Date: 26/11/2003
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Launch of SABC voter education television series
ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA AT THE LAUNCH OF THE SABC VOTER EDUCATION TELEVISION SERIES, KHULULEKA, Cape Town Convention Centre, 26 November 2003
IEC Chairperson, Dr Brigalia Bam,
SABC Education Managing Director, Dr Ihron Rensburg,
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Noma-India Mfeketo,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests,
The television drama series, 'Khululeka', has become part of the South African infotainment landscape, especially ahead of each national election. It has brought entertainment, joy as well as information to many television viewers, in a manner that has contributed immensely to democracy development in our country.
As we meet this evening to launch the second part of the series, we acknowledge the important role that 'Khululeka' has played in promoting the values enshrined in our Constitution, including promoting a human rights culture.
South Africans are still grappling with the day-to-day responsibilities of democratic citizenship, seeking to cope with the challenges and opportunities offered by living in a democracy.
The dissemination of information is therefore important, and is the cornerstone of every democracy, because an informed citizenry can best participate in governance. In a developing country like ours, volumes of printed information have a limited value, given the low literacy levels. Broadcast media is therefore crucial given its wider reach. It is in this context that we see the value of dramas such as 'Khululeka' in democracy development.
It is not surprising that 'Khululeka' has been dubbed "Democracy in Action" due to its ability to impart information to its audiences in a light-hearted yet incisive approach, using everyday language and scenarios, with the help of very popular and talented actors.
We also appreciate the fact that 'Khululeka' has grown from its voter education beginnings to incorporate concepts such as democratic decision-making, distribution of power and the need to participate in democratic processes of our communities - in local, provincial and national governance.
We are also delighted that the new series will have as its theme the celebration of ten years of democracy. It is our wish and intention that many mediums of communications be used, and that many activities be embarked upon next year by communities, to celebrate the tenth anniversary in every corner of our country.
Mass media will assist us to bring the celebration to the homes of many South Africans, to enable us to take stock of how this new nation was born and how it has been growing from strength to strength, how far we have come since 1994 and what progressive changes and developments have taken place.
Distinguished guests, given that the second series of 'Khululeka' is being launched on the eve of our third national elections, the series will once again help us to encourage all adult citizens to exercise their hard-won right to vote.
We also appreciate the fact that the series will reach the entire population of South Africa, and not just those eligible to vote in next year's general elections. In that way, its message will reach the youth who are still below the voting age, and prepare them for this important step in adulthood.
Having said that, allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to extend my deepest congratulations to the youth of our country, for the manner in which they heeded the call to register for next year's elections earlier this month.
Statistics released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) indicate that more than 800 000 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 registered as first-time voters. This translated to 58% of all new registrations. Our youth totally exceeded expectations and dispelled the notion of youth apathy, which has been mentioned frequently by some political commentators.
As we prepare to celebrate our ten-year anniversary, we can take pride in the fact that we have laid a firm foundation for our democracy, as our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, takes the right to vote so seriously.
We are also encouraged by the fact that some 43% of new registrations were from voters living in rural areas, a growth of 10% as they had previously only made up 33% of the registered voters. Our democracy is indeed deepening, giving us all the more reasons to celebrate.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reiterate our call to all South Africans who are eligible to vote, young and old, to register at municipal offices if they missed the opportunity to do so early this month.
We have never doubted the seriousness with which South Africans take the right to vote. This has been demonstrated in the past two elections, and we strongly believe that next year, millions will cast their votes once again.
Ladies and gentlemen, a new SABC Board is in the process of being appointed. This Board, like its predecessor, will be faced with the enormous challenge of providing strategic direction to the public broadcaster, especially relating to how the SABC should position itself to meet the demands placed before us by our advanced democracy.
They will face the task of helping to enhance democracy through, amongst other objectives, ensuring that the public is properly and effectively informed about local and national occurrences and processes, within the context of democratic principles and values. These men and women will therefore be entrusted with managing a crucial national resource.
We trust that in promoting national education, the new Board will continue the trend of supporting locally produced programmes, which contribute to nation building, such as the 'Khululeka' drama.
In conclusion, let me commend the entire cast of 'Khululeka', its writers, producers and directors, the SABC, the IEC and everybody involved in this project.
I know for a fact that South Africans of all ages and background, will enjoy watching the 26 episodes of 'Khululeka' on SABC next year, and that at the end of the series, they will be better informed about their rights and responsibilities.
I thank you.
Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 781 9332
Tel: 012 300 5200/5311
E-mail: zanelem@po.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
26 November 2003
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Launch of SABC voter education television series
ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA AT THE LAUNCH OF THE SABC VOTER EDUCATION TELEVISION SERIES, KHULULEKA, Cape Town Convention Centre, 26 November 2003
IEC Chairperson, Dr Brigalia Bam,
SABC Education Managing Director, Dr Ihron Rensburg,
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Noma-India Mfeketo,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests,
The television drama series, 'Khululeka', has become part of the South African infotainment landscape, especially ahead of each national election. It has brought entertainment, joy as well as information to many television viewers, in a manner that has contributed immensely to democracy development in our country.
As we meet this evening to launch the second part of the series, we acknowledge the important role that 'Khululeka' has played in promoting the values enshrined in our Constitution, including promoting a human rights culture.
South Africans are still grappling with the day-to-day responsibilities of democratic citizenship, seeking to cope with the challenges and opportunities offered by living in a democracy.
The dissemination of information is therefore important, and is the cornerstone of every democracy, because an informed citizenry can best participate in governance. In a developing country like ours, volumes of printed information have a limited value, given the low literacy levels. Broadcast media is therefore crucial given its wider reach. It is in this context that we see the value of dramas such as 'Khululeka' in democracy development.
It is not surprising that 'Khululeka' has been dubbed "Democracy in Action" due to its ability to impart information to its audiences in a light-hearted yet incisive approach, using everyday language and scenarios, with the help of very popular and talented actors.
We also appreciate the fact that 'Khululeka' has grown from its voter education beginnings to incorporate concepts such as democratic decision-making, distribution of power and the need to participate in democratic processes of our communities - in local, provincial and national governance.
We are also delighted that the new series will have as its theme the celebration of ten years of democracy. It is our wish and intention that many mediums of communications be used, and that many activities be embarked upon next year by communities, to celebrate the tenth anniversary in every corner of our country.
Mass media will assist us to bring the celebration to the homes of many South Africans, to enable us to take stock of how this new nation was born and how it has been growing from strength to strength, how far we have come since 1994 and what progressive changes and developments have taken place.
Distinguished guests, given that the second series of 'Khululeka' is being launched on the eve of our third national elections, the series will once again help us to encourage all adult citizens to exercise their hard-won right to vote.
We also appreciate the fact that the series will reach the entire population of South Africa, and not just those eligible to vote in next year's general elections. In that way, its message will reach the youth who are still below the voting age, and prepare them for this important step in adulthood.
Having said that, allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to extend my deepest congratulations to the youth of our country, for the manner in which they heeded the call to register for next year's elections earlier this month.
Statistics released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) indicate that more than 800 000 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 registered as first-time voters. This translated to 58% of all new registrations. Our youth totally exceeded expectations and dispelled the notion of youth apathy, which has been mentioned frequently by some political commentators.
As we prepare to celebrate our ten-year anniversary, we can take pride in the fact that we have laid a firm foundation for our democracy, as our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, takes the right to vote so seriously.
We are also encouraged by the fact that some 43% of new registrations were from voters living in rural areas, a growth of 10% as they had previously only made up 33% of the registered voters. Our democracy is indeed deepening, giving us all the more reasons to celebrate.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reiterate our call to all South Africans who are eligible to vote, young and old, to register at municipal offices if they missed the opportunity to do so early this month.
We have never doubted the seriousness with which South Africans take the right to vote. This has been demonstrated in the past two elections, and we strongly believe that next year, millions will cast their votes once again.
Ladies and gentlemen, a new SABC Board is in the process of being appointed. This Board, like its predecessor, will be faced with the enormous challenge of providing strategic direction to the public broadcaster, especially relating to how the SABC should position itself to meet the demands placed before us by our advanced democracy.
They will face the task of helping to enhance democracy through, amongst other objectives, ensuring that the public is properly and effectively informed about local and national occurrences and processes, within the context of democratic principles and values. These men and women will therefore be entrusted with managing a crucial national resource.
We trust that in promoting national education, the new Board will continue the trend of supporting locally produced programmes, which contribute to nation building, such as the 'Khululeka' drama.
In conclusion, let me commend the entire cast of 'Khululeka', its writers, producers and directors, the SABC, the IEC and everybody involved in this project.
I know for a fact that South Africans of all ages and background, will enjoy watching the 26 episodes of 'Khululeka' on SABC next year, and that at the end of the series, they will be better informed about their rights and responsibilities.
I thank you.
Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 781 9332
Tel: 012 300 5200/5311
E-mail: zanelem@po.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
26 November 2003
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