secondly, we must be the number one manufacturing country in Africa. Now these two areas are the job creators, and my suggestion to the hon Minister is that we make sure that we don't worry too much about the giants in our country. We should worry about the informal sector and the SMMEs.
If you look at certain countries in Europe, it is the informal sector and the SMMEs that grow the economy and that create most of the jobs. There was a time when we were a proud agricultural country, and unfortunately the input to the GDP from agriculture is now pathetic.
We can't say we are waiting for a turnaround strategy; we need to act now and get the best brains to plan our industrial revolution and agrarian revolution. It is vitally important for Parliament to keep abreast of trade negotiations at the WTO and maintain close ties with the country's trading partners.
The MF is extremely concerned about illegal imports and calls on Parliament to ensure that effective mechanisms are implemented at the borders by custom services.
It is of paramount importance that Parliament ensures that the community also benefits from the economic activities of the country. Co-operatives can play a significant role in economic development, especially in the rural areas where the absence of large spending power does not attract private investment, so as to harness local skills and resources that in turn can uplift the living standards of those operating in the local economy.
I undoubtedly agree with the hon Deputy Minister that poverty sees no race and no face; it attacks almost anyone who comes in front of it. It is therefore imperative to remove our people from the shackles of poverty to the light of dignity and development.
The time is now right for us to deliver sustainable opportunities. The MF supports the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]