Hon Speaker, I will be speaking on three or four statements that were raised today. Firstly, I want to put together the issues that were raised by the DA, particularly the first one raised by Mr Watson, who talked about the absence of Ministers in the House, and the statement on the amendment of the executive ethics code. [Interjections.] I just want to say to the hon members ...
Speaker, on a point of order: The hon Watson did not make a statement. He raised a point of order. So I don't think the Minister should be responding to that.
I think, hon member, you must listen first before you ask questions. [Interjections.] The other issue is the statement that was raised by the member in relation to the media statements about Mr Maharaj.
It is clear in this House that some of the members of this House, who were not voted for by the majority of the people, have an agenda that is led by the media and that is why they are complaining about Black Tuesday. [Interjections.] This is because the very same people who funded the very same campaign are members of the media, and some of them are not South Africans or permanent residents of South Africa. [Interjections.] We are not going to allow a situation in which our own people are misled by members of this House. [Interjections.]
Point of order ...
Minister, there is a point of order.
Hon Speaker ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members!
... the Minister is not replying to the statements. She now has her own agenda, and I ask you to rule on this.
Conclude, hon Minister.
Hon Watson, I think you must read the Rules of this House when it comes to statements. Unfortunately, members' statements were not done in the NCOP, so you must learn about them now. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Speaker, on a point of order: I would like to ask you whether it is parliamentary for a Minister to make xenophobic statements in the House. [Interjections.]
Hon Speaker, it is not xenophobic because it was publicly announced that some of the nongovernmental organisations, NGOs, are withdrawing from South Africa, NGOs that are not from here.
Hon member, I will listen to the tape and come back to you on that issue.
Secondly, hon Speaker, I don't think that the hon members can stand here and mention our stalwarts and our veterans who fought for this freedom as if they are just their own tokens, while their forefathers were oppressing us and fighting us in this country. [Interjections.] They have to appreciate that they are here because of the ANC. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Hon Minister, your time has expired.
Hon Speaker, I really ask you to rule on this point of order. The Minister has now made an accusation, which if pinpointed to the fact, she is saying ... [Interjections.] ... that the Leader of the Opposition's forefathers oppressed the people of this state. [Interjections.]
Hon members, order! Order, hon members! Order! Order, hon members! Hon members, those who insist on making noise I will really have them ejected from the House. Order, hon members! Order!
Hon Minister, I did indicate that your time has expired.
Hon Speaker, I said I would be responding to three or more statements. [Interjections.] My understanding is that it is two minutes per statement. [Interjections.]
Hon Minister, your time has expired. [Applause.]