Address by Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto during the graduation ceremony for Community Development Workers (CDWs) at the University of Venda

Programme director
Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Philemon Mdaka
Mayor of Thulamela Municipality Chief TN Makumbane
Vice-chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Peter Mbati
Executive Deans and Professors
Councillors here present
Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority CEO Sidwell Mofokeng
Representatives from the Department of Public Service and Administration
Parents and our graduates
Ladies and gentlemen.

Once again, we wish to thank the university community for the privilege you granted us to address you on this important graduation ceremony of our distinguished public servants. It is indeed a special day for all of us, more so for the graduates and their families who are so well represented here today. We are pleased and honoured to participate in these celebrations and to acknowledge your achievements.

Obviously, our meeting here takes place at a difficult time when the entire country is reeling from widespread incidences of xenophobic violence unleashed by few South Africans on our brothers and sisters from other African countries. We will continue to use public platforms like this to express our deepest condemnation and outrage at this kind of conduct. Although the situation has been contained to a larger degree, we will still continue to appeal to South Africans to never allow themselves to be used as tools of war and destruction against their fellow Africans from other countries.

Mr Vice Chancellor
Education is the wealth of the 21st century. It is more precious than any mineral one can ever find. If one has the skills, is disciplined and has a positive attitude, he or she can be able to conquer the world anywhere.

Investment in education and human capital, is accepted everywhere as a critical determinant of whether a country succeeds or fail in its endeavour to bring a better life for its citizens. It has been proven time and again that, lack of skills and poor education are amongst major contributing factors to poverty and underdevelopment.

Simply put, no nation can develop without investing on its education. None of the objectives that this government has set can ever be achieved without education. Successful countries everywhere rely more and more on a well trained, educated, and hardworking labour force to generate productivity and opportunities. By investing resources in education through bursaries and learner ships, government is obviously putting its money where its mouth is.

Mr Vice chancellor
Obviously one of the compelling reasons why people go to the polls every five years is because they desire a better life. The contract that we have entered with the people, makes provision for government to improve services and for the communities to know the channels which they need to follow in order to access these services.

CDWs are at the heart of government's endeavours to bring these basic services to our people.

They are multi skilled and work 24 hours to help communities access government services. Unlike other public servants, CDWs are not office-bound. They work in the streets, and they are expected to enter people's homes as an when their services are required. They are the pulse of communities and should be able to tell when the mood and feelings of the people have changed.

One of the latest trends for instance that seems to be coming out from Izimbizos, are that many of our people are now raising more concerns relating to economic opportunities, more than challenges relating to access to basic services.

As CDW members, you need to have a better understanding of these concerns, wishes and expectations at a local level, because you have that dynamic daily contact with members of the community.

As government, we have now reached an era where we believe that we can no longer afford to just talk about poverty in general, without understanding its full dimensions. This is why we embarked on a household profile survey which gave us a better knowledge of what sort of interventions are needed at a ward and household level and which families are specifically vulnerable.

The results of these ward based profiles will be made available and shared with municipalities and departments to ensure that targeted solutions are provided to the affected wards and households. This will ensure that we make the necessary interventions where it is needed and are able to make the most maximum impact in our fight against poverty.

Mr Vice chancellor
Our goal is to ensure that by the end of this year, every ward has a CDW who will work with the elected councillor and ward committees to help in the delivery of services. The increase in the number of CDWs must bring hope to every community. It must mean the reduction in the number of backlogs and help in the facilitation of economic growth and development.

The simple message we would like to bring to this class of 2008 is, Go to the people, Live among the people, Learn from the people, Plan with the people, work with the people, be honest to the people, start with what the people know, build on what the people have, teach by showing, and never run away from challenges.

Most importantly, you must take pride in your work and strive for excellence at all times. Be presentable and show respect, and trustworthiness. These values must be at the core of your interaction with our people and communities.

Mr Vice chancellor
We believe that we have now past an era when CDWs where seen as competitors instead of resources to councillors and ward structures. We do not expect any turf battles and are hopeful that you will carry your work with understanding and diligence.

But we must put it clear that, like any other citizen CDWs also have the right to participate in the civil life of their communities. While they are obviously not politicians like councillors are, we cannot bar them from joining and participating in activities of political parties, as they have the right to do so. However, their participation must not compromise their professional standing and performance as public servants.

Mr Vice chancellor
In all fairness, we must acknowledge that the role and function of a CDW member is big and complex. This is because it encompasses almost what every public servant should know and be capable of doing. Their functions and roles are what pre occupy all spheres of government on a daily basis. They deserve our respect and understanding, in order to carry out their responsibilities to best of their capabilities.

While the university has given you knowledge and skills, you must understand that your role is to learn from the people and to act in their interest. Take your knowledge to higher levels by equipping yourselves with further training and more advanced skills. Your group is fortunate that it will learn from the experiences of others who are already in the field doing work on the ground.

We thank your families for giving you the time and resources to study for this learner ship. We would further like to thank the University of Venda and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) for the role they played in guiding you throughout the duration of the course.
Congratulations to every graduate and God bless!

I thank you

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Governemnt
6 June 2008