Deputy Chairperson, comrades and hon members, I dedicate my speech to the memory of the fallen of Langa and Sharpeville; to the memory of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe; and to the memory of about 30 000 marchers who came to the gates of hell, demanding to see the devil himself.
The marchers, led by the likes of Clarence Makwetu and Phillip Kgosana, came to the gates of Parliament demanding to see the then Prime Minister of the white minority government, to demand the release of Sobukwe and other leaders; to protest the murder of our people; and to demand an end to the pass laws.
The pervasive inequality and the gut-wrenching poverty that is still the lot of the majority is a violation of the dignity of the person. Yes, our Constitution and laws guarantee fundamental human rights, but we need to move towards addressing the material needs of our people. Freedom must add material meaning to the lives of our people. When we fought for freedom we wanted to see the lives of our people move forward.
The APC believes that unless we change the relations of production, we will not deal with the inequality and poverty that dehumanises our people. Their right to live happy and fulfilling lives will be a dream perpetually deferred.
The APC believes that only socialism can guarantee and actualise the political, social and economic rights of all in society. As we celebrate Human Rights Day this weekend, let's spare a thought for those who struggle to survive in rural areas, on farms, in the mines and slums of our land.
As we celebrate Human Rights Day, let's commit ourselves to protecting and advancing the rights of workers and women, in particular, from labour brokers and patriarchy, respectively.
Our rights are enshrined in the Constitution and we are all equal before the law, but these rights, and equality, can only be fully realised in practice, according to Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. Thank you. [Applause.]