Chair, the statement made by the hon Groenewald is very divisive and very irresponsible. To stand in this House and justify an irresponsible act in a country where victims of racism took the trouble to forgive both the perpetrators of racism as well as those who benefited from it is unfortunate and divisive.
The actions of the said gentleman were deceptive, provocative and also divisive. He took the Canadian government for a ride by applying for asylum on the basis of deception and lies. For an hon member to stand here in this House and defend that is extremely sad. What we need to say is that his very ability to go to Canada is still part of the legacy of racism from which he benefitted. For our government and for the people of South Africa - black and white - it is good that our people have condemned and rejected his reasons overwhelmingly. We need to continue to ask our people to strive for a nonracial society and not accept insults or attacks on victims of racism when they have forgiven their perpetrators in a generous spirit. Thank you. [Applause.]