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28 November 2008

Programme director
CEO of Anglo Coal South Africa, Mr Ben Magara
Representative from the Office of the Mayor of Emalahleni, Mr Paul van Castle
Councillors present
Executive and Senior Management of Anglo-Coal
Regional Chairperson of NUM, Mr Piet Matosa
Employees of Anglo Coal
Learners
Ladies and gentlemen

We meet here today on a sad rather than a jubilant mood, as South Africa and the world, will be remembering all those who perished due to HIV and AIDS. As we will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day on Monday, 01 December 2008, under the theme "leadership and unity to stop HIV, AIDS and TB," I urge everyone here this morning, to unite and play a part in making sure that we stop any more infections. It is also the responsibility of all of us, to ensure that those who infected and affected, are taken care of. They need to be loved and to be protected. In remembering our loved ones, all those who passed on as a result of HIV and AIDS, and all those who are living with the pandemic, may I request that we stand up, light a candle, and observe a moment of silence
"May their soul rest in eternal peace!"

In commemorating World AIDS Day on Monday, 1 December 2008, I urge Anglo-Coal and all of you to observe a 15 minutes of moment of silence at twelve (12) o’clock midday, in remembrance of all those who have left us and those who are infected. If you will be driving by that time, please switch on your head-lights and pull-off next to the road, as a sign that you care and that you are concerned.

Programme director, our hosts Anglo-Coal, the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that over 33 million adults and 2.5 million children under the age of fifteen (15) were living with HIV throughout the world as at the end of 2007. These figures ladies and gentlemen, compared to less than ten (10) million in 1990, show that we are still far from defeating this pandemic, as more and more people are infected daily. It is worrying because our youth, between the ages of 15 and 24 years, and women are the most affected. Most unfortunately, more than 15,4 million women and 2,5 million children under the age of 15 were infected.

It is estimated that 2,1 million people died of AIDS in 2007, with 76 percent of these death occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. However all is not lost, as the UNAIDS indicates that annual number of new HIV infections declined from 3.0 million in 2001 to 2,7 million in 2007. South Africa remains one of the countries in the world with a high rate of new infections.

As government, we are committed to ensure that we reduce the number of new infections, and that we take care of those infected and affected. Through the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS, we plan to reduce infections through prevention strategies, by 50 percent by 2011, and reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals, families, communities and society by expanding access to appropriate treatment, care and support to 80 percent of all HIV positive people and their families by 2011.

Please assist us as parents, educators and learners, to realise this dream. A dream of an HIV-free South Africa it is possible only through your assistance and commitment. The golden rule as always is ABC. Abstain, be faithful or as the last resort if you cannot abstain, then please Condomise. Mpumalanga is a youthful province; hence we will continue to focus our prevention strategies more on the youth. The 2007 Community Survey by Statistics South Africa indicates that the youth in the province constitute the largest share of the population of Mpumalanga of 3,5 million, with 55 percent being under the age of 25 years.

I also challenge Anglo Coal on behalf of government, to strengthen its campaigns and strategies on HIV and AIDS in its mine operations, since indications are that infections are also rife in the mining industry. As government departments, we are implementing HIV and AIDS awareness programmes and care for our staff members. The onus is on you as the private sector, to show that you care.

We continue as government, to pump in billions of rands in the HIV and AIDS programmes, to curb more infections and to care for those infected by providing ARV treatment. Let's together, government, the community and the private sector, stand up and strengthen our fight against HIV and AIDS. One more infection or death, is one too many.

Programme director, the protection of women and children also remains our top priority as the caring government of the people. It is significant because most of them contract HIV through being raped, hence the call by government for men to subscribe and support the 16 Days of Activism Campaign of No Violence against Women and Children. This is an annual campaign which started on the 25 November, and will end on the 10 December. I however urge all men, to make this effort an every day business, since this vulnerable group needs love, care and protection 365 days a year.

As we approach the festive season, we become more concerned as government, since violence and abuse of women and children becomes rampant during this period. As a sign of your commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, I urge you to wear a white ribbon during this 16 days period until the 10 December. It is a symbol of peace and symbolises your commitment to never commit or condone violence against women and children. You can also go further and volunteer to support non-governmental organisations and community groups, which assist abused women and children or donate any amount of money to such organisations. Together, we can build a caring society for our children and women.

On the economic front, it is encouraging to see that the economic outlook of the country is improving. Recent figures released by Statistics South Africa indicate that inflation has eased since August this year, raising hopes that interest rates will be cut sooner than expected. The continuing downward trend in the price of fuel (petrol, diesel and paraffin) will also ease the burden on our people, mostly on the poorest of the poor. We had foreseen that, "Liduduma lindlule," and indeed, it shall come to pass. This happens as a result of the stringent liquidity asset requirements for financial institutions imposed by the Reserve Bank and the National Credit Act, which imposes controls on the granting and controlling of credit, amongst others. However, I should warn that this is not a sign for people to start committing to more debts

Furthermore, as we approach the festive season, I implore on you to spend your hard earned money wisely. Please do not spend it recklessly by buying impulsively; buy only but what you need, and not what you want. You must remember that you will need to pay for your children's school fees come January next year. The best advice that I can give you is to draw a budget of your necessities and stick to it.

Remember that it is that season when creditors will be trying to entice you left and right, to swim deeper into more debt. My advice is, resist the temptation and say no to credit.

May I take this opportunity to thank all of you who took part in the first voter registration round, that was held from 8 to 9 November 2008, especially the youth who have just turned eighteen (18) or will turn 18 before the general elections next year. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has indicated that the youth are once more starting to show interest in protecting our democracy. This indeed, can only be protected by registering to vote. You made a right decision because the future of this country and province in particular, is in your hands. If you were unable to register for some reasons beyond your control, you will be afforded yet another opportunity some time in February next year. Grab the opportunity and register to vote it is an opportunity that our brothers, mothers, fathers and sisters died for. They paved the way to enable you to choose the party that you want, to represent your interests.

Even more importantly, when you go and vote, vote the African National Congress (ANC). It is "your ANC, your vision, your future." We will never let you down. As we committed in the last election, we continue to provide a better life for all and further commit to do so for future generations. Participate in the ANC’s election manifesto, which gives you an opportunity to tell your caring party what you want to see done, in order to continue to better your life and of others. Tell us about your vision for South Africa is; the goals you want to achieve; and the things that will improve your community and make your life better. It is only the ANC that can provide you with a platform like that.

In concluding, I take this opportunity to wish you and your families, a safe festive season filled with blessings and joyfulness.

Remember, the road towards an HIV free South Africa; the road towards a caring Mpumalanga; and the road towards caring and loving communities, begins with you.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2009.

Ngiyathokoza!

Issued by: Department of Finance, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
28 November 2008