Programme director
Chairperson of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Zev Krengel
President of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, Alan Solow
President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Alexander Mashkevich
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Shalom, Molweni!
I am honoured to be among such an important international Jewish delegation this morning. I am informed that this prestigious delegation from the United States of America and the Russian Federation represents the most high profile delegation to grace the African continent.
On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, let me extend a warm welcome to you all and I trust that your stay in the Fairest Cape, the Southern tip of our continent, has so far been pleasant and productive.
Programme director,
Allow me to thank the South African Jewish Board of Deputies for making possible this visit and to give us an opportunity to interact and share ideas with the representatives from the Conference of Presidents and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.
It is through forums like these that we can chart a positive way forward to advance the cause for social justice, equality for all and a lasting route to peace.
One makes mention of these ideals in the wake of our country’s celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of the founding father of our nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Through his example, we have learnt that it is possible to build a society which prizes above all else democracy, peace, justice, tolerance and equality across racial and religious lines.
Similarly, it is encouraging that, among others, this special breakfast meeting seeks to highlight projects meant “to counter racial and religious discrimination and to strengthen peace and stability throughout the world”.
Indeed, as Madiba has shown, it takes conscious effort and at times huge sacrifices, to build peace and tolerance, as well as eradicate the demon of discrimination in all its manifestations.
In this regard your objectives find an echo in our country’s constitutional democracy. Since we held our first democratic elections in 1994, we have cherished the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist and united South Africa.
Such an understanding has always been dear and clear to us as well as leaders such as Madiba told us that, “We fought injustice in order to preserve our humanity”.
All of us gathered here today are bound by these words. We must strive for justice irrespective of our affinity to those on the wrong side of it. Only through such a principled stand would our humanity be preserved.
Distinguished guests
When it comes to the Middle East conflict, our President Jacob Zuma stated clearly our position in August last year when addressing the national conference of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. I quote, “The South African government supports all international efforts to find lasting peace and security in the Middle East. This includes the implementation of various United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions. We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence from whatever quarter, particularly where civilians are targeted”.
The theme of our government is “Working together we can do more”. It consciously expresses a belief in forging partnerships and in building durable relations with countries like the United States of America and the Russian Federation.
We believe such a multilateral system affords us a platform to deal with challenges besetting the international community. Therefore, South Africa is interested in finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and in the rebuilding process underway in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We deem it an honour that our country enjoys good and cordial relations with Russia and the United States and we will continue to enhance these relationships of mutual benefit so that the lives of all our people are much improved for the better.
Programme director, as such, we regard our friends in the developed North as co-partners in the global fight against terrorism and the development of the African continent. This is possible and is realisable through the strengthening of our strategic objectives of building the capacity of people with education, skills and in creation of ample employment opportunities.
Our foreign policy is guided by confidence in the multilateral system of global governance. A reinforcement of the multilateral system is more pronounced in today’s world than at any other time in our history.
Ladies and gentlemen, I remain an optimist and I do see peace being implemented in our lifetime in the Middle East! All that is required is compromise and conciliation from both sides of the conflict.
One of the distinguished leaders of movement, Chief Albert Luthuli taught us that what warring parties need is peace of the brain. In his capacity as President of the African National Congress (ANC) at the time of deepening oppression of black people, his response was, “we need courage that rises with danger. He advocated non-racialism and reconciliation as a counter to racism and violence. Most importantly, Chief Luthuli observed that no government can claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people. As the author of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes says, “The worst reconciliation is better than the best divorce”.
It is for this reason we salute the Conference of Presidents and Euro-Asian Jewish Congress for providing all concerned with opportunities to advance diplomatic and economic cooperation that can only benefit our people still severely afflicted by the consequences of the global economic downturn.
Here in South Africa, our resolve remains strong to overcome challenges of unemployment, skills shortage, poverty and inequality and all accumulated disabilities. At the same time we realise that we cannot work alone. We need partners to share ideas and experiences with, particularly as the whole country and indeed the entire continent is gearing itself to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 11 July.
We noted the good performance of the American team at the Confederations Cup in June 2009. Since they have qualified, we look forward to receiving them once again and hope that they will excel.
Our hand of friendship and solidarity is extended to you to come with your families to share in this sporting spectacular. As government working together with our social partners, we assure you that come June 2010 all of South Africa will come together as one united nation to stage a peaceful and pleasant sporting event.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Let me say once again, welcome to our country and enjoy our hospitality and generosity of spirit under the African sun. Finally, I wish you well and Godspeed in all your endeavours of bringing racial and religious harmony across the world and in advancing diplomatic and economic cooperation between our host country and your respective countries of origin.
Toda, Thank you, Ndiyabulela!
Issued by: The Presidency
12 February 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
