Speaker, through you to the hon President, reading through the different reasons the credit agencies gave for their downgrade offers us an ominous warning of the many challenges that we will have to confront as a nation if we wish to restore investor confidence and signal that South Africa is a stable economy in which to do business. One of the problems that were identified is that the government is giving mixed messages and is failing to provide clear policy direction. On that point, the hon Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries told protesting farm workers this week that no farm worker would face criminal charges for taking part in the violent strike and protest action and that she would speak to the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, to ensure that all cases of intimidation and public violence are withdrawn.
Hon President, this is arguing directly against the rule of law in South Africa, and surely it cannot be the policy of this government. If it isn't, will you then be taking harsh action against this Minister and distancing the government from her destructive utterances, which are inciting people to take part in violent wild-cat strikes and signalling to the world that we do not respect the rule of law? I thank you. [Applause.]