Speaker, this House has a right to know if: The hon Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs had deliberately misled the South African people by announcing that arrangements had been made with the Independent Electoral Commission for them, the residents of Moutse, to vote in a referendum.
This is exactly how the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, reported the hon Minister in its news broadcast on 28 September 2009. The report went on to say that according to the hon Minister the voters' roll from the April elections would be used.
Cope asked if the hon Minister deliberately lied to the people of South Africa. Two days later, on 30 September 2009, the hon Minister was once again quoted on SABC making a very baffling statement that the process is not a referendum, and that the people's choice would have an impact on the Cabinet's decision.
It is inconceivable that the Independent Electoral Commission could have conducted anything other than a proper referendum. For some reason, the IEC was prevented from announcing the results. There is prima facie evidence that the hon Minister knowingly misled the country.
Under the circumstances, he should do the honourable thing and resign. Failure on his part to do so will require the President to fire him from his post if the President really supports good governance. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
There will of course be an opportunity for ministerial responses.