Dr. Pieter Mulder, FF Plus Leader and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Speech: Africa Day, May 25 2011
Mr. Speaker,
Is there hope for Africa? Recently in a discussion with a businessman from West Africa, he concluded by expressing a wish that South Africa could assist Africa to develop to such an extent that Africa could become more like Europe and South Africa. "Africa is so far behind you," he despondently concluded.
Could South Africa do it?
Yes. South Africa is economically two times stronger than Nigeria and nearly three times stronger than Egypt. South Africa is economically 80 times stronger than the average African state.
In addition to this we have the best roads, power and telephone utilities in Africa and our stock exchange is one of the tenth strongest stock exchanges in the world. Nearly half of all tarred roads are to be found in South Africa.
But when we talk about Africa we also have to be realistic about Africa's problems. I am angry about Africa's corruption and abuse of power. I am tired of Africa's conflicts and TV images of young soldiers in camouflage uniform who, filled of bravado stand on the back of bakkies with a heavy machine gun in their hands with bands full of ammunition hanging around their necks. I am despondent if I one more time have to see African babies with their dull eyes lying in a heap, hoping to receive food.
Communication infrastructure is an important precondition for the development of Africa.
Vodacom and MTN developed the "pay-as-you-go" concept and attained great success with it. They are at present the main cellular phone providers in various African countries.
There are numerous similar examples where South African companies have had successes in Africa. Shoprite Checkers at present has the largest food store network in Africa with nearly 200 shops in fifteen countries. South Africans are operating Cameroon's rail network and we are building roads and bridges in Malawi and Mozambique.
Through MultiChoice and the SABC South African television programmes and news reach nearly 48 African countries while Media24 sells magazines in Nigeria and Kenya.
South Africa, within ten years following 1994, had become one of the top ten countries with investments in Africa. South African companies have already succeeded in raising the living standards of many African countries.
But I also wish to speak to Afrikaners. Many Afrikaners are withdrawing and are hoping that the problems will disappear. If Afrikaners honestly think about their positions they at this moment in time do not have many choices.
Either you emigrate or you get involved and help to create a place in the son for Afrikaners. It can not be done in isolation. The fact is that if Africa is destroyed, then South Africa is also in trouble. If South Africa is destroyed thane the Afrikaner is also in trouble.
A British journalist recently said to me: "You Afrikaners can never be bridge-builders in Africa due to your history."
Is he correct? What is the attitude toward Afrikaners in the rest of Africa? Apart from South Africa, where Malema says that we are all criminals, I have been received very positively everywhere in Africa.
At present 24 African states have requested South African commercial farmers to go and farm in their countries toe assist with food security.
But there is a prerequisite. Afrikaners should not permanently feel that they are being targeted by the government. It causes all energy for survival to be used in South Africa and there is no energy left to reach out to Africa.
Issued by the Freedom Front Plus, May 25 2011
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