One of the most wonderful things about being a South African is our very progressive Constitution.

It allows a multiparty constitutional democracy, which enables the government of the day to benefit from the views and opinions of many political parties. This enriches the work of government.

In the Presidential Inauguration address we called for a partnership for reconstruction, development and progress.

We believe we moved one step closer to that goal during the debate on the State of the Nation Address, which was our first interaction since the inauguration.

The debate has been both instructive and encouraging. It has demonstrated that all parties in this House without exception are earnest in their commitment to this country and to harmonious relations amongst its people.

Regardless of our differences as political parties, I believe that we have a common goal, which is to make South Africa a great country. We take all contributions to the debate in that spirit.

We have noted too, Honourable Speaker, that this House will seriously hold the Executive accountable. As Hon Thaba Mufamadi said, this will be a "strong activist Parliament".

As the national executive, we welcome increased oversight to assist us in achieving our target of effective and efficient government. We will work harder and smarter and the South African people will be the beneficiaries of this constructive robust role of Parliament.

There will always be moments when we have no choice but to work together for the common good of our nation.

It is when we are able to work together in that manner, that South Africa will be more united and prosperous.

When opening the debate, the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, the Honourable Mathole Motshekga, reminded us to focus on that which makes us human.

He referred to the call by former ANC President, Rev ZR Mahabane, for "the recovery of the humanity of all people".

That has been a guiding tenet of the ANC for the many decades of its existence. It will be a central feature of our shared efforts over the term of this government, because we know that working together we can do more to build a great South Africa.

Decent work and a steadily improving quality of life are essential for the recovery of the humanity of all our people.

So too is empowerment through access to quality education and skills development. Safe water, affordable energy, decent shelter, and cohesive, secure and vibrant communities are similarly all important for the recovery of this humanity.

To be treated with respect and dignity, by one's fellow citizens, and by those who have the responsibility of providing a public service, is important for the recovery of our humanity.

Central to this recovery of our humanity is also the need for access to economic opportunities and to earn a living. That is why we are determined to lessen the impact of the economic dowturn on the most vulnerable.

Honourable Members, we agree with a number of speakers about the seriousness of the global economic crisis.

We can draw some encouragement from the fact that as South Africans we have not experienced the worst effects of the global downturn, due to the prudent macro-economic policies that had been followed.

From the Ready to Govern document of the early 1990s, the pursuit of our objectives has always been based on the maintenance of a stable macroeconomic environment. This is not going to change.

The Honourable Kenneth Meshoe has raised a concern, whether or not we would have sufficient funds to bail out companies in distress during the downturn.

Read what was said about financial bail-outs on page 2

Sapa

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