Issued by: The Office of the President
MR. CHAIRMAN, HONOURABLE CHIEF JUSTICE, HONOURABLE PREMIER, JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT, MY FELLOW ATTORNEYS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
It is a special pleasure for me to address the Bi-annual Dinner of the Bloemfontein Attorneys Association. Firstly it affords me an opportunity to discuss legal matters with members of my own profession. Secondly Bloemfontein has a special place in the history of our country. It was the seat of that brave Republic that dared to defy British imperial ambitions. But it is also the place where 80 years ago the African National Congress was born. On that occasion, Africans in this country came together for the first time, across tribal, provincial and language divisions, to insist that they too were South Africans, entitled to an equal place in the South African sunshine.
And pre-eminent amongst those far-sighted leaders were Thomas Maphikea and the Rev. ZR Mahabane, sons of this province.
Baie prominente individue is gebore en getoee in Bloemfontein. Ek wil graag in besonder hulde bring aan een, naamlik Braam Fischer. Hy word grotendeels onthou as 'n kommunis, maar ons onthou hom veral omdat dit vir hom moontlik was om verby rassisme te kyk na 'n verenigde Suid-Afrika.
Ek onthou hom as 'n persoon wat grootgeword het in 'n konserwa- tiewe gemeenskap, wat moontlikhede van rykdom en sukses in privaat en publieke lewe ten koste van homself prysgegee het, om te veg vir die regte van swart Suid-Afrikaners. Ek wil graag glo dat dit as gevolg van sy diepgewortelde oorsprong in Bloemfontein is dat hy so 'n uitsonderlike menslikheid en lojaliteit teenoor sy volksgenote kon toon - wit of swart. Nogtans het hy nie sy unieke Afrikaanse herkoms prysgegee nie.
Another son of the province, I should single out, is Kobie Coetsee, the current President of the Senate. It was he who, in 1988, collaborated with me in charting the first tentative steps towards negotiations which were to lead to our new democracy.
The New Constitution, we should note, confers more powers on the people of the Orange Free State to administer their regional affairs and the delivery of Governments services than at any time since 1910.
I fully understand BOTH the impatience of the people of the Orange Free State to get on with the task of governance, and their frustration at the slow pace of the assignment of the powers and resources necessary to govern.
I can only say that we are doing our utmost to expedite an extremely complex process of amalgamation, and restructuring of a public service of 1,2 million persons. I believe it was an error of judgement to think it could be done in 2 months. I assure you that the Government of National Unity is not, and has no intention of dragging its feet on this issue.
We also note that the New Constitution preserves Bloemfontein as the seat of the Appellate Division, and accordingly its continuing status as the judicial capital.
It seems appropriate, being in Bloemfontein, and amongst lawyers, that I should discuss the challenges and opportunities which now face the legal profession and the Government together.
Our New Constitutional dispensation has a special significance for all members of the legal profession. I do not here refer to the additional litigation, and hence fees, that the Constitution will, no doubt, generate.
But that, for the first time in our country's history the Constitution provides for a democratic non-racial and CONSTITUTIONAL order. This must contribute to increased respect for the institutions of governance, including the courts. The standing of those institutions - associated with the administration and enforcement of the laws of apartheid - South Africa was sadly tarnished in the eyes of large sectors of the population. Now that their standing will be enhanced, they will enjoy, greater domestic legitimacy. They will also benefit from, greater interchange with legal bodies and thinkers from other parts of the world. In Human Rights law, Constitutional law, and related fields we could profitably look forwards and outwards - not backwards as has been the hallmark of our jurisprudential tradition. However, the application of these increasingly universal legal principles will always have to be uniquely South African.
Secondly, the Constitution establishes a legal order premised on respect for universally accepted human rights. Many of these have previously been the subject of demands by various legal bodies and associations and councils. I congratulate the individual members of the profession who have played a part in achieving their due recognition.
While the existing interim Constitution will be replaced, the Constitutional principles guarantee that the future Constitution will contain the internationally accepted human rights.
My own party, proposed the adoption of a Bill of Rights as far back as 1924, 1944, and again in 1955, way before Human Rights became fashionable. I say this because there are inevitably suspicions that those who govern have only an expedient attitude to the observance of these rights. I can assure you of the consistency of our commitment to Human Rights.
I have recently urged the relevant Ministers to take the necessary steps to ratify those international human rights agreements and conventions to which South Africa is not a Signatory. This measure will also place the Government within an international framework of monitoring and reporting on its human rights record.
We also affirm that the central purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is not to seek out and to punish, but to promote a human rights culture and norms - to say loudly "NEVER AGAIN". This is necessary in the context of a country which lacks Human Rights tradition and has to develop one urgently.
To be sure there will be contests between state and citizens, heated contests, as to the nature, boundaries, and justifiable limitations on fundamental human rights. These will arise when rights are in conflict with each other, or with the implementation of a mandate given to the Government by the People.
It should be interpreted as the flourishing of democracy and a critical contribution to the evolution of our "Constitutional State".
Thirdly the Constitution makes it clear that the Constitution itself, not the President or Parliament, is the highest authority in the land. Within this constitutional schema the courts are granted a most prominent role.
The courts will ensure that I and Parliament play by the rules of the game. Our courts and those who work in them will now find themselves on the centre stage of our body politic's. They will also be important players in making the Constitution work.
In accordance with this elevated role of the courts, practitioners (and judges) will, I believe, become keen guardians of our Constitution. I hope you will preserve it from threats posed by executive action. I want to believe that you will also promote its underlying values against threats from other sources.
This is an especially important task. The interim Constitution, codifies our widest collective aspirations. It simultaneously guarantees democratic government - and provides security for individuals and minorities. It is a compact binding of our diverse and divided people together. This will be as true for any succeeding Constitution. It is important that we, and especially lawyers, treat it with care and respect.
We must accordingly expect that the spotlight will focus on the legal profession, and its capacity to fulfil its broader role. In this regard there are some notable challenges facing the profession. Foremost amongst these will be making the legal system ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, EFFICIENT, and more REPRESENTATIVE of the country's population.
There are a number of testing challenges which I will briefly mention.
Firstly, the current in-accessibility and unaffordability of our legal system is in direct contradiction to the Constitution's promise of legal assistance to an accused whenever it is in the interests of Justice that he or she be so assisted.
In reality we have neither the means nor the available lawyers to meet the Constitutional prescriptions unless we have new arrangements.
As to the question of legal costs, it can not be said that any citizen can have his or her proverbial day in court. The delays and expenses of litigation have largely rendered this a luxury to be enjoyed by corporations. The most elegantly drafted human rights are worth nothing if only the wealthy can afford to enforce them.
Streamlining the court system, replacing practices and procedures which escalate costs and delay the process, creating less formal community courts, creating specialists courts, and the greater use of pre-trail mediation, will all have to be considered in conjunction with increased provision for legal aid.
Legal aid alone can not provide the solution. South Africa simply does not have the resources to fund legal assistance in all such cases at the current rates of such services unless we were to dig deeply into the funds allocated for health, housing and other needs. New and creative measures may include the use of a public defender system, granting rights of audience to para-legals and law students, and amending the requirements to practise so as to allow greater numbers of persons to enter into the profession.
Such access might, for example, be promoted by amending provisions which keep so many young black law graduates out of the profession such as the Latin language requirement. Articles of clerkship artificially and indirectly restrict the entry of female and black law graduates. I do not intend to prescribe here what measures would be most appropriate and indeed I am aware that suggested changes have been discussed by the various legal associations for some time, but it needs to be done comprehensively, not in a piece-meal fashion. These changes impact on educational institutions, the court and the profession.
The Constitution enjoins all aspects of public service to become representative of the people of the country. This is a prescription to remedy the colour and gender imbalances created by decades of exclusion and powerlessness. While the civil service will perforce have to address this, the legal profession will also have to respond to this challenge. The figures are very revealing. Of 94 Judges only 1 is black and 2 are women. Out of 172 senior counsel only 17 are black. (according to the Department of Justice). Out of 1,088 magistrates only 37 are black. Out of approximately 8,300 attorneys some 1,180 are black. It was, after all, only 11 years ago that the Bar Councils first consented to admit black members.
While remedying this imbalance can not be done overnight, it is clear that urgent steps are needed if the legal profession is to avoid the charge that the profession and the courts are the preserve of one group only, and predominantly service that group.
It is in the interest of the legal profession and of the legal system as a whole that all our people should feel that the system i ti tm The etaeshface tpfiaone. The administration of justice is of National concern.
A key element of our ultimate goal - of prosperity, safety and security for all - is the provision of a functioning legal system; one that quickly and fairly resolves conflict and tries criminal suspects. If this system does not work, despair, violence and self-help will result. Thus Government has a keen interest in promoting a legitimate and efficient system of justice. Government too has its own homework to do to make the courts more user friendly, and to ensure its justice personnel give expression to the values in the Constitution, EVEN when it hampers successful prosecutions and defences.
Government, the professions, the Universities that educate lawyers and the communities are the consumers of legal services, and must all make their voices heard, and contribute to the solution of these problems. Those that participate will know that the system is `theirs'.
In accordance with this approach the Minister of Justice has today announced the establishment of a Legal Forum - a body on which all the stake holders will be represented - to examine the functioning of the whole legal system.
While we must all be realistic about our goals, and the resources at our disposal, we must also be guided by our ideals.
I have consistently referred to the need for changes, as a CHALLENGE. They should not be viewed as hurdles to clear, but as OPPORTUNITIES to raise the standards of our legal system.
I say this because the challenge of change is often greeted with dismay at what is viewed as the lowering of standards. But, surely, to adapt our legal system so that it is more legitimate, more widely accessible, more affordable, and more efficient is to lift our standards. Creative ways of meeting these challenges can and must be found. I have every confidence that the legal profession, will meet this challenge.
(Below follows the translation of afrikaans in first page)
Bloemfontein has indeed over the years produced many prominent South Africans and I would like to pay tribute to one, who also overcame a tribal vision to assert a non-racial South African identity. The late Braam Fischer, is mostly remembered as a Communist leader. But I remember him as a man who, brought up in a conservative racially-conscious community with every prospect of wealth and success in private and public life, chose to rub shoulders with and fight for the rights of black South Africans. This he did at great personal cost and sacrifice. I want to believe that it was something in his Bloemfontein origins that allowed him to develop his humane vision, and find a loyalty to all of his country's people, black and white. He did this without denying or losing his special Afrikaans heritage.
NOTES FOR ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA AT A BREAKFAST OF THE RAADZAAL ROTARY CLUB - 17 September 1994
Issued by: The Office of the President
Honourable Chairperson, Distinguished Guests,
Allow me to thank you most sincerely for the invitation to attend this assembly of the Rotary Club. From the outset, I wish to congratulate your Club for the noble work you have been engaged in, to uplift those in our midst who are less fortunate.
The advent of democracy inrorsan important first step towards bringing relief from the deprivation of the past. It has also brought with it new obligations and tasks.
Our major challenge as a nation is to create new conditions of life - conditions which will result in the healing of the wounds apartheid inflicted on our citizens. This Province is one shining example of the kind of togetherness we can forge among people of different races, cultures, languages and religions.
We have committed ourselves to build a society that is non-racial, non-sexist and democratic. This constitutes an obligation on the part of all of us to eschew discrimination of any kind. In particular, we need to pay special attention to those members of our society who were born with disabilities or suffered injuries or illnesses that led to such disability.
They deserve to enjoy the rights enshrined in the constitution. The fact of their disability does not mean that they are totally incapable of contributing to the rich social order we are now creating. It is our duty both as Government and as society in general to empower them so that they may realise their potential.
Your Rotary Club has taken laudable steps towards focusing attention on the plight of the disabled. For this you deserve our praise and the support of all sectors of the population.
A special word to the disabled themselves: We salute you for the role that you have played to bring about a new society. In playing this role, you also brought to the attention of the rest of the nation, the need and indeed the obligation for us to create the necessary conditions and infrastructure for you to enjoy the rights you deserve. Refuse to play second fiddle to anyone. It is your duty and right to participate fully, alongside other citizens, in all fields of human endeavour.
The Tswellang School for the physically disabled, which is receiving a cheque from the Rotary Club, is an important example of what can be achieved if we work together. I refer in particular to the curriculum, which is aimed at improving the intellectual prowess of the students, as well as equipping them for employment. You have also correctly identified the need to develop the spiritual, physical and social attributes of the children. This is critical for them to play productive and fulfilling roles in society.
Tswellang is also a good example of the partnership that needs to be built between Government, the private sector and communities. We extend our congratulations to the Free State Association for the Physically Disabled, for the splendid role you have played in making Tswellang a towering example of fortitude, creativity and perseverance.
This is the spirit that the nation needs to succeed in its endeavours to reconstruct and develop our society. Such qualities are demanded of us as employers, workers, Government, organs of civil society and communities in general. For it is through hard work and determination that our efforts can bear fruit.
I am confident that the people of Bloemfontein, the Orange Free State and South Africa as a whole will live up to the expectations of the times we live in. Together, we have it in our power to make our nation succeed, to build South Africa into the land of our dreams.
NOTES FOR SPEECH AT THE KIMBERLY RALLY - DE BEERS STADIUM - 17 SEPTEMBER 1994
Issued by: The Office of the President
INTRODUCTION
It is a singular honour and source of joy for me to be with you here in Kimberly today.
We have come here as a result of the decision that was taken by the National Executive Committee of the ANC to go around the country to pay tribute to our people for their victory in the April elections. It is as a result of your actions that we are today gathered here as a liberated people.
Particular praise must go to the people of this province who against all odds, ensured that the ANC won the elections. Despite the vicious campaign of the opposition whose major focus was to fuel racism and suspicion, the people of this province voted not on the basis of the colour their skin or as a result of racial prejudice, but voted for peace, non - racialism and freedom.
We have come here to also report on progress we are making since the establishment of the Government of National Unity. The government is operating well and is on course with its programme.
THE RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Out of a broad consultation over the years emerged the Reconstruction and Development Programme. The RDP now forms the cornerstone of government policy. It has now been accepted by leaders of business and society in general as a guide to resolving the ills of apartheid.
During the State of the Nation address in parliament on the 24th of May, certain targets were set for the implementation of the RDP. These projects were placed under the direct supervision of the President. I am proud to report that in implementing these objectives, we have acquited ourselves well.
Indeed, on the 1st of June we commenced the free medical scheme for children under the age of six and pregnant mothers. This bold step by the government threw up enormous challenges for us. Most of these arose from the legacy of apartheid and the deliberate neglect of the disadvantaged communities.
Soon thereafter, the Minister of Health announced a scheme to combat the spread of AIDS. Funds have been allocated for a major awareness and prevention campaign. We also announced an electrification programme which has been proceeding well.
Despite problems here and there, the scheme to provide feeding for needy primary school pupils has begun. Initial reports indicate that as a result of the introduction of the scheme, attendance figures in a number of areas and punctuality have improved dramatically.
We also announced a campaign to rebuild townships and restore services. A number or areas have been identified across the country.
The implementation of the RDP has important lessons for us. One of these is that the RDP requires the involvement of the masses of the people in order to be a living and achievable programme. For the people to be involved, strong grassroots organisations are needed, and the provinces and local structures must be empowered to implement the programme.
THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
I congratulate the Premier of the Province, Comrade Manne Depico, the members of the Executive Council and the Legislature for the outstanding job they have done since the elections. The Northern Cape province was the only province that did not inherit an administration from the erstwhile structures. Its affairs were always run from Cape Town.
I take this opportunity to express my admiration for the strides that are being made by your provincial government to implement the RDP. Not only have they started with the feeding scheme and other lead projects, they have also made remarkable progress with the land restitution programmes. A word of praise for the outstanding work the Minister of Land Affairs, Comrade Derek Hanekom, is doing.
CHALLENGES
The greatest challenge facing the ANC is to continue to foster the spirit of national reconciliation and nation building that is blossoming in the country. Inseparable from this is the twin objective of reconstructing the country by addressing the legacy of apartheid.
An equally important challenge is to transform our movement into a force for rebuilding the country. We have to stop looking at ourselves as the opposition. Our militancy must be rededicated to improving production and the creation of more job opportunities.
The Government of National Unity is committed to upholding the rights of mass organisations to protest and engage in other forms of action to advance the interests of their constituencies. However, there is a growing tendency to abuse these rights by engaging in acts of violence or violation of the rights of others. The holding hostage of individuals during protest actions is a criminal act which the government cannot tolerate. Similarly, the setting alight of public property as we witnessed recently is an act which, if not ceased forthwith, will prompt the government to onsider action to ensure that this does not happen again.
Late next year, local governmeecni eae. It is at a local government level that the RDP shall find real expression. In order for us to succeed in its implementation, we have to win the elections handsomely.
While I have reported progress that is being made by the Government of National Unity; there is a continuing need to be vigilant and always act to safeguard our new democracy. The unity of the democratic forces, more especially the cohesion of the ANC- SACP and COSATU, is paramount. Without hesitation, we must act to isolate elements that seek to undermine the alliance.
The ANC will hold its national conference in Bloemfontein from the 17th to the 22nd of December 1994. This will be the first conference in a democratic South Africa. It will be the first conference the ANC will be holding as the leading party in government. Our conference will therefore be different from all the conferences the ANC has had in its 82 years of existance.
As we approach conference, our attitude should be to consolidate the unity of our movement. It is only when we act as a united people that we shall take our country and our people to brighter horizons.
I thank you.
NOTES FOR SPEECH AT THE NAMAQUALAND RALLY - SPRINGBOK STADIUM - 17 SEPTEMBER 1994
Issued by: The Office of the President
INTRODUCTION
It is a singular honour and source of joy for me to be with you here in Namaqualand today.
We have come here as a result of the decision that was taken by the National Executive Committee of the ANC to go around the country to pay tribute to our people for their victory in the April elections. It is as a result of your actions that we are today gathered here as a liberated people.
Particular praise must go to the people of this province who against all odds, ensured that the ANC won the elections. Despite the vicious campaign of the opposition whose major focus was to fuel racism and suspicion, the people of this province voted not on the basis of the colour of their skin or as a result of racial prejudice, but voted for peace, non-racialism and freedom.
We have come here to also report on progress we are making since the establishment of the Government of National Unity. The government is operating well and is on course with its programme.
THE RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Out of a broad consultation over the years emerged the Reconstruction and Development Programmhe RDP now forms the cornerstone of government policy. It has now been accepted by leaders of business and society in general as a guide to resolving the ills of apartheid.
During the State of the Nation address in parliament on the 24th of May, certain targets were set for the implementation of the RDP. These projects were placed under the direct supervision of the President. I am proud to report that in implementing these objectives, we have acquited ourselves well.
Indeed, on the 1st of June we commenced the free medical scheme for children under the age of six and pregnant mothers. This bold step by the government threw up enormous challenges for us. Most of these arose from the legacy of apartheid and the deliberate neglect of the disadvantaged communities.
Soon thereafter, the Minister of Health announced a scheme to combat the spread of AIDS. Funds have been allocated for a major awareness and prevention campaign. We also announced an electrification programme which has been proceeding well.
Despite problems here and there, the scheme to provide feeding for needy primary school pupils has begun. Initial reports indicate that as a result of the introduction of the scheme, attendance figures in a number of areas and punctuality have improved dramatically.
We also announced ca uld townships and restore services. A number of areas have been identified across the country.
The implementation of the RDP has important lessons for us. One of these is that the RDP requires the involvement of the masses of the people in order to be a living and achievable programme. For the people to be involved, strong grassroots organisations are needed, and the provinces and local structures must be empowered to implement the programme.
THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
I congratulate the Premier of the Province, Comrade Manne Depico, the members of the Executive Council and the Legislature for the outstanding job they have done since the elections. The Northern Cape province was the only province that did not inherit an administration from the erstwhile structures. Its affairs were always run from Cape Town.
An untenable situation is that a lot of people from this province, particularly here in Namaqualand, still have to travel as far as Cape Town to receive medical attention in hospitals. This is a grave situation that needs urgent attention. In the meantime, we appeal to those institutions that can afford to make a contribution to the improvement of the welfare of our people, to put their medical facilities at the disposal of the people. The mining houses, for example, could alleviate the burden on our people by making their facilities available to nearby communities. The success of the RDP depends on the co-operation of the government, business, and mass organisations of the people. Without this relationship, we are doomed. The proposal we are making should be viewed in that spirit.
I take this opportunity to express my admiration for the strides that are being made by your provincial government to implement the RDP. Not only have they started with the feeding scheme and other lead projects, they have also made remarkable progress with the land restitution programmes. A word of praise for the outstanding work the Minister of Land Affairs, Comrade Derek Hanekom, is doing.
CHALLENGES
The greatest challenge facing the ANC is to continue to foster the spirit of national reconciliation and nation building that is blossoming in the country. Inseparable from this is the twin objective of reconstructing the country by addressing the legacy of apartheid.
An equally important challenge is to transform our movement into a force for rebuilding the country. We have to stop looking at ourselves as the opposition. Our militancy must be rededicated to improing production and the creation of more job opportunities.
The Government of National Unity is committed to upholding the rights of mass organisations to protest and engage in other forms of action to advance the interests of their constituencies. However, there is a growing tendency to abuse these rights by engaging in acts of violence or violation of the rights of others. The holding hostage of individuals during protest actions is a criminal act which the government cannot tolerate. Similarly, the setting alight of public property as we witnessed recently is an act which, if not ceased forthwith, will prompt the government to consider actions to ensure that this does not happen again.
Late next year, local government elections will take place. It is at a local government level that the RDP shall find real expression. In order for us to succeed in its implementation, we have to win the elections handsomely.
While I have reported progress that is being made by the Government of National Unity; there is a continuing need to be vigilant and always act to safeguard our new democracy. The unity of the democratic forces, more especially the cohesion of the ANC - SACP and COSATU, is paramount. Without hesitation, we must act to isolate elements that seek to undermine the alliance.
The ANC will hold its national conference in Bloemfontein from the 17th to the 22nd of December 1994. This will be the first conference in a democratic South Africa. It will be the first conference the ANC will be holding as the leading party in government. Our conference will therefore be different from all the conferences the ANC has had in its 82 years of existence.
As we approach conference, our attitude should be to consolidate the unity of our movement. It is only when we act as a united people that we shall take our country and our people to brighter horizons.
I thank you!
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA BEFORE FREE STATE LEADERS - 17 SEPTEMBER 1994
Issued by: The Office of the President
Comrades and Friends,
More than 82 years ago, leading African men and women from across the length and breadth of South Africa gathered in this city.
At the end of their deliberations they had founded the ANC as a vehicle with which to unite our people in the struggle for freedom. As we streamed to the polls on 27 of April, we realised their yearning for a democratic political order.
I am truly proud to stand in your midst as one among their progeny who have lived to see the realisation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
The new status which we assume in South African society, carries with it an immense responsibility to establish clean, efficient and transparent government: a government that enjoys the confidence of the people because it works with them and cares about their plight; a government that will never subject any section of the population of our country to the hurt and humiliation which generations of blacks have known.
By this, we also mean a government clean of corruption and nepotism, one that respects merit and at the same time acknowledges the needs of the lesser and weaker members of our society.
We have impressed upon the nation the need for reconciliation. But it is not enough to urge people to forgive an unfortunate past. As long as the unfortunate conditions created by the old order remain, the people will remain restless; their discomfort will give rise to waves of instability.
The challenge before all of us is to create conditions which begin to transform their conditions of living and give them new hope of a better future. This is the philosophy behind the RDP.
Freedom should not be understood to mean leadership positions or even appointments to top positions. It must be understood as the transformation of the lives of ordinary peopel in the hostels and the ghettos; in the squatter camps; on the farms and in the mine compounds. It means constant consultation between leaders and members of their organisations; it demands of us to be in constant touch with the people, to understand their needs, hopes and fears; and to work together with them to improve their conditions.
I hold the firm belief that the collective leadership that you provide to various communities in this province before, during and after the elections, will assure us of success in the task of reconstruction and development.
I urge you to adopt a new attitude - one that sees one people out of the varius segments that apartheid rule imposed on us. I know that with the leadership you have elected, and the parties now in the Government of National Unity, no obstacle can prevail before your relentless march.
I do not have to remind you that there is need to make urgent preparations for the local government elections next year. This demands hard work, honesty and commitment to the ideals of the the ANC and the rest of the democratic movement. It demands mobilisation of communities, not only as voters, but as masters of their own destiny. We must strengthen the alliance of democratic forces and ensure that we march together, inspired by the vision of those great patriots who founded the ANC and those heroes who laid down their lives so that all of us can enjoy a better life.
The leadership of the ANC has selected the Orange Free State and Bloemfontein in particular as the venue for the 49th Conference of the ANC. This is in great measure a reflection of the confidence that we have in you. I am confident that you possess the wisdom and the skills to ensure that the democratic movement fulfils the objectives it has set itself.