... no improvement made to other people, to those who were disadvantaged. In fact, it is as if they have not started. [Interjections.] If anything, they are called refugees in their own country! [Interjections.] [Applause.]
That is a continuation of that system that still remains in some people's minds - that, in South Africa, if you move from one place to another, you have got to be called a refugee because you have come to somebody else's place. That is a problem. If you don't understand where the black majority comes from, then you are going to dream the whole day, probably for two days, in Parliament. [Laughter.] [Applause.] [Interjections.]
It must also be noted that the majority of beneficiaries of social grants, 11 million specifically, are vulnerable children. The rest of the beneficiaries are older persons receiving the old age pension, persons with disability, military veterans, and other vulnerable persons. Social grants therefore assist vulnerable members of our society. [Applause.]
The hon Van Wyk reminded us of the good story and the progress being made in the fight against crime, including the expansion of the police station network around the country. This is in addition to an extensive expansion of access to justice through the building of more courts. A total of 43 new courts have been built since 1994, and nine of these courts were built in the 2009 to 2013 period. This is but one effective way of promoting access to justice.
Hon members, one of the good stories of our freedom is the transformation of the SA National Defence Force, SANDF, into a force for peace which is highly regarded on the African continent and worldwide, due to the role we play in peacekeeping. Tomorrow, we will celebrate Armed Forces Day in Bloemfontein. We will pay tribute to the men and women who serve this country with pride and dedication. [Applause.] We will also pay tribute to the first Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, President Nelson Mandela. [Applause.]
This year, all nations the world over mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War in 1914. More than 16 million people died in the war, including 616 black soldiers, who died when the South African ship, the SS Mendi, sank in English waters on the morning of 21 February 1917. In memory of the many South Africans who died in the War, and in every other conflict, our country will continue to work even harder for the realisation of world peace and a better life, globally, and on our continent, in particular.
In this context, we shall selflessly work harder for the immediate establishment of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises, and the long overdue critical reform of the United Nations to consolidate world peace. The First World War commemoration will also accord us the opportunity to honour our war veterans and military veterans.
Compatriots, we have noted the appeal of the hon Oriani-Ambrosini about the decriminalisation of marijuana for medical use. I was touched to see the man I have known and worked with for more than 20 years in this condition. I have asked the Minister of Health to look into this matter. [Applause.]
The hon Mfundisi raised the lack of progress in the building of the road between Koster and Lichtenburg. The Presidential Infrastructure Co- ordinating Commission technical team has informed me that a contract was awarded by the North West province at the beginning of last year, to refurbish 50 kilometres of road between Koster and Lichtenburg.
Work did commence on the road. However, one of the unsuccessful bidders took legal action against the provincial department responsible. By the time the matter went to court in November 2013, the department had already mutually terminated the contract, which had achieved 87% completion of the work. One stretch of road was left incomplete, and it is this that poses a hazard for road users. The provincial government is working on the procurement process to ensure that the road is maintained and is also completed in the first quarter of this year.
The state of the nation address gave us a short overview of the good South African story. The full story will be found in the 20-year review document that will be launched next month. [Applause.] There have also been reports from Goldman Sachs, as well as Ernst & Young, which give an account of what this country has achieved and the work that still needs to be done. It is a proud story of the success of a people determined to change their country for the better.
In other words, the good story is not told by the ANC-led government only. It is told by independent researchers. [Interjections.] Only those who may be living in other countries will tell a different story - or those, perhaps, influenced by certain things, including oppositional kinds of positions, etc, to satisfy their wishes, because if you are in opposition, you must always try to disagree, even if you don't need to. We appreciate that. [Laughter.] We appreciate that. This is a democracy. [Applause.]
The story of a good South Africa is told by those who look at it with no agenda. They tell a good story. [Applause.] I can tell you, as predicted by my hon friend, people know who make the good stories, and on 7 May they will tell a story of who made these. [Applause.] There are no doubts! Those who were the prophets, taking people to some green pastures of a wonderful organisation ... [Interjections.] The prophets, the real prophets will realise that their prophecy is not working and can't work. [Laughter.] [Applause.] The fact of the matter is that the population of this country has an organisation they know belongs to them. It works for them. It liberated them. It is going to change South Africa for them!
HON MEMBERS: Yes! [Applause.]