29 March 2007
"What we need in KwaZulu-Natal is a rekindling of the spirit of volunteerism
and that's what the YMCA represents."
These were the words of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele when he met
US delegates of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) at his offices in
Pietermaritzburg earlier today.
The delegation is in South Africa to explore stronger strategic
partnerships. The purpose of their visit is to intensify relations between the
US and South Africa's YMCA.
"What we need in KwaZulu-Natal presently is a new niche where we are
enthusiastic about something outside ourselves. The YMCA has been central in
this. One of the major problems in our province has been the systematic
humiliation that our people have been subjected to. Apartheid was an interlude
that defined us apart. However, there is a normal relationship and the YMCA has
played such a pivotal role in fostering this normal relationship."
"The spirit of the teachings of the YMCA will also assist in addressing our
challenge of crime and solidifying our popular front against crime. The day we
have volunteers who will assist in identifying storage places for stolen goods,
there will be no stolen goods."
"Therefore, the revival of the YMCA and ensuring that it is spread
throughout all our communities must be intensified. More black professionals
must volunteer and become more involved in the YMCA," Ndebele said.
Meanwhile, Premier Ndebele will host a signing ceremony between the province
of KwaZulu-Natal and the province of Jiangsu (China) later today, 29 March 2007
at 18h15 at the Premier's office in Pietermaritzburg.
"As a developmental province KwaZulu-Natal applauds the strong relationship
and commitments that is being consolidated between South Africa and China.
KwaZulu-Natal has a vision to build from a developmental state to a developed
state, but science and technology are critical in making this vision work.
KwaZulu-Natal does not want to reinvent the wheel but rather learn from one of
the fastest growing economies in the world. Through its agrarian revolution,
China is the first country to meet and surpass its millennium development
goals,� Ndebele said.
Media are invited to the signing ceremony. Please note picture
opportunities.
Issued by:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 March 2007
