We need to remember that visitors to this House need to be left with a good impression - even more so those sitting at home, who look up to the public representatives here. That is why members need to behave in a mature, constructive and responsible manner.
This is an elderly lady of 80 who has come to Parliament for the first time. I don't think it is appropriate for such a person to leave with that impression. If this old lady had this impression, I wonder about those sitting far away who are not able to pass on remarks about their impressions. I think we need to do something about our behaviour. [Interjections.]
I thought I should share with you what she said. She said that people could disagree, but not in such a manner. I am sure she did not understand what was happening. [Interjections.] I know that when some people make a point, they do so with force and they may sound a certain way, signifying nothing. I can imagine this old lady is looking at this saying, "Kanti kuyaliwa yini lapha?" [Are we fighting here?]
It is absolutely enjoyable. I said to her, "No, mama, this is democracy and in a democracy people do whatever they like." At times they go overboard, of course. The word "democracy" sounds very nice and it looks as if people think that in a democracy you are well-behaved when making your points and you make your points properly and reasonably. [Laughter.]
As we forge ahead to build a new society out of what Madiba called "a human disaster that lasted too long", we remain guided by the wisdom of our founding fathers and our leaders who have been with us for a long time - those who understood where we were going.
Chief Albert Luthuli aptly summed up what the ANC stands for when he declared:
Our vision has always been that of a nonracial, democratic South Africa which upholds the rights of all who live in our country to remain there as full citizens, with equal rights and responsibilities with all others. For the consummation of this ideal we have laboured unflinchingly.
We shall continue to labour unflinchingly. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.