Honourable Members,

We have done a lot to promote national reconciliation and nation building.
The democratic government also made the removal of racist legislation out of the statutes its first task in 1994.

Honourable Manamela revealed last night that prejudice and racism are still very much a part of some sections of society, even in political parties that claim to be non-racial.

What Hon Manamela said, is supported by what Former President Mandela said in his statement from the dock in 1964.

He outlined the fundamental prejudice and beliefs that black people are subhuman.
He said;

“Menial tasks in South Africa are invariably performed by Africans. When anything has to be carried or cleaned the white man will look around for an African to do it for him, whether the African is employed by him or not. Because of this sort of attitude, whites tend to regard Africans as a separate breed.

“They do not look upon them as people with families of their own; they do not realize that they have emotions - that they fall in love like white people do; that they want to be with their wives and children like white people want to be with theirs; that they want to earn enough money to support their families properly, to feed and clothe them and send them to school".
 
Honourable members,

We are thus challenged to work harder still, to eradicate racism and related intolerances from society. We trust that some in the Opposition will not be found wanting in this regard.

Honourable Members,
Honourable Speaker

We learned with sadness, the news of the passing of Mrs Freda Cronin, mother of Deputy Minister Cronin. We extend our sincere condolences to the Deputy Minister and his family.

Allow me to extend our good wishes to trade unionist and freedom fighter Reg September, who turns 90 years old today. May he have many more!

On the 17th of August 2013, the Department of Sports and Recreation and Arts and Culture will host the Inaugural Nelson Mandela Sports Day in Johannesburg.

The Springboks and Bafana Bafana will share a field in taking on foreign opponents. This will be followed by a cultural diversity International Concert. The event is part of celebrating the legacy of Madiba. It will also promote  nation building, reconciliation and patriotism.

Honourable Members,

We wish all young people a successful National Youth Day commemoration on June 16. We also extend good wishes to all fathers as June 16 this year is also Father’s Day.

Honourable speaker,
Honourable Members,

South Africa is indeed a much better place than it was 19 years ago.

On behalf of the Deputy President, the two Ministers and our Deputy Minister, we thank you all for your support.

I thank you.