Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Since 1996 government has strived to turn South Africa into a true democracy, based on the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution. Equality and freedom were our key principles in addressing and amending legislation to pave the way for gender equality and equal opportunities for women and the physically challenged.
It was soon realised that constructive nation-building is dependent on the contributions of all citizens and the creation of equal opportunities. Poverty has been one of our greatest challenges, and while legislation and policy have served to address gender shortfalls the mindset of our people remains rigid and not open to handing over the market to all.
The MF acknowledges that all departments took on a challenge to address all imbalances pertaining to gender and the physically challenged. Some have met their targets and others are still trying. But in reality it is discouraging to note that after 14 years of our democracy, serious gender inequalities exist and the disabled are not as represented in society as they should be.
It is important that with changing legislation we filter the mindset of the communities so that we may open the way for effective gender equality and opportunities for the physically challenged. We need to also reach these groups in society and lead them to realise the opportunities that await them.
It is most unfortunate that many of the physically challenged are not invited to explore their talents and skills. Many of them do not even know their value to society.
The MF finds these reports a vital measurement of the progress we have made in the arena. It is clear that many loopholes still exist and this allows us a window through which to explore how we may address our shortfalls and speed up the process to gender equality and equal opportunity for all. The MF supports all three reports. I thank you.