Theme: Strengthening Social Maturity by Advancing Social Cohesion in Pursuit of a Prosperous and, therefore, A Livable, Delivering and Sustainable City
Madam Speaker, Cllr Patricia Kumalo
Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Robert Mashego
Fellow Councillors
Members of the Mayoral Committee
Leaders of Opposition Parties in Council
The City Manager, Mr Khaya Ngema, Senior Management, Staff of the City and its Entities
Leaders of Labour, Business and Civil Society
Members of the Media
Fellow Residents of Ekurhuleni
Distinguished guests
Compatriots and friends; and
Ladies and gentlemen
Avuxeni! Good morning! Sanibonani! Molweni! Dumelang! Goeie Môre! Well known author Zig Ziglar says, “You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Today, I once more stand before this august house as a humble servant of the people of Ekurhuleni, ready to account for the work we have done, and are doing, and to share plans related to the work we will be doing in the future to transform our region.
Indeed, as I take this podium I do so with a great sense of pride knowing that the child we have been bringing up together over the past 15 years, has grown into one of the gems of South Africa. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about Ekurhuleni.
In 2011 our people gave us a mandate to lead the charge against crime, joblessness, inequality and poverty. After almost five years at the forefront of this assault, it is quite humbling to account to our people, and the rest of South Africa, on how we have responded to this clarion call.
We table this report quite aware of the socio-economic conditions of the region. We are aware of the many people sitting on street corners looking for odd jobs; of the young graduates going from pillar to post trying to find employment. We are aware of the demand for livable human settlements, at the helm of which is the delivery of houses and basic services. Indeed, we are mindful of the economic situation of the country, and that of our City, just like we are aware of the poverty levels we have to deal with.
In this report we demonstrate how, at 15 years old, this City is geared to become one of the mega cities of the world. We shall demonstrate why it is steadily becoming the destination of choice for many to invest, work, stay and play in.
Compatriots and friends;
This address takes place at a great moment in our history, as this month we remember one of our own liberation struggle icons Comrade Thembisile Chris Hani. A Dawn Park resident, he was brutally assassinated outside his home 23 years ago. Comrade Chris was an advocate of social justice and we must forever be motivated by his triple H campaign – access to health care; proper housing for all, and a continuation of the onslaught on hunger.
In three days’ time, it will also be the 23rd anniversary of the death of the father of our liberation struggle, and the longest serving president of the ruling ANC, Oliver Reginald Tambo. He was a selfless leader who, despite the almost impossible task of leading the charge for regime change from exile for 30 years, ensured that victory was certain.
Both these great men, and Tambo’s late wife Dr Adelaide Tambo, are Freepersons of the City and will remain our inspiration as we tackle incompetence and corruption; broaden services; provide quality health care; take on crime; fight xenophobia and racism; create jobs for the youth; and launch an onslaught on gender-based violence.
Honourable Speaker;
This year also marks 25 years since the ANC led all progressive forces at the Convention of a Democratic South Africa (Codesa), which was held right here in Ekurhuleni, in Kempton Park to be precise – making Ekurhuleni a critical player in the dawn of our democracy. Many do not know that the name ‘Ekurhuleni’ flows directly from this being the place where the peace of this country was negotiated. Read more [PDF]
