Chairperson, it may be helpful to recognise that our economy cannot grow to where it needs to be with 52 million people. But with more than 800 million people on the continent of Africa, there is enormous potential to expand. As someone put it, South African land is being used up. We need to expand into other areas of Africa. We are also no longer a country producing low-cost goods, and must, of necessity, integrate into markets in Africa.
As hon Van der Merwe has mentioned, "as we plan and discuss, other countries are steaming ahead." This was a good point and a point taken. He also mentioned Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Brics, since South Africa will be hosting its fifth summit in March next year. Noticeably, Brics countries have divergent economic and political interests, especially regarding the relationship of each state with its citizens.
It seems as if South Africa is able to separate democracy and economics when it suits us. Hon Mubu quoted Tony Leon saying, "South African policy has moved away from the policy of Mandela's day". He also mentioned the inconsistencies regarding human rights issues in other countries.
An observation I found interesting, which was made by Brics partners recently, is that South Africa is perceived as ungovernable. The point being that to belong to Brics, you must be able to govern. The e-toll catastrophe and wild-cat strikes have created the impression that South Africa's commitment to liberalism prevents us from governing while billions of rands are being lost.
I will close by summarising words by the hon Van der Merwe in my own way: "To be the best that we can be, every one of us is important." I am leaving a question out there because the importance of this debate today is that the public picks up on it and actually makes it their own. Does South Africa have a national interest common to us in all our diversity? Is this national interest served by our international relations policies and priorities? I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.