Hon Chair, let me take this opportunity, once again, to say it has been such a pleasure to participate in this debate. I would like to thank the hardworking hon Deputy Ministers of the Department of International Relations and Co- operation, Dirco, the hardworking directors-general, the deputy directors- general, and, in particular, the hon members, starting with Chairperson Magama. The majority of participants in this debate, from the ruling party, but also from the opposition - almost all speakers - started by saying, well done, Dirco, but then had to scramble for something to say, because I am sure you will not get your salary if you do not have something else to say about what we have done! [Laughter.] [Applause.]
I want to thank the hon members of the ANC who participated in this debate. I would like to single out the hon Skosana for generously sharing the successes of South Africa's foreign policy, the implementation, working together with all the spheres of our society and government. The facts are there to see. Hon Holomisa, you do not have to be a praise singer. We have done our bit. [Applause.] The hon Skosana says we have successfully navigated the uncharted waters of international relations very well. Siyabonga, baba. [Thank you, sir.] [Applause.]
This issue of whether we should be present where we are needed - something about expansionism - is a fallacy. Africans are calling for South Africa to be present for preventive diplomacy and as an early-warning system. We cannot depend on Twitter and Facebook alone. People need to connect with us. They have waited for this moment. They fought with us for our freedom, and that is why we have to work with them. [Applause.] In today's economic climate, one needs a balance between established and emerging markets. That is why we will continue to consolidate our relations with the old, the new and the emerging markets. In the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa grouping, Brics, there is not a single member who has not afforded South Africa an opportunity to accelerate its trade to more than 50% in the few years since we joined.
Regarding the Brics development bank, the decision has been taken. It will be established. The decision was taken here in South Africa. We are looking at the domicile, and we are lobbying that it be here on African soil - you know where I am referring to. Modalities for the formation of this bank, so that it does not become like others, are what our Ministers of Finance are busy with.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the President of Russia for having graciously heeded the call of President Zuma that at the next G20 summit, the African Union and Nepad will be represented, to continue with their development working group. The Minister of Tourism was part of our delegation to Russia, because we have identified this as a new market.
In the ANC-led government, we work as one entity, led by President Jacob Zuma. So, there is no "this department and that department". [Applause.] There is only one department that champions the representation of our foreign policy outside this country. Indeed, we are not a federal state.
Hon Davidson, I think your peers here have given you a free lecture. They were very generous with information. I am sure they would also be ready to organise further workshops about the work we do internationally. [Interjections.] I am just a little disappointed at your not remembering to mention the African Union even once. I do not know if that is a decision of your party, but that was very disappointing.
To all the hon members, we want to say to South Africans in all corners of this country, we will not look back. We will not blink. We will keep our eyes on the ball. We will continue representing South Africa to attain that goal, that vision that our forebears fought for - a better South Africa, a better Africa at peace with itself, working for world peace and development all over, wherever we go. Down with the diplomacy of ...
... batho ba tla reng. [... what will the people say.]
We have all worked together.
Tau t?a hloka seboka di ?itwa ke nare e hlot?a. [United we stand, divided we fall.]
I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.