Chairperson, this Bill essentially seeks to make it easier for those who fought in the struggle against apartheid to receive special pensions. The ID supports the principles of this Bill and strongly believes that all those who were actively involved in the struggle should receive some form of compensation for the enormous sacrifices that they made for this country and our new democracy.
Many people sacrificed what little education and employment opportunities they had so that all of us could enjoy freedom and democracy in a new South Africa liberated from the shackles of apartheid and racial oppression. It is only right that we now honour all those brave individuals in this tangible way, even if it does represent a certain cost to our government fiscus. The debt that this country owes them and their families is far greater than any amount of money, and the ID believes that this Bill is the very least we can do to honour their contribution.
The ID therefore rises to support this Bill as well as to honour all those who made sacrifices in fighting for the democracy we now all enjoy as a result of their actions. I thank you.