National Assembly: 12 September 2006  

Opening

Madame Speaker,

The fact that poverty is pervasive in our rural communities and among the youth cannot be a subject of dispute. Honourable Members know the figures that paint a deeply depressing and disturbing picture of the effects that poverty have on millions of our citizens. Members of this House see these figures translated into daily reality in their constituencies, the provinces and elsewhere, and we note that this is not only a South African, but also a global trend.

We therefore all know the problems and it is not necessary to list them today. What is very important though for this debate is to acknowledge that poverty transcends party politics. It is a common problem that cannot be the exclusive preserve of the majority party or opposition parties. This common problem cannot be just the subject of criticism from the Opposition or the government defending the progress made over the past twelve years. If those were to be our respective approaches, it is guaranteed that little real progress can be made today.

It is therefore vital that today's debate take on a non-partisan approach where we, as the representatives of the people, take collective responsibility to create a positive strategy for the alleviation of poverty.
And we may state categorically that alleviation is seen as merely a first important step towards eradication, therefore the initiative of the Minister of Social Development to review the means test for social grants and possible approaches to Treasury to improve these grants, are an example of alleviating poverty. And, while it is necessary it will not eradicate poverty.

This is where we should turn our attention to today. The eradication of poverty in our country is the only answer to ensuring long-term political stability and the survival of democracy that we all treasure dearly.

Honourable Members are well aware of numerous programmes and projects that have been, and continue to be, successful in addressing poverty in a meaningful and sustainable manner. It is my call to Honourable Members to share those positive experiences with the House today so that they may become the collective property of this Parliament. My colleague, the Hon Peter Smith MP will relate some of his experiences in India.

I want to close the opening of this debate with a warning: we should not rely too heavily on the government and the state bureaucracy to eradicate poverty. Rather, the youth and rural communities should decide for themselves what projects and programmes suit their needs best. In this respect, community leaders have a very important role to play. They should not just provide leadership but should at all times follow a practical, hands-on approach to the problems of their people and it is at this level that direct partnerships with business and local organisations need to be firmly established.



Closing

Madame Speaker,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Members who have made positive contributions to this debate. It is clear that Members agree that the needs of the poor should be paramount in our daily work as parliamentarians. Perhaps now is also the apposite time to do a comprehensive audit of the needs of the poor so that the findings could inform our future actions and interventions.

I want to again stress that we should not rely too heavily on government to eradicate poverty. The youth and rural communities should have a major say in how their plight is addressed, while we as parliamentarians can use the resources at our disposal in a co-ordinated and co-operative manner to make a positive contribution to the lives of millions of our citizens.

Madame Speaker, in conclusion allow me to put the following resolution before the House for its consideration. I move as follows:

That the House, in acknowledgment of the valuable contributions made by Members to the debate on how best to alleviate poverty in SA in the short to medium term;

forwards the inputs of Members to the Executive; and

requests the Executive to report back to the House before its adjournment in 2006, indicating its response to Members' proposals.

Thank you.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ms. Inka Mars MP: 083 303 6037
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848