Chairperson, we want to make a special appeal to the DA that facts must be put forward to this House. Firstly, we agree with the views that we were not impressed with the state-owned mining company processes in Bolivia. That is the truth. Secondly, which is also the truth, we were all highly impressed with the manner in which Codelco in Chile is being run, and also with the purposes for which that state-owned mining company was formed.
The DA must tell the House that its objection or opposition to this report is based purely on ideological considerations. They do not want any state intervention in any sector of our economy, for that matter. [Interjections.] Let us remind them that the status quo in the mining sector cannot be allowed to continue because the benefits of the mineral wealth that we have in this country are enjoyed by a tiny minority and, even more so, by companies that are of foreign origin.
We therefore need to find a strategy to turn that situation around. It is unsustainable, because, as you can see from what is happening in Marikana, it is more than just a wage issue. [Interjections.] The living conditions of those workers, and that of mining communities across the country, are matters before us and we must attend to them. The DA must therefore understand that we cannot leave the economy of this country without the state intervening on behalf of the poor people of this country. [Applause.]