Chairperson, it is with pride and joy that I inform this House that the select committee unanimously supported the passage of these Bills, which we have named the ``Magnificent Seven''. [Laughter.]
We wish to congratulate the hon the Minister and her department on the thoroughness with which the draft Bills were prepared. If a leader demonstrates competency, genuine concern for others and is of admirable character, people will follow. I say well done to the hon the Minister.
The select committee has also reviewed the amendments introduced by the portfolio committee after public hearings, and is of the view that these amendments strengthen the spirit and effectiveness of the legislation. The ``Magnificent Seven'' Bills provide an integrated framework for the regulation of the built environment professions, and for advancing their role in the delivery of basic infrastructure to South Africa's majority population. Our people have been longing for such legislation. It is, therefore, true that to understand one's parents' love, one should have one's own child. [Laughter.]
What does the Council for the Built Environment Bill entail? This piece of legislation recognises the fact that our country produces professionals of the highest calibre, who are internationally recognised and competitive. It will ensure that these standards and competitiveness are further sharpened. There is a saying which goes: ``Do not pray unless you believe God will answer.'' This piece of legislation proves that our people's prayers have been answered.
The new councils for the various professions must address the responsibility of the professions to society. Today our country needs built environment professionals of outstanding social conscience to creatively apply their technical and management skills to the task of transforming the built environment in South African society.
Let us remind ourselves of some of the RDP principles that the new legislation will promote. Yes, it is true, great minds have purpose, while others have wishes. [Laughter.] This is because in the race to be better or the best one must not forget to enjoy the journey.
These principles emphasise specifically the need for greater accessibility to the professions. The majority of our people have not been able to access some of these professions. By recognising and promoting different categories of professional competence, the new legislation will enable access to affordable services. Another function of this Council for the Built Environment will be to support an integrated and sustainable approach to development by the professions.
The legislation before us also includes the criteria for representation on the council which will reflect gender, race and disability. The role of the Council for the Built Environment must not be viewed as merely one of co- ordination. It must provide strategic leadership to all the councils for the built environment professions. No one can make one feel inferior without one's consent.
The Council for the Built Environment will, as said by the hon the Minister, ensure uniform application of all policy by the various councils, promote continual development of professions and their images, promote improved public protection, recognise new professions and promote national objectives.
The ``Magnificent Seven'' Bills promote transparency and accountability, high technical and moral standards, health, safety and environmental protection. They provide a framework within which the professions can maximise their role in social and economic development activity, which must be addressed. They will also deal with the legacy of a built environment that has been grossly distorted by the planning of the previous regime.
I am able to say everything I have just said because of the dedication and preparedness of my colleagues, who are the select committee members. I would like to thank them, because they pushed so hard for us to be where we are today. As we all know, business is like a wheelbarrow - nothing ever happens until one starts pushing. [Laughter.] They are not like critics who know the way but cannot drive.
I have said enough. It is now time for me to sit down and listen, because big, mature and seasoned people monopolise the listening, while small and inexperienced people monopolise the talking.
I say well done to the hon the Minister. We support the Bill. [Laughter.] [Applause.]