Chairperson, hon President, premiers and all members present here, our debate is about finding solutions together to achieve a better quality of life for all. Mr President, I want to say here, openly and boldly, that you have my support, as well as the support of my party on this one. [Applause.]
Our history reserves a very high place for our many heroes who fought and died to liberate us. Today it is not government itself that is oppressing the people. Sadly, and in many cases today, it is many of the cadres who were appointed to high places who are doing so. They seek personal riches. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
President, the solution is very simple: Let all offenders, without dilly- dallying, face the full might of the law. [Interjections.] The President must ensure that this government makes an example of those who refuse to work sincerely, honestly and in the interests of the people. Achieving the goal of a better quality of life for all can only come about through weeding out those who do not belong in government or the Public Service.
Chairperson, it is very disheartening to see how many of our trusted leaders with struggle credentials, who now occupy very senior positions, are abusing their offices and positions. [Interjections.]
Let me illustrate what I mean by referring to the fiasco that is playing out in the municipality of Setsoto in the Free State. There, the mayor and the council unanimously suspended the municipal manager for alleged corrupt activities and an inability to perform. Just as the suspension letter was about to be served on the municipal manager, the ANC regional secretary intervened on the basis that the municipal manager was appointed by the ANC and only the ANC could remove him from his position.
I don't think that you, Mr President, will agree with that. [Interjections.] I humbly request the President to investigate these allegations, because they go to the heart of what is ailing governance in our country today. Especially at the level of local government, there are too many political bosses. If we are serious about achieving our goal of a better life for all, we cannot allow such things to happen. That is just one example. [Interjections.]
Let me, therefore, come to the solution. True freedom fighters remain true to the cause. They do not compromise themselves; they do not become corrupt; and they never let the people down. They would rather lay down their lives.
Chairperson, there are many who go around disguised as true comrades, but they are tsotsis [criminals] and thugs. [Applause.] Let us desist from cover-ups. A true freedom fighter will never be corrupt. One cannot call these thugs comrades. They are thugs. They are selfish and cruel; they are killing the dream of a better life for all. We are sitting with these problems, especially in local government, where there are fires burning in almost all the towns. [Interjections.] One of the reasons is the incompetent people we are appointing to positions. Thank you very much, Chairperson.