House Chair, Chair of the NCOP and hon members, let me start off by saying that the International Day of Democracy is a time for all of us around the world to reflect on the value of democracy.
What is also important is that those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a democracy need to look at ways in which we cannot only strengthen our own democracy, but also show solidarity with our fellow human beings who are still living in undemocratic societies.
It is up to each and every one of us to ensure that the flame of democracy is lit throughout the world and burns brighter and brighter.
Democracy is government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme powers vested in the people are exercised directly by them or by the elected agents under a free electoral system; a state of society characterised by formal equality of rights and privileges, political or social equality and democratic spirit; democracy is about the common people of the community, as distinguished from any privileged class; and the common people with respect to their political power.
Democracy needs to deliver on the aspirations of the people and form part of the drive for the creation of a more socially and economically just world.
Here at home, this is an auspicious day on which we should celebrate our people's freedom from oppression and the fact that we overcame a racist, undemocratic regime and replaced it with a democratic dispensation.
Our unique and impressive story is an example to nations around the world. We, in the ID, believe that democracy is not true democracy unless it is a purveyor of social and economic justice.
As an example to other nations in the Third World, South Africa has a leading role to play in negotiations around fair trade and climate change.
We also cannot allow the recognition of our position as a role model to other nations to stand in the way of honesty when it comes to the living conditions of our own people. With more than half of our people living in abject poverty, it is clear that our democracy has not yet translated into something tangible for our people.
Only once we have ensured that increasing numbers of our people taste the fruits of our democracy will we be able to say that as public representatives we have achieved what our people trusted us to deliver.
We have certainly seen some improvements in the lives of our people, but we still have a huge amount of work to do. And until that work is done, true democracy will remain a reality only for the upper echelons of our society. We, in the ID, would therefore like to recommit ourselves to the task at hand.
Let me also just agree with hon M J Mahlangu that we need to have political tolerance so that we can respect each other, so that we can have a better life. I thank you. [Applause.]