Hon Chair, instead of going through this lengthy input, I will ask the Minister some questions, through you, Chair. Firstly, we want to know from the Minister what exactly is meant by the department's definition of "market demand".
Secondly, we need to know more about the department's function in finding capital requirements to fund infrastructure plans. The information provided is too vague.
Thirdly, another matter that requires clarification relates to the department's role in securing private investors. How many private investors has the department secured in the past five years and what was the quantum of the investment? If you talk about the budget and say that we are moving forward, this has to be responded to. There has to be full clarity in respect of policy and regulation, because both are pivotal to stimulating investment; facilitating industrialisation and localisation; improving the performance of state-owned companies, particularly in relation to rail and ports infrastructure; guaranteeing the reliable generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; improving logistics through a shift from road to rail; and improving port operations.
Fourthly, the department is budgeting for increased personnel travel, domestically and internationally. Going by the reasons that are given in the estimates, I am not convinced that this is warranted. The hon Minister needs to explain the necessity for this envisaged increased in travel.
Another matter that needs explanation is the increased expenditure to be incurred on consultants required to conduct technical research in transport, manufacturing, energy and broadband. I fail to see why such research cannot be undertaken internally and why the department is not investing in developing the skills of its full-time employees to undertake such research.
The hon Minister should explain or make available to the portfolio committee the previous research undertaken by consultants in the areas listed above, together with the schedule for such research. These are very important issues. Thank you very much, Chair. [Time expired.]