Chairperson, I just thought it important to advise the hon member Mda of Cope that it is not useful to draw one's information from a tabloid newspaper, the Daily Mail. It doesn't help one at all to get a factual account. She may wave her arms as much as she wishes, but unfortunately that is not a respected journal from which to gain one's information. If one follows the response to the visit of the President, the statements made at business dinners as well as other state occasions, one will note that a very positive message about South Africa is being conveyed and is being received positively by a range of constituencies. [Applause.]
Finally, I would like to direct the hon member to perhaps visit a few history books in order to get the sense that imperialism and colonialism certainly emerged from across that part of the sea and not this one. [Applause.]
On a point of order, Chairperson ...
Hon Deputy Minister of Health ... Where is the point of order?
Over here, Chairperson. I would like to know if it is parliamentary for a member, when a Minister is speaking, to point out her hands like this to an adult. [Interjections.]
Well it is quite difficult to say now, because we didn't see the action. Secondly, the one which was ruled out was the one that was gesturing like this. This one is just - I'm not sure what it means - so I will just look at the interpretation of that gesture, because this one we all know means "death". I don't know what this gesture means, whether it is a violent threat or whatever else, but we will look at it. Can we just leave that matter until further notice?
Chairperson, can we clarify it? No, we just want to clarify what it means.
Do you know the gesture? What does it mean?
Yes. When you gesture like this, it means, "go away" or "stupid". [Interjections.] This is what we are saying. That is exactly what it means, and this hon member must stop it. [Interjections.]
Hon members, order, please! Can you stop that? What we want for the sake of decorum in this House, because we don't know the meaning ... that explanation is his interpretation of the gesture... Whatever the meaning is, can we refrain, as hon members, from making gesticulations that might be misinterpreted? Please stop it. Can we proceed to the hon Deputy Minister of Health?