... and is ill-omened. When you see an owl flying over your house, or at your gate, that is something which is very serious. You must get up and look for a traditional healer to cleanse and deal with the issue. That is the view of the majority of South Africans. That is why I'm saying that whatever we do as government must find resonance with the majority of the people; otherwise, if we don't do that, we will be alienating people who must deal with the issues. That is why I'm saying we must look at that.
Let me give you an example of things that are a challenge to other groups. Some people have suggested to me as a Minister for co-operative governance dealing with local government that the best thing to do - because of the land space not being available - is to cremate our people instead of burying them. When I raised that with people, they turned blue, because to them, the majority, burning a human being is something else because they want to go to the grave and talk to the remains. Therefore, whatever we do, we must be sensitive to the majority of our people. That is why we are raising this owl issue.
You might not believe it, it's your right. South Africa is a democratic country that allows people to practise their beliefs without fear, favour or prejudice. If I believe in it, let me continue. If you don't, let's coexist and understand that there is diversity amongst us. But, irrespective of that, we must remain united as a nation. Thank you. [Applause.]