Issued by: North West Communication Service
MAFIKENG 12 MARCH 1997
Allow me to use this opportunity to acknowledge the important contribution that non-governmental organizations made to the success of the human rights struggle in this country.
It is an impressive record of moral courage and commitment. When the state elected to be the enemy of its own citizens, the NGO's chose to be on the side of the poor, the sick, the illiterate and the marginalised. Among other things, it were the NGO's that provided legal aid to those facing criminal charges for resisting oppression and injustice, they provided moral support for the families of prisoners of conscience. In impoverished villages, their rural development programmes such as in education, drought relief and agricultural projects, they provided hope in a sea of despair, despondency and deprivation.
When the history of the human rights struggle is told the NGO's will always occupy pride of place alongside the democratic movement.
Unfortunately, some NG0's found it difficult to adapt to the new circumstances brought about by the post-apartheid constitutional dispensation. The opening up of our society and the development of a culture of human rights, among other things, made many NG0's redundant. But there are many others that have found a niche within the democratic transformation process.
The role of non-governmental organizations in the democratic South Africa is as important as it was during that difficult period in history. The majority of our people are faced with great challenges. In every sphere of our society, the legacy of those many decades of oppression and deprivation is so severe that every talent and energy need to be deployed in the common effort for reconstruction. But there has been much progress since the Reconstruction and Development Programme was implemented. The official launch of the IDT in the province comes at a time when the spirit of the RDP has captured the imagination of the majority of citizens. Many of our people have embraced the important fact that the responsibility for the renewal and development of our society is not the responsibility only of the Government, nor of particular elected officials.
Community-based organizations have sprung up in many areas and have, in fact, participated in the implementation of projects. The IOT has facilitated some of these projects. Given the lack of capacity in many areas of the province, much more needs to be done to ensure that development is a people-driven process.
Our province is largely rural. This creates serious challenges for the government and its development partners to devise development strategies that would address the backlogs in infrastructure and job opportunities.
Perhaps the most crucial task is to build capacities in local government so that councillors and traditional leaders can promote the concept of integrated planning. This means that planning has to occur within the framework of national objectives and linked to projects. Unless projects are carefully prepared in sufficient detail, inefficient even wasteful expenditure is sure to result.
Together with the NGO's, we need to build capacity on the ground for effective and efficient implementation of the RDP. And we have the confidence that the IDT will always offer its services in a spirit of goodwill and patriotism. Your record speaks for itself.
In conclusion, Master of Ceremonies, the launch of the IDT office is not merely to welcome an NGO to this province. But it is to affirm the critical role IDT has played in unlocking the untapped potential that exists within our communities. We appreciate the role it has played in capacity building and other aspects of project facilitation. It has contributed to the building of classrooms, child care centres, clinics and other social infrastructure. We applaud them also for facilitating in the provision of water, electricity and sanitation services. You are most welcome, continue with the good work.