Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that 3 December is the International Day for Disabled Persons;
2) further notes that the annual observance of the day aims to increase understanding and awareness of disability issues and trends, and to mobilise support for practical action at all levels by, with and for persons with disabilities;
3) recognises the oftentimes unnecessarily difficult circumstances these citizens are faced with due to a lack of compassion and willingness to accommodate their needs in our country; and
4) calls on all South Africans, and especially those in positions of power, to do more to assist persons with disabilities and to ensure that whatever actions they undertake do not add to create a disabling environment for anyone.
If there are no objections, I put the motion ...
Deputy Speaker, I don't think we can accept the motion with that clause or section that says we apologise to disabled people. I think, given that it is a motion that the House is being asked to adopt, it perhaps should be in a more positive vein in saying that we undertake to do more to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities, rather than apologising, because I am not sure what the basis of the apology is; and given that there isn't an agreement on a basis without detracting from the need to act, I do think given the House adopting such an important resolution, it should say that we undertake to strengthen our actions in this regard rather than apologising.
Alright, with that ...
Can I help you, Madam Deputy Speaker? Madam Deputy Speaker, I am happy to excise clause 3, which will help the hon Minister.
Can we then agree to the motion as amended? Are there any further motions without notice?
Agreed to.