This brings the independence and objectivity of the NPC and the integrity of its mission into doubt. It may, indeed, be a pious hope that the moral authority of Minister Manuel would successfully shield the NPC from political interference.
The argument is - and this is an argument we support - that we need two virgin Ministries to fix a broken government. Let's face the facts: This democratic government has done many good things since 1994, and we should salute the achievements. [Applause.] But you and, in fact, all of us do not know how to create sustainable jobs under globalisation. We do not know how to build enough houses, neither do we know how to build communities or undo the fragmented social aberrations - those dormitory suburbs - created under apartheid.
Our primary, secondary and tertiary education system has let us down and, frankly, I do not think we know what we are doing. [Interjections.] The poverty levels are our national shame. Inequality levels are as perverse as they are sickening. Children go to bed hungry, without food, a fact most painful to the heart of any parent or individual with a conscience. I recently visited an orphanage in Mbekweni in my hometown of Paarl, and the children there sang to me a song that they sing to fortify themselves when they are hungry at night. You do know that if you took the food thrown out by wasteful families and all the restaurants in this country, there would be enough of it to feed every South African, young and old. Thank you very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]