Madam Speaker, a state is defined by its geographical borders and its ability to protect its territory. The collapse of border control in South Africa is one of the prime reasons for the anarchic state that Gauteng is faced with today. It is the duty of the responsible government to lend a helping hand to neighbours within this region. However, when refugees are able to freely enter a country without scrutiny because the Department of Home Affairs is incapable of regulating the illegal influx of foreigners, national peace is undoubtedly in jeopardy.
Unfulfilled expectations within poor communities, coupled with the presence of an estimated three million Zimbabweans refugees, of which a percentage makes up employees that earn a wage in a country where jobs are scarce, unfortunately, does breed a volcano waiting to erupt. The key factor behind our problems is poor governance which emanates from a lack of skills at certain, if not at all, levels within government. This phenomenon infiltrates to all bureaucratic levels as well.
The only pragmatic method that can save South Africa in the long term from poverty and most of the social ills that we are faced with today is the implementation of quality education for all in order for us to create a highly educated and efficient bureaucracy that will facilitate growth and development.