Programme Director
The Premier of the North West province, Ms Maureen Modisele
The MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture in the North West, Ms Grace Bothman and all MECs here present
Executive mayors and councillors here present
Representatives of the house of traditional leaders
The Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
The CEO of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Ms Zandile Mdhladhla
Officials from the Presidency
Representatives of religious bodies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
We have met here today to launch the 2010 Moral Regeneration Month as an event of national significance, in our collective pursuit of a more humane society grounded on moral values.
It was exactly one year ago when the inaugural launch of the Moral Regeneration Month took place. It was also during this month of July that the charter of positive values was adopted.
Today therefore, we meet to further cement the month of July as a period in which as a nation we strengthen our work towards a more cohesive society that is just and caring.
Guided by this year's theme: "Together reclaiming our humanity through the charter of positive values". We will use this month to encourage our people to reflect on what they can do, individually and collectively, to make our country a better place for all.
This time of reflection implores us to not only be good neighbours to one another but also to be good citizens on a continuous basis.
We will use this period to recommit ourselves towards the objective of building communities that are grounded in positive values, which include respect for human dignity and equality, concern for all people, peaceful coexistence and the upholding of honesty, integrity and loyalty.
We will also initiate dialogues among various sectors of society on issues of moral renewal and the promotion of good citizenship.
Throughout this month we will spread the message that, as South Africans we are a nation that inherently has high moral values and standards.
We will also remind our people that moral renewal is a responsibility of all South Africans and that the building of moral communities is important to sustain and consolidate democracy, peace and prosperity in our country.
As a nation we pride ourselves of being the custodians of the spirit of ubuntu which teaches us that; I am because you are. It is this spirit that continues to guide our common humanity and urges us to strive for a better life for all.
Indeed it is this spirit that will continue to guide us as we seek to building a better, humane and caring society that is firmly rooted in positive values.
Programme director, the need to build a humane and caring society was at the core of our struggle for liberation.
The founding fathers and mothers of our liberation struggle such as Albert Luthuli, Walter Sisulu and Lilian Ngoyi, devoted their lives to changing the moral compass of this country.
It is therefore critical that we do everything necessary to continue building the kind of society our forebears fought so bravely for.
As we pursue this noble task we will continue to draw inspiration and lessons from our living icon, former President Nelson Mandela, who celebrates his 92nd birthday on the 18th July.
We take this opportunity to urge all South Africans to honour this icon by setting aside time on the 18 of July, to be of service to fellow human beings.
On that day and the weeks that follow, as South Africans we will have an opportunity to make positive and meaningful changes in our communities.
This we must do not to seek personal glory. Rather, we must be content in the knowledge that we are making a difference to the lives of our fellow citizens.
As we do this we will be reminding ourselves of our obligation towards one another and towards our country.
It is this obligation towards one another and towards our country that we seek to encourage during Moral Regeneration Month.
As we begin the Moral Regeneration Month, we note with appreciation that our country is in the midst of hosting a highly successful 2010 FIFA World Cup.
As we continue to open our arms and hearts to those who are visiting our country for the World Cup, we are demonstrating to the whole world that we are a caring, warm and loving nation.
We are showing our visitors the true meaning of ubuntu as our people continue to be kind and available to assist tourists. There are countless stories of South Africans who are making the 2010 World Cup an unforgettable experience for visitors to our country.
Let this spirit prevail well beyond the World Cup!
Let this spirit of ubuntu continue to guide us, as South Africans, as we strive for a more humane society and a society where the Charter of Positive Values finds expression in all our actions. I take this opportunity to commend the Moral Regeneration Movement for its ongoing work to popularise the Charter of Positive Values and ensuring that it guides the conduct of all South Africans. Allow me to reiterate the values contained in the Charter, which are:
- Respect for human dignity and equality
- Promote responsible freedom, the rule of law and democracy
- Improve material well-being and economic justice
- Enhance sound family and community values
- Uphold honesty, integrity and loyalty
- Ensure harmony in culture, belief and conscience
- Show respect and concern for all people
- Strive for justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence
- Protect the environment.
During this month and beyond we will continue to work with the Moral Regeneration Movement to promote greater awareness and appreciation of this Charter.
We urge all South Africans to support the Moral Regeneration Movement as it undertakes several activities throughout the country as part of the Moral Regeneration Month.
We are encouraged that some of the activities for this month will be targeting young people. This is significant as the youth are the future of our country and it is important that they embrace positive values early in their lives.
Through the My 2010 School Adventure Competition as the Department of Arts and Culture we continue to encourage greater awareness and appreciation of the National Flag, National Anthem, National Symbols among learners in 400 schools across the country. Most importantly through this competition we promote ubuntu, tolerance and respect among learners.
Furthermore and in order to support the work of the Moral Regeneration Movement, in November this year, we will host the National Social Cohesion and Inclusive Citizenship Conference.
This Conference will focus, amoung others, on issues such as fair and inclusive citizenship, the promotion of positive attitudes, self identity, tolerance, respect and human solidarity.
From this conference we hope to emerge with clear programmes aimed at building a more cohesive and united nation, grounded on the noble values of equality and dignity for all.
I also take this opportunity to urge communities all over the country to join hands with the Moral Regeneration Movement, to support and initiate programmes aimed at the renewal of morality in our society.
As we carry out our every day work, let us be reminded that we have a responsibility to uplift one another, in whatever way we can. Let us continue to make a difference and to be agents of change within our own communities and in the world at large.
I wish you success during this year’s Moral Regeneration Month. May the objectives we have set for ourselves for this month be achieved.
I thank you.
