11 June 1999
I have decided to step down as a Member of Parliament and to step back from formal political life, which has been the sole focus of my life over the last two decades. I have decided to spend more time over the next few years to building my family life that I have long neglected, and focus on other challenges facing me as an individual.
I have three young children with whom I want to spend more time sharing the values of respect, honesty, compassion and humility for which we have fought so hard in this country.
I remain totally committed to the reconstruction and development effort in our society. I remain a loyal member of the ANC and will continue to serve on the National Executive Committee of the ANC.
This decision has been discussed with the President of the ANC, Cde Thabo Mbeki, and he supports me in my decision. We have agreed on how I will continue to serve the transformation effort in the context of my decision to step out of the "frontline" of political life. The incoming President will make an announcement about this issue in due course.
I have enjoyed working under the astute leadership of both President Mandela and Deputy President Mbeki. We have seen a major transformation of the postal, telecommunications and broadcasting sector with new policies, laws and regulatory institutions being put in place. This would not have been possible without their unreserved support. We are implementing a vision of a connected South Africa with a telephone line, address and access to the airwaves reaching every village and remote corner of our country.
Millions of our people now have access to telephones, postal address and broadcasting services. The foundation for integrating South Africa into the global information society has been built.
I wish to thank President Mandela, Deputy President Mbeki, my colleagues in Cabinet, labour and business who have worked closely with me to make this sector the success it has been.
JAY NAIDOO, MP
MINISTER FOR POSTS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING