Mnr die Voorsitter, die Nuwe NP salueer die vele vrywillige werkers dwarsoor die land wat gestalte gee aan ons President se oproep tot gemeenskapdiens aan die talle behoeftiges. Die punt wat ek vandag hier wil beklemtoon, is dat aan elkeen, ongeag ras of kleur, wat meehelp om die lot van andere te verlig erkenning gegee moet word.
As die tyd my sal toelaat, wil ek 'n pleidooi lewer ten opsigte van die kindertoelae. Laat ons weer kyk na die regeringsbeleid ten opsigte hiervan. Die vermindering van die toelae aan kinders wanneer hulle die ouderdom van sewe bereik, het drakoniese gevolge. 'n Kind se uitgawes raak mr sodra hy op sewejarige ouderdom skool toe gaan, en 'n skamel geklede en honger kind kan nie vorder nie.
Ons mag ons o nie sluit vir hierdie weerloses wat omstandigheidsgevalle is nie. President Mbeki het ges dat die struggle baie dekades lank gevoer is om ons nou in 'n posisie te plaas om na ons mense om te sien. [Tussenwerpsels.] [Gelag.] (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mrs J WITBOOI: Mr Chairman, the New NP salutes the many voluntary workers throughout the country who give effect to our President's appeal to render community service to the many indigent. The point which I would like to highlight today, is that everyone, irrespective of race or colour, who contributes to alleviating the fate of others, should receive recognition.
If the time will allow me, I would like to make an appeal in respect of the child grants. Let us look again at the Government's policy in this respect. The reduction of the grant given to children once they reach the age of seven, has draconic results. The expenses of a child increase as soon as he goes to school at the age of seven, and a scantily clad and hungry child cannot make progress.
We may not shut our eyes to these vulnerable ones who are victims of circumstances. President Mbeki said that the struggle was fought for many decades so as to place us in a position where we can take care of our people now. [Interjections.] [Laughter.]]