In his wisdom the President has decided to transfer me from my present position in the Department of Labour to that of Foreign Affairs. I am sincerely grateful for the confidence he has shown in me and will do all I can to ensure that he is vindicated. I am immensely aware of the challenges that confront this important portfolio. I am looking forward to joining the team that has made tremendous strides to ensure that South Africa plays its rightful role in international affairs.
It is common knowledge that it was my desire to serve Government for only one five year term. However, it did not take a great deal of effort to accede to the request of the President that I continue in the public service in order to contribute in the consolidation of the transformation efforts of the first five years. I am honoured to have been called upon to be part of this important process of drawing yet another chapter in the history of our country's democratisation.
I take this opportunity to thank the former Minister of Labour and now Governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, for the trust he placed in me by inviting me to serve as the first Director General of Labour in a democratic South Africa. Together with our dedicated and diligent team we transformed the labour market beyond recognition. I am satisfied that the changes we introduced during that period will stand our country in good stead. I am immensely proud of the efforts we invested to improve the efficiency of the various labour market institutions including the Department of Labour.
Under the stewardship of the current Minister of Labour, Membathsis Mdladlana, the Department has developed a programme that will see the consolidation of our earlier efforts. I would like to thank him for affording me the opportunity to be part of his team that drew up his five-year programme. I will continue to support the Government's efforts to ensure our success in this area. During my tenure I enjoyed a candid and open relationship with our social partners. Their contribution to the development of the transformative measures cannot be under-estimated. I learned a lot from our interaction and appreclated their steadfast support even when we disagree. As I leave the Department of Labour I trust that they will provide the same support to my successor. I look forward to the new challenges ahead. I hope and trust that I will provide valuable service.
Sipho Mila Pityana Director General: Labour
4 December 1999
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