Speeches 2004
Up one levelSpeeches from 2004 are stored here.
Pollsmor Prison: a timebomb waiting to explode by Florence Batyi
2004-11-02. Three inmates at Pollsmor Prison died recently in fire in their cells allegedly set alight by themselves. This comes on the back of another death at the prison - the investigation into which is incomplete. These tragic events arise from overcrowding. Government has been aware of the problem for several years, and yet no alternative arrangements have been made or solutions sought.
THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS AGENCIES by Patricia de Lille
2004-11-04. The debate over whether Africa deserves a seat on the all-powerful United Nations Security Council is far more important than a beauty contest and a struggle for prestige between some of Africa's pivotal states South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal and other aspirant states.
Speech on the Pan-African Parliament by Lance Greyling
2004-11-04. The Independent Democrats finds it very heartening that the first meeting of the Pan African Parliament in South Africa was characterized by strong positions and resolutions being taken on a variety of issues.
Statement on Anti-Retroviral Drugs Progress by Patricia de Lille
2004-11-08. Government originally stated that 53000 HIV positive persons would be on Anti-Retroviral drugs by March 2004. This target was then shifted by President Mbeki to March 2005. This morning, Dr Rose Malumba from the Dept. Health, said on SAFM that this new target set by Pres. Mbeki, would also not be achieved. It is not even clear when we will reach this target.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSTITUENCY WORK by Patricia de Lille
2004-11-11. MPs are most likely to represent constituent interests when: 1) they know precisely who their constituents are 2) they interact with them frequently 3) their political futures depend on gaining and keeping their seats in Parliament 4) they find a balance between Parliamentary work and visits to constituencies.
Have we succeeded in bridging the divides in South Africa?
2004-10-04. Thank you for this opportunity to address you today. In April 2004, SA celebrated 10 years of hard-won democracy. This naturally triggered great enthusiasm, excitement, carnivals and festivities. Please not that I use the word 'naturally' because we are known as such dedicated party animals in SA.
Independent Democrats Calls on the Government to be Transparent in its dealing with the Sensitive Pondoland Region by Lance Greyling
2004-10-20. The Independent Democrats calls on the government to be transparent and above board in its handling of the Proposed N2 Toll Road and Dune Mining in the Pondoland Region. This issue has been characterized by underhand dealings, massive conflicts of interest and very little public participation. The proposed developments for this area threaten to irrevocably change the region and it is important that all role-players and local people are involved in deciding on its future vision. This has often been stated made by Minister Van Schalkwyk, but the Independent Democrats have seen very little action to back up his sentiment.
Speech on Social Assistance and Poverty Alleviation by Lance Greyling
2004-10-27. In an ideal society, whether it is in South Africa, or in any other country for that matter, not one person would be unemployed, no one would be starving and no one would need social assistance from the state.
Speech Delivered on the Occassion of Councillors Crossing the Floor to the Independent Democrats by Patricia de Lille
2004-09-01. The Independent Democrats is the fastes growing political party in South Africa, attracting supporters from all over the country. This was confirmed in a recent SABC/Makinor study showing that our support has tripled in just under eight months.
Speech delivered on occassion of the Launch of the book: The Best Company to Work for in South Africa - 2004 by Patricia de Lille
2004-09-06. Let me first say congratulations to the Corporate Research Foundation and all those associated with the publishing of this book - The Best Companies to Work for in South Africa- 2004 - such as Finance Week, City Press, the Black Management Forum and the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut. Let me also congratulate the companies that have succeeded in being included in the book. It must be a very proud and exciting moment to be recognized in such a manner.
Speech on National Environmental Management Air Quality Bill by Lance Greyling (Environmental Spokesperson)
2004-09-07. It was a great honour for me to have been part of the environmental committee that finalized this bill. It was an honour because I truly believe that this is a revolutionary piece of legislation that will for the first introduce a proper regulatory regime for air quality in South Africa.
The role of Parliamentarians in Protecting Biodiversity By Lance Greyling, MP (Environmental Spokesperson)
2004-09-07. When people think of biodiversity, they usually just think of plants and animals. Biodiversity is more than that. It is the complete diversity of all living organisms on the planet. Unfortunately this diversity is being destroyed at a rapid rate and we are currently in the sixth great extinction period of the planet. This extinction is mainly related to the impacts of humans.
The roles of parliaments in strengthening multi-lateral regimes for non-proliferation of weapons and for disarmament in the light of the new security challenges by Avril Harding
2004-09-08. The roles of parliaments in strengthening multi-lateral regimes for non-proliferation of weapons and for disarmament in the light of the new security challenges.
Speech on Traditional Healers Bill by Florence Batyi (Health Spokesperson)
2004-09-09. The proposed Traditional Health Practitioners Bill's impact on the current health system will be quite profound, to say the least. This will be the first time that the practise of traditional healing will be legally recognised, despite the controversial debates surrounding the issue.
Speech on Beijing Plus 10 Parliamentary review by Patricia de Lille
2004-09-09. The original Beijing declarations calls for all countries to have a national action plan to improve and address all aspects of gender discrimination, equity and advancement. During the UN 23rd General Assembly Special Session on Beijing +5, governments unanimously agreed to regularly assess further implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA). The processes should lead to a stronger focus on the implementation and impacts, sharing of experiences and good practices, identification of gaps and challenges, increased political will and clear commitments from governments.
Speech delivered on Occasion of the Launch of a book: "The Best Company to Work for in South Africa - 2004" by Patricia de Lille
2004-09-06. Let me first say congratulations to the Corporate Research Foundation and all those associated with the publishing of this book - 'The Best Companies to Work for in South Africa- 2004 - such as Finance Week, City Press, the Black Management Forum and the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut. Let me also congratulate the companies that have succeeded in being included in the book, It must be a very proud and exciting moment to be recognized in such a manner.
Speech on Traditional Health Practinioners Bill By Florence Batyi MP (Health Spokesperson)
2004-09-09. In order to fully understand the controversy around this issue, one needs to grasp the difference between traditional and biomedical medicine and practices. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines traditional medicines as diverse health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and/or mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied singularly or in combination to maintain well-being, as well as to treat, diagnose or prevent illness.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION By PATRICIA DE LILLE, MP
2004-08-23. The role of women in conflict resolution is as old as the proverbial mountains. The field of conflict resolution as a study area is relatively young, whilst we have been around for a number of centuries and have raised countless little boys into grown men. They have picked fights with the neighbours' children, in the schoolyard, or in the case of Napoleon, Hitler, Saddam Hoosain and George Bush, with other countries! Suffice to say that these were our distinct failures. The rest did not turn out so badly, therefore, the scorecard is balanced in our favour.
Women Celebrating a Decade of Freedom on the Path to Total Emancipation by Lance Greyling
2004-08-23. You may well ask why a man is giving this speech today. Here are a few reasons. Our party leader, Patricia de Lille, is busy taking parliament to the people she is currently delivering another speech on the role of women in conflict resolution at UCT. The other reason is that the Independent Democrats likes to be different and we like to bring another perspective to these parliamentary debates.
Speech on Travelgate Scandal Debate by Avril Harding
2004-08-24. The Travelgate scandal has damaged the reputation of all Members of Parliament, even those, such as us in the ID, who are not in any way involved. Even more damage has been done to the institution of parliament through this scandal.
Speech on Energy Regulator Bill- Second reading debate by Avril Harding
2004-08-25. The primary purpose of the legislation is to create a single regulator for electricity, piped gas and petroleum pipeline industries.
Speech delivered on occasion of the Companies Amendment Bill debate by Avril Harding
2004-08-25. These legislative changes are necessary in the light of the corporate governance scandals. Similarly the fact that very few directors of listed companies know their actual fiduciary duties as directors is alarming.
Parliamentary Budget Vote by The Hon. Mr. Avril Harding MP
2004-06-22. The ID welcomes the appointment of the new secretary to Parliament and his staff well.
Budget Vote Speech on Safety and Security By Cecil Burgess, MP
2004-06-22. Madame Speaker, Hon. Minister, Hon. Members, Distinguished Guests Hon. Minister, the public is desperately waiting to see positive visible results in the Fight against Crime. I strongly recommend that you start with alcohol abuse in all its ugly forms.
Budget Vote speech on Mineral and Energy Affairs by The Honourable Mr. Avril Harding MP
2004-06-22. Minerals and Energy Budget Vote Speech. The ID welcomes the reappointment of Minister Ngcuka and wishes her well for her new term.
Budget Vote Speech on Education and Recreation by Eric Adolph
2004-06-22. Rev. Eric Adolph, MP and Permanent Delegate to the NCOP. Honourable Minister I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating you on your new appointment to this challenging portfolio.
Budget Vote Speech on Health
2004-06-22. Budget Vote Speech - Education and Recreation. Rev. Eric Adolph, NCOP Member - Independent Democrats Education Spokesperson.
Budget Vote Speech on Trade and Industry by The Hon. A. Harding MP
2004-06-22. Madam Deputy-Speaker, Honourable Members, The ID would like to congratulate the Hon Minister Mr Mephiswa on his appointment to the Portfolio and wish him well in the position.
Budget Vote Speech on Public Enterprises by The Hon. A. Harding MP
Madam Deputy-Speaker, Honourable Members, The ID would like to congratulate the Hon Minister Mr Mephiswa on his appointment to the Portfolio and wish him well in the position.
Young People Celebrating a Decade of Freedom and Opportunities by Lance Greyling
2004-06-22. Honourable Chair and Members, yesterday I turned thirty one years old. This means that I was only two days after three years old when the tragic events of the Soweto Uprising took place. I was obviously too young then to appreciate the significance of that event or the tragic loss of life that occurred.
Budget Vote Speech on Justice and Constitutional Development
2004-06-22. Budget Vote Speech, Cecil Burgess, MP, Independent Democrats.
Budget Vote Speech on Labour by V C Gore
2004-06-22. On behalf of the Independent Democrats I would like to congratulate the minister in his re-appointment to a critical ministry. The apartheid regime created a system for the South African worker, which was skewed in favour of the employer, and resulted the abuse, exploitation and discrimination of the employee. Much has been done in the last ten years in overcoming this legacy. For this the ANC led government needs to be congratulated.
Budget Vote Speech on Sports and Recreation
2004-06-22. On behalf of the Independent Democrats I would like to take this opportunity in congratulating the Hon Minister in his appointment. Your first few months has truly been a baptism of fire, with the successful 2010 soccer bid and the scandal around soccer match fixing.
Budget Vote on Transport By Independent Democrats MP, Vincent Gore
2004-06-22. On behalf of the Independent Democrats I would like to congratulate the new Minster in his appointment to this critical ministry. The ID acknowledges that the new Minister has vast shoes to fill of a father of this nation, the late Min. Omar. We wish you all the best in your formidable task.
Budget Vote Speech on Communications By Vincent C Gore, MP
2004-06-22. Allow me to begin my address to day by congratulating the Hon Minister in her re-appointment and the dep Min in his appointment. On behalf of the Independent Democrats I would like to wish you well in these two very demanding positions.
Budget Vote Speech on Health by Florence Batyi, MP and Health Spokesperson
2004-06-22. I would like to congratulate the Minister on her second term appointment to the Ministry and wish her well.
Presidency Budget Vote By Hon. Patricia De Lille
2004-06-23. The Independent Democrats is the only true, independent voice in this country. This has been confirmed in the April 2004 elections and we will execute our mandate without fear or favour. The ID remains the only political party with a non-racial message of opposition politics, which is pro-transformation and the building of a new South Africa where inequalities has no place. This is the vision of the ID and is shared by many Independent Democrats who mandated us.
Budget Vote on Intelligence By Cecil Burgess, MP
2004-06-23. Hon. Minister, congratulations on your appointment, ID looks forward to a long and warm working relationship with you in your new portfolio.
Budget Vote On Arts and Culture By Lance Greyling
2004-06-23. The Independent Democrats warmly congratulates Minister Pallo Jordan on his new appointment. We are excited by the creation of a separate ministry for Arts and Culture with the Honourable Minister at the helm. As President Mbeki said in his state of the nation address the Arts and Culture Sector has been sadly neglected over the past ten years and the Independent Democrats feel confident that the new Minister will be able to rectify this situation.
Budget Vote Speech on Home Affairs By Christopher Wang, MP
2004-06-24. Hon Deputy Speaker, Hon Minister, Hon Deputy Minister congratulation on your new appointment. The Independent Democrats look forward in working with you with the challenges ahead of this chaotic department.
Statement on the Public Protector's Report By Hon. Patricia De Lille, MP
2004-06-25. I must first bring to the attention of the Chair that there is an error in the ATC of 23 June under recommendations point 6 b. The Independent Democrats did not agree with the use of the word Constitutional to describe the alleged infringement on the Deputy President's dignity.
BEDC CONFERENCE SPEECH By Hon. Patricia De Lille
2004-06-30. I would like to thank the Business Empowerment Development Corporation for inviting me to share some impressions on this very important topic.
Party Funding: The horns of a Dilema - Finding Solutions 10 Years On by Patricia De Lille
2004-06-30. I want to thank IDASA for holding this extremely important discussion tonight over the issue of political party funding. It is an issue which has not been sufficiently tackled in our new democracy, and the Independent Democrats believe that far more attention needs to be given to it. ID believes that IDASA is right when it characterises this issue as being on the horns of a dilemma. There are no easy answers to resolving what are complex challenges surrounding the issue of party funding. In my address tonight I will not focus so much on the answers as the questions that ID believes need to be urgently asked. IDASA's right to know campaign has brought the issue of party funding transparency into the limelight, and while this is an important issue it needs to be put into the context of a whole host of other factors concerning party funding. I will try and outline some of those factors.
Leader of the Independent Democrats, Patricia de Lille, Set to Rock the Vote in KwaZulu-Natal
2004-04-01. Leader of the Independent Democrats, Patricia de Lille, Set to Rock the Vote in KwaZulu-Natal.
Patricia de Lille, leader of the Independent Democrats, at the University of Natal, KZN on 1 April 2004
2004-04-01. The ID is the only political party that has a specific policy document on women and child abuse.
Independent democrats Response to the State of the Nation Address by Patricia De Lille
2004-03-02. I want to start by doing something very uncharacteristic for an opposition party in this country. I want to thank you, President Mbeki for reminding us of the vision that President Mandela had for our nation back in 1994. I also want to acknowledge the role that all the liberation movements played in delivering the democracy that we enjoy in this House and our country. But this welcome reminder, President Mbeki, has only reinforced for me how far this government has strayed from this vision.
Speech delivered at the Eastern Cape Launch by Patricia De Lille
2004-03-02. Distinguished guests, ladies, gentlemen and members of the ID, It is a great honour for me to be here today at the launch of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive of the ID. It always fills me with immense pride when I launch the Independent Democrats in a new province.
Speech delivered at the Manifesto Launch by Patricia De Lille
2004-03-02. ELECTION MANIFESTO 2004. It is with pride and pleasure that I present the Independent Democrats Election 2004 Manifesto: Bridging the Divides.
Election Manifesto 2004
2004-03-09. It is with pride and pleasure that I present the Independent Democrats Election 2004 Manifesto: Bridging the Divides.
Independent Democrats Northern Cape Launch by Patricia De Lille
2004-02-04. Distinguished guests, ladies, gentlemen and members of the ID, It is a great honour for me to be here today at the launch of the Northern Cape Provincial Executive of the ID. It always fills me with immense pride when I launch the Independent Democrats in a new province. It is a sign of the extraordinary commitment and dedication of our members in spreading the vision of ID. Our members are the lifeblood of this party and I want to commend all of you today for the hard work you have put in over these past eight months.
Access to Education Initiative by Patricia De Lille
2004-01-19. The Independent Democrats are a new party determined to make a difference and to contribute to improving the lives of all South Africans. This is a party of doers, not a party of speeches and rhetoric.
