The President's observations have probably been addressed but do not go far enough. We remain, as we have been throughout, opposed to the unconstitutional concept of pre-publication censorship by an administrative body such as the Film and Publication Board. We therefore continue to oppose the Bill.
It has always been incomprehensible to the DA that free-speech issues like film and publications are in the hands of the Home Affairs committee. This arrangement is inherited from the old apartheid government where the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted censorship on behalf of the apartheid state. Now the ANC government has come full circle and is embarking on censorship as was practised by the old apartheid governments. We urge the new incoming government to place the Film and Publication Board in the hands of the new Communications Minister and hence the Communications committee, where it rightfully belongs.
This is also my final speech, and I will not be politicking, but as I will be retiring, I would like to thank all my colleagues for the friendship and support during my parliamentary term. I would also like to thank my family for their support. It indeed has been very nice and very encouraging and I trust that this Parliament will in the future become truly democratic. Thank you. [Applause.]