Hon Speaker, it is cause for concern that the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Mr Jeremy Cronin, attacked Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi when he went out to buy flowers in Adderley Street. Events such as the state of the nation address should not impact negatively on local businesses and, as Prince Buthelezi showed, being a leader means promoting local businesses through your wallet.
Mr Cronin clearly walks the route of ignorance and has not internalised the hardship and poverty of our people. Even the Speaker has thanked Prince Buthelezi for his action.
Through the comments he expressed on this issue, Mr Cronin has shown that he is a communist by name and a yellow communist by lifestyle, as his lavish living in Rondebosch has separated him from the needs of our people on the ground. [Laughter.]
If he had taken the time to meet the flower sellers and hear their issues, he would have understood that selling flowers is their livelihood and that they rely on Valentine's Day to boost their businesses and create a better life for themselves and their families. [Applause.] They did not need to be impeded by a government that claims to be on their side.