Date: 11/11/2003
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government
Title: Ramathlodi: Debate on Pres Mbeki's address to NCOP
SPEECH BY DR NGOAKO RAMATLHODI, PREMIER OF LIMPOPO, AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES, 11 November 2003
Madam Chairperson, honourable President, honourable members
Guided by an incredibly unreserved courage to determine a completely new path in the land of our birth, the past nine years of democracy saw us tirelessly forging ahead to create new beacons and landmarks for our selves and generations to come.
The replacement of an old system of separate development with a democratic one was amongst other momentous and tangible changes we have had to introduce.
As we meet here today, it remains indisputable, that under the able leadership of the African National Congress and our very own President, we live in a vastly better country than we did almost a decade ago.
The dark days of repression, minority rule and institutionalised racism have gradually become a fading memory.
In the international sphere we are among the leading nations of the world, welcomed with open arms at various multinational forums. In the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement the leadership role of South Africa is widely acknowledged and highly prized.
As one of the driving forces behind the NEPAD project --- we are hard at work in co-operation with our fellow countries on the continent to make this century one of the lasting progress and prosperity for the children of our mother-soil.
Where once there was despair, there is now hope. Where once our people lived as enemies and adversaries there are encouraging signs of patriotism. And it is therefore our challenge and responsibility to ensure that tendencies such as those of the so-called Boeremag are disallowed to retard development and reverse a number of milestone achievements of our past struggles.
Madam Chair,
On the other hand, presidential and visionary initiatives such as Letsema campaign - which emphasizes strong community participation and voluntary service - have become an integral part of our national identity. Our people continue to seek opportunities to work towards the greater good of society, and the challenge on our part as leaders is to continue to foster the spirit of volunteerism and community service.
Famine, abject poverty and other social ills that continue to afflict humanity remain a major cause for great concern to all of us. In fact it is indisputable that most of the serious developmental challenges facing our country - such as rural development, the battle against disease and illness, illiteracy and gender empowerment - can eventually be traced back to the root problem of poverty.
In Limpopo we have taken determined steps to address the challenge of poverty. We are of the firm opinion that the success of our efforts will be measured by the progress we are making in reducing poverty in the rural areas.
To that effect, the issue of reduction and eventual eradication of poverty has become a primary focus area of our Vision 2020 to make Limpopo a viable and self-sufficient province.
Access to essential services within walking distances in many of our villages is clearly visible. The education facilities, primary health care, and related social services available in our multi-purpose community centres have added value to the lives of our people.
The conveniences those of you residing in towns and cities have grown accustomed to, are no longer luxuries to the majority of people in the far-flung villages and vast farmlands of Limpopo.
The rapid growth of our economy and its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product at 6.3% is another vivid and noticeable positive spin-off. In the same vein, the international missions we undertake continue to help a great deal in repositioning, highlighting and increasing the competitiveness of our province in the world economy.
We take pride at the fact that Limpopo has recently distinguished itself as one of the tourist attraction and investor friendly provinces to many in the whole world.
Another challenge we have had to confront was to play a meaningful role in municipalities as strategic centres of gravity in terms of delivery of essential services.
As part of broader programme to bring government closer to the people, as well as consistency with the constitutional imperative of cooperative governance, we established a Premier-Mayors Forum earlier this year.
Whilst through this forum an enabling opportunity for a concrete comprehension of real problems confronting our individual communities is created, in the main, it serves to provide a strategic leadership in terms of synergy, integration and alignment of service delivery programmes and crucial plans in the likes of IDPs, LEDs and PGDS.
To this end, a considerable progress towards achieving the objectives of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy has been made.
Madam Chair,
With a stable, sound and mature provincial administration and financial systems --- we have made significant inroads in, amongst others, transforming and creating a public service that is responsive and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
Adherence to Batho-Pele principles in discharging duties has become a norm on the part of public servants. We continue to pursue the few who are non-compliant so that they can as well tour the line.
Acknowledging that a lot more still needs to be done, it is worth mentioning that millions of the citizens of Limpopo who were homeless, now have a roof on top of their heads.
As we continue to provide consumable water to other areas of our province, electricity has become a source of energy for more than 75% of households in Limpopo.
Mr. President, I have got no doubt, whatsoever, in my mind, that our people are entering the second decade of democracy and freedom with a great sense of pride and self-being.
An unprecedented feeling of belonging to the government of their choice is written all over their faces, and they are eager to be lead and march forward towards a prosperous South Africa.
I wish you a joyous festive season, merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Let every one of us Arrive Alive.
I thank you
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government, (http://www.dplg.gov.za)
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government
Title: Ramathlodi: Debate on Pres Mbeki's address to NCOP
SPEECH BY DR NGOAKO RAMATLHODI, PREMIER OF LIMPOPO, AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES, 11 November 2003
Madam Chairperson, honourable President, honourable members
Guided by an incredibly unreserved courage to determine a completely new path in the land of our birth, the past nine years of democracy saw us tirelessly forging ahead to create new beacons and landmarks for our selves and generations to come.
The replacement of an old system of separate development with a democratic one was amongst other momentous and tangible changes we have had to introduce.
As we meet here today, it remains indisputable, that under the able leadership of the African National Congress and our very own President, we live in a vastly better country than we did almost a decade ago.
The dark days of repression, minority rule and institutionalised racism have gradually become a fading memory.
In the international sphere we are among the leading nations of the world, welcomed with open arms at various multinational forums. In the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement the leadership role of South Africa is widely acknowledged and highly prized.
As one of the driving forces behind the NEPAD project --- we are hard at work in co-operation with our fellow countries on the continent to make this century one of the lasting progress and prosperity for the children of our mother-soil.
Where once there was despair, there is now hope. Where once our people lived as enemies and adversaries there are encouraging signs of patriotism. And it is therefore our challenge and responsibility to ensure that tendencies such as those of the so-called Boeremag are disallowed to retard development and reverse a number of milestone achievements of our past struggles.
Madam Chair,
On the other hand, presidential and visionary initiatives such as Letsema campaign - which emphasizes strong community participation and voluntary service - have become an integral part of our national identity. Our people continue to seek opportunities to work towards the greater good of society, and the challenge on our part as leaders is to continue to foster the spirit of volunteerism and community service.
Famine, abject poverty and other social ills that continue to afflict humanity remain a major cause for great concern to all of us. In fact it is indisputable that most of the serious developmental challenges facing our country - such as rural development, the battle against disease and illness, illiteracy and gender empowerment - can eventually be traced back to the root problem of poverty.
In Limpopo we have taken determined steps to address the challenge of poverty. We are of the firm opinion that the success of our efforts will be measured by the progress we are making in reducing poverty in the rural areas.
To that effect, the issue of reduction and eventual eradication of poverty has become a primary focus area of our Vision 2020 to make Limpopo a viable and self-sufficient province.
Access to essential services within walking distances in many of our villages is clearly visible. The education facilities, primary health care, and related social services available in our multi-purpose community centres have added value to the lives of our people.
The conveniences those of you residing in towns and cities have grown accustomed to, are no longer luxuries to the majority of people in the far-flung villages and vast farmlands of Limpopo.
The rapid growth of our economy and its contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product at 6.3% is another vivid and noticeable positive spin-off. In the same vein, the international missions we undertake continue to help a great deal in repositioning, highlighting and increasing the competitiveness of our province in the world economy.
We take pride at the fact that Limpopo has recently distinguished itself as one of the tourist attraction and investor friendly provinces to many in the whole world.
Another challenge we have had to confront was to play a meaningful role in municipalities as strategic centres of gravity in terms of delivery of essential services.
As part of broader programme to bring government closer to the people, as well as consistency with the constitutional imperative of cooperative governance, we established a Premier-Mayors Forum earlier this year.
Whilst through this forum an enabling opportunity for a concrete comprehension of real problems confronting our individual communities is created, in the main, it serves to provide a strategic leadership in terms of synergy, integration and alignment of service delivery programmes and crucial plans in the likes of IDPs, LEDs and PGDS.
To this end, a considerable progress towards achieving the objectives of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy has been made.
Madam Chair,
With a stable, sound and mature provincial administration and financial systems --- we have made significant inroads in, amongst others, transforming and creating a public service that is responsive and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
Adherence to Batho-Pele principles in discharging duties has become a norm on the part of public servants. We continue to pursue the few who are non-compliant so that they can as well tour the line.
Acknowledging that a lot more still needs to be done, it is worth mentioning that millions of the citizens of Limpopo who were homeless, now have a roof on top of their heads.
As we continue to provide consumable water to other areas of our province, electricity has become a source of energy for more than 75% of households in Limpopo.
Mr. President, I have got no doubt, whatsoever, in my mind, that our people are entering the second decade of democracy and freedom with a great sense of pride and self-being.
An unprecedented feeling of belonging to the government of their choice is written all over their faces, and they are eager to be lead and march forward towards a prosperous South Africa.
I wish you a joyous festive season, merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Let every one of us Arrive Alive.
I thank you
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government, (http://www.dplg.gov.za)
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
