[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

His Excellency President Mwinyi,
Madame Sitti Mwinyi,
Honourable Minister of State for Defence Mr Kinana,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen

A while ago, just down the road from here, we had an early morning working breakfast with the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. For that meeting we had assembled some of the top leading, but emerging business leaders drawn from the black community and political leaders from our legislature. We did so because we wanted them to benefit from the wisdom of one the best sons of Africa. That meeting left a lasting impression on us all.

We now play host to His Excellency President Mwinyi who succeeded Mwalimu.
There is no doubt that we will once again benefit greatly from the President's wisdom.

Your Excellency

To many of us engaged in the liberation struggle Tanzania was not just an ally, but above all a second home. We have now emerged from our dark past determined to rid our society once and for all of the poison of racial bigotry. Our democracy is young but stable. Yet, as you would know, we have wasted no time since coming into office to send a signal to the international community and to our region, in particular, that South Africa is a responsible partner in the conduct of international relations. Our initiatives, both in the region and internationally, are inspired by the desire to create a safer and more humane planet.

Needless, to say we have our own teething problems but these are mitigated by the knowledge that there is sufficient goodwill towards South Africa in the world to carry us through. Tanzania, no doubt, is a dependable pillar as we seek to build a prosperous
South Africa.

Very soon, Your Excellency, you will be stepping down as the President of Tanzania having served sterlingly for the past two terms. You will leave behind a record of achievement in the consolidation and deepening of democracy in Tanzania and creating the conditions for South African business people to invest in your country.

Through your efforts and that of your predecessor Mwalimu the South - South and
South - North dialogue today occupies the centre stage in international relations.
Tanzania, sometimes at its own cost, has been at the vanguard, here in Africa, of the struggle for the redefinition of international trade and development terms; the struggle for mutually beneficial trade and development relations.

Here in South Africa we too are of the South and will build on your legacy. We cannot thank you enough for having graced our country by your visit.

Ladies and gentlemen, your Excellencies

I now ask you to rise in honour of His Excellency President Mwinyi.

Dear Brother, Friend and Comrade President

It is my honour on behalf of all us gathered here and our people to propose a toast to your life and good health. Cheers!

<EOD>