Speaker, this is quite a fascinating debate. It was interesting to me to hear the hon Leader of the Opposition trying to convince us that Mr Mandela was actually a closet DA supporter! [Laughter.]
The Acting President referred to the example of the lion. Now, it is said that the way to survive in the current difficult economic and political times of 2009 is to be a firm believer in human rights. If any human, stronger or richer than you, says something, you say: "Right." [Laughter.]
This is not the kind of value that we would like to instil when we celebrate Mandela Day. Mandela Day is an annual celebration of former President Mandela's life, and is a global call to action, for people to recognise the individual's power to make an imprint and change the world around them.
Dit is besonder belangrik dat mense sal besef dat hierdie dag nie net kan gaan oor die herdenking van mnr Mandela en sy lewe nie, maar dat dit juis sal gaan oor waardes van baie dieper, waardes wat elke individu sal laat besef dat, as persoon, jy op die regte oomblik en die regte tyd 'n wesenlike verskil kan maak in die lewens van almal rondom jou.
As ons dit in Suid-Afrika verstaan, aanvaar en uitleef in elke dag van ons bestaan, dan kan ons werklik 'n verskil maak en sal daar werklik sin kom uit die herdenking van Mandeladag op 18 Julie. Ons sal daaraan deelneem. Baie dankie. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[It is extremely important for people to realise that this day is not only about commemorating Mr Mandela and his life, but that it is actually about much deeper values - values that will make every individual realise that as a person, at the right moment and at the right time, they can make a substantial difference in the lives of everyone around them.
If we in South Africa understand, accept and accomplish this every day of our lives, we will really be making a difference and there will be true meaning in the commemoration of Mandela Day on 18 July. We will participate in this. Thank you. [Applause.]]