MANDELA DAY DEBATE – Tuesday 29 July 2014
Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP
On Mandela Day - having spent time early in the morning with children and caretakers at a crèche - I posted pictures on Face book with the caption: “In loving memory of a man who, like all others was not perfect but, has a special place in my grateful heart.”
Because critics had expressed concern that Mandela Day amounts to worship of Mandela – I added that: “For me it is another opportunity to thank God for what he did through an ordinary man like MADIBA”.
In reading “Good Morning Mr Mandela” by Zelda La Grange, I was reminded of an interview in June 2013 where Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said: “Nelson Mandela is too much of a saint. He has been too good to white people at the expense of black people” - some agreed others protested! For me - there is no doubt that he treated white people above and beyond what we collectively deserve – but this must not be to the detriment of black people – I hope, I pray, and I work – with everything in me to make sure this great generosity will be for the greater good of us all.
In “Conversations with Myself” Madiba is quoted as saying...”People feel I see too much good in people...it is a criticism I have to put up with because whether it is so or not, it is something which I think is profitable you tend to attract integrity and honour if that is how you regard those with whom you work.’ In another conversation Madiba said our duty “is to work with human beings, not angels once you know that this man has got this virtue and this weakness - you work with (him) and you try and help him to overcome that weakness. I don’t want to be frightened that a person has made mistakes and he has got human frailties. I can’t allow myself to be influenced by that...”
One of the first things Madiba did on becoming President was to establish the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund which he said “is the embodiment of our belief that children need to live in an environment where they can flourish." The ACDP couldn’t agree more and would have loved to see this extended to include the environment for unborn children in their mother’s womb.
On the occasion of former President Mandela’s 90th birthday in 2008, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the ACDP in the National Assembly debate. I expressed our appreciation and said “who would have guessed the phenomenal importance of the birth of this tiny little boy on the 18 July 1918 in Umtata, Transkei? Not only the impact that this baby was to have on South Africa, but on the nations of the world...only God knew exactly what he had in mind. Leading the way of reconciliation and reconstruction in a society which had been separated by over a century of racial segregation took great vision, great courage and great faith” – if Nelson Mandela's mother had wanted, and had the option of terminating this pregnancy prematurely - as so many mothers do today - it would not only have taken his life but also his legacy - abortion on demand deprives Africa - and South Africa - of who knows what potential.
Madiba never did become the champion of pre-born babies despite the ACDP calling on him to do so - but it does not take away from the champion he was in other ways!
Many favourite stories come to mind but time does not allow so I will end with something I think would bring a smile to Madiba’s eyes – congratulations SA Sevens Rugby Team on winning gold at the Commonwealth games!
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
ACDP welcomes Minister's commitment to encourage private sector investment in low-income housing
15 July 2014
ACDP Parliament
Human Settlements - Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
ACDP welcomes Minister's commitment to encourage private sector investment in low-income housing
"With Government shifting the responsibility of providing low-income housing to certain municipalities in line with NDP recommendations – the question the ACDP is asking is will the budget follow the mandate and is that budget adequate to the task of ensuring relevant capacity to get the job done? It is at a municipal level where planning takes place so it makes sense that the responsibility should follow the plans – sadly many sceptics will see this as just another opportunity for corruption, incompetence and mal-administration – we hope not!
The ACDP has always championed the concept of government closest to the people being best placed to respond more accurately to the needs of people and we support moves away from central control – local government however – does not have the best track record and the oversight and monitoring of budgets for the purpose of providing low-cost housing must remain the responsibility and top priority of the department at a National Level.
Crucial projects meant to provide houses and toilets to many in rural areas and informal settlements – we are told - have stalled. This appears to be endemic throughout the entire housing sector, with provincial governments among the chief perpetrators with under-performance and failure to spend. Hon Minister, we hear the department saying this is a result of long procurement processes, the lack of bulk infrastructure and lack of identification of suitable land for human settlement development but people do not want excuses – they want houses and services.
Hon Minister you face a significant challenge and the ACDP would like to see you succeed. We welcome government recognition that relocating informal settlements is not always a solution and governments response to calls to provide interim servicing or emergency relief including water, sanitation and solid waste removal in informal settlements.
The rapid assessments and categorisations of informal settlements - meant to assist municipalities and provinces to better understand and respond to the immediate needs of residents - are also a positive step forward – implementation however does need to be improved. Some organisations submit very low tender prices which can only result in limited inquiries among residents and a neglect of technical aspects of the work. Other organisations submit high prices to cover detailed technical studies in excess of what is required – in time hopefully responses to tenders and the consequent products will improve.
The ACDP would like to bring to your attention Hon Minister, the issue of subsidies for Special Needs Group Housing (SNGH) for orphans, victims of domestic abuse, the disabled, older people, trafficked persons and others. To provide improved group care and shelter for persons with special needs Non-Profit Organisations, (NPOs) are in need of urgent availability of housing subsidies. In most provinces NPOs have limited or no funding support in this regard. I am told this issue did come before the Housing Portfolio Committee late last year and the Department of Social Development (DSD) was also very supportive however the process remains slow. If the Department of Human Settlements opts for a new research and policy development process it will take years to complete with delays causing frustration for those most affected.
The ACDP welcomes the grant introduced to fast-track eradication of bucket toilets and remove 270 thousand bucket toilets from homes in formal and informal areas in the next two years. We also welcome the Minister's commitment to creating an environment which encourages private sector investment in low-income housing projects.
ACDP Parliament
Human Settlements - Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
ACDP welcomes Minister's commitment to encourage private sector investment in low-income housing
"With Government shifting the responsibility of providing low-income housing to certain municipalities in line with NDP recommendations – the question the ACDP is asking is will the budget follow the mandate and is that budget adequate to the task of ensuring relevant capacity to get the job done? It is at a municipal level where planning takes place so it makes sense that the responsibility should follow the plans – sadly many sceptics will see this as just another opportunity for corruption, incompetence and mal-administration – we hope not!
The ACDP has always championed the concept of government closest to the people being best placed to respond more accurately to the needs of people and we support moves away from central control – local government however – does not have the best track record and the oversight and monitoring of budgets for the purpose of providing low-cost housing must remain the responsibility and top priority of the department at a National Level.
Crucial projects meant to provide houses and toilets to many in rural areas and informal settlements – we are told - have stalled. This appears to be endemic throughout the entire housing sector, with provincial governments among the chief perpetrators with under-performance and failure to spend. Hon Minister, we hear the department saying this is a result of long procurement processes, the lack of bulk infrastructure and lack of identification of suitable land for human settlement development but people do not want excuses – they want houses and services.
Hon Minister you face a significant challenge and the ACDP would like to see you succeed. We welcome government recognition that relocating informal settlements is not always a solution and governments response to calls to provide interim servicing or emergency relief including water, sanitation and solid waste removal in informal settlements.
The rapid assessments and categorisations of informal settlements - meant to assist municipalities and provinces to better understand and respond to the immediate needs of residents - are also a positive step forward – implementation however does need to be improved. Some organisations submit very low tender prices which can only result in limited inquiries among residents and a neglect of technical aspects of the work. Other organisations submit high prices to cover detailed technical studies in excess of what is required – in time hopefully responses to tenders and the consequent products will improve.
The ACDP would like to bring to your attention Hon Minister, the issue of subsidies for Special Needs Group Housing (SNGH) for orphans, victims of domestic abuse, the disabled, older people, trafficked persons and others. To provide improved group care and shelter for persons with special needs Non-Profit Organisations, (NPOs) are in need of urgent availability of housing subsidies. In most provinces NPOs have limited or no funding support in this regard. I am told this issue did come before the Housing Portfolio Committee late last year and the Department of Social Development (DSD) was also very supportive however the process remains slow. If the Department of Human Settlements opts for a new research and policy development process it will take years to complete with delays causing frustration for those most affected.
The ACDP welcomes the grant introduced to fast-track eradication of bucket toilets and remove 270 thousand bucket toilets from homes in formal and informal areas in the next two years. We also welcome the Minister's commitment to creating an environment which encourages private sector investment in low-income housing projects.
PARLIAMENT BUDGET DEBATE – 22 July 2014 (NA 14.00 - 19.00)
PARLIAMENT BUDGET DEBATE – 22 July 2014 (NA 14.00 - 19.00)
Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP
The ACDP would like to once again express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Coetzee. Too often people in positions like that of Secretary to Parliament - who serve their country diligently and with excellence and quietly endure insults with regard to the functioning of Parliament - do not get the credit they deserve and it is a shame that one has to die before recognition is given. Thank you Mr Coetzee for your service to your country and its people!
The ACDP will be supporting this budget which facilitates the work of this amazing institution and Parliament of the people.
Our 5th Democratic Parliament hit the ground running with the added colour and vigour of many members taking office for the first time. Before I pick up on some of the dynamics this has brought with it, I just want to remind you Hon Speaker of an issue that is hindering the oversight that the International Relations committee is expected to do. This committee oversees the work of a department which operates primarily outside of the country and yet the committee is only allowed one international trip in two years and then it must be a study trip and not an oversight trip. As a result the committee travels within South Africa mostly doing the work of public relations for the department rather than overseeing the work of the department.
Back to our colourful Parliament – after hearing suggestions that recent unseemly behaviour should be ‘dealt with’ it got me thinking that in the interests of a strong democratic South Africa we must be careful to defend our freedoms - including freedom of speech and expression in Parliament - knowing that the rules we have will bring order – and in time possibly even shape a few attitudes for the better.
When I first came to Parliament 15 years ago - I knew what I knew and had no problem saying it like I saw it or 'heard it'! I often took the liberty of calling the ANC murderers - amongst other things – I felt courageous and was fearless for my cause - respect and humility being ignored in my zealous efforts. I was also rewarded with the respect of fellow zealots who like me somehow thought our cause was best served by clichés, sarcasm and being disrespectful! Like the EFF I did my share of being disruptive, spoke out of turn reacting to statements I didn't agree with in meetings and in the National Assembly - I was always looking for the most radical way to get my point across.
Fortunately few of you were here then – and fortunately I eventually got acquainted with the rules and practices of Parliament. I also began to understand that it was of far greater benefit to understand the issues from multiple perspectives before assuming I had the answers. Seeing things through our own eyes is never the whole picture.
My attitude was also often reflected in what I wore - favouring pants suits and even sandals! Sorry Hon ‘newbies’ – you are not as different as you think!
Yes - intolerance and rudeness are offensive - what we must not do however - is become defensive and redraw lines more restrictively than they need to be for purposes of getting our work done as efficiently and effectively as democracy will allow.
It looks like I have a few more seconds so let me say something about the PARMED proposal. The EFF’s argument re ‘choice’ is valid – and yet – those who may end up exercising that choice will not only disadvantage themselves but all of us collectively.
One of the first things I took exception to when I came to Parliament was ‘being forced’ to belong to PARMED – 15 years later, at 61 years of age and facing possible retirement at each election – am I grateful that those who knew something about medical aids managed to keep the status quo!
Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP
The ACDP would like to once again express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Coetzee. Too often people in positions like that of Secretary to Parliament - who serve their country diligently and with excellence and quietly endure insults with regard to the functioning of Parliament - do not get the credit they deserve and it is a shame that one has to die before recognition is given. Thank you Mr Coetzee for your service to your country and its people!
The ACDP will be supporting this budget which facilitates the work of this amazing institution and Parliament of the people.
Our 5th Democratic Parliament hit the ground running with the added colour and vigour of many members taking office for the first time. Before I pick up on some of the dynamics this has brought with it, I just want to remind you Hon Speaker of an issue that is hindering the oversight that the International Relations committee is expected to do. This committee oversees the work of a department which operates primarily outside of the country and yet the committee is only allowed one international trip in two years and then it must be a study trip and not an oversight trip. As a result the committee travels within South Africa mostly doing the work of public relations for the department rather than overseeing the work of the department.
Back to our colourful Parliament – after hearing suggestions that recent unseemly behaviour should be ‘dealt with’ it got me thinking that in the interests of a strong democratic South Africa we must be careful to defend our freedoms - including freedom of speech and expression in Parliament - knowing that the rules we have will bring order – and in time possibly even shape a few attitudes for the better.
When I first came to Parliament 15 years ago - I knew what I knew and had no problem saying it like I saw it or 'heard it'! I often took the liberty of calling the ANC murderers - amongst other things – I felt courageous and was fearless for my cause - respect and humility being ignored in my zealous efforts. I was also rewarded with the respect of fellow zealots who like me somehow thought our cause was best served by clichés, sarcasm and being disrespectful! Like the EFF I did my share of being disruptive, spoke out of turn reacting to statements I didn't agree with in meetings and in the National Assembly - I was always looking for the most radical way to get my point across.
Fortunately few of you were here then – and fortunately I eventually got acquainted with the rules and practices of Parliament. I also began to understand that it was of far greater benefit to understand the issues from multiple perspectives before assuming I had the answers. Seeing things through our own eyes is never the whole picture.
My attitude was also often reflected in what I wore - favouring pants suits and even sandals! Sorry Hon ‘newbies’ – you are not as different as you think!
Yes - intolerance and rudeness are offensive - what we must not do however - is become defensive and redraw lines more restrictively than they need to be for purposes of getting our work done as efficiently and effectively as democracy will allow.
It looks like I have a few more seconds so let me say something about the PARMED proposal. The EFF’s argument re ‘choice’ is valid – and yet – those who may end up exercising that choice will not only disadvantage themselves but all of us collectively.
One of the first things I took exception to when I came to Parliament was ‘being forced’ to belong to PARMED – 15 years later, at 61 years of age and facing possible retirement at each election – am I grateful that those who knew something about medical aids managed to keep the status quo!
ACDP calls for full inquiry into current state of nuclear industry
ACDP calls for full inquiry into current state of nuclear industry
· welcomes expansion of renewable energy
· questions exclusion of gas line from IRP
ACDP Parliament - Energy Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP/Whip
“Chairperson,
When South Africa has a clear Development Plan - and growth is the objective - suggestions that Eskom's customers save electricity are hard to swallow! Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s reference to South Africa’s tight energy supply damaging the economy seems more to the point.
The ACDP welcomes the expansion of renewable energy in the country with the new solar power plant near Kimberley and the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm of sixty turbines which is exceeding its expected 41% capacity factor and will feed around 460 thousand Megawatts a year into South Africa’s grid. This programme at Jeffrey's Bay has raised a lot of investor interest and a clearer commitment by government in terms of the long-term scale of the ‘Renewables Procurement Programme’ would help to allay investor uncertainty.
The ACDP commends all concerned on the 47 renewable energy projects concluded in 2012 and 2013, which included the first South African utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility, in the Northern Cape. We also commend the City of Cape Town for signing an agreement for the establishment of a pilot plastics-to-oil plant at its Kraaifontein integrated waste-management facility but...and this is a big but...why a foreign firm when there are local solutions which just require funding?
Government support only for commercialisation of already developed technologies is seriously problematic as many South African inventors have come up with innovative solutions to our problems. With sufficient resources to develop, we would have more than sufficient sunlight for the delivery of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for own consumption as well as export - and to extract atmospheric water using solar power to provide for communities in arid areas.
Two years ago the ACDP was hopeful that government would move on the potential of the Rovuma Basin gas find in Mozambique. Gas emits about half the amount of pollution that coal does for the same amount of electricity generated and as an energy feedstock for the production of synthetic fuels could also serve to decrease South Africa's carbon emissions. Hon Minister, why does the revised 20-year energy draft plan seem to ignore the vast Rovuma Basin? It is the world’s fourth-largest known natural gas deposit, and could solve Eskom’s immediate energy crisis and avoid the costly construction of a third new coal power station – surely a pipeline is the most sensible thing and it should absolutely be in the IRP.
Another concern Hon Minister is the current status of the new nuclear build – there is a need for greater clarity and the ACDP is calling on you for a full inquiry into the current state of our existing nuclear industry. Koeberg has passed its sell-by date and increasingly been shut-down for repairs at huge cost, and the department seems to want to extend its life, just as with SAFARI-1, whilst nuclear reactors the world over that were built in the same era have officially been closed.
Lastly, I am also going to use the ‘f’ word -‘fracking’. The ACDP expected far greater opportunity to be provided to thoroughly investigate all issues related to shale gas in South Africa. If hearings are not held and taken seriously the resulting actions could be challenged in the constitutional court. The ACDP calls on you Hon Minister to ensure that government urgently embarks on an Environmental Impact, Social and Health Assessment in this regard.
The ACDP will support this vote in the interests of going forward but we have many reservations.”
· welcomes expansion of renewable energy
· questions exclusion of gas line from IRP
ACDP Parliament - Energy Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP/Whip
“Chairperson,
When South Africa has a clear Development Plan - and growth is the objective - suggestions that Eskom's customers save electricity are hard to swallow! Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s reference to South Africa’s tight energy supply damaging the economy seems more to the point.
The ACDP welcomes the expansion of renewable energy in the country with the new solar power plant near Kimberley and the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm of sixty turbines which is exceeding its expected 41% capacity factor and will feed around 460 thousand Megawatts a year into South Africa’s grid. This programme at Jeffrey's Bay has raised a lot of investor interest and a clearer commitment by government in terms of the long-term scale of the ‘Renewables Procurement Programme’ would help to allay investor uncertainty.
The ACDP commends all concerned on the 47 renewable energy projects concluded in 2012 and 2013, which included the first South African utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility, in the Northern Cape. We also commend the City of Cape Town for signing an agreement for the establishment of a pilot plastics-to-oil plant at its Kraaifontein integrated waste-management facility but...and this is a big but...why a foreign firm when there are local solutions which just require funding?
Government support only for commercialisation of already developed technologies is seriously problematic as many South African inventors have come up with innovative solutions to our problems. With sufficient resources to develop, we would have more than sufficient sunlight for the delivery of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for own consumption as well as export - and to extract atmospheric water using solar power to provide for communities in arid areas.
Two years ago the ACDP was hopeful that government would move on the potential of the Rovuma Basin gas find in Mozambique. Gas emits about half the amount of pollution that coal does for the same amount of electricity generated and as an energy feedstock for the production of synthetic fuels could also serve to decrease South Africa's carbon emissions. Hon Minister, why does the revised 20-year energy draft plan seem to ignore the vast Rovuma Basin? It is the world’s fourth-largest known natural gas deposit, and could solve Eskom’s immediate energy crisis and avoid the costly construction of a third new coal power station – surely a pipeline is the most sensible thing and it should absolutely be in the IRP.
Another concern Hon Minister is the current status of the new nuclear build – there is a need for greater clarity and the ACDP is calling on you for a full inquiry into the current state of our existing nuclear industry. Koeberg has passed its sell-by date and increasingly been shut-down for repairs at huge cost, and the department seems to want to extend its life, just as with SAFARI-1, whilst nuclear reactors the world over that were built in the same era have officially been closed.
Lastly, I am also going to use the ‘f’ word -‘fracking’. The ACDP expected far greater opportunity to be provided to thoroughly investigate all issues related to shale gas in South Africa. If hearings are not held and taken seriously the resulting actions could be challenged in the constitutional court. The ACDP calls on you Hon Minister to ensure that government urgently embarks on an Environmental Impact, Social and Health Assessment in this regard.
The ACDP will support this vote in the interests of going forward but we have many reservations.”
ACDP grieved by the loss of life and terrible anguish for families on both sides of the Israel/Palestine conflict
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET VOTE
Speech by Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP
Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism
Palestinian and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future - South Africa’s foreign policy must protect life, promote peace and support development
Chair,
South Africa’s engagement with the world has been increasing since 1994. We host the second largest number of foreign representation in the world with 125 missions abroad, covering 180 countries and the minimal budget the department operates on year after year is even more stretched by unpredictable and often unstable circumstances externally. The ACDP applauds the department’s efforts but has called for an audit on missions and an assessment of whether all missions are essential to the broader goals and objectives.
Having once again interrogated the budget alongside colleagues on the committee the ACDP will be supporting this budget with all its constraints and challenges.
There are so many issues the ACDP would like to speak to today – many of which the Minister and others have touched on like the young women from Nigeria whose whereabouts are still unknown and – the DA’s shameful opposition to a resolution promoting and protecting family, making the issue something that it is not.
I will use my few minutes, to express appreciation for the discipline shown by our President, the Minister and her department - and the Portfolio Committee - in resisting the temptation to add to the one-sided condemnation of Israel at this time. Without a doubt government will be between a rock and a hard place right now because no matter how personal this is, they cannot ‘unknow’ what they know about both sides. Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism and covering for those who so ruthlessly use and abuse their own. This same Islamic extremism is destabilising Africa and is a huge threat globally.
Yes – let’s fight for the rights and freedoms of Palestinian People – and for the rights of those in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq – but let’s fight for life and not death and let’s be sure who the oppressors actually are!
The ANC have expressed themselves on the issue through their National Executive and their Parliamentary Caucas and in time the Parliamentary Committee is likely to want to express itself as well. War is a terrible thing and the ACDP is grieved by the loss of life and terrible anguish families on both sides of this tragedy are facing at this time.
The ACDP notes that German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday at a news conference in Berlin said: "Both sides must accept painful compromises but we stand by the side of Israel when it comes to self-defence.” Merkel said that there was a "new quality" to weapons used by the Palestinian territory's Hamas group against Israel and added that countries under attack must be allowed to defend themselves.
For Israel – and the world - the most dangerous weapon in Gaza is not the M-302 rockets that have put millions of Israelis under the direct threat of terror - it is the ideology of Hamas – ideology that is focused on destruction – Israel’s destruction and then who next? We note Hamas Leader Khaled Meshaal’s statement that “before Israel dies it must be humiliated and degraded.”
Something the media and the anti-Israel chorus don’t mention is that the Kassam rockets actually rained down on Israel for more than a week before the Israeli military finally responded. Every innocent civilian killed, regardless on which side, is tragic – all the more tragic though - when it is a goal knowingly pursued by Hamas to protect its weapons and to gain international legitimacy as victims.
Regardless of my opinion and your opinion – or the opinion of the ANC or the ACDP - South Africa’s foreign policy in this regard must protect life, promote peace and support development. Palestinian people and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future and the help South Africa must give is to help both peoples find a way to do this.
Speech by Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP
Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism
Palestinian and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future - South Africa’s foreign policy must protect life, promote peace and support development
Chair,
South Africa’s engagement with the world has been increasing since 1994. We host the second largest number of foreign representation in the world with 125 missions abroad, covering 180 countries and the minimal budget the department operates on year after year is even more stretched by unpredictable and often unstable circumstances externally. The ACDP applauds the department’s efforts but has called for an audit on missions and an assessment of whether all missions are essential to the broader goals and objectives.
Having once again interrogated the budget alongside colleagues on the committee the ACDP will be supporting this budget with all its constraints and challenges.
There are so many issues the ACDP would like to speak to today – many of which the Minister and others have touched on like the young women from Nigeria whose whereabouts are still unknown and – the DA’s shameful opposition to a resolution promoting and protecting family, making the issue something that it is not.
I will use my few minutes, to express appreciation for the discipline shown by our President, the Minister and her department - and the Portfolio Committee - in resisting the temptation to add to the one-sided condemnation of Israel at this time. Without a doubt government will be between a rock and a hard place right now because no matter how personal this is, they cannot ‘unknow’ what they know about both sides. Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism and covering for those who so ruthlessly use and abuse their own. This same Islamic extremism is destabilising Africa and is a huge threat globally.
Yes – let’s fight for the rights and freedoms of Palestinian People – and for the rights of those in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq – but let’s fight for life and not death and let’s be sure who the oppressors actually are!
The ANC have expressed themselves on the issue through their National Executive and their Parliamentary Caucas and in time the Parliamentary Committee is likely to want to express itself as well. War is a terrible thing and the ACDP is grieved by the loss of life and terrible anguish families on both sides of this tragedy are facing at this time.
The ACDP notes that German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday at a news conference in Berlin said: "Both sides must accept painful compromises but we stand by the side of Israel when it comes to self-defence.” Merkel said that there was a "new quality" to weapons used by the Palestinian territory's Hamas group against Israel and added that countries under attack must be allowed to defend themselves.
For Israel – and the world - the most dangerous weapon in Gaza is not the M-302 rockets that have put millions of Israelis under the direct threat of terror - it is the ideology of Hamas – ideology that is focused on destruction – Israel’s destruction and then who next? We note Hamas Leader Khaled Meshaal’s statement that “before Israel dies it must be humiliated and degraded.”
Something the media and the anti-Israel chorus don’t mention is that the Kassam rockets actually rained down on Israel for more than a week before the Israeli military finally responded. Every innocent civilian killed, regardless on which side, is tragic – all the more tragic though - when it is a goal knowingly pursued by Hamas to protect its weapons and to gain international legitimacy as victims.
Regardless of my opinion and your opinion – or the opinion of the ANC or the ACDP - South Africa’s foreign policy in this regard must protect life, promote peace and support development. Palestinian people and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future and the help South Africa must give is to help both peoples find a way to do this.
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