Mr Speaker, the MF conveys its heartfelt condolences and messages of strength, courage and fortitude to all families and friends that lost their loved ones in the Marikana tragedy. May peace be upon all the deceased and, through the grace of God Almighty, may their souls rest in peace.
The MF welcomes the judicial commission of inquiry and we support the President. Today, indeed, I am reminded of the profound words of Madiba, who said:
There must never be any form of oppression ever again in our beautiful land, South Africa, and there must be peace and jobs for all.
Mahatma Gandhi once said:
Those who embark on a journey of goals with vengeance will make the whole world go blind. The MF urges all not to deviate from this cause and the teachings of our iconic leaders. We condemn any form of violence. We must indeed restore peace in our land and must ensure that the gap between the rich and the poor is undoubtedly addressed.
The days of how we operated in the past are over. There must be dispute resolutions put in place to resolve disputes and grievances. We must also ask the question: Why was the dispute resolution grievance not invoked? Who were the leaders that failed to invoke grievance procedures that resulted in the tragic loss of so many workers' lives? Everyone has the right to life. Those officials who took irresponsible decisions and made people engage in unlawful protest have to be dealt with in terms of the law.
The MF is concerned. Why do our police become trigger-happy when the interests of business are at stake? Are the lives of our people still being controlled by capitalism?
I also want to pledge as the MF that all those responsible for irresponsible decisions be thoroughly investigated. We distance ourselves from any insinuation and allegation that we are operating in the predemocracy and deny such allegation. Government has the right and responsibility to protect lives.
The honour of true leaders must be derived from fighting for the good of society and not from advancing a political or manipulative agenda.
When dealing with the poor and destitute it's better to let the mind work before the tongue, rather than letting the tongue work before the mind, making empty promises.
The MF cherishes the hope that there would never ever again be a tragedy like the Marikana massacre - ever again. Let the spirit of humility and brotherhood prevail against the evil forces. We pray that God Almighty will look over all of us with His protective shield as we continue to pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace.
Leaders need to seriously take heed of challenges to ensure that the violation of the rights of workers and citizens never be practised, so that the sociopolitical development and freedom of our country can be guaranteed. The challenge that we currently face in our country is the only fight that we fight for peace. And peace will always prevail over evil. I thank you.