Agb Voorsitter, hierdie debat is inderdaad baie belangrik. Ons moet dit baie meer hou, maar aan die einde daarvan ook sorg dat iets gedoen word aan die gebreke wat gedentifiseer word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Adv A D ALBERTS: Hon Chairperson, this debate is indeed very important. We must have it more regularly, but in the end we must also ensure that something is done about the shortcomings that have been identified.]
Much of the reason that human right abuses are still prevalent in South Africa today can be attributed to government's own policies and inaction. It stretches from the inability to deliver proper services to the implementation of policies that are self-destructive. So, today we are taking hands to show government where it is going wrong.
Firstly, the continued implementation of affirmative action, which keeps experienced white people out of jobs, especially government jobs, does not only affect the nondesignated persons but all of South Africa, as it seriously impedes the state's ability to provide proper services, especially for the poorest of the poor. So, one thing leads to another. This country's economy will grow for everyone once we rid ourselves of this form of discrimination.
Secondly, the state's inability to curb corruption is a serious threat to the human rights of all the people but also to the effective existence of the state itself. Thirdly, the state's blindness in managing language diversity properly is a serious impediment to social cohesion and you will see this once the Afrikaans community embarks on protest action against the languages Bill.
Fourthly, the changing of city and street names without considering the double-name option and solution will lead to increased future protests. Lastly, the inability of government to curb farm murders will have serious repercussions for future food security - this being a human right too. Once again, one thing leads to another. They are all connected.
Taken together - and this is by no means a complete set of problems - a valid case for breach of international human rights instruments can be made. An amount of 48 members of the EU has done so against farm murders and this will be a growing trend internationally.
Dit is tyd vir die ANC-regering om te besef die wittebrood is verby. Moue moet opgerol word en hande moet vuilgemaak word om die land werklik gelyk en regverdig te maak. Op hierdie oomblik word daar net lippediens gedoen aangaande diversiteit en menseregte vir almal en dit is baie jammer. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[It is time for the ANC government to realise that the honeymoon is over. Sleeves need to be rolled up and hands need to get dirty to really bring about equality and justice in the country. At this point only lip service is being paid regarding diversity and human rights for all and that is a pity.]