Hon Chair, as the ANC, we support Budget Vote No 33. The budget is not about numbers; it is a tool that is used to change the lives of poor people. The Rural Development and Land Reform budget will be used to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequalities.
Those who have land and those who have enjoyed a better life for some time will object to the budget "ngoba badla izambane likapondo." [because they are filthy rich.] Those who "abathathelwa umhlaba nezinkomo okwakungumnotho wabo" [were dispossessed of their land and cattle and their wealth] will support the budget to get their land back and also to improve their lives.
Section 25 of the Constitution talks about "just and equitable principle" and "expropriation", not a land grab. As we as the ANC want to build a united, peaceful and democratic South Africa, we are guided by our policies, not by what we think.
Forgive some for supporting or not supporting; there is a lot of confusion. I am not going to talk about issues that were not tabled in the committee. Hon members should be patient; when the time comes, we will deal with the issues that were raised by some members. Members have the right to oppose, but when they oppose, they must be constructive.
As the ANC, we support the budget that will accelerate land reform programmes and improve the lives of the people in terms of the resolutions of the ANC's 53rd National Conference. Gladys Taber once said, and I quote: "My own recipe for world peace is a bit of land for everyone."
That is what this budget must achieve - for everyone to have land. Thank you, Chair. We support the budget. [Time expired.] [Applause.]