Chairperson, I really have appreciation for what the hon Minister and his department are doing in this regard. Under his leadership, I am sure that there won't only be talk and that there will be a difference in the future so that we can collect this R53 billion debt. But, in section 96 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, it says that municipalities must collect all money that is due. And the next one, section 97, says that such a policy to collect the debt must provide or can provide for the termination of services or the restriction of the provision of services when payments are in arrears.
On this point, hon Minister, I feel that you, yourself must set an example in this regard and come out on the side of municipalities that are seriously collecting arrears. I think that we need discipline. I know you stand for discipline and feel that you should come out and say that your are on the side of those municipalities that are applying the law, that are doing their duty. This is also in the performance contracts of the municipal managers and other people, and they collect the debt that you are on their side and not on the side of those people who are not paying. [Time expired.]