Deputy Speaker, in Azapo's book soldiers do not go on strike or take part in industrial action. If they do, we call it mutiny. The country was shocked to see what some members of the Defence Force did at the Union Buildings. Many people, including the Minister, condemned them and called them names.
As Azapo we know that some of those soldiers previously served in the armed forces of the different components of the liberation movement. They did so without pay and at great risk to personal security and life. They sacrificed their youth and life because of their love for their people and country. They are not greedy or ill-disciplined. They are desperate. They cannot make ends meet. They must be paid living wages and their working conditions must be improved. We owe it to them.
It is our hope and prayer that this report will help us to address the needs of our armed forces so that we can restore their dignity. Thank you very much. [Applause.]