Hon Chairperson, I will do that at the end.
As I have said, the DA is stuck in an old apartheid mentality and will argue against various aspects of the Bill, not because they disagree, but because they will do anything to undermine a good process undertaken by the ruling party. [Interjections.]
The Bill provides a balanced approach, with necessary procedures to curb illegal trade, while it also facilitates an efficient process to prevent unnecessary issues with the importing or exporting of goods. Establishing a healthy trading climate with international partners is crucial. However, the MF cautions that this must be done in a responsible manner so that no one has free rein to undermine our laws with trade in illegal and harmful goods.
This Bill provides sufficient mechanisms to deal with a breach of the law by putting in place proportional responses to prosecutable and nonprosecutable offences. Furthermore, mechanisms for appeal or internal reconsideration of penalties will add impetus to the system to function in a more just manner.
Consultation regarding the Bill stretches as far back as 2007. This demonstrates the department's commitment to ensuring that the new Bill is a step absolutely in the right direction.
Criticism regarding the Bill has been lodged by the DA all along in connection with the fact that it prescribes that imported goods have to be cleared and released at the first port of entry. [Interjections.] Well, of course, they believe it will have a negative impact on the congestion of the coastal ports and that the container terminal of City Deep in Johannesburg will fall into disuse. This is despite the fact that reassurances have been given by Sars, as well as various international law experts and advocates, that the operation at City Deep will not be jeopardised and that the new system is definitely a step in the right direction.
This shows that some people like the DA will criticise just for the sake of criticising. [Interjections.] The DA is all about this. Perhaps we should parade them - yes, indeed - and make them award winners for a lack of constructiveness. [Interjections.] What are they really doing? Why don't they actually do something constructive for our country? [Interjections.]
Under the new Bill our officials will have better control mechanisms in their toolkit to curb fraud and illicit trading, while also lending more predictability to the supply chain.
The MF will support the Bills. [Time expired.] [Applause.]