Thank you. Deputy Speaker and hon members in the National Assembly of South Africa, today is historic for me, Chun-Chiao Huang, and my family. I stand here today as a witness to the change after liberation, and the sociopolitical growth in a climate of political renewal in our country, South Africa.
I must praise the committee, and especially the subcommittee, where I too have had the privilege of working on this Bill, not only for their hard work, time and dedication, but also for the spirit in which the various parties worked together. This was the spirit of ubuntu, working together to attain growth and sustainable economic development, with one objective in mind, to better the quality of life for all. We are certain that it is in this spirit that the work will be continued through to the co-operatives and the people they help.
As a free and proud South African Taiwanese, I testify to the achievements of government in creating opportunities through civil and state participation. Sustainability is secured by creating incentives and support for co-operatives, especially in rural areas.
Yes, disparities due to past inhumane practices created extremely large income gaps between the poor and the rich. However, the current Co- operatives Amendment Bill is an example of what will redress these injustices of the past, ensuring sustainability for co-operatives, which in turn will contribute to the economy. We as representatives today are honoured to be among the collective few who can ensure that economic change becomes a reality and a sustainable practice to empower our nation. I am proud to serve and add my voice in order to assist in the sustainable development of economic programmes to address the apex priorities.
As co-operatives are creating opportunities for the people, allowing them as entrepreneurs to be self-empowering, I celebrate our pro-participative processes to achieve economic objectives and economic growth through participation.
One of the outstanding tools to free a nation was embodied in the Co- operatives Bill of 2005, which came into operation on 2 May 2007, introducing a new framework for the management of co-operatives in South Africa. I am proud today to be part of the momentum set, and its development now in its 2012 amendment stage. It not only serves just to empower the country's people, but also uses the economic systems of and within South Africa as a unique creation of a new philosophy and approach to change.
As a collective we all contributed to the 2012 amendments to the Co- operatives Amendment Bill, to ensure that civil society optimised its potential through sustainable economic projects. The Co-operatives Amendment Bill takes this notion of sustainability through empowerment to a higher level of commitment, collective bargaining and collective initiative through incentives which this Bill initiates, encourages and makes possible.
The housing, workers', financial and especially the agricultural co- operatives prove that intent can benefit a nation. May we grow from strength to strength, and may we always teach a nation to become self- supportive. Cope supports this Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]