The President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Jacob Zuma
The Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications, Mr Ismail Vadi
The Chairperson of the South African Post Office, Ms Vuyo Mahlati
The CEO of the South African Post Office, Ms Motshoanetsi Lefoka
Members of the media
Officials, ladies and gentlemen
It is an honour for me to officiate the fourth launch of the Presidential stamp.
Today's event is a direct response to the White Paper on Postal Policy which provides that the unique and varied nature of South African society, history and culture be mirrored through the philatelic services or postal stamps as they are commonly known.
I beg your indulgence as I take you through a brief background of this process:
The Postal Policy provides guidelines with regards to the issuing of commemorative stamps and stamp programme in general and the role that the community can play in stamp issues.
Mr President,
The policy further encourages the promotion of social cohesion and national identity. It dictates that the process of selecting stamp themes should reflect the cultural diversity of South African society. Since the advent of democracy, it has become customary for the South African Post Office, in consultation with the Ministry of Communications, to issue stamps in honour of the President of the Republic following his or her inauguration. According to the stamp issuing policy, the President of the country is the only living person who can be depicted on a stamp.
We are therefore here today to officially launch the stamp of our President, the Honourable Jacob Zuma. The stamp features the official photograph of the President with the Union Buildings in the background. The Presidential Seal featuring the Coat of Arms appears above the Union Buildings to signify the Presidential status. As you may all know, only the President of the Republic is allowed to use the Presidential Seal.
In conclusion,
Mr President please allow me to acknowledge the sterling work done by the Stamp Advisory Committee. This committee evaluates proposals submitted by the public for the annual commemorative and definitive stamps programme. It then shortlists selected themes for submission to the Ministry of Communications for consideration and approval.
Lastly, I would like to thank the South African Post Office for the wonderful work of art, officials in my department and the Presidency for ensuring that this Presidential Stamp launch is a success.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Communications
10 November 2009
