We know too well that our democracy will lack substance and our unity remain fragile if we do not act to reduce the wide socio-economic differences which we have inherited. Now the broad framework has been decided upon. And the task is not to bury our heads in theoretical treatises, important as theory might be. The challenge of the moment is for all sectors to set shoulders to the wheel and make things happen. It is heartening that the last of local government elections in the Western Cape were conducted successfully.
Problems there are, yes.
But we are confident that the leadership in this province will resolve them to the satisfaction of all. The recent initiatives embarked upon in the province give us hope that this will be accomplished. Before I deal with certain matters pertaining to the recent Western Cape elections, I wish briefly to refer to one of the significant developments within government since the adoption of the constitution, and that is, the withdrawal of the National Party from the Government of National Unity. We have made many pronouncements on this, particularly emphasising our fervent wish that the NP will be a vibrant opposition, within the bounds of our constitution, and loyal to the interests of the country as a whole. On the whole, the wheels of government continue to roll, now with better focus on the objective of achieving a better life for all.