We are determined to build a society defined by decency and integrity, that does not tolerate the plunder of public resources, nor the theft by corporate criminals of the hard-earned savings of ordinary people.
We are one people, committed to work together to find jobs for our youth to build factories and roads, houses and clinics to prepare our children for a world of change and progress to build cities and towns where families may be safe, productive and content. Yet we are bound together by a common destiny.įor this, we owe much to our forebearers – people like Pixley ka Seme, Charlotte Maxeke and Chief Albert Luthuli – who understood the necessity of the unity and harmony of all the people of this great land. There are 57 million of us, each with different histories, languages, cultures, experiences, views and interests. It is a new dawn that is inspired by our collective memory of Nelson Mandela and the changes that are unfolding.Īs we rid our minds of all negativity, we should reaffirm our belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.įor though we are a diverse people, we are one nation. We should put all the negativity that has dogged our country behind us because a new dawn is upon us. We should put behind us the era of diminishing trust in public institutions and weakened confidence in leaders. We should honour Madiba by putting behind us the era of discord, disunity and disillusionment. We honour them not only in word, but, more importantly, in direct action towards the achievement of their shared vision of a better society. We honour this son and this daughter of the African soil in a year of change, in a year of renewal, in a year of hope. Through her leadership, she embodied the fundamental link between national liberation and gender emancipation.Īs we mark her centenary, we reaffirm that no liberation can be complete and no nation can be free until its women are free. Through her remarkable life and outstanding contribution, she defined what it means to be a freedom fighter, a leader and a diligent and disciplined servant of the people. This year, we also celebrate the centenary of another giant of our struggle, Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu. We are building a country where a person’s prospects are determined by their own initiative and hard work, and not by the colour of their skin, place of birth, gender, language or income of their parents. We are continuing the long walk he began, to build a society in which all may be free, in which all may be equal before the law and in which all may share in the wealth of our land and have a better life. In celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela we are not merely honouring the past, we are building the future. Guided by his example, we will use this year to reinforce our commitment to ethical behaviour and ethical leadership. We have dedicated this year to his memory and we will devote our every action, every effort, every utterance to the realisation of his vision of a democratic, just and equitable society. We will recount Madiba’s long walk to freedom, his wisdom, his unfailing humility, his abiding compassion and his essential integrity. It is a day on which we, as South Africans, will remember the life of one of the most remarkable leaders this country and this continent – and indeed, the world – has known. In just over 150 days from now, the peoples of the world will unite in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. I wish to thank him for his service to the nation during his two terms as President of the Republic, during which the country made significant progress in several areas of development. I also wish to extend a word of gratitude to former President Jacob Zuma for the manner in which he approached this difficult and sensitive process. I wish to thank Honourable Members and the people of South Africa for their patience and forbearance. This Address should have been delivered last week, but was delayed so that we could properly manage issues of political transition. It is a great honour and privilege to deliver this State of the Nation Address. Premiers and Speakers of Provincial Legislatures,Ĭhairperson of SALGA and all Executive Mayors present,Ĭhairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete,Ĭhairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Thandi Modise,ĭeputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP,Ĭhief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and all esteemed members of the judiciary, Director General and Secretary of Cabinet Phindile Baleni.
0 kommentar(er)
