The transformation of fisheries in this country is pivotal for two reasons. The poor people of our country who live in coastal towns were put in a position where they did not have a relationship with the environment in which they live. Today, as a result of their fights and struggles in the coastal towns, they are being rewarded by all of us. To them we say that we approve of the fact that they stood up for themselves and fought those who did not understand the lives of people living in coastal environments.
It was they who, in the public hearings, put it into context that it was not only about exploiting the marine species, but also about conserving the marine species in order for generations to come to live with them. It was not only about eating the fish, thinking that people should grab as much fish as they could, but also about their understanding that some of these species in the coastal environment were endangered. The people sitting in that gallery understand sustainable development and the co-existence of two species.
We must also stop this habit of using our people and their plight on the eve of elections. Our people live in poverty, and we must not just rush into doing things for which we do not have a plan. You must tell the people the truth. It is not true that come tomorrow or next year June Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson will have a clear plan for implementation. She is promising the people certain things. Don't raise the expectations of our people. What we are doing today is that we are laying a foundation to make sure ...