launch of the International Convention Centre (ICC) Arena
20 March 2007
His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
Deputy President of the African National Congress Jacob Zuma
Mr Jeff Radebe, National Minister of Transport
His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Obed Mlaba
Councillor Logie Naidoo
Members of the eThekwini Municipality's Executive Council (Exco)
Members of Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures
Dr Michael Sutcliffe, City Manager and city officials
Ms Mato Madlala, Chair of the Board of ICC
Mr Miller Matola, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Durban and your team
Partners in the private sector
Representatives from the arena construction companies
Comrades, friends, ladies and gentlemen
Ladies and gentlemen our First Nobel Prize-winner, Chief Albert Luthuli, is
known for many things, but his statement "Let my people go" has had the most
profound influence on the psyche of all South Africans. The simplicity of those
words, and their significance, led us to believe in ourselves and that, not
only we should, but that we must, become free people of the world.
The concept of the International Convention Centre, Durban, was conceived in
the early 1990s as part of the Operation Jumpstart Initiative, where
progressive minded people of the former government, business leaders, and
senior members of both the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom
Party, made the historic decision to build a centre that would connect us and
indeed position us as a relevant international destination.
Among us today are some of the pioneers who helped realise that dream and
are here to witness yet another milestone in the opening of this arena. Terry
Rossenberg, John Bhengu, Jeff Radebe, Peter Mansfield, Andrzej Kiepiela, Mzi
Khumalo, Margaret Winter, Obed Mlaba and myself, were part of that team who
worked through Operation Jumpstart. In addition, there was a full professional
team involved and the project was one of the first major developments giving
significant opportunity to black economic empowerment and in many instances,
launched new careers and companies for many. I pay tribute to all those in the
past, as well as all those involved in this magnificent extension.
The rebirth of the International Convention Centre today, through the launch
of this Arena, represents the rebirth of KwaZulu-Natal.
The rebirth of KwaZulu-Natal has been a process laden with blood, sweat and
tears.
It is therefore our privilege and pleasure today to stand here and proclaim
that:
* KwaZulu-Natal is a province that has made peace heroic
* KwaZulu-Natal is a province whose strength lies in her diversity
* KwaZulu-Natal is a province rich with heritage
* KwaZulu-Natal is a province that is turning its scars into stars
* KwaZulu-Natal is the venue of the 2010 World Cup semi-final.
We have said before that KwaZulu-Natal was the Home of Sport. With this
launch tonight we can truly add that our province has now become the home of
local and international events.
We have taken the logical step in this long journey and our theme MC this
year, is "Building the Economy through Partnerships."
We have declared 2007 the year of Chief Albert Luthuli. We hope to use the
memory of this great son of Africa and the world, to remind ourselves of human
rights; particularly the sacrifices made by people such as the late Chief
Luthuli so we could be a free people.
We will use Inkosi Luthuli's memory to recall our heritage we will use his
name to remind ourselves that many lives have been lost, many dreams deferred,
in order that as a province we could reach the heights we have been able to. We
are committed to making sure that the legacy of Inkosi Albert Luthuli truly
lives on.
I thank you.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
20 March 2007
Source: SAPA
