Mr Speaker, the government appears to be leaning ever more towards the social engineering we thought we killed in the year 1994. The Jimmy Manyi pronouncements and the cancellation by ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members.
... the government of a swimming gala at King's Park on 5 March are worrying manifestations of an apartheid mentality of the Verwoerdian period.
We must constantly remember that our Constitution guarantees everyone equality before the law and the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. Therefore, the government may not and cannot create equality by taking away rights enshrined in the Constitution from some citizens.
By arbitrarily taking away the rights of some citizens, government cannot automatically transfer those rights to others. Instead government must create ever more and sufficient opportunities for all citizens - especially children - to realise their talents and enjoy available opportunities under our democracy.
Any form of social engineering will be anathema for our country and can only reverse the gains of freedom made so far. We want justice for all, but we want justice that is compatible with our national Constitution. I thank you. [Applause.]