Fellow citizens, friends and colleagues:
Dumelang bagaetsho!
The end of the year is a moment of reflection on the road travelled. The dawn of a new one is a moment to ponder the long road that still lies ahead.
As 2009 draws to a close and a new year beckons, I call upon all to reflect on some of the bumpy and smooth paths that we have traversed, and celebrate the fact that, in spite of all the constraints and challenges that continue to confront us, we never lost sight of our vision and strategic agenda.
This period of the year offers us a rare opportunity to take stock of our work, to assess our progress and to identify shortcomings and challenges so that we can continuously improve the quality of our work.
As we bid farewell to 2009, we do so confident that it marked one of the most decisive moments in our advance towards our 2014 vision. For me and the people of the North West, it was a year in which, through collective effort, we established a strong and hands-on administration capable of helping us realize the vision of a better life for all.
We are confident that the North West we are living in today is a better place than it was at the beginning of the year and since our freedom in 1994. This gives us reason to celebrate and to approach the future with confidence
We are humbled by the overwhelming confidence the people of our province continue to demonstrate in their democratically elected government. Their confidence inspires us to utilise every ounce of our energy in pursuit of their aspirations. Together with our people, we will continue in the new year to build on the solid foundations laid and the experience we have accumulated over the last fifteen years.
2010 is a year in which the eyes of the whole world will be on South Africa and the North West. We will never have another opportunity to show the world what our country is capable of. Let us seize this moment and help Africa to stage the best World Cup ever. Ke nako!
Let us use the tranquillity and warmth of the festive season to summon our collective energy to work with even more determination in the new year. Together, let us face the year that lies ahead with the same optimism, resilience and tenacity that continue to make us the envy of the world.
May I urge all road users to remain careful and responsible on the road during the festive season and throughout the year. Together we have a responsibility to ensure that the festive season does not leave in its wake pain and grief for friends and families. Let us obey the speed limit, respect rules of the road, rest at regular intervals, not drinking and driving and respecting other road users.
I wish you and those close to your heart a peaceful festive season and a prosperous 2008.
Ke a leboga!
Issued by: North West Provincial Government
31 December 2009
