Hon Speaker, at the outset I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to you for acceding to my request for a debate on this important issue.
This is the first debate of public importance since the year 2000. So, it is chilling to think that in the 19 years of our young democracy the people of South Africa, whom we all collectively represent, have been denied such debates for 13 years.
I know the ANC did not want this debate ... [Interjections.] ... and tried to delay it. But Parliament cannot only debate what the ANC wants to debate, which, as we all know, is consistently dedicated to commemorations, celebrations, congratulations and ceremonies. Those are issues that do not touch the everyday lives of South Africans, and they steer clear of the most important things of all, namely scandals and controversies.
I ask you, sir, is this the democracy that was envisaged for the new South Africa, where debate is now suppressed rather than encouraged; where senior politicians use the country ... [Interjections.]