Hon Speaker and hon members, the World Bank report in question that the hon member refers to, released in July 2012, focuses on those factors that affect life chances for the majority of our people, particularly those that were previously disadvantaged. Sadly, in our society, these circumstances are largely personal and family-related.
An equitable society should not allow circumstances over which the individual has no control to influence his or her basic opportunities after birth. Unfortunately, at the moment, whether a person is born a boy or a girl, black or white, in a township or suburb, to educated and well-off parents or otherwise, is very relevant to whether or not they reach their full potential. On the other hand, there are those factors that we can and should influence that provide an individual the opportunity to advance and reach their human potential, including improved chances of employment and earnings later in life as adults. These are access to quality education, health care and essential services, such as water and electricity.
Informed by the constitutional, historical and political imperatives, our policies since 1994 have consistently pursued the triple goals of equity, access and quality. We have achieved access in varying degrees in some areas, although there is still room for improvement with respect to quality. Therefore, we are of the firm belief that this is the critical path we need to follow towards greater social unity and cohesion in the economy in terms of race, class and gender.
With regard to the second part of the question, I have not conducted any studies to determine whether a prolonged, slow transformation and development rate will exacerbate inequalities. I thank you for your attention. [Applause.]