Date: 22/12/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Van Schalkwyk: Christmas message


MESSAGE BY WESTERN CAPE PREMIER MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK

PREMIER'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

There are a number of reasons why Christmas in the Western Cape is so special: our communities are more accustomed to beach sand than to snow, and our festivities reflect the multi-cultural character of our people. What remains the same though, the world-over, is the spirit of Christmas - the pervasive belief that all mankind is bound up in a fellowship of peace, goodwill and understanding.

In the Western Cape this belief bridges the boundaries of language, culture, and religion. The strength of our people, and of our province, is that we continue to prove every day of the year that goodwill triumphs over evil intent.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ we are reminded that the power of His message lay not in the realm of rulers and princes but in the love and concern for those most in need, those least able to fend for themselves.

In the Western Cape we know that there are many - young and old, rich and poor, Christian, Muslim, Jew and Hindu, for whom this time is not as blessed, for whom pain, loss and real need are powerful realities. We pray that the eternal love of Christ will both sustain and comfort them.

Christmas reminds us all, Christian and non-Christian alike, to rejoice. It is a time to acknowledge and give thanks for all of our blessings, and to recall in the spirit of unselfish love that tolerance, respect and real understanding are the foundations of our communities.

On behalf of the Provincial Government and also on a personal level I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the Western Cape a very merry Christmas and a festive season filled with great joy.

Enquiries: Riaan Aucamp, cell: 083-778-9923
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government, 22 December 2003