Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, colleagues, I don't normally take part in a debate if I have not been fully part of the deliberations and the meetings that preceded the tabling of a Bill.
Unfortunately this Bill came in a bit of a rush when it was introduced to us in the Eastern Cape on the evening of 4 November, barely three weeks ago. I've been convinced by my party spokesperson, the youthful Mr Swathe, that I should stand here and support this Bill, because of the very great importance of the Bill to the youth of our country.
Therefore, I apologise that the meetings that were held, were held at the same time that other important meetings of our select committees and other bodies took place, and I couldn't meet the obligations as I intended. But I've gone through the Bill, I've had a look at all the documentation on it, I know sufficient public hearings were held and I therefore stand here to actually support the Bill.
When referring to the Bill as such, may I remind the previous speaker that the National Youth Development Agency is an agency for all the youth, also for the Afrikaners, whom she seems to hate so fervently. She must never forget that we are one nation and we will be one nation, whether she likes it or not. [Interjections.] There is a place for everyone in this country. That is us: One future, one nation; one nation, one future.
I mentioned the speed with which the Bill was passed and I don't think it should go unnoticed that we are in such a hurry that we actually had to suspend three Rules of Parliament this morning to get it passed. I will say again that I am convinced that it's so important that we must pass the Bill before we go into recess. [Interjections.] I am not complaining, I am not even talking to you, so please keep quiet. [Laughter.] Some members just don't know their place in this establishment, and they never will. [Interjections.]
I have also found that this Bill was passed with so much speed that, while it collapses the Umsobomvu Fund and the National Youth Commission, I still found an advert for Umsobomvu on my table this morning. So maybe they should also catch up with the fact that when we pass this Bill today the fund actually will not exist anymore. I also see that we're in such a hurry that on the speakers' list we've already appointed the hon Mazibuko as the chairperson of the youth agency - congratulations on that appointment. I don't know who made it, but congratulations nonetheless. [Laughter.]
Thirdly, may I say to the hon Minister, who a couple of minutes ago said she was so pleased when Parliament passed the Bill on 21 November, I have news for you, Minister; the Bill will only be passed when this House passes it and not when the NA passed it on 21 November. In that light, I pledge my support and that of my party for the Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]