Hon Speaker, this is an important debate. I think all of us today are happy that we are celebrating International Democracy Day. However, as we celebrate today and as the people of South Africa, we can also say that we celebrate because, indeed, the South African government has done a lot in the field of democracy in the country.
When we look at the work that has already been done on the continent, we can rightfully say that we are celebrating because much has been done in the field of democracy. As we celebrate we must make those points clear. However, the celebration must not only be a feel-good celebration for all of us.
As we celebrate we must also say that we have a task as South African people on the continent. We have already started on that task in terms the African Peer Review Mechanism that was put in place. It is also being realised in terms of the work that has been done to ensure that the African Peer Review Mechanism is actually being realised and implemented. Whether it is in the area of Nepad or any other, we must always drive that process and make sure that we achieve those results.
As we celebrate, we must be debating and looking at the bigger question that we must confront in terms of the continent. Where there are human rights issues in some areas which are not necessarily practised, it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to lead and make sure that human rights are being realised.
On this continent, whether it is an issue of Sudan, Darfur or Swaziland, we must make sure that as a country with people that take pride in the Constitution, we remain in the forefront to achieve whatever we set out to achieve.
The big issues that we must confront on this continent when it comes to the people are the issues of hunger, health, youth and child abuse, particularly as they are made slaves and soldiers in the conflict areas. This remains our responsibility, and we cannot fail, as South Africa and as the people of South Africa, to make sure that we lead on this front.
In conclusion, the issue about the continent and poverty remains a bigger issue, and as we celebrate, we must ask ourselves how we are going to confront it. The issue of the Gini coefficient continues to put us on the map of unaffordability.
This, therefore, remains a challenge and as we celebrate, we must pause and say that we are determined to continue to make sure that we drive this programme. After all, the state is a state in the protection of the people. Thank you.