Deputy Speaker, the DA condemns in the strongest possible terms the senseless act of the Congress of South African Students, Cosas, of planting a pig's head in the halaal and kosher section of the store in Sea Point, in a misguided attempt at protest. The DA supports the right to free expression. However, this right must be expressed within the bounds of a constitutional democracy that is based on human dignity and equality and does not tolerate hatred based on ethnicity or religion.
The nature of the act was contrary to our fundamental principles of dignity, respect and tolerance of religious beliefs and must be condemned unreservedly. The placing of a pig's head in the halaal section is offensive to both the Muslim and Jewish communities.
The DA supports the finding of a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis. However, senseless antics do not help to take the serious cause further. The DA calls on the ANC and its affiliates to act responsibly and to protect the rights of minority groups to exist in this country as equal South African citizens. [Applause.]