Chairperson and hon members, since 1994 people have been allowed to criticise their government and not be arrested for the first time in the history of this country. For the very first time in the history of this country, of course since 1994, people aren't compelled to spend lots of money to go to Parliament, but it is Parliament that goes to the people.
When the ANC-led government came up with the concept of taking Parliament to the people - the NCOP, to be specific - some daydreamers shot it down and said it would never work, or that it was a waste of time and money. Surprisingly, the very same people that these political piccaninnies were purporting to be speaking on behalf of were so excited and said that a week was not enough and that we should add more days.
It is true. The people shall govern. Let us look at what transpired in the Kgalagadi District, the Moshaweng Municipality to be specific. People came in large numbers. They raised concerns and asked pertinent questions, and also advised us as Parliament on how to fast-track service delivery.
Let me give one or two examples of things that were raised during this programme of taking Parliament to the people, in particular in the Northern Cape. One woman, speaking on behalf of her group, said that they needed help to be able to effectively and productively run their poultry farm. As I'm speaking, the progressive ANC-led government has intervened.
One man complained that he reported a case a long time ago but was never contacted or informed as to how far the case was proceeding. It is with pride that I report to this House that yours truly has intervened and, as I speak, the matter is about to be finalised in the magistrate's court.
Some women complained that in their area they were sharing water with animals. The ANC-led Kgalagadi District intervened, and we have received a report that the matter has been resolved.
Hon members would recall that a very interesting request was made by a group that wanted Parliament to intervene because their bulls were lazy and were unable to perform to the maximum required standards. To be honest, it was the very first time that I learnt of such a problem, but I am happy to announce that the district, in consultation with the relevant department, hon Premier, has intervened and miracles are now happening. [Laughter.]
The situation is back to normal and things are like a well-oiled machine. "Umshine upompa amansi manjhe!" [The machine is pumping now!] Please do not ask me to elaborate because I am not going to do that.
It was encouraging to realise that, for the very first time in the history of this province, there were traditional leaders in attendance. I am told they are now nine in number. This was brought about by the new demarcation of the provinces and municipalities.
Hon members will recall that the Northern Cape was one of the three provinces that did not have traditional leaders, the other two being Gauteng and the Western Cape. But in Gauteng I know the situation will change, because there are the traditional leaders who belonged to the North West, around Hammanskraal, who are now going to be in Gauteng.
This brings me to a sensitive matter that was touched on by my hon Premier, of the then cross-boundary municipalities. I know very few members are comfortable talking about this. Hon members would recall that the whole of Kgalagadi was at some stage under the North West, but is now under the warm and attractive Northern Cape.
It was so encouraging to see and feel the warmth with which the Premier welcomed the 250 000 people around the Kgalagadi District. This could only have been done by a dynamic, calculated, wonderful and marvellous premier: Dipuo Peters. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
What we want to put across is that, regardless of where a particular area is situated, you will get the same treatment and you will get the services that are due to you. We have one national government and one National Treasury. Nobody is going to be disadvantaged by belonging to either province A or B. Our people can be assured that there will be no disruption in service delivery by being shifted from one province to the other.
Something strange has happened in the Northern Cape. Since we started this programme of taking Parliament to the people, we have never experienced this. To some of us it was an eye-opener. What am I talking about here? This is something that was touched on by none other than my colleague Darryl Worth. From day one to the very last day, the hon Premier Dipuo Peters was always with us. She was part of the programme from the beginning to the end; she was part of the whole delegation that visited projects.
To put the cherry on the top of that her executives, that is the MPLs around the area and the MECs were also in attendance. They were there to respond to questions raised by our people. This could only have been done by Dipuo Peters. You can see and you know that she is responsible, she is accountable, she is credible, she is reasonable, she is approachable, she is adorable and, to add to that, she is very humble. [Laughter.] She is very humble. To her I can only say: Teamwork makes common people attain uncommon results.
She is not a boss who inspires fear in her people, but a leader who inspires enthusiasm. We look forward to other premiers emulating her. The ANC is proud to have such a cadre. We came, we saw it is true, hon Hendrickse, and we are satisfied that the Northern Cape is in charge, and of course the Northern Cape shall govern. It will assist its people.
To you, Premier, I can only say that you have displayed the stature of a great person, because you have toiled and toiled like the proverbial miner while your companions were still asleep. I thank you. [Applause.]