Mr. Speaker, on April 27, South Africans will celebrate 10 years of freedom and an end to apartheid in their country.
The African National Congress and Nelson Mandela's successor, Thabo Mbeki, have just won a third landslide victory. And another reason to celebrate: almost 33% of South African parliamentarians are women.
South Africa faces daunting challenges, devastating poverty, the ravages of HIV-AIDS and an enormous gap between wealthy elites and the rest of its citizens but they are determined and courageous people.
Like Canada's honorary citizen, Nelson Mandela, South Africans inspire us with their commitment to justice and reconciliation.
Canada's New Democrats stand in solidarity with proud South Africans on their historic achievements.