The purpose is certainly to improve and change the way government works. This is not a punitive exercise. I don't think we should understand this as a way of bringing into play punitive measures, not at all.
We reiterate that the defining feature of this administration will be to change the way government works. We want government to work faster, better and more efficiently and effectively. I am sure that those who are always pessimistic don't think this is going to happen. It is going to happen. This is not to prove a point; it is just to govern the country properly. That is the idea. [Applause.]
We would greatly benefit from suggestions from Members of Parliament on how to make this exercise a success. That is what we would be keen to hear as we move forward. I am sure hon members will agree that we all have the objective of seeing a prosperous South Africa.
I have argued several times that what we differ about is the route to reach that prosperity. We do not disagree about the fact that we want a functioning South Africa. That is why I am making the point that we should therefore be asking: How do we move forward? Of course, some people may feel that we must do this because we want to be in power so that we can be in the driving seat. That's absolutely correct. But let us be constructive in our role as the opposition, particularly if we don't want to be reminded that the day when the current ruling party is going to be removed from power is very, very far away. [Applause.] If it will ever come. [Applause.] It is very, very far off.
In the meantime, let us make South Africa work. Let us make South Africa a good country. That's very important. [Interjections.] Well, I'm trying not to say what I usually say because there is a Reverend here who doesn't like it. [Laughter.] Shenge!
Hon members, you will agree with me that the 2010 World Cup spirit has truly ignited unprecedented displays of national pride by all South Africans. This very House turned colourful yesterday, owing to the beautiful scarves in the colours of the national flag that we all wore, courtesy of the International Marketing Council that really wants to market South Africa. I sat there and looked at all of us and said to myself: what a wonderful thing. We are all South Africans. Whoever walked in here yesterday would not have been able to say, "This party sits here and that party sits there." Were just South Africans, under the South African flag. Wonderful! [Applause.]
We acknowledge the good work of the International Marketing Council - I think it was displayed yesterday - that reports to the Presidency via Minister Chabane, the Department of Arts and Culture, the GCIS, Sport and Recreation SA, SA Tourism and other agencies that are part of a massive campaign to promote the World Cup amongst South Africans.
The branding and marketing are visible and successful. Keep up the good work. [Applause.] We urge hon members to help us take the campaign to every corner in order to mobilise South Africans to deliver a memorable and successful event.
Hon members, let me re-emphasise the need for us to work together to build our country. We have achieved a lot in the past 16 years; we just have to build on it. This country belongs to all of us.
In closing, let me borrow once again from Inkosi Albert Luthuli's speech to the Congress of Democrats in 1958. Those of us who are old enough will know that he was a man of wise words, and I'm sure Umntwana will agree as he interacted with him. He said: It is often suggested, quite rightly, that democracy was developed in homogeneous communities - in Europe, possibly in Asia to an extent - in communities that were homogeneous in colour. Here in South Africa we are not a homogeneous community, not as far as race and colour are concerned nor possibly even in culture. It is suggested that people in homogeneous communities can very well speak of democracy being shared; but in a community like ours, diverse in very many respects, you can't hope to share democracy. But I personally believe that here in South Africa, with all our diversities of colour and race, we will show the world a new pattern for democracy.
[Applause.]
I think there is a challenge to us in South Africa to set a new example for the world. Let us not side-step that task. What is important is that we can build a homogeneous South Africa on the basis not of colour but of human values.
What wise words! We have actually done exactly what Inkosi Luthuli said we should do, and we are an example to the world, united in our diversity. Let us build on this - an exemplary South Africa for the world. I think we are capable of doing so. I am sure we are all up to the challenge. All of us! Working together, we can do more! All of us! I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.] Debate concluded.