Speaker, 2 September 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of Tibetan democratic institutions in exile, following the flight of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and 80 000 refugees from Tibet. Since then, Tibetans have set up democratic foundations for their institutions, including a draft constitution of Tibet and the charter of Tibetans in exile.
I recently travelled to Bylakuppe in India to join a group of members of parliaments from around the world to celebrate, along with Tibetans in exile, the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day.
The DA applauds His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan parliament for having reformed the Tibetan political system by implementing democratic institutions in exile and providing social services in health, education and welfare, thus improving the livelihoods of the Tibetans in exile. We commend foreign governments who have received His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and call upon the South African government to grant the Dalai Lama a visa to visit South Africa at a time of his choosing.
The DA urges the Chinese government to consider the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People of November 2008, and to note it as a basis for substantive discussion leading towards positive meaningful change in Tibet. It must be noted that these policy documents are consistent with the principles outlined in the constitution and the laws of the People's Republic of China. [Applause.]