Hon Chairperson, hon Chief Justice, hon premiers here present and hon members, the ID would like to congratulate Mr Zuma on his election as President of South Africa and to congratulate the respective premiers of the different provinces on their election. We would also like to congratulate our Chairperson on again being elected NCOP Chairperson. It is an enormous task to lead this House.
The ID would also like to add its voice to the voiceless - to that of Mr Chabangu in the Northern Cape who cannot speak for himself. This House will speak on his behalf to ensure that his desire for a better life becomes a reality.
As the NCOP, we have a difficult task ahead in tackling the enormous challenges we face in terms of addressing unemployment and poverty, combating crime, improving health care and education, and improving service delivery to all our people in the various provinces.
I would like to make the plea today that this House take these challenges very seriously, especially in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape is a vast province with the least number of people in this country. This province is rich in minerals which the people of the Northern Cape can become the custodians of so that these minerals benefit them and better their lives.
The ID acknowledges that there are many good ideas and policies, but the key challenge is implementation. We hope that through this House we will be able to show the necessary political will to drive implementation. As the ID representatives in this House, we will continue to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on government to ensure that it remains accountable and transparent and upholds the letter and spirit of the Constitution. I thank you. [Applause.]