1.HON. Members, I once again appreciated the legislature’s noble initiative of taking Parliament to the people.

2.As an MP, I am sensitised to the living conditions and needs of all our people.

3.These stark differences between the haves and have-nots is clearly visible, just driving to this venue.

4.For this HON. Speaker, I commend all departments for projects undertaken in housing, bulk water supply, clinics and in other areas.

5.However, the people have complained about the killing of ordinary people not being taken seriously but those of politicians is dealt with very fast.

6.HON. Members, the Department of Safety and Security has started aggressive searches for illegal weapons in this district municipality which I believe is the root cause for senseless killings.

7.This district is highly rural and a “911” type of initiative is recommended by the Minority Front to save lives.

8.HON. Members, the rise of farmer killings, mainly white farmers must be condemned by this HON. House, and similarly the ill-treatment of black farm workers.

9.The Minority Front condemns both these.

10.The Departments of Agriculture and Safety and Security have to partner and stop this because, today it will be white farmers but tomorrow it will be black farmers because of a culture of farmer violence that would become entrenched.

11.However, land reform must be fast-tracked with a variety of options for farmers and communities. We must do everything possible not to tarnish our democratic gains made internationally.

12.This district is part of our bread basket and represents food security; so let’s ensure farmer and people security.

13.Thank you.

Debate by: Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front Leader (KZN Legislature)