Kushushu, Somlomo [It is hot, Speaker.] [Laughter.]
Here we see a blatant partisan reflex reaction, informed by narrow electioneering rather than a careful consideration of matters of national security. Of course, such matters of national security should not be abused by either government officials or political parties. Security concerns around the strategic institutions and infrastructure must be located within the current global context, where terrorist activities are on the rise and South Africa - playing an ever-increasing role on the African continent and in the world - becomes more exposed, including the head of state.
Incidentally, I am struck by the contrast in approach and the reluctance of the DA to embrace our attempts to review the expropriation legislation from the apartheid era and to bring it into line with the Constitution. We have seen similar resistance from the DA on the issue of the military veterans, where they stood squarely for the old apartheid security and militia establishment.
Then you wonder where the heart of the DA is and whose interests it is prepared to defend? Reference to apartheid legislation that needs to be reviewed is often very selective and desperately lacks consistency and honesty. The House does not need me to point that out. Where there is a perceived threat to white privilege and vested interest, the DA will always show its true colours, sometimes putting its young, gullible and often black unsuspecting members to speak on issues whose nuances and deeper implications may not be readily obvious. [Interjections.]
So, what is hon Mazibuko asking for? Is she suggesting that there is no need for security legislation governing critical infrastructure in South Africa? Is she suggesting that a democratic state does not need to keep some things confidential, the kind of categories listed in the details which we are talking about? Is she suggesting that the plans of the critical infrastructure be posted to the WikiLeaks website? Is she not aware that every democratic state in the world has enacted legislation to protect the security of its citizens, including the protection of the strategic infrastructure and the heads of states.
Of course, hon Mazibuko is aware of these facts; hence the publicity stunt this week and the release of a private member's Bill for the sole purpose of attracting media exposure, because that is where she campaigns. This action was both premature and presumptuous - with no attempt to consult the relevant stakeholders - but ultimately, largely irrelevant. The DA will not succeed in attempts to bypass the democratic parliamentary processes. [Interjections.]
So, what are we left with? In fact, hon Mazibuko agrees with us about the need to review apartheid legislation. She agrees that we need some kind of security legislation. So, we are debating about the content of such legislation, basically dealing with appropriate criteria and powers.
Indeed, the Minister of Police has already announced a review of the existing legislation, a process that will be managed through this House in the usual way, and they will participate in that process. We are bound to ask, why the media hype? Why now? Seemingly, the DA was not previously concerned with this particular piece of legislation. Could it be that this is one more manifestation of the DA's irrational obsession with demonising the President of the Republic, their preoccupation with the Nkandla security upgrades? [Interjections.]
Perhaps there is something we don't know. You have requested the Public Protector to conduct an investigation. Even before you get the report you already know the findings and the recommendations. It means there is something going on here. You are telling us something about this investigation. [Applause.] Could it be that, as the various processes looking at the Nkandla security upgrade come to a head, you already know a lot in terms of those processes and even other processes? Is this the last desperate bid for attention by the DA before the completion of the various investigation processes before they have to actually engage with the facts? [Applause.]
I have repeated my own position on this matter on various occasions. In October last year, I ordered an investigation by the Department of Public Works into the implementation of the security upgrade. My decision to investigate was based on the following principles, which I shared with Parliament. I said I will not play politics with the security of the President, and I prefer to err on the side of caution; hence the investigation and the report, which was provided to a committee of this House. We have also co-operated with the Public Protector. Perhaps you know the results, but it speaks volumes that you know the results, as you are claiming. [Interjections.]
It is therefore completely incorrect to allege, as the hon Mazibuko does, that the security legislation is being used to cover up corruption. Where corruption exists or is suspected, we should tackle it without fear or favour, but we must never trample on national security and national interest in the process. Never use a four-pound hammer to kill a fly on a window. [Interjections.]
In the paranoid world of the DA, South Africa is a secretive police state. Nothing could be further from the truth. The DA needs to step back and look at the bigger picture. [Interjections.] [Time expired.] [Applause.]