Deputy Speaker, let me give just two short responses. The first one is to hon Kganare, who is misleading the public and this House with his false claim that my department and I are muzzling the debate on the amendments in the NCOP.
The truth is that we as a department were invited by the committee to comment on issues that had been raised during the public hearing and their consideration of this as a committee. As a department we respected that committee and we went there twice. We were twice invited by the committee to make such responses, and we did make those responses.
In the last meeting, the committee concluded that they would consider all the responses, including our input, which had alternatives. On issues where we agreed with the committee we indicated this; and on issues where we cautioned the committee, we provided an alternative in order to solve the issues. The committee agreed to adjourn the meeting so that they could go and consider the issues.
Cope and its new mother, the DA, have tantrums - they sit in committees, agree and then run outside the committee and make these statements. Since yesterday they have been trying to make these false accusations. The chairperson of the committee, Mr Tau in the NCOP, responded correctly yesterday, to lay the matter to rest. I would like to emphasise that the member is misleading the public and this House with his false accusations.
The second response, Madam Deputy Speaker ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Some of us want to hear.
... is to the statement where the hon Dreyer said, "Woza 2014!" ["Come, 2014!"] We as the ANC also say, "Woza 2014!" ["Come, 2014!"] [Applause.]
What we have seen today is that the DA is celebrating 16% and 20%. As the ANC we celebrate victories; we do not celebrate losses! [Applause.] The reality is that our public are starting to see through the racist policies of the DA. Our public are starting to see through the intimidation and fear tactics of the DA. Our public will never abandon the liberation movement, the ANC. I thank you. [Applause.]
I see the hon Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform. [Interjections.] Hon members, Ministers are responding! Please!