celebration, Peter Mokaba stadium, Polokwane, Capricorn District
27 April 2009
Programme director
MECâs here present
Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality
Mayor of Polokwane Municipality
Executive Mayors and Mayors from other municipalities
Members of Parliament and Members of Parliamentary Legislature
Honoured traditional leaders
Councillors
Veterans and stalwarts of our struggle
Distinguished guests
Comrades and compatriots
Last week on Wednesday 22 April, South Africans had the opportunity to cast
their votes in our countryâs fourth democratic elections. For many, this was
indeed a special moment given the fact that, it took us many decades to achieve
this right. The fact that people are now able to exercise this right after
almost 300 years is something that all of us must appreciate and celebrate
unapologetically. Through voting, our people have reasserted in themselves a
right to express their choice of government and the kind of leadership they
desire.
By merely exercising this right, we have reaffirmed once again that South
Africa belongs to all who live in it, both black and white. The excitement and
the magnitude of the turn out in this election is something that this country
has never seen before, since the watershed elections of 1994. We revel at the
flood of voters, who voted in every village, township and suburb, especially
the sight of longwinded queues, which for the first time reminded us of the
historic experience of 1994 when our country became a democracy. I too, like
many of you, took pride in joining the millions of our people in exercising
this free and democratic right.
If there are things that these elections have succeeded in doing, one of
them is obviously the reinvigoration of youth interest in the future of our
country. Never has it occurred in our short history of the last 15 years that
young people participate in a democratic process in the manner in which they
did in these elections. Again, there can be no doubt that the overwhelming
interest in these elections have also served to refresh and renew the dynamic
link between the masses of our people and their elected representatives.
Now that the official results have been announced and declared free and
fair, we can say with conviction that, these elections were most peaceful and
did provide a conducive environment for the majority of our people to express
themselves freely and overwhelmingly. It is quite clear when one reads the
outcome of the results that the wishes and hopes of our people have once more
been expressed through this poll. Contrary to what opposition political parties
and opinion makers believed, the will of the people have triumphed once
again.
For some political parties this could be a moment of sadness, given the fact
that they chose to use the campaign platform to propagate fear and despondency
on our people. They appeared everyday on our television screens preaching doom
and gloom about the future of our country, hoping that their message would be
enough to deter people from exercising their democratic right correctly. We
were told day in day out that the African National Congress (ANC) government
had to be stopped because it posed a serious danger on our democracy. We were
told that the election of Jacob Zuma as President of our country, would spell
disaster and misfortune on our young nation.
Of course we now know that their negative message fell on deaf ears as our
people proved them wrong by rejecting them overwhelmingly. Their negative
approach and hopeless message dismally failed to find resonance with the
overwhelming majority of South Africans, who were simply not convinced by their
ranting hence they chose the African National Congress government to lead them
for the next five years.
Our observation is that their failure had to do more with their
preoccupation with comrade Jacob Zuma and the ANC, instead of focusing on their
own policies.
Once again, the 22 April general elections proved that the ANC government still
carries the hopes and aspirations of most of our people.
Programme director
The people have spoken! Their wisdom has prevailed over analysts and media
commentators! The people are in agreement with the electoral manifesto of the
African National Congress (ANC) when it says that priority be given to
education, healthcare, fighting of crime, provision of decent work
opportunities and the development of rural communities.
They have said in their millions that they want the democratic policies of
this government to continue where they have succeeded in addressing poverty and
unemployment and to be discontinued where they failed to deal with these
challenges.
Your decision to return the ANC government into power once again, shows that
youâre content with the strides that have been made in the last 15 years, and
are confident that much more work will be done to take our country and its
people forward.
This is a vote of confidence on the important work done by the democratic
government together with the masses of our people since 1994. It is stamp of
approval on the tireless efforts being made by those in our government who
continue to work diligently to deliver quality services to our people. Once
again, government wishes to thank every South African who contributed to the
strengthening of our democracy by casting their votes overwhelmingly in these
important elections. We say to all of you, sinqobile! Thank you very much!
Ha
khensa! Ro livhuwa! Re a leboga! Siya tokoza! Siyabonga and Baie dankie!
We extend this gratitude because we know fully well that this overwhelming
turn out would not have been possible if many of our people did not see the
benefits which this country achieved in the last 15 years under the ANC led
government. People voted in their numbers because they saw change literally
happening in their lives and in their neighbourhoods.
Evidence about these is already well known to many of you gathered here
today and these include:
* the fact that this government has provided 83,6% of households in the
province with access to clean piped water
* The fact that we have increased formal dwellings from 99 000 in 2001 to 300
000 in 2007
* the fact that informal dwellings have decreased in the province from 7,1% in
2001 to 5,6% in 2007
* the fact that we have tarred 885 km of roads in the province
* the fact that we have increased the number of households using electricity
(for lighting) from 38,7% in 1996 to 81% in 2007
* the fact that our province has four best schools which have joined the
Ministerâs club of 100 schools which have consistently obtained 100 percent
pass rate in mathematics higher grade
* we have recently opened five state of the art schools in the province with
modern libraries, laboratories, and computer centres, of which 12 of these
schools are currently under construction and will be opened each month from
June onwards)
* we provided assistance to many poor students to access higher education
through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
* drastic steps have also been taken in facilitating financial access to 3 910
SMMEâs to the value of over R600 million, resulting in the creation of over 12
000 jobs.
* between 2004 and 2008 we also increased the number of social security
beneficiaries from 1,05 million to 1,2 million
* about one million children already get nutrition from the state, and plans
are afoot to extend this programme to learners at secondary school level
* and lastly
* the fact that we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of no fee
schools in the province from 2 300 in 2006 to 2 839 in 2008, coming from the
pool of 3 993 schools.
A mere 15 years ago, this would not have been possible! We can say without
fear of contradiction that, we have restored dignity to millions of our people.
We have broadened access to basic services previously denied to most. We have
opened the doors of learning to the majority; we have created economic
opportunities for black people, and have also built houses for many people who
previously did not have shelter.
However, we are the first to concede that, all of these achievements cannot
be enough given the history of our country and the huge backlogs we still have
to confront. There is much work that still needs to be done in order to break
the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in our country. We are acutely aware
that many of our people still struggle to find work. There are still people who
don't have proper houses or basic services. Many families struggle to make ends
meet, many children cannot afford to go to school, and many people still find
it difficult to get the health care they need.
This tells us that the struggle is not yet over. It tells us that the
struggle must continue until every human being enjoys dignity. The struggle
must continue until poverty is eradicated, it will continue until the majority
has jobs, and it will never stop until the majority are able to read and write.
It is important that we never lose sight of these ideals which are laid down in
the Constitution and our Bill of rights.
The elections we have had are certainly not the end of the road, but a
continuation of a long journey which started since 1994. We must never be
complacent about this victory, but instead should regard it as a basis for
working even harder especially in the wake of the global financial crisis that
is threatening to reverse the very gains of this freedom. Former President
comrade Nelson Mandela is correct when he says in his biography, Long Walk to
Freedom that:
âI have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have
made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after
climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that
surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for
a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for
my long walk is not yet ended.â
We have fought a good fight, and as former President Mandela commands us
â[we] dare not linger long, for [our] long walk is not yet endedâ.
Programme director
Now that the elections have come and pass, we who have been elected into
office must be determined to work even harder to deliver quality services to
our people. It is important that we work in unison in order that we achieve
that, which we shed blood and sweat for our people. We have been given the
mandate by the people, and it is time to do only that which our people expect
us to do â the rendering of service delivery to the majority of our
population.
Programme director
We have gathered here in Polokwane, the capital city of our province to
celebrate freedom day and our countryâs 15 years of freedom. We are celebrating
this day today with a deep sense of pride especially knowing the achievements
which this country managed to register within just a short period of 15 years.
No one can ever doubt the amount of transformation which this country has seen
since 1994.
This is why every year, we never miss the opportunity to celebrate 27 April
when millions of our people casted their votes for the first time, opening the
way for the creation of a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa
based on equality, dignity and respect for human rights.
As we celebrate Freedom Day, we can be proud of the resilient and maturing
democracy that we have built together as a nation. We have come a long way from
our divided and bitter past to a society based on equality, dignity and respect
for human rights. Our Constitutional order has proved itself to be strong. Four
successful democratic elections have been held and we have created a government
that respects and also represents the will of the people.
Programme director
It is important for us not to forget that this Freedom Day we are
celebrating here, did not happen by accident. It is the end result of battles
and wars that were fought many years in this country and even internationally.
It is the culmination of all popular events which shaped the history and
character of our nation. We obviously cannot talk of freedom without casting
our eyes back to the anti-colonial wars fought by our warrior Kings during the
16th and 18th centuries.
We cannot talk of freedom and democracy without looking back at events such
as the defiance campaigns of 1952, the adoption of the freedom charter in 1955,
the womenâs march of 1909 and 1956, the Alexandra bus and potato boycotts in
1957, the massacre of our people during the anti-pass demonstration in
Sharpeville, and subsequent banning of political organisations in 1961, the
1973 Durban strikes, the 1976 student uprisings, the murder of Steve Biko in
detention in 1977, the state of emergency in 1986, the battle of Cuito
Cuanavale in 1988 leading to the independence of Namibia, the unbanning of
political organisations and the subsequent release of comrade Nelson Mandela in
1990, and lastly but not least, the holding of the first democratic elections
in our country on April 27 1994. In the eyes of many South Africans, these
events can only serve to remind us that indeed freedom was not free.
The stalwarts and veterans of our liberation struggle, who are here with us
today, know the deep wounds and scars which our people had to carry in order
for us to reach this day.
They know that we had to lose people such as comrades Solomon Mahlangu and
Chris Hani in order for us to reach this day. This is why we must never forget
to remember the sacrifices of those whom the Constitution of our country says
we must honour the heroes and the heroines of our people, the stalwarts and the
veterans of our liberation struggle, including those amongst us who paid the
ultimate sacrifice to enable us to live in this full and all inclusive
democracy. On an occasion such as this, we recall the contribution made by the
early pioneers of our liberation struggle such as comrades S M Makgatho, Chief
Albert Luthuli, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Oliver
Tambo, Nelson Mandela and many others who were the leaders of that
generation.
We also pay tribute to the icons of this province who contributed immensely
to the realisation of our freedom. These include giants such as Elias
Motsoaledi, Alpheus Malivha, Peter Nchabeleng, Mark Shope, Uriah Maleka, Flag
Boshielo, Lawrence Phokanoka, Peter Mokaba, Josephine Moshobane, Ngoako
Ramalepe, Fawcert Mathebe, Zondi Maphanga, Ephraim Mogale, Norman Mashabane,
France Mohlala, Tryphina Malatjie, Tryphina Malatjie to mention but a few.
It is from them that we learned how to fight and gain courage of conviction
in the correctness of our cause. They continue to sustain our vision of a free,
non-racial and non-sexist South Africa where there is ample opportunity for
all. They are the shining stars whose lives are a source of inspiration to
everything we do as government and the people of South Africa.
Programme director
As government and the people of the province, we take pride in knowing that
on 9 May 2009, comrade Jacob Zuma will be rightfully installed President of our
country. All of us know by now, how we travelled together the road that led up
to this historical eventuality. The inauguration of comrade Jacob Zuma as
President of our country has come not without pain and sacrifice. This was
indeed a road littered with prickle thorns and not roses. This is why comrade
Jacob Zuma story is one of perseverance, hope and resilience in the midst of
despair. Our country has a lot to learn from the ordeal we have went through as
a nation, particularly from the humility and the strength which comrade Jacob
Zuma demonstrated throughout his persecution. We dedicate this Freedom Day to
him, and further wish to take this opportunity to wish him well as he takes the
reins to lead our people to the Promised Land.
Programme director
On this yearâs Freedom Day, government once again reaffirms its commitment
to consolidate democracy and create a South Africa united in its diversity. We
celebrate the continuing hope and resilience of our people, working together to
achieve the vision in our Constitution.
The new African National Congress (ANC) government led by comrade Jacob Zuma
will work hard to ensure that in the next five years our peopleâs lives improve
even further. We will implement the ANC electoral manifesto and concentrate on
key five priority areas. These are:
* creating decent work in a growing economy
* ensuring that all have access to quality education
* ensuring that all have access to affordable quality health care
* building safer communities by tackling crime and corruption
* developing our rural areas and providing land to the poor.
We will ensure that we continue to grow the economy to meet the needs of our
people. Some of these measures are already being implemented today and they
include the public infrastructure expansion programme and several public works
programmes. We will put in place a comprehensive state-led industrial policy
that will direct public and private investment to support employment creation
and broader economic transformation.
Education will be at the centre of our efforts to improve the potential of
every citizen and enable each one of us to play a productive role in building
our nation. We will improve the quality of schooling, particularly performance
in maths, science and technology. We will improve the access of poor South
Africans to quality education, by ensuring that 60% of schools are no-fee
schools as part of the progressive introduction of free and compulsory
education for the poor until they enter university. We will review the National
Student Financial Aid Scheme to facilitate the progressive introduction of free
education for the poor at undergraduate level.
We will pursue the introduction of a National Health Insurance (NHI) system,
which will be phased in over the next five years. This will provide every South
African with access to quality health care which will be free at the point of
delivery. We will also strengthen the partnership against Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in our country to ensure that this epidemic does not
reverse the gains we have made.
We will overhaul the criminal justice system to ensure that we drastically
reduce the levels of crime in our country. We will establish a new modernised,
efficient and transformed criminal justice system with an enhanced capacity to
fight and reduce crime in real terms. Our stated goal is that of reducing
serious and violent crime, and in particular contact crimes, by 7 to 10% a
year.
This will be linked to mobilising communities and the establishment of
street committees to assist law enforcement agencies and complement visible
policing. Resources would be allocated to better equip and remunerate those
tasked with police and judicial services duties. The fight against corruption
will form part of our struggle against crime. In this regard, we will not
tolerate any element that wants to plunder state resources at the expense of
our people. Those found guilty of corruption will be severely punished
according to the laws of the country.
Rural development and agrarian reform will play a key role in the struggle
to create a better life for all. Our aim is to ensure that by 2014 all rural
schools and health facilities have adequate basic infrastructure. We will
increase our food production through development of cooperatives and skills
development in the agricultural sector.
We will continue our concerted efforts to contribute to a better Africa and
the world. Our country was liberated after many countries pledged their
solidarity with us over many decades, hence we will continue to fight against
xenophobia and agitate for an Africa and the world that is based on the
creation of a just, humane and equitable world order.
We will also seek to mitigate the negative effects of the global financial
crisis by using our public infrastructure rollout programme and the Expanded
Public Works Programme (EPWP) to cushion the poorest of the poor. We all have a
responsibility to ensure that we emerge out of this crisis even stronger and
more formidable.
There is hope in the future of our country. Working together, we will build
a better South Africa of opportunities for all, a nation united in its
diversity, at peace with itself and the world. Let us all come together to make
this country work. Much has already been done in the last 15 years, and this is
why we say, working together we can do more!
Thank you
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
27 April 2009
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)
