Date: 30/04/2004
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government
Title: D Peters: Inauguration as Northern Cape Premier


INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF THE HONOURABLE PREMIER, MS DIPUO PETERS, 30 April 2004

The Honourable Judge President
The President's Parliamentary Counsellor, Cde Manne Dipico
Madame Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Members of the Provincial Legislature and National Assembly
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
The Deputy President of the Women's League
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Comrades and friends
Religious Leaders

"If the PAST had been an obstacle and a burden, knowledge of the Past is the safest emancipation." (Lord Acton - Inaugural Lecture, Cambridge, June 1895)

These words of wisdom indeed capture more clearly the reasons why we are gathered here today

Reflecting on the past and its great life-lessons

Also reflecting with a view of moving ahead with much clearer sense of purpose and clarity!

A couple of days ago we celebrated freedom day and a decade of freedom and democracy. This is a remarkable feat for a country like South Africa, which had a 'pariah' tag, attached to her neck during the dark days of apartheid and colonialism.

A decade of freedom in the context of the people of the province and the country, has set this country and province on the trajectory of peace, justice and constitutionalism. Indeed this country and its people have found a new lease of life and rejuvenation and its feels very good to be a South African, both here and abroad.

Zi zimvo zabantu abantsundu nabamhlophe bephondo Lomtla Koloni ukwenza konke okusemandleni uku sebenzela inkululeko nentando yabantu bonke.

The enthusiasm to overcome the obstacles in our movement forward to realize the goals of a better life for all our people should continue to permeate all sections and sectors of our society. The achievements of the past decade are ample proof what potential this country holds.

I am greatly honoured and humbled by the confidence and trust bestowed on me by the President of SA and the vast majority of our people who voted for the ANC - the organization, which had led the noble struggles for emancipation of our people for over nine decades. I am also deeply honoured for the confidence shown by the newly installed Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), who elected me to lead this provincial government as the Premier of the Northern Cape. This confidence and trust demonstrated in our collective responsibility will only be meaningful if it leads to a better life for all the people of the Northern Cape.

The overwhelming majority of the people of the province voted and gave a clear mandate for the attainment of their aspirations to this government. Ours is to ensure we achieve these goals and enhance the quality of life of our people.

Ek is seker dat ons sal strewe om hierdie provinsie die voorbeeld te maak, want ons het 'n eed afgele in the Wetgewer, waar ons belowe het om die grontwet te onderhou en ons werk te doen na die beste van ons vermo