gives remarks at the
Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSCI) â SADC Trade
Mission to the Republic of Tanzania
8 October 2007
The honourable Prime Minister, Edward Lowasa
The honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Marketing, Basil Mramba
The honourable Minister of Planning, Economy and Empowerment, Juma
Ngasongwa
The honourable Minister of Finance, Zakhia Meghji
Honourable Ministers, Premiers and other members of the executive committees
from South African Development Community (SADC) countries
All SADC Office bearers
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Let me take this opportunity to extend my warmest gratitude to the
government and people of Tanzania for the welcome and reception.
As Africans, we are united in our vision to accelerate the reconstruction
and development of our continent, so that Africa can take its rightful place
alongside other nations of the world. Our diversity, rich heritage, and common
historical experiences are a resource from which we draw our inspiration.
Thirteen-years into our democracy and freedom, South Africa is the youngest
prospect in the continent as a result it is a country alive with possibilities.
Centuries of colonialism and apartheid meant that the biggest challenge facing
us today is the imperative to rebuild the political, social, economic and moral
institutions to reflect the new age of hope as characterised, among others by
the assertion that this is the African Millennium.
Nowhere is the destruction and devastation of apartheid more visible than in
the areas of infrastructure. More than half of South Africans live in the
economy characterised by poor, inadequate and underdeveloped infrastructure
which is a hindrance to their economic integration and social development.
My department, the Department of Public Works, is one of the government
departments mandated to rebuild the physical infrastructural prowess of the
country. In this, the department joins sister departments such as Housing,
Transport, Water Affairs and Forestry, Sports and Recreation as well as
Provincial and Local Government.
Currently, South Africa is instrumental working with other SADC members to
rebuild the energy supply chain across the sub-region and beyond. Massive water
and road projects is another feature on the SADC infrastructure development
topography and some of these are integrated within the spatial development
frameworks for further growth and sustainability. Initiatives to promote
information, communication and technology interconnections are also under
implementation and all these efforts are milestones pointing to the
infrastructure development goals under New Partnership for Africa's Development
(Nepad).
Consequently, South Africa is experiencing a hive of activities in
construction and property development sectors as we race to meet the Millennium
Development Goals. From public infrastructure such as schools, justice courts,
prisons, hospitals and houses, to commercial airports, roads, hospitality
industry, ports, rails, and sports stadiums, the country is under construction.
Skills, capacity, expertise, materials and project management know-how, are all
in great demand. The goal is to halve poverty and increase employment greatly
by 2014.
Judging from the extent of our programme at this conference, I remain
confident that these aspects and many others will be thoroughly explored and
that the interactions will be inspired by the desire to promote trade and
industry amongst African economies, within and across geographical spaces.
I thank the Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry for the
invitation.
Issued by: Department of Public Works
8 October 2007
