Politics MMUSI MAIMANE: The ANC is 'the enemy of the people' 'From the Marikana 34 to the Esidemeni 94, this government has turned against the people of this country. This is a murderous government' BL PREMIUM

This is the text of a speech delivered by DA Leader Mmusi Maimane during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament in February 2017: The weight of our history lies heavy upon all of us. We must never forget past injustices. And we must put right the wrongs of the past. Four days ago we commemorated Nelson Mandela’s historic speech on the Grand Parade upon his release from prison 27 years ago. As we reflect on the state of our nation, we need to ask ourselves: How many South Africans enjoy the freedom that Madiba spoke of on that day 27 years ago? Three days ago we marked the 51st anniversary of the forced removal of people from District Six. People were wrenched from their homes and families were ripped apart. I am sure all of us in this House will join me in saying, never, never and never again. Yet two weeks ago, a story broke in our news of people torn from their lives and their families right here in a democratic South Africa.