Thank you, Deputy Speaker. As I have indicated, we will work closely with the Minister of Labour to deal with the issues of the trade unions that are organised in this sector, but also which are responsible and can also take responsibility for their actions.
A task team is being established to deal with issues such as ensuring that stakeholders have a common understanding of collective bargaining and other events; the importance of leadership on all sides in the industry; the need for security; the elimination of loopholes; and ensuring improved social and living conditions in mining areas as articulated in the Mining Charter. These are the essentials as we move forward.
Finally, I would like to make an appeal to this House: Let us share in our nation's collective grief, and not use this event as a way to score points. All members need to be ready to exercise restraint when it comes to rushing into judgment. Let's allow the President and the commission of inquiry to go out and ensure that it makes all the necessary findings. We must not try to mislead the nation. As we stand here today, we need to make sure that we bow our heads in recognition of all those who passed on, including the police officers who were unfortunately killed in this event.
No one wishes anyone to hold back on sincerely held views and factual and constructive criticism. We welcome that. But, with at least one formerly buoyant part of our mining industry facing onerous new challenges, it can be hoped that the net effect of comment will be to allow the inquiry to run its course without prejudgement, and to help secure and not damage our common future.
Once more, we welcome and we will support and co-operate with the commission of inquiry that has been called for by the President. I must also indicate that, as we deal with the House, we will continue to take leadership without fear, and lead from the front, and we will not, as the Department of Mineral Resources, on behalf of government, continue to heckle. We will find solutions that contribute towards creating a stable South Africa. We are committed to that. As we speak today, we will go back to the ground and work on the ground and not go there to score points and pose for TV cameras. We will do the actual work. Thank you.