Chairperson, where was I? [Laughter.] I must tell you, Mr Chairperson, that I will never forget my maiden speech in Parliament. [Laughter.] What excitement!
With the advent of the 2009 elections, President Mbeki might no longer be overseeing the direct influence of the ANC over state affairs. There is a growing amount of evidence that he has simply been replaced by those members of the tripartite alliance who wield the ever-increasing influence in the Zuma administration. The political programme of Cosatu and the SACP is not that of South Africa. They have no right to try and subvert democratic processes to their own will. To do so is to show absolute contempt for proper procedure and, in turn, for the South African public, whose interests they would have bypassed in pursuit of their own agenda.
I want to conclude by saying that the ANC can try their best, but they will not derail the DA in their proper discussion of matters in the House of Parliament. At least the members of the ANC can hear what I am saying. I thank you. [Applause.]