1. HON. Members, only introspection educates us on past practices and how these have affected, and still affects our people, albeit the suffering.
2. In recognising our country’s rich cultural history, the NDP 2030 and its implementation is our blueprint to reconciling our citizens.
3. As South Africans, our past experiences still run deep and despite our best efforts and intentions; racial and socio-economic tension still divides and rules, contrary to the preamble of our Constitution. However, the Minority Front can now accept radical Economic Transformation as conveyed today in the Premier’s speech on the time spirit of reconciliation.
4. Only by holding each others’ hands can we make more impressive gains.
5. In this 23^rd year of democracy, in terms reconciliation, if we expect us to be a model “democracy” in Africa, then HON. Members can we take Legislature to the people by embracing diverse cultural and social activities in different communities and give a stronger human face to the Legislature.
6. HON. Members, Western Europe achieved some measure of reconciliation after two world wars and began the European Union. The US took close to 100 years from end of their civil war and abolition of slavery until substantial equality gains were made. History therefore shows that such milestones take time, therefore South Africa has done well.
7. As a nation, we must collectively celebrate our remarkable achievements in creative ways.
8. HON. Members, I would like to see this Legislature commemorating the “Day of Reconciliation” by going to our landmark political and cultural sites with invited communities to remember our past, so that, our current decisions may write noble but modern history for future generations.
9. Thank you

Debate by: Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front Leader (KZN Legislature)