Chairperson, allow me to express my deepest disappointment in the events earlier this week. This Parliament belongs to the nation and not the ruling party. Insults degrade Parliament and do not enhance its credibility and its esteem.
Any member of this House who hates another member or party cannot use insults in this House to vent his frustration as an ineffectual opposition against the ruling party and the government. Cope has resorted to personal attacks and walkouts. They did not provide alternative policies to those of the ANC, which have resulted in economic stability for our country and the wealth of some in their ranks.
Drama will not win hearts and minds. Our people can only be won by effective programmes of economic restructuring resulting in job creation and poverty alleviation. The hearts and minds of our people will be won by the provision of housing, water, electricity, health and education. Only those programmes that alleviate the poverty of our people and drag them out of it will win hearts and minds.
I invite Cope ... [Time expired.] [Applause.]
I think the Speaker and the Chief Whip of the Opposition have also adequately addressed those sentiments about the decorum and integrity of the House. That has been addressed and should be put behind us.