... there are indications that some of the gains made may be under threat. Somehow, 27 April 1994 marked the demobilization of South African civil society, with society literally outsourcing its role to politicians. South Africans experienced a shocking increase in cases of abuse of women, children and other vulnerable persons. There is a need to mobilise society, to take a stand against women and child abuse, and to call upon civil society to be part of the struggle instead of only being part of the complaining brigade.
We have unfortunately also witnessed an increase in reports of corruption and the plundering of state resources. We said before that freedom did not come on a silver platter. It is a result of a heroic struggle, and some paid the supreme price so that we can be where we are. Our people must unite against corruption and nepotism. They must do so without resorting to vigilantism and the destruction of property, without the burning down of schools and libraries, and without the necklacing of suspects.
There have been reports on how, despite policies like the Employment Equity Act and affirmative action, top positions in the workplace continue to be dominated by those who were in charge before 1994. One just has to check the ownership at the stock exchange, and one will realise that power relations have not changed. The government basically continues to preside over a system that continues to oppress women and black people. Society must therefore be mobilised to oppose any course for the scrapping of laws that were enacted to redress the imbalances of the past. As we talk about ending affirmative action, our people are asking when it is going to start because they have not seen its results.
In talking about those who fought for freedom, our congratulations are extended to Utata Mosibudi Mangena, who this morning received an honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and who will also be receiving the Order of Luthuli during the National Orders. Thank you very much. [Applause.]