Remarks by Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters, MP, at the sod turning site of the train manufacturing factory
Program Director;
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mzwandile Masina ,who
is still traveling to this end
Gauteng MEC of Roads and Transport, Dr. Ismail Vadi;
MEC Komphela of the Free State and
MEC Grant of the Western Cape
Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Mme Ntombi Mekgwe
Executive Mayor City of Ekurhuleni, Councillor Mondli Gungubele;
Ambassador of France to South Africa HE Elizabeth Barbier
Prasa Board members,Management and Staff
Alstom Representatives led by Mr Henri Poupart-Lafarge
GIBELA Partners
Industry players in the transport sector;
Senior Officials from all spheres of government;
Members of the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
As the dust and debris will be settling from the groundbreaking strides that we have taking today, and as the sun sets on the painstaking undertakings of this monumental day, please kindly allow me to share with you, the follow quote from world renowned English Author, Mr Charles Dickens who once rightly purported that:
I quote: “The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: That a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; But a thing created is loved before it exists.” Close quote.
Although I fully concur with the rich sentiments of Mr. Dickens, I am of the firm view that a cutting-edge project of this train manufacturing factory’s magnitude has the unique propensity to invoke feelings of affinity prior to, as well as after its formation.
When one meticulously ponders the socio-economic gains set to be obtained from a project of this nature, one cannot help but feel affectionate towards it even before its completion. That being said, the affection towards the factory will be exponentially magnified once the 72 hectare plant is complete and its benefits are sowed through community upliftment barometers such as: skills development,job creation, SMME development and up-skilling throughout the entire value chain for rail related work amongst others.
Programme Director;
From what I have concretely observed through our positive engagement, here today, is that the ANC led government continues - unabatedly so - to make significant strides towards the immutable actualisation of a politically and economically transformed South Africa.
The accomplishment of this project is set to significantly help increase the number of employed youth and will serve to reinvigorate our national rail industry.
Make no mistake about it, this milestone will transform the landscape of the South African Rail industry into the one as envisaged by the founding fathers of our democracy, who used railways as a means of transport and equally as an economic enabler.
As a result of our accomplishment, the biggest issue is no longer making sure that the Republic of South Africa has the capacity and ability to produce world class infrastructure. Rather, it’s making sure that we do so correctly, otherwise siya ba Gibela.
That means we should use this venture as a platform to empower the most marginalised people in our society, such as women, the future generation – the youth, people living with disabilities and the poorest of the poor, and we need to do so in a manner that will enrich racially inclusive integration and beneficiation.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
2016 is an Election Year.Tomorrow ,the 5th and Sunday the 6th is voter registration days.
Later this year many of you will go to the polls, will stand there in the polling booth and make a decision.
I think when you make that decision, it might be well if you would ask yourself, are you making the best decision for the prosperity of all South Africans.
I am adamant that if one were to analyse the progress South Africa has made since the demise of apartheid, the decision will be an easy one.
I therefore urge all of you to partake in this democracy entrenching
process by making sure that your voice is heard through the ballot box when we all go to vote.
You can ensure that you are responsible citizen and are ready to play your part in shaping the destiny of our young and maturing democracy by following these two easy steps:
First, SMS your I.D number to 32810 to check if you are registered to vote.
Secondly, if you have moved since the last elections,dial *120*432# and provide your residential address to locate a voting station near you!
Programme Director;
In closing, I want to express the following heartfelt words to those who played a part in making this venture a success:The Prasa leadership,past and present.
Your work matters to us. Because of your passion and efforts, you are going to prevent someone from the anguish of joblessness and disillusion.
You’re going to spare a family from having to suffer from not having a breadwinner in the family.
Most importantly, you are going to give many people hope and a brighter future as envisaged in the Freedom Charter of 1955! These efforts will put to practice the resolutions of the 52nd Conference of the ruling party,creating decent and sustainable jobs.
Lastly, I hope that because of your work, I can one day tell my grandchildren and great grandchildren about what a wonderful experience it has been embarking on this important journey with yourselves; PRASA and GiBELA.
Congratulations Ekurhuleni Metro,you gave abode to the reemergence of the rail passenger Train Factory.
We will return in 18months,with The President of the ANC,who is also the President of the Republic of SA to name and launch the Factory.
God Bless Africa, South Africa and her people
I thank you!
