MR CURRIN
Mr Chairperson, Mr Deputy Chairperson and members of the Committee, as already indicated, my colleague Greg Knott from the firm Bell Dewar and Hall, and I, as special associate of that firm, appear on behalf of the two
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applicants in this application, in terms of section 19 of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act of 1995.  
	Sir, we have studied the Act carefully.  We have formulated interpretations of key sections of words and phrases which we believe are correct.  We of course, find ourselves in a difficult situation, to the extent that this Act has never before - these particular sections of the Act - have never before been applied and interpreted.  We know that law is not easy and we anticipate that you may well have formulated interpretations of sections of words and of phrases which differ from ours.  
	I am taking the unusual step therefore, as part of my opening address, just to share with you certain aspects of our understanding, so that when we launch into the application and lead our witnesses, at least we have some sense that we may or we are heading in the right direction.  We would request the Committee, if at any stage you believe that we are barking up the wrong tree or that you differ with our interpretation, to kindly give us the benefit of your views so that we can reconsider our approach.
	I intend, Sir, right from the outset now, to as part of an opening address, hand up a document and place that document on record by reading it.  That document provides what we believe to be critical background information into the political context within this particular region within Bophuthatswana, what was then Bophuthatswana and now the North West Province. 
	Mr Chairperson, would you like a copy of the document which is going to be read onto the record?  There are copies 
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available.