Honourable Speaker; Honourable Deputy Speaker;
Honourable Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha;
Esteemed Members of the Executive Council;
Honourable Members of the Legislature;
Executive Mayors and Mayors present here;
The Acting Director-General;
The HOD for Social Development, Ms. Daisy Mafubelu;
Our esteemed Majesties and Royal Highnesses;
Stalwarts and veterans of our struggle;
Heads of Chapter Nine and Chapter Ten Institutions;
Religious Leaders;
Representatives of Non-Governmental Organisations; Executive Management of both SASSA and NDA; Representatives of Labour and Business respectively; The Media Contingent;
Distinguished guests, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Avuxeni! Ndi Matsheloni! Thobela! Good morning! Goeie more!
Thank you for the opportunity to address this house and the citizens of Limpopo as we are gathered here in the month of April, during which we will be celebrating Freedom Day on the 27th, which marks South Africa's first non-racial democratic elections 22 years ago. It is noteworthy because it characterises the end of many years of oppression and segregation, and the establishment of a democratic dispensation.
The African Union has declared 2016 the African Year of Human Rights, with particular focus on the rights of women.
Let us also be reminded that this year marks the 60 year anniversary of the historic women’s march to the Union Buildings, on 9th August 1956.
The tenacity of the thousands of women and the peaceful but powerful way in which they protested against oppressive apartheid laws, proved to be significant in turning the tide against an unjust system.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto students’ uprising. So many young people lost their lives, and their fearless efforts that fuelled the fire of the struggle for freedom will be forever etched in our memories. I salute the leaders of these gallant efforts that have proved significant in shaping this country’s future.
Speaking at the first anniversary of South Africa’s non-racial elections, the former President Mandela said, I quote:
“As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April 1995, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have; and the bright future that beckons us.
Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future”.
[Close quote]
Looking back at the first three months of the year 2016, it is easy to be discouraged by the images we have seen and the stories we have read.
Incidents of racism, violence and destruction across our land; the continuing harsh drought that is bringing our people to their knees and the uncertain economic climate experienced nationally and internationally are but some of the terrible realities that have come to characterise our times.
However, like a phoenix out of the ashes, we have seen South Africans of all hues and creeds join hands, take charge of the situation, imbued with the spirit of patriotism and Ubuntu. I am, therefore, convinced that the clouds that have gathered shall, indeed, clear and the sun shall again forever shine on the land of our forebears!
The Department of Social Development is ready to contribute towards this end through integrated and comprehensive service delivery that is responsive to the needs of our people. We therefore appeal to all South Africans of goodwill to join hands in creating a caring, prosperous and inclusive society.
Honourable Speaker,
It is with great pleasure that we present here today our budget allocation, as per our mandate, within the context of an increased service delivery drive to the poor and vulnerable of our society.
Hence, 45% of this budget goes to the poor. Read more [PDF]
