Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament:

A cordial welcome to this Seventh Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.

The opening of Parliament this year takes place in the shadow of the indisposition of our State President, Mr P W Botha.

The wide-ranging concern displayed in this regard bears testimony to the high esteem in which the State President and his family are held and the compassion shown by the entire population and the sincerity of their prayers for an improvement in his health and a speedy recovery.

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, I wish to convey our sincere good wishes to the State President.

In this new year, we can gratefully say that the initiatives for peace and for solutions in our country and the subcontinent have gained new momentum.

Reasonableness is replacing emotionalism. The urgency of the problems demanding solutions is more widely appreciated and deeply felt.

Impatience with timewasting on senseless infighting is mounting. Our people are urgently calling for a sincere search for points of agreement.

Much has already been done under the leadership of the State President to further this approach among our people. This was done quietly and with dedication and purpose.

The year 1989 will be a challenging year. These challenges will require us to serve our country with renewed vigour, to negotiate untiringly the best for all its people and to make South Africa a better home for us all.

The Government is assuming its responsibilities in 1989 trusting that all South Africans will be motivated by a common desire to live together in harmony in their shared fatherland.

In my call for your support, it is essential that I state the Government’s views on its responsibility.

The Government believes the promotion of the welfare of the entire population in the security, constitutional, and social and economic development fields to be its primary responsibility.

In particular, it is our aim to realise full civil rights for all South Africans. This is indeed the basis of the Government’s reform policy. This is the task for which I ask your support and to which I once more commit the Government.

†Recent times have brought visible movement and progress in many areas. Efforts over the preceding months and years have resulted in the emergence of a broadly-based forward momentum.

This is a time of many historic shifts, and our region has not remained unaffected by these changes. Doors that have long been closed are now ajar.

Past pressures on our country have strengthened us, not weakened us; they have increased our sense of purpose and resolve, not diminished it. Neither have they eroded our confidence in ourselves nor in our region.

South Africa remains in transition, but it is increasingly becoming clear that it can and will be a transition to something better.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

At the opening of Parliament last year, the State President committed South Africa to a peaceful role and a course of friendship and co-operation in Southern Africa.

In pursuance of this commitment, the State President and other members of the Government were involved in various missions of dialogue to countries in Africa and Europe, to promote peace and stability.

In continuation of the policy that we will have to find our own way in Africa, based on co-operation, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence, fruitful visits were made to Mozambique, Malawi, Zaire and the Ivory Coast.

The increase in mutual contact, and the signing of the agreement by South Africa, Angola and Cuba in New York, represent important steps on the road to peace, stability and development.

The Government briefed members of the South West Africa/Namibia Transitional Government, and leaders of the second level of government on the agreement, and consulted with them on the implications of its implementation.

It was encouraging that the leaders, despite political differences, gave their support to the implementation of the settlement plan. This does not imply that everyone was in full agreement with every provision.

South Africa rejects outside interference in the political process of the Territory. After so many years of confrontation and uncertainty, a heavy responsibility now rests on those leaders to ensure that a new constitution for the Territory will be written in an atmosphere of calm.

The successful implementation of the settlement plan will bring to an end more than forty years of confrontation with the United Nations and the international community.

Few of us would have believed in 1977, when the negotiations with the Western Five commenced, that South Africa would have been able to negotiate such a favourable package, namely:

• — Cuban withdrawal from Angola;
• — the legislative and administrative authority of the Administrator-General is assured until the Territory becomes independent;
• — the South West African Police remain primarily responsible for the maintenance of law and order;
• — all parties, including Swapo, that abandon violence as a means of achieving political objectives, will be allowed to participate in the political process;
• — Swapo must be confined to bases in Angola and Zambia under the supervision of UN troops;
• — impartiality towards all the parties will have to be strictly applied, and all parties will have to be treated equally and participate in the election on an equal basis;
• — the representatives to be elected on 1 November 1989 will have to approve, with a two-thirds majority, the new constitution which they will have to draft; and
• — all parties have undertaken that certain fundamental democratic principles should be entrenched in the new constitution.

South Africa has, over many years and with great sacrifice, stood by South West Africa/Namibia. We made it possible for the Territory to proceed towards independence democratically and without intimidation.

We look forward to co-operation with a stable and prosperous neighbour.

EXTERNAL PRESSURE

Amid these positive developments, there are indications that elements in the international community are still intent on intensifying the vindictive sanctions campaign against South Africa, despite the obvious damaging effect for all the countries of the region.

This campaign has achieved the exact opposite of what it was ostensibly supposed to do. The South African Government rejects prescriptive action by those forces who have no real interest in the welfare of the people of South and Southern Africa.

While the US Administration is brokering peace in Southern Africa, elements in the US Congress are at this moment contemplating additional sanctions against our country.

South Africa has no desire to take part in sanctions and boycotts for they are destructive and counter-productive. We wish to expand trade; to share in cultural and sporting events; and to share our technological, medical and scientific knowhow with our neighbours for the benefit of all in the region.

*SECURITY

The Government can only uphold the interests of our country and its people if their safety is ensured.

For this reason, national security forms a crucial element of the Government’s general responsibility to improve the welfare of the population.

The Government will continue to ensure that the security forces maintain a high level of preparedness in order to counter revolutionary and other onslaughts.

Preparedness is not a matter of course. It is the result of thorough planning; it requires the provision of effective weaponry and the development of available manpower and resources.

The safeguarding of our country and its people is accompanied by sacrifice, also financially. Our investment in security is expensive, but it is a key element in our striving for peace and freedom on this subcontinent.

The Government rejects the view that the application of the State’s power to maintain order is synonymous with the violence of terrorists.

This is a dangerous view because it fails to recognise the State’s responsibility to ensure national security and it raises terrorist atrocities that are otherwise rejected internationally to a level of legitimacy.

Attempts are being made from the left and the right to establish alternative government and security structures.

There is for example an increasing trend towards paramilitary displays and action at certain gatherings which attempt to create the impression of alternative government authority or institutions. This could result in conflict between opposing factions and jeopardise order and stability.

Any such attempt or action that threatens peace and security must now cease.

CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Government remains committed to the viewpoint that solutions can be achieved through a process of negotiation, and will do everything in its power to win well-balanced South Africans for the cause of peaceful negotiation.

Violence is no building-block for a democratic constitution; and does not form the basis of greater order and stability.

This Government refuses to grant legitimacy to perpetrators of violence by negotiating with them on constitutional development.

It should also be realised that the Government is not merely a partner in negotiations on constitutional solutions—it is the Government and will consequently have to bear the responsibility of the implementation of any negotiated solution.

It also bears the responsibility for order and stability and for the continuation of effective government while negotiations are taking place. There can therefore be no progress in the social, economic and constitutional fields unless stability is maintained. Therefore, the Government calls on South Africans, including those outside our borders, to follow the road of peace.

If peace truly is our goal, meaningful negotiation and discussion will be practicable. All communities are growing tired of leaders who delay the negotiation process for petty political reasons.

I also wish to reiterate the Government’s objective with constitutional negotiation.

The Government is striving for a democratic system:

• — in which the language, cultural and religious diversity of those sections of the population who wish to uphold this diversity, will be retained;
• — in which the recognition of this diversity is not over-emphasized to such an extent that communality is lost; and
• — in which no community is dominated by another, or feels itself threatened or excluded.

I believe that this objective offers a starting-point for the continuation of a process of negotiation which must take place on an increasingly wider basis in future.

Equally decisive for successful negotiation is understanding that this objective cannot be achieved overnight. South Africa’s economic and social circumstances and population realities do not allow it.

While the Government is committed to the democratic ideal, we are consequently engaged in the process of evolutionary development of constitutional systems, as well as the improvement of the economic and social position of the entire population.

This is a process in which progress is possible only if we can reach agreement on every subsequent step through negotiation. Any other method holds the risk of prescription and force.

The Government therefore commits itself anew to constitutional reform through negotiation. I am confident that we will achieve success through the process of negotiation.

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

Good progress has also been made with the transfer of functions to the respective Ministers’ Councils and own affairs administrations.

Various inquiries have been completed or are in the final stage of completion. Consequently, the transfer of important additional functions is imminent.

It remains the objective of the Government to extend the self-determination of the respective population communities in a meaningful manner within their own structures of authority and within the ambit of the provisions of the Constitution.

SOCIAL FIELD

In the social field, the Government’s policy is based on the recognition of the human dignity of people, the promotion of a sound family life and social welfare in order to maintain stable communities.

For this reason, much emphasis is placed on improved health, education, welfare, housing and the upliftment of backward communities and areas.

During the past year, continued and significant progress was made to improve the quality of life of underdeveloped and less-privileged communities.

Statements are frequently made about the contrast between wealth and poverty in South Africa. The remarkable progress being made in South Africa, in contrast with that of other countries on the continent, are however not fully considered.

For example, good progress is being made with job creation, the provision of housing and the improvement of educational opportunities for the Black communities.

COMMUNITY LIFE

In respect of the planning of residential areas, the Free Settlement Areas Bill, after being referred to the President’s Council, has been adopted as legislation. A Chairman for the Free Settlement Board has just been appointed.

This measure gives recognition to those who wish to associate freely with regard to residential areas, but does not do away with the basic pattern of own residential areas.

The President’s Council made specific recommendations to the Government with regard to the Group Areas Amendment Bill.

The Government has understanding for the viewpoints and recommendations of the President’s Council and has consequently decided to repeal the referral of this Bill to the President’s Council.

The Government also wants to leave room for those who wish to exercise their individual rights in a community context. At this stage it has therefore been decided to investigate other ways and means of achieving the objectives of a guaranteed own community life.

The key to the solution of the problem lies mainly in the availability of suitable housing.

The Government will therefore continue to utilise the possibilities created by the Free Settlement Areas Act, and to address the provision of housing.

The Government, in consultation with all interested parties, is striving to address the realities of South Africa on the basis of fundamental viewpoints that also receive general acceptance abroad. In this way, individual rights and community rights can be reconciled within agreed measures.

ECONOMY

The welcome upswing in economic activity continued during 1988, and according to preliminary estimates, a real growth rate of approximately three per cent was achieved.

Domestic expenditure increased to such an extent that a more restrictive economic policy became necessary, particularly for the protection of the balance of payments.

As regards agriculture, the year 1988 was a relatively favourable year. After the drought and floods, a spirit of optimism prevails in most areas, and the gradual recovery is continuing. The Government is supporting the recovery in the agricultural sector with various aid schemes.

†INFLATION

The good growth performance of the South African economy is all the more gratifying in view of the fact that during 1988 inflation reached its lowest level in four years.

It is expected that the rate of inflation will rise slightly in the near future, but the Government remains committed to pursuing an anti-inflationary policy package along the lines proposed by the Economic Advisory Council.

The year 1988 saw the start of the implementation of a multi-year tax reform programme in the wake of the Margo Report. Changes to a longstanding tax structure do, however, call for judicious assessment, thorough preparation and a fine balance in their implementation.

Significant progress has already been made in tax reform, and further important advances are envisaged for 1989.

FOREIGN DEBT

South Africa’s already sound foreign debt ratios have all improved further during 1988.

Against this background and in the light of other recent positive economic and political developments, the continuation of the international actions necessitating the South African debt standstill is completely unwarranted.

Policies enabling us to continue meeting the extraordinary financial demands being made upon us in terms of the debt standstill, will however be maintained.

NUCLEAR FUEL

As far as the nuclear power industry is concerned, the first four locally manufactured fuel elements were delivered by the Atomic Energy Corporation to Koeberg in September last year.

The uranium was enriched in the pilot plant at Valindaba from locally produced uranium feed material.

The semi-commercial enrichment plant has now also been commissioned, and already produces enriched uranium at a rate which will satisfy Koeberg’s requirements.

*PRIVATISATION AND DEREGULATION As regards privatisation, it is Government policy that State assets that belong in the private sector, must be transferred to the investor public to reduce the Government’s role in the economy. The management of the State’s privatisation action requires the greatest degree of circumspection and responsibility towards employees, consumers and interest groups, as well as the country as a whole.

On this basis, investigations with a view to privatisation are being undertaken across the whole spectrum of the public sector.

As a result of these investigations, the Government has decided to proceed with the privatisation of Iscor during the present year. Further details in this regard will be released in due course by the Minister concerned and by Iscor itself.

Similar processes are under way with regard to Eskom, Foscor, the South African Transport Services and the Department of Posts and Telecommunications.

Besides privatisation, deregulation serves as an equally important instrument to further economic development and the creation of wealth. Positive results have been achieved over the past year, and the responsible Ministers will report in this regard in the course of time.

†ADMINISTRATION

Ten years ago the State President committed this Government to clean administration. In pursuance of this commitment, the office of Advocate General was established, and judicial commissions of inquiry were appointed where necessary. The Government is considering extending the Advocate General’s powers. A Bill in this regard will be tabled during this session of Parliament. Effective government has to be supported by clean administration. The fact that this is not always achieved by everybody in the public and private sectors, in no way detracts from this commitment. This is substantiated by strong initiatives and action taken by the Government in this regard, irrespective of the persons involved. Integrity in the public sector should of course be complemented by the same commitment in the private sector.

Ultimately, at the heart of the matter lies the relationship between public and personal virtue; for personal virtue is the foundation for collective public morality.

It is vital for South Africa that its administration and its public life must be built upon a foundation of integrity and honesty. This remains the Government’s commitment.

*UNITY

Mr Speaker, South Africa is a country with great potential—a country of hope and promise.

But the people of South Africa, through the grace of God, hold the key to their own future.

The future is in our own hands; we shall determine it ourselves. Only by giving our best, can we realise our own aspirations and keep our hope for the future burning.

That is why South Africa asks of its children all their powers, talents and dedication. But South Africa also asks that we work together with realism to realise our country’s potential.

We must develop a unity that is built on our mutual love for, and allegiance and loyalty to the Republic on the principle of South Africa First.

We must develop a mutual striving that is built on common values and objectives and on a purposeful will to further the welfare of all our people in all walks of life.

Our unity must be built on sound individual and community relations. It must be built on the acceptance that the diversity in our society is reconcilable with respect and peaceful co-existence.

This unity must be built on our joint responsibility for our country; and it must be built on our optimism and faith in the future.

We can work together and build together for the future. We can realise greater participation and progress in all walks of life.

The first steps have already been taken.

The Government is confident that South Africans will take one another’s hands to win together for South Africa.

MR SPEAKER AND HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT:

It is my prayer that the blessing of Almighty God may lead and support you in your work and deliberations.

I now declare this Seventh Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Republic of South Africa duly opened.

The Joint Sitting rose at 11h39.

Mr Chairman, I move without notice:

Agreed to.

Mr Chairman, I move without notice:

One of the things we have enjoyed since our decision to participate has been the friendships that were built up over the period of four years. Many of us came here as strangers and got to know one another here.

It was an exceptional privilege for me to be present at the funeral of Mr Buis and to see in what high esteem that man was held in that community. I want to mention here that a member of the Regional Services Council, Mr Laubscher, the mayor of Mossel Bay and the MP’s for George and Mossel Bay were also present. This testifies to the great respect they had for the man.

His quiet contribution, his strong character, his dedication and, as far as I am concerned, his loyalty will be sorely missed.

Mr Chairman, I should like to speak on behalf of the Democratic Reform Party which is the Official Opposition in this House. On behalf of this side of the House it is a privilege and an honour for me to support and uphold the motion of the hon the Chairman of the Ministers’ Council.

I knew the late Mr Buis for 50 years, because we were at school together. I become moved when speaking about this man. As an educationist and a sportsman he was always prepared to humble himself, and consequently everyone had the greatest respect for him. His contribution in this House was such that one could merely listen to him in silence. I should like to conclude by saying that we have lost a great man and by expressing the hope that his next-of-kin and especially his children will follow in his footsteps so that when we reach the new South Africa one day, he will always be remembered.

Agreed to unanimously.

(The late Mr I Solomon)

Mr Chairman, I also want to move:

†I have known Mr I Solomon personally for a long time and he was my personal choice for nomination as a member of this House. We appreciate his long service to the community— particularly in Port Elizabeth—in the insurance field, in the public sector, on the management committee and as a justice of the peace. We have already done much in support of his family.

Mr Chairman, in my opinion the late Mr Solomon was held in great esteem in this House. He was a steadfast and devout man. He set an example at all times. He was pre-eminently a prepossessing politician. I pay tribute to him. I should like to have it placed on record that his next-of-kin may rest assured that people throughout this country appreciated him.

Agreed to unanimously.

Mr Chairman, I move without notice:

Agreed to.

Mr Chairman, I resigned as a member of the UDP in December, and applied for membership of the LP. I shall now officially cross to the benches of the LP.

Mr Chairman, I have also applied for membership of the LP and shall now cross to the benches of the LP.

Order! I should like to take this opportunity to thank all those hon members of Parliament who, after the limpet mine attack on my home in Benoni on 4 January, contacted me, and those who personally called after travelling long distances, to express their concern and sympathy and to offer assistance.

One never realises the extent of the trauma which victims of these cowardly acts suffer. This incident has developed in me a deep feeling of understanding for such victims. Although heavy material losses were suffered I am grateful to Almighty God that there was no loss of life, for had it not been for His will, I may possibly not have been alive today. Those gestures of goodwill on the part of fellow-parliamentarians towards my family and me at a time of personal distress for us were much appreciated and a source of great comfort.

Mr Chairman, I hereby give notice that I shall move on Friday, 10 February 1989:

Mr Chairman, on a point of order: Would you indicate whether the motion of which notice has been given by the hon member for Lenasia Central, is a proper motion in that he seeks to usurp the function of the hon the State President.

Order! I just want to advise hon members that I shall consider the point of order and issue a ruling later.

Mr Chairman, I move without notice:

Agreed to.

Mr Chairman, on behalf of this House I wish to move without notice:

Agreed to.