Deputy Speaker, honourable President and the Deputy President, hon members, listening to the delivery of the address by the President, one was left astounded as to whither this country is destined. Whilst in some circles it is expected that repetition enhances assimilation and understanding, one never bargained for such repetition from such an office or to such an extent.
On an occasion like a speech from the head of state, people expect pertinent issues to be addressed. Millions of the unemployed look forward to be reassured that employment is within reach, not the monotonous and sterile saying that there has been an economic meltdown. All they need is to earn an honest living through the sweat of their brow as they were promised or they would get better jobs if they voted for the party in question. Now is the time to deliver on such a promise.
Victims of crime want to know if there will be urgency in ensuring that justice is carried out. They live on the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied. Parents want to know when their children will receive decent education. The hackneyed statement of good results carries no weight when children are made to pass at 30%. Imagine a doctor who has to operate on a patient whilst he knows only 30% of what has to be done. [Laughter.] This applies to all professions. When people opted and voted for democracy, they never imagined that they were getting themselves into some form of adulterated education.
The issue of e-tolling that is about to turn the country into a battlefield went unsaid by the President, as if it is a nonevent. Could it be that it does not matter, as those in charge go past those existing tollgates without having to stop? To the average citizen, it is these tollgates that cause concern and the President missed a golden opportunity to address it.
It is not a matter to be left untouched when Cosatu, the affiliate of the ruling party, turns our roads into slow drives at the drop of a hat.
The fact that the National Development Plan has been accepted by all in this country cannot be gainsaid. The rub lies in its implementation. The question is not how those million of jobs will be created; it is the detail that has to come forward. We reiterate it here and now that the NDP was put together in the most democratic and consultative way.
The envisaged implementation of the National Health Insurance Plan in 2014 was set for a big surprise when hospitals were imploding with inefficiency. Whether you go to George Masebe Hospital in Limpopo, Moses Kotane in the North West, Charlotte Maxeke or Chris Hani Baragwanath in Gauteng, it is all ineptitude at its best. One wonders where the wisdom is in naming these failing institutions after stalwarts of the struggle when people who work there have no pride in them. Surely those after whom these centres have been named are turning in their graves because of this disgrace.
We in the UCDP believe that teaching is a labour of love. It boggles the mind that the President can go to such lengths to justify striking by teachers and virtually retract or modify the resolution to declare teaching an essential service in the way the expression is known worldwide. As much as the teachers have a right to strike, the pupil's right to education and learning is equally entrenched in the Constitution. The interests of both parties have to be addressed and met by government.
Ordinary citizens are always told that this government has, in an unprecedented manner, provided electricity to so many houses in so many years. The very citizens at Seolong, Makoshong or even at Sakutswane are surprised when the same government that boasts of providing electricity claims that its hands are tied when it comes to tariff hikes.
We all support the strong words the President used in speaking against children and women abuse. We hope and believe that the instant and specialised courts that the President spoke of are not only a sweetener and measure to appease the aggrieved. Let us see them spring into action.
Notwithstanding that the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission identified 10 major roads in the North West as a priority last year, nothing has come out of that. The Koster-Lichtenburg road, which was due for completion before the 2010 Fifa World Cup, is yet to be completed and has deteriorated further. This is one route that could serve as an alternative to the most expensive tollgate in the Republic of South Africa, the Swartruggens Tollgate. It is high time that the priority status of the road is re prioritised. Quite interestingly, even Minister Gigaba, in his recitation on the achievements of the party in these other things, said nothing about this.
The UCDP welcomes the envisaged filling of all vacant posts in the criminal justice system, but pleads that they should be men and women of substance. In the case of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, we pray that it be someone who will, at least, complete the set term of office. So far, almost all of them left office with their heads hanging in shame.
We have noted with trepidation that the new tax regime is on the way. We shall watch this space! Come next week we will have our eyes wide open. [Applause.]