The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and the Honourable Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe
Former President FW De Klerk
Former Deputy President Mbete
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
Delegates to the National Council of Provinces,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Fellow South Africans,
We have gathered for an important occasion, the launch of the 20 years of a democratic Parliament programme and the unveiling of the bust of our beloved founding President, His Excellency Nelson Mandela.
Today’s activities demonstrate just how far our country has come since 1994.
Just a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to install a bust or any symbol of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the South African parliament. Madiba was then regarded as a persona non grata by the regime and the establishment.
The South African people were told that he was a terrorist and a prisoner that they should forget about.
Thus, there can be no better 20th anniversary gift for South Africans than to have this symbol of Madiba in Parliament.
The unveiling of this bust confirms that our Parliament, which was once a symbol of white domination, has now been transformed into a progressive institution that upholds the values of unity, equality, freedom and the dignity of all South Africans.
As we celebrate freedom, we recall that it is this very Parliament that played a key role in dismantling apartheid laws.
During the first ten years of democracy, 789 laws or amendments aimed at reconfiguring South African society were approved by the democratic Parliament.
Thanks to the implementation of many of these laws, we are able to say that South Africa is a much better place to live in.
In paying such a powerful tribute to Madiba, Parliament is reminding us of what Madiba stood for, which includes equality, justice, human rights, reconciliation, forgiveness and unity.
The democratic Parliament continues to be the custodian of the aspirations of all South Africans, housing representatives who are elected every five years by our people.
Given the extensive public participation and consultation processes, Parliament continues to work with the rest of society to contribute to the national effort to build a better life or all.
Indeed, Parliament continues to promote Madiba’s legacy.
We take this opportunity to thank all political parties represented in this Parliament for working together to ensure that this important institution of our democracy succeeds in delivering on its mandate.
By unveiling this statue, Parliament is declaring that we will continue to walk in Tata’s footsteps, that we will continue to draw lessons and inspiration from his exemplary life and that we will continue to honour his memory.
May the spirit of Tata Madiba continue to inspire us all as we continue to build a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa, one nation, and one people.
May the spirit of Madiba also inspire all South Africans as they vote yet again on the 7th of May.
We urge our people to come out in their millions to celebrate democracy and freedom by casting their votes.
We will be emulating what Madiba did when he voted for the first time at the age of 75 on 27 April 1994.
Distinguished guests,
Allow me to congratulate Parliament on this bold and progressive move of adding a powerful symbol to the legislative headquarters of the republic.
Mr Speaker and Hon Chairperson,
Parliament should expect throngs of people to flock to this precinct, to view the image of their hero.
We have experienced this in Pretoria. The numbers of visitors to the Union Buildings has increased since the unveiling of the statue of Madiba. Such is Madiba’s magnetic pull!
Happy 20th anniversary of freedom to all!
I thank you.
