Date: 06/01/2005
Source: Department of Social Development
Title: Tshabalala-Msimang: Special ASEAN leaders’ meeting following tidal waves
South African solidarity statement delivered by Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the Special ASEAN leaders’ meeting on aftermath of earthquake and tsunami, Jakarta
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Susilo Bambang Yudyohono
Honourable Heads of State and Governments
Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Representatives of Donor Community
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, the government and indeed the people of South Africa, we want to first of all express our sincere condolences and profound sympathies to all the families, people and governments of the countries that have been affected by this biggest catastrophe of the 21st Century, the tsunami disaster.
This global pain has thus far left close to 150 000 people dead, millions suffering and displaced and countless missing, especially women and children. The tragedy that has befallen humanity on the 26th December 2004 is indeed a shock to the world.
For the African continent, particularly South Africa, as the co-organiser of the Asia-Africa summit, this tragedy has turned the joy of celebrating the New Year, into one of the saddest moments in human history. Africa and Asia has been bound together by 350 years of history, cultural linkages and solidarity.
Thousands of children are now orphaned; scores of women widowed; and families dislocated. Communities and nations including our very own are devastated indeed also at the infrastructural loss worth billions of Dollars. Undoubtedly the pain endured today will be felt for many generations to come.
As we left the shores of the southern-most tip of the African continent two days ago to come and join forces with the rest of the world in this august Summit that aims to unite and coordinate the global efforts to help deal with the pain and suffering of those affected, the remains of South Africans who died in the carnage were being flown back home.
The pain is unbearable and continues to haunt the entire nation. At the same time this is a reminder that this is the time for massive, united and coordinated global action to help in all fronts. The victims of the tsunami disaster and indeed all people of goodwill across the globe are calling on this watershed Summit to make a difference sooner, rather than later.
It is even more historically significant for us as South Africans that this Summit has gathered here in Indonesia on the year of the 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. The Bandung Conference held in 1955 was a historic milestone that brought the people of Africa and Asia more closely together in the struggle for freedom, justice and human rights for Africa and indeed Asia.
Therefore to us this Summit also constitutes our continuing quest for the reconstruction and development of the countries of Asia and Africa, as well as the advancement of South/South co-operation. In this regard we would like to thank the government and the people of Indonesia, Singapore and indeed the whole of Asia for hosting this Summit at this hour of pain.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In response to this catastrophe that has thus far also claimed eight South African lives and resulted in the missing of many. We are heartened to report that the democratic government of South Africa has unleashed a massive response to help both financially and materially in a manner perhaps unprecedented by our government before.
The people of South Africa have already raised millions of Dollars; gathered tons of various materials including food, blankets, water and medicines to this end. Furthermore, thousands of volunteers including doctors, engineers, nurses, social workers and other professionals have come out ready to lend a hand. Over and above, in the spirit of goodwill we have prepared ourselves to offer training in various areas.
As we speak, the government of South Africa has already established an Inter-Ministerial Committee which, in fact, has mandated our delegation to assess the extent of the needs on the ground as well as to join forces with the rest of the world in order to make a difference at this great hour of need.
The South African government also noted the fact that there is sufficient scope in South Africa to assist the affected nations both in Asia and in Africa. In addition, the South African government has entered into partnership with South African Red Cross Society to coordinate and channel the financial and material contributions from our country. As a consequence the government is working hard to ensure a coordinated response. We support the appointment a special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN). We pledge our commitment to work with the UN through the special representative.
Up to now several countries including Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have requested assistance from the South African government. These requests are receiving urgent attention and in fact some assistance is already being given to other affected areas.
As the government we also contacted our counterparts in the affected countries on the African continent to assess their needs so that we can assist accordingly. We’ve noted that a disaster of this scale would require not only immediate relief but also medium to long term help.
In the spirit of the Millennium Development Goals where sustainable development is also emphasised, we thought it appropriate that we should help out long term as well.
As you all know Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya and Seychelles are also affected. This phenomenon is an eye opener to all of humanity that the world is vulnerable. Therefore, the United Nations’ assertion of an early warning system for all becomes relevant to prevent any future disasters from occurring. I am happy that all of us are putting emphasis on this issue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming from a continent ravaged by high levels of poverty and underdevelopment, we are savvy of the challenges that would confront us.
Notwithstanding, we wish to once again reiterate our unwavering commitment as the government and people of South Africa to work together with the rest of the world in bringing back normality to the lives of those affected.
We will together with the rest of the world make our humble contribution noting that not only was our freedom from apartheid a product of solidarity, but even more importantly that we have a duty to ensure the collective achievement of our common goal as humanity, to build a better and safer world for all.
We owe it to our children. We owe it to the future of mankind. Most importantly, we owe it to all the victims to make a difference now and not later, not just in words but in deeds.
Thank you.
Enquiries:
Mr Mbulelo Musi
Cell: 082 904 3395
E-mail: mbulelo.musi@socdev.gov.za
South African Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Norman Manuel Mashabane
Cell: 081 518 20096
E-mail: saembpol@indo.net.id
Issued by: Department of Social Development on behalf of South African Government
6 January 2005
Source: Department of Social Development
Title: Tshabalala-Msimang: Special ASEAN leaders’ meeting following tidal waves
South African solidarity statement delivered by Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the Special ASEAN leaders’ meeting on aftermath of earthquake and tsunami, Jakarta
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Susilo Bambang Yudyohono
Honourable Heads of State and Governments
Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Representatives of Donor Community
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, the government and indeed the people of South Africa, we want to first of all express our sincere condolences and profound sympathies to all the families, people and governments of the countries that have been affected by this biggest catastrophe of the 21st Century, the tsunami disaster.
This global pain has thus far left close to 150 000 people dead, millions suffering and displaced and countless missing, especially women and children. The tragedy that has befallen humanity on the 26th December 2004 is indeed a shock to the world.
For the African continent, particularly South Africa, as the co-organiser of the Asia-Africa summit, this tragedy has turned the joy of celebrating the New Year, into one of the saddest moments in human history. Africa and Asia has been bound together by 350 years of history, cultural linkages and solidarity.
Thousands of children are now orphaned; scores of women widowed; and families dislocated. Communities and nations including our very own are devastated indeed also at the infrastructural loss worth billions of Dollars. Undoubtedly the pain endured today will be felt for many generations to come.
As we left the shores of the southern-most tip of the African continent two days ago to come and join forces with the rest of the world in this august Summit that aims to unite and coordinate the global efforts to help deal with the pain and suffering of those affected, the remains of South Africans who died in the carnage were being flown back home.
The pain is unbearable and continues to haunt the entire nation. At the same time this is a reminder that this is the time for massive, united and coordinated global action to help in all fronts. The victims of the tsunami disaster and indeed all people of goodwill across the globe are calling on this watershed Summit to make a difference sooner, rather than later.
It is even more historically significant for us as South Africans that this Summit has gathered here in Indonesia on the year of the 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. The Bandung Conference held in 1955 was a historic milestone that brought the people of Africa and Asia more closely together in the struggle for freedom, justice and human rights for Africa and indeed Asia.
Therefore to us this Summit also constitutes our continuing quest for the reconstruction and development of the countries of Asia and Africa, as well as the advancement of South/South co-operation. In this regard we would like to thank the government and the people of Indonesia, Singapore and indeed the whole of Asia for hosting this Summit at this hour of pain.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In response to this catastrophe that has thus far also claimed eight South African lives and resulted in the missing of many. We are heartened to report that the democratic government of South Africa has unleashed a massive response to help both financially and materially in a manner perhaps unprecedented by our government before.
The people of South Africa have already raised millions of Dollars; gathered tons of various materials including food, blankets, water and medicines to this end. Furthermore, thousands of volunteers including doctors, engineers, nurses, social workers and other professionals have come out ready to lend a hand. Over and above, in the spirit of goodwill we have prepared ourselves to offer training in various areas.
As we speak, the government of South Africa has already established an Inter-Ministerial Committee which, in fact, has mandated our delegation to assess the extent of the needs on the ground as well as to join forces with the rest of the world in order to make a difference at this great hour of need.
The South African government also noted the fact that there is sufficient scope in South Africa to assist the affected nations both in Asia and in Africa. In addition, the South African government has entered into partnership with South African Red Cross Society to coordinate and channel the financial and material contributions from our country. As a consequence the government is working hard to ensure a coordinated response. We support the appointment a special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN). We pledge our commitment to work with the UN through the special representative.
Up to now several countries including Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have requested assistance from the South African government. These requests are receiving urgent attention and in fact some assistance is already being given to other affected areas.
As the government we also contacted our counterparts in the affected countries on the African continent to assess their needs so that we can assist accordingly. We’ve noted that a disaster of this scale would require not only immediate relief but also medium to long term help.
In the spirit of the Millennium Development Goals where sustainable development is also emphasised, we thought it appropriate that we should help out long term as well.
As you all know Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya and Seychelles are also affected. This phenomenon is an eye opener to all of humanity that the world is vulnerable. Therefore, the United Nations’ assertion of an early warning system for all becomes relevant to prevent any future disasters from occurring. I am happy that all of us are putting emphasis on this issue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming from a continent ravaged by high levels of poverty and underdevelopment, we are savvy of the challenges that would confront us.
Notwithstanding, we wish to once again reiterate our unwavering commitment as the government and people of South Africa to work together with the rest of the world in bringing back normality to the lives of those affected.
We will together with the rest of the world make our humble contribution noting that not only was our freedom from apartheid a product of solidarity, but even more importantly that we have a duty to ensure the collective achievement of our common goal as humanity, to build a better and safer world for all.
We owe it to our children. We owe it to the future of mankind. Most importantly, we owe it to all the victims to make a difference now and not later, not just in words but in deeds.
Thank you.
Enquiries:
Mr Mbulelo Musi
Cell: 082 904 3395
E-mail: mbulelo.musi@socdev.gov.za
South African Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Norman Manuel Mashabane
Cell: 081 518 20096
E-mail: saembpol@indo.net.id
Issued by: Department of Social Development on behalf of South African Government
6 January 2005
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