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Klipfontein, Mpumalanga
18 December 2004

The Premier of Mpumalanga Province,
His Majesty King Makhosonke II,
His Majesty King Mayisha III
The Mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality,
Bishop Lekganyane,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are meeting today, during a wonderful period, and amidst the spirit of giving and celebration.

In addition, we meet as we are about to conclude a highly successful year.

We held our third successful democratic elections, celebrated the first Decade of Freedom and Democracy, won the right to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and scored many successes in the reconstruction and development of our country.

It is therefore appropriate and in line with that spirit, that we hold an event such as this one, to hand over to the community these projects that are bound to make a difference.

As you would be aware, R5 million was invested in the construction of the community hall, traditional court, king’s chamber and offices as well as administration offices and workshops, which are being handed over today.

Let me at the outset congratulate all those who have contributed in one way or the other to ensure the successful implementation, and fruition, of the projects we are handing over today.

We thank in particular Their Majesties, King Makhosonke II and King Mayisha III for their participation and support of these projects.

The projects fit in appropriately with the commitment and actions of this government since 1994, to improve the status and position of traditional leaders in our country.

This includes the provision of respectable and befitting infrastructure to allow them to play their role in the socio-economic development of their communities.

In addition, we view such developments as being in line with our rural development strategy. Government is committed working with communities and other sectors, in a cross-cutting way, to develop especially the rural landscape and infrastructure.

Through the Community Based Public Works Programme, we have, over the course of the last ten years, invested more than R2,5 billion Rand in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West.

We know how communities rate our work because we see the appreciation and gratitude on the faces of the ordinary people who have, in this regard, benefited from more than 4 000 community infrastructure projects, which created more than 163 000 jobs, of which 48% went to women and 30% to youth.

This government received one of the highest approval rankings ever in this country, of 70% in the elections, from ordinary citizens of this country. This vote of confidence has no doubt put even more pressure on us to work harder for the improvement of the quality of life of all.

We will therefore continue to act on the advice and suggestions that South Africans have made at the various izimbizo and other public gatherings, and through various other means that have been used to communicate with us directly. We value that interaction as it ensures that as government we remain rooted among the people and not lose touch.

We remain committed to working with all South Africans to continue the efforts to develop our country and eradicate poverty.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me reiterate the need for partnerships in this enormous task of developing our country. We encourage partnerships across many sectors because they demand an active citizenry who participate in issues of governance.

Partnerships create opportunities for South Africans from all walks of life, including government, business, traditional leaders, faith-based groupings and communities, to work together for the common, greater good of everyone.

The benefits of cooperation sometimes far exceed our expectations because it brings immense satisfaction and a collective sense of achievement.

Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, allow me to remind all of us that we have the collective responsibility to ensure that our communities become beacons of hope, as we entrench democracy. Let us also promote the spirit of positive thinking and positive approaches to the challenges that face our country.

As we move ahead into the New Year, let us work together in this spirit of positiveness, to rid our communities of social deviance and scourges such as violence against women and children and other crimes.

As part of our New Year resolutions, let us sustain the heightened awareness of abuse, and ensure that the most vulnerable are protected from harm.

During this festive season, let us pledge to protect the most precious gift of all, the gift of life. This we can do by driving safely, and by refraining from substance abuse and violence.

Let us spread love and togetherness. That would be the best way to end a year that was a highly successful one for our country.

Once again, congratulations to all for these wonderful projects.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with hope and promise.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
18 December 2004