Speaker, the death of 24 people in a horror bus crash over the weekend is something that has left the people of the Western Cape, and the community of Khayelitsha in particular, in deep pain and despair.
On behalf of the DA, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones. It is with great sadness and some discomfort that we learn of families losing loved ones in such a horrific manner. What becomes even more painful is when these families have to bury their loved ones from empty pockets because of the attack of poverty that we always see in our communities. But we do want to express appreciation for the role played by the provincial government of the Western Cape in providing counselling and other support.
Furthermore, we appreciate the role played by the City of Cape Town in taking some responsibility and supporting the families where needed.
Siyabancoma. [We admire them for doing a good deed.]
We appeal to the business community, the religious community and any other interested party that wishes to come forward and assist in this difficult time. We say to Avbob, as one of their people has indicated ...
... masingcwabeni aba bantu. Ukufa akuqheleki kwaye kubuhlungu. Kufandini, uza kuncama kwesi isihlandlo! [... let us bury these people. Death is not something you become familiar with and it is painful. Death, this time you will give up!] [Time expired.] [Applause.]