Date: 19/05/2005
Source: Department of Trade and Industry
Title: Hendricks: Launching ceremony of South African yacht Shosholoza


    Remarks by Mrs Lindiwe Hendricks, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry at the launching ceremony of the South African yacht "Shosholoza", Valencia, Spain

Premier
Madam Mayor of Valencia
Representatives of the government of Valencia
Team Shoshaloza
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great pleasure and privilege to be in this beautiful and dynamic city of Valencia today at this exciting event and I wish to thank you for inviting me to be part of these proceedings. As Deputy Minister responsible for trade and industry in South Africa, I am pleased to say that our economic ties with the Valencia region are significant and growing.

I would like to congratulate the city of Valencia for having been chosen to host the next Americas Cup. South Africa has been chosen to host the 2010 World Cup Soccer event so we recognise the hard work that goes into preparing for an event such as the America’s Cup as well as the beneficial impact these events would have on our people, the economies and on tourism. I wish you all the best and I am sure that the event will be a huge success.

It is indeed a moving experience to see the Shosholoza anchored here in Valencia, ready to do battle as Team Shosholoza for the America's Cup in 2007. South Africa has indeed come a long way since Apartheid and the sports boycott. I am proud to say that the past 11 years of democracy in South Africa have seen enormous positive changes in our country. South Africa has many attributes and strengths but in my view the people of South Africa is its greatest asset. Although South Africa's people are diversified, they are united in this diversity and are overwhelmingly committed to building a nation that will live in peace, prosperity and security; and they are also committed to tackling the challenges of continuing our economic growth and eradicating poverty. Team Shosholoza reflects this unity of spirit and commitment to their country. They are in a true sense proudly South African.

In Shosholoza we are not only showcasing the attributes of our people but are also showing to the world that South Africa has the technological skills and know how to build world-class yachts. I am sure South Africa will make its voice heard in the America's Cup and in the regatta’s leading up to that event.

I wish to congratulate and thank Mr Sarno Salvatore and his team for their efforts in creating Team Shosholoza and I would like to acknowledge the sponsors for their support. Mr Salvatore, you have seen the possibilities and talent that exists in South Africa, where our young people some of whom come from a disadvantaged background are able to participate in one of the most elite sporting events in the world. Most importantly I congratulate the Shosholoza team for having come this far and I wish them the best of luck in this regatta and in all the events leading up to the America’s Cup. I know that with your spirit and talents you will be a serious contender for the cup. The government of South Africa and all South Africa's people are fully behind you and support you. Bring the cup home!

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I thank our hosts from Valencia for their hospitality and hope that South Africa will continue to grow its ties with this exciting city.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
19 May 2005