... which precipitated the current global economic crisis.
Mr President, I take this opportunity to applaud labour, business and community-based organisations for their participation in the National Economic Development and Labour Council, Nedlac. We set up institutions like this to foster social dialogue, and to facilitate consensus on issues of social and economic policy.
United action requires the involvement of civil-society organisations. South Africa has a rich history of social activism buttressed by a vibrant civil society.
In the 1980s, with solidarity support from the international community, we created a state of dual power throughout black communities in which organisations such as Sached, the SA Committee on Higher Education Trust, the National Education Crisis Committee, the SA Council of Churches, the network of advice offices together with the Black Sash and various other civic movements provided alternative services and built people's institutions for people's power. Investment in strengthening this tradition will ensure that we emerge victorious against racism, sexism, poverty and underdevelopment.
In addition, we will further rely on the influence and space that faith- based organisations occupy in our society. These are organisations that must help us instil the values espoused in our Constitution. These values include human, civil and political rights as well as social, economic and cultural rights.
I can say proudly that, generally, faith-based organisations have been supportive of progressive policies that promote gender equality.
Ngalokho ngithi, Malibongwe! [To that I say, let it be praised!]
Mr President, it is our task not only to build South Africa, but to build a collective South African and African identity. To do this, we need to move from so-called tolerance towards acceptance of progressive customs and traditions. I want to emphasise that many of the immutable values such as mutual respect, dignity and integrity are embedded in the cultures of most South Africans.
Mongameli, ngifuna ukuthi uma ngifuna ukuhlaba inkomo kwami, umakhelwane wami angaphatheki kabi ... [Mr President, I want my neighbour not to be overly concerned when I slaughter a cow at my house ...]
... because that is how I communicate and relate to my ancestors. So, that is the understanding we are fighting for.
There was a point in our history when young African intellectuals emerged from mission schools to translate their education into practical scenarios that responded to the challenges of their times. That is what our country needs currently: an emergence of professionals and intellectuals that help us respond to the development needs of our country.
In this regard, we need to invite black intellectuals in particular to be part of the social discourse, and ensure that we accept original views regardless of race or gender. They must come up with fruitful views on how to take the country forward.
We need organic intellectuals who grow out of our communities and use those experiences to shape a better country for all citizens. Even in our universities, we need staff and students to broaden their horizons. They must never be concerned about how high-flown their ideas are, but rather how grounded those ideas are. [Applause.]
In conclusion, I must emphasise that we need to build social capital as key to dealing with the challenges we face, and ultimately in creating a prosperous and caring society. I therefore commend and applaud the many NGOs, faith-based organisations, development agencies and academia, among other partners, who continue to work jointly with us to create a better life for all our people. They have realised that it is our collective responsibility to make South Africa a better place for all its citizens. Truly, working together we can do more. The ANC supports this Vote. [Applause.]