Madam Deputy Speaker, this section applies to all citizens, not only naturalised citizens. All citizens will be rendered stateless if the current Bill goes through as is. The Minister asserted here and in the media that this applies only to naturalised citizens. We are opposed to that as it is not true.
If we pass this Bill, we will be in contempt of section 20 of the Constitution. The right to citizenship can be limited, but certainly not by arbitrary decisions of the Minister.
The DA's legal opinion tells us that this Bill cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny. The Minister has been reported as now acknowledging that the proposed amendments did not sufficiently articulate the Bill's intention. She undertook to table a proposal in this Parliament. It would be very pleasing if you, hon Minister, did so and the DA will support that proposal if you bring it forward.
However, it is important to note that this Bill, as it stands, is highly likely to be unconstitutional, and can have life-changing impacts. Even the Minister, in the statements that she has made publicly, agrees with us regarding the Bill. You know where you spoke, Minister, when you said: This Bill has implications and it needs to be brought much closer.
In addition, this Bill proposes that children who are born to parents who are foreigners will qualify for naturalisation when they turn 18. This will have very serious implications for their education and the DA proposes that these children should qualify for naturalisation at least at the age of 16. I so move. Thank you very much. [Applause.]