KwaZulu-Natal Premier-elect Senzo Mchunu has called on leaders of political parties in the legislature to work towards uniting the people of KwaZulu-Natal. He was speaking today during the sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Legislature after his nomination as the premier for the next term of office.
“It with great humility that I rise before you to accept my nomination as the Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal over the next term of office of this democratic government.”
“At the outset, I want to express my appreciation to my party, the African National Congress for this expression of confidence in me. Since 1912, the ANC has given responsibilities to many of its volunteers who have without fail acted as agents of change.”
“In any given situation, a true volunteer of this glorious movement understands that the task of transforming society and defeating poverty remains fundamental. Accordingly, I want to assure my party and all members of this house that I will use all my energies to explore different strategies to speed up the transformation of society and eradicate poverty.”
“Importantly, the people of this province, irrespective of their political affiliation, will be made part of all efforts aimed at speeding up the transformation of KZN into a land of prosperity.”
“We must unite our people behind a common goal of creating a winning nation capable of dealing with any socio-economic challenge. As leaders of society, we must be exemplary in how we handle ourselves and how we discharge our responsibilities.”
“Admittedly, the trauma that was inflicted on us as the people of this country and KwaZulu-Natal in particular is still fresh in our souls. As leaders we therefore have a responsibility to inspire the people of this province to work together.”
“The next few months of the members of this house should be about promoting the spirit of brotherhood. Because our fate is bound together, we must strengthen the solidarity amongst the people of this province.”
“We must be closer to our people: African, Indian, Coloured and White and ensure that we remind them that we have a responsibility to deliver to the future generations, a stable KwaZulu-Natal which acts as a gateway to Africa and the rest of the world.”
“Importantly, in order to unlock the potential of KwaZulu-Natal, we must work with religious leaders, traditional leaders, professionals, organised labour, NGOs, different sectors of civil society and big business. It is this unity and partnership that will propel this province to greater heights.”
“Ahead of the national general elections, we visited many parts of the province - rural and urban - and interacted with many citizens who finally voted overwhelmingly for a Better life for all. With the highest voter turnout of 75, 98 percent, the people of KwaZulu-Natal Province have demonstrated that they respect and understand all the processes of a democratic country.”
“They firmly believe that voting in a democratic election is one of the most crucial measures of a vibrant democracy. We can say without any shadow of doubt that democracy is alive in KZN.”
“For this, I want to personally express my appreciation to the people of KwaZulu-Natal for embracing democracy and for ensuring free, fair and credible elections.”
“Clearly, leaders and members of all political parties who have been voted into the provincial legislature must understand that they represent the aspirations of many of our people.”
“We dare not fail those who walked long distances and those who stood in long queues and voted us into office. We must all consider ourselves as very privileged that we have been given this mammoth responsibility at the time when this country celebrates 20 years of our freedom and democracy.”
“When we ushered in democracy 20 years ago, we have used our constitution to ensure that parliament exercises its role of legislation and oversight. The democratic government has ensured that members of this house are accountable to their constituencies.”
“Therefore, as we start another 20 years of our freedom and democracy, we must together usher in a new era in which the work of government is conducted with a compelling sense of hard work, honesty and integrity.”
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Tel: 031 327 9360 or 033 341 3320 / 3342
Cell: 082 3754742
Fax: 086 602 3086
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com / ndabezinhl.sibiya@kznpremier.gov.za
