Chairperson, at the recent dinner in Limpopo, the hon Chairperson of this House, Mahlangu, raised the most critical question regarding today's very topical debate on Africa. He asked, "What went wrong with Africa?" I want to add Cope's voice to that question.
A continent alive with opportunities, wealth and prosperity, but in all reality a continent that cannot rid itself of the stench of poverty, the hardship of oppression, the images of fruitless wars and dictatorships, crippling disease and the looting of state resources. Because of this, Afro- pessimism labels Africa as the dark continent of the world.
But on the eve of hosting the biggest and most glorious sports event in the world and on behalf of Africa, South Africa can boast as a nation that we have paved the way for millions of Africans. By presenting alternatives, creating hope and building a future built on the principles of freedom, respect, and equality, South Africa, through qualitative leadership influenced by, inter alia, Nelson Mandela, F W de Klerk and Thabo Mbeki and implemented by many respectful and credible leaders, became a beacon of hope. That was through decisive leadership!
The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Kenya, Wangari Maathai, remarked:
One of the major tragedies of postcolonial Africa is that the African people have trusted their leaders, but only a few of those leaders have honoured that trust.
The answer to our extremely relevant question is not far removed from this notion of credible leadership. Must Africa be satisfied with mediocre leaders who, in the name of liberalisation, destroy the principles of constitutions? Must Africa be satisfied to remain the skunk of the world whilst warlords, military juntas and the politically connected loot the wealth of their country? Or must we as Africans remain patient whilst the neglect of our people reflects in the rising infant mortality rate and the declining levels of our education?
No, the voices of credible African leaders must fill the boardrooms and chambers of the world. Africa cannot remain the stepchild of the world, living on grants and handouts from the developed world. We must take responsibility for our future. I also want to drive an African car.
The reality that freedom brings responsibility must always be superior in our behaviour and conduct. This freedom also presents opportunities to us as Africans to make our place of birth and the home of our ancestors the continent of hope and prosperity. Through visionary leadership, the opportunities created by globalisation and climate change must be used. Credible institutions, a transparent and participative democracy, effective and efficient governance, commitment to all the people who elect us and other representatives in all spheres of government, must be the glue that cements us together.
But as leaders, we must reinstate the trust of the people who elected us. This is the answer to the question of the hon Mahlangu. The majority of African leaders have betrayed the trust that their own people put in them. As Africans, we must put the interests of our continent and our people first again. Only then will we achieve sustainable democracy, unity, peace and prosperity in Africa. [Interjections.] [Time expired.]
I thank you. [Applause.]