Chairperson, the ACDP believes that it is appropriate that we reflect today on how far we have come as a nation, from the tragedy of Sharpeville to those momentous events leading to the release of former President Nelson Mandela 20 years ago and to negotiations culminating in peaceful elections and a new Constitution.
Let us remember the words of the interim Constitution that stated that it provided, and I quote:
... a historic bridge between the past of a deeply divided society characterised by strife, conflict, untold suffering and injustice, and a future founded on the recognition of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence and development opportunities for all South Africans, irrespective of colour, race, class, belief or sex.
It is crucial to remember that it was a solemn pact that was agreed upon, recorded in the constitutional principles which formed the basis of the new Constitution. We need to remind ourselves of this and to uphold that solemn pact.
We are very aware that the main thrust of the Bill of Rights relates to first-generation rights, civil and political rights, the right to life, the right to vote, to a fair trial and to freedom of speech. Much has been achieved in this regard. South Africa also included second- and third-generation rights, socioeconomic rights, as enforceable human rights. These rights include the right to adequate housing, health care, food, social security and education. Disadvantaged and vulnerable groups are intended to be the main beneficiaries of these rights. Generally, these are people who are most affected by poverty and experience a number of barriers that block access to resources, opportunities and services in society.
By including these rights, South Africans said that no person should be without the basic necessities of life. Regrettably, hon members, there is a wide gap between the caring values of these socioeconomic rights and the reality of grinding poverty in South Africa.
The prospect for ending poverty depends critically on two factors: firstly, the rate of economic growth, provided it is undertaken in a shared and sustainable way, and secondly, the level of resources devoted to poverty programmes and the quality of such programmes.
Economic development encompasses the reduction or elimination of poverty, inequality and unemployment within the context of a growing economy. Economic growth is dependent upon education, skills development, productivity and entrepreneurship, access to capital and markets.
As we live in a global village, it is also dependent upon investor sentiment, which is particularly jittery with regard to emergent markets. Irresponsible calls to nationalise mines and productive farms do not do our cause any good, to say nothing about songs such as "Kill the Farmer, kill the Boer".
Whilst we may have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, we still have a long way to go before the full realisation of socioeconomic rights is achieved. One need only look at the widespread service delivery protests to understand that the very fabric of our constitutional dispensation is under threat, as promises are unfulfilled in the eyes of the poor and the marginalised. Therein lies the challenge for each of us as we prepare to celebrate this Human Rights Day. I thank you. [Applause.]