Chairperson, hon members, colleagues, on 8 May 2006 this Parliament celebrated the 10th anniversary of our democratic Constitution. Interestingly enough, this event took place within a period that we have defined as the Age of Hope. Indeed, the functioning of the different spheres of government and the state as a whole will prove and confirm the correctness of the fundamentals we have inserted in this most important document, which is the foundation of our democracy.
Our Constitution, amongst other things, has created a framework around which we have to redress the imbalances of our past while at the same time giving us a framework within which we have to build a functioning state. It is only through a partnership between all role-players in the housing value chain that we can hope successfully to find a comprehensive solution to our housing challenges.
The envisaged sharing of information between all spheres of government and the facilitation of processes to unlock impediments to delivery and joint home ownership through education programmes will encourage the provision of infrastructure and development funding to accelerate funding housing delivery, and will improve access to housing.
When the three spheres of government channel their energies, resources and commitment, we can change the fabric of our society for the better. The N2 Gateway was an excellent example of co-operation between the three levels of government - before the DA-led city council started showing its true colours. But the DA-led city council of Cape Town does not understand these principles set out in our Constitution.
I would like to refresh memories regarding the breaking of promises to the electorate, as in the previous local government elections where the DA had stated in their election manifesto: The DA will use the executive committee system not the executive mayoral system to govern cities. It was stated that this would ensure that power is not centralised in one person and that all residents are represented in the key decision-making bodies.
On 28 February 2006, Die Burger reported that the DA wanted to move away from the current system of municipal management where all the powers are vested in an executive mayor. The DA leader, Tony Leon, told reporters in Malmesbury: "We want to revert back to a system that is more democratic and transparent".
On the same day, at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus - now you should see the gap ... en die skeuring in 'n party soos wat die geval is in die DA. [... and the split in a party, as is the case in the DA.]
In Hermanus the DA provincial leader, Theuns Botha, told the media that the executive mayoral system "was the single biggest downfall of the ANC". Despite these statements, Helen Zille told The Cape Times in an article that appeared on 8 March 2006, that she would "support any municipal system".
Contrary to all these promises made during the election campaign and in their manifesto, the DA signed an agreement with smaller parties stipulating, according to The Cape Times of 16 March, that the mayoral system under an executive mayor and with 10 mayoral committee seats is to stay. Clearly, power and the position of mayor are more important than the ... [Interjections.]