Madam Deputy Speaker, His Excellency the State President of the country and colleagues, political commentators and the media have been unanimous in expressing a very deep disappointment in your state of the nation address.
The Independent on Saturday in KwaZulu-Natal described your speech as lacklustre. The South African nation was hyped up, especially after commemorating 20 years after the release of Madiba; and looking at the World Cup, there was definitely a widespread disappointment.
You set the targets last year and the very fact that you announced certain mechanisms about targets, delivery, etc, is a clear indication that your generals have not followed you, not obeyed you, and that they have let you down.
Also, in respect of the 489 000 jobs that were created, those temporary Extended Public Works job creation projects are not sustainable.
The great problem in our country is that our key parastatals are in crisis. As far as the supply of power is concerned, the MF is glad that you have changed direction on the role of independent producers. But let me express a word of caution: I hope friends are not waiting in the wings.
The MF strongly urges the South African government to commence negotiations with the Ambani Brothers of Reliance and Rattan Tata. Call them to this country and ask them to build our power stations on credit. Build now and pay later!
Mr President, we are creating jobs; we are in a period of austerity. Ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to stop putting negative factors in the path of subsistence fishermen - there is a proposed hike of over 300% for fishing permits. There is a difference between recreational fishermen and subsistence fishermen.
Last year, the MF made certain proposals to look at Prof Ali Awali and learn from the success of India's planning commission. We said manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure must be key factors. I want to also ask you, Mr President, to turn your eyes to KwaZulu-Natal where there is a lacklustre provincial government. EThekwini has no democracy. Intercommunity relationships are in the mud. How can the ANC allow a metro council to be run, not by democratically elected representatives, but by three people from a particular office?
What we need is to move away from race and look at merit. Education in the world knows no nationality, race or barriers and what this country needs is excellent, outstanding management. We have a lot of money for education, but are we training our youth to satisfy South Africa's manpower needs?
The Minister for the Public Service and Administration made an announcement that this country is looking for people from outside with 30% extra salaries. Yet, after 16 years, haven't we trained our own youth to satisfy South Africa's manpower needs?
At the tail end, Mr President, you referred to the great contributions made by South Africans of Indian origin. Ask yourself this one question: Why didn't they come to see the Indian Prime Minister? Why are they apathetic? After 1994, Indians have been marginalised. One of the greatest announcements that can be made during the 150 years celebration is to say to the Indian community that we now regard you as equal South African citizens.
We are all indeed very proud of Madiba; and I am glad, Mr President, that you paid tribute to the late Mr P W Botha. In 1993, Madiba went to visit Mr P W Botha's house and he told the MF leader that the reason was to pay his respects to him because he had the courage to start a peaceful change in our country.
Mr President, I want you to know that Madiba went to visit Mr Rajbansi. Why did he go? Are you aware that Madiba met Mr Rajbansi 40 times when he was the President? What we need in South Africa is to follow Madiba on the path of peace, unity and reconciliation when he said we should join hands and build this country together. Furthermore, we have a lacklustre Minister of Finance and the whole country will blow up in a crisis if nothing is done.
Mr President, the department of sport and recreation in KwaZulu-Natal is in the mud. Mr Rajbansi worked with Inkosi Albert Luthuli as a football administrator; he is the father of football. To recognise his contribution to the World Cup, the presidential suite at Moses Mabida Stadium should be called the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Presidential Suite.
Are we following Madiba? All we are saying today is that we must come back to Madiba; we must come back to Madiba's direction. Come back to the road Madiba has mapped out to build a great South Africa!
Mr President, you said that 2010 is a year for action to work harder, smarter and better. However, let us be mindful of the fact that in a soccer match it is not the dribbling that is important, but the scoring of the goal. Let us commit ourselves, today, to wipe away the tears of suffering from everyone's eyes and deliver them from the shackles of poverty so that there can be a better life for all. Let us march forward. Thank you.