North West
14 December 2007
Fellow citizens, friends and colleagues:
As 2007 draws to a close and a New Year beckons, we are called upon to
reflect on some of the bumpy and smooth paths we have traversed, and celebrate
the fact that, in spite of all the constraints that stood along the way, we did
not lose sight of our vision and strategic objectives.
As I said on a previous occasion, the end of the year is a moment of
reflection on the road travelled. The dawn of a new one is a moment to ponder
the long road that still lies ahead. This period of the year offers us a rare
opportunity to take stock of our work, to assess our progress and to identify
shortcomings and problems so that we can continuously improve the manner in
which we discharge our mandate to the citizenry.
As we bid farewell to 2007, we do so confident that it marked one of the
critical milestones towards our 2014 vision. For me and the people of the North
West, it was a year in which, through collective effort, we accelerated our
advance towards a better life for all.
As 2006 accepts its demise with sheepish surrender, we are justified to look
back and say that, as a nation we have come a long way. We are justified to say
that our efforts to build a better society have yielded positive results.
We are humbled by the overwhelming confidence the people of our province
continue to demonstrate in their democratically elected government. I wish to
make a solemn commitment, on behalf of my colleagues in the Executive Council
and the army of public servants that we lead, that we will not betray their
trust. Their confidence inspires us to utilise every ounce of our energy in
pursuit of their aspirations. Together with our people, we will continue in the
New Year to build on the solid foundations laid and the experience of the last
thirteen years.
2008 is a year in which the North West Provincial Government will continue
to strengthen its partnership with our people. We will do so to ensure that our
people become their own liberators, and not passive recipients of government
services. Government, acting alone, cannot overcome the huge legacy bequeathed
on us by decades of colonialism and apartheid.
As we bid farewell to 2007, we do so confident that the South Africa we are
living in today is a better place than it was at the beginning of the year and
since our freedom in 1994. This gives us reason to celebrate and to approach
the future with confidence. The contribution of the people of our province in
the national project of rebuilding our nation continues to inspire us all. I
wish to thank every citizen of the North West, my colleagues in the Executive
Council, members and leaders of the ruling party, all opposition parties in the
provincial legislature as well as our dedicated army of public servants on
whose shoulders lies our vision of delivering a better life for all.
Let us use the tranquillity and warmth of the festive season to summon our
collective energy to work with even more determination in pursuit of a better
life for all. Together, let us face the year that lies ahead with the same
optimism, resilience and tenacity that continue to make us the envy of the
world.
May I urge all road users to remain careful on the road during the festive
season and throughout the year. Together we have a responsibility to ensure
that the festive season does not leave in its wake pain and grief for friends
and families, unless we act responsibly on the road.
I wish you and those close to your heart a peaceful festive season and a
prosperous 2005.
I thank you
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
14 December 2007
