Date: 15/02/2004
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
Title: P Molefe: Farewell Message


PREMIER POPO MOLEFE'S FAREWELL MESSAGE, 15 February 2004

Fellow South Africans, we are approaching the end of my term in Office, which coincides with the historic end of the first and the beginning of the second decade of freedom. This is for me a truly emotional moment.

Simultaneously, this moment ushers in a time for me to pass on the baton of a race well run, a race that we began in 1994. I was honoured to have been one of the protagonists in the theatre that is continuing to shape the rich history of the North West Province in particular, and South Africa in general.

I was humbled by the overwhelming support the people of this province have given to me personally and to my colleagues in government. I was truly privileged to have worked with men and women of great honour, impeccable integrity and unsurpassed wisdom throughout my terms as Premier of this province.

I wish to pay tribute to Prof Job Mokgoro, the first Director-General of the North West Province, Deputy Director-General Paul Daphne, Gabriel Mokgoko, the first Chairperson of the Tender Board, Prof Eddie Bain, the first Public Service Commissioner for the North West, Kgosi Suping, the first Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Motsatsi, Judge President Mockey Friedman, the first judge President of the North West, Moeti Moiloa, the founding Chairperson of the Provincial Youth Commission and many more who were there as we began the race towards a better province.

I also wish to pay tribute to my former advisors, Peter Magano, Patrick Mogorosi and Advocate Mabiletsa who, sadly, have all passed away. I will forever be indebted to these men and women of our province without whose dedication, selflessness and diligence during the embryonic stages of this government we would not be where we are today.

I have no doubt that in the North West there is a pool of capable leaders who will take from me the baton and serve our people with honour, humility and distinction. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God by whose grace I have served his people.

I also wish to thank colleagues in the Executive Council. It has indeed been a great pleasure to work with you. You have truly been pillars of strength and a source of sustenance. I wish to thank heartily, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Portfolio Committee Chairpersons and Members of the Legislature for their insightful, oversight and advice.

My gratitude also goes to the leadership and membership of the African National Congress and Alliance for their support and political guidance. I am indebted to the leaders of opposition parties for their cooperation and support.

A special word of thanks goes to the Director-General and Heads of Departments for making the task of governing easier. Most importantly, I wish to thank the people of the North West Province for affording me the honour to be the leader of the government they have elected.

Together we have accomplished a lot. Let us build on our successes. Let us maintain the unity that has seen us through many a storm. It is only when we do this that we can approach the future with confidence. Our collective effort during my two terms has been my greatest motivator.

To my children for donating me to the people of the North West and the nation: I thank you heartily. To my relatives for tolerating a member who was hardly available when needed for immediate family matters: I am grateful.

To Kobote Bobbley, a very special person in my life, thank you for being on my side during the most trying moments of my life.

Enquiries: Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Government
Cell: 082 578 4063
Tel: (018) 387-3753
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
15 February 2004