27 September 1999
Issued by: Office of the Deputy President
READ ON BEHALF OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT MR JACOB ZUMA, 27 SEPTEMBER 1999, TURFFONTEIN RACE COURSE
Barely a few months after a call to business by the President to make a meaningful contribution to fighting crime, the response to the calls are being gradually heeded.
The criticism of the effort by government to eradicate crime does not in itself lead to a crime free suciety. On the contrary, it raises tensions between the two sectors, the public oficials and the civil society which do not assist the attainment of a better life for all as clearly set out by government.
The timing of the sponsorship is commended because it comes at an opportune time where we, as government, are restructuring our response to crime. Coming barely a week after the apointment of a new police Commissioner, the sponsorship, is a clear message to criminals that their time is numbered. Coming amidsts the growing and the more sharpened teeth of the Assets Forfeiture United and the establishment of the extra- ordinary unity to fight crime, the Scorpions, the spnsorship should serve as a challenge to other sectors of the economy and of the civil society in general than commitment to the end of crime should be followed by visible deeds. The true test of true conmmitment to the end of crime ad to a democratic and stable South Africa rests on us dipping into our reserves, however meagre they may be, to beat.
Although all the arms of the police service are geared towards figthing crime in their respective fields. the equastrian service should consider the sponsorship as an added resource to help fight crime. As crime is cited as one of the prohibitive factors to meaningful investment, we trust that potential investors are indeed encouragec by the efforts which you as a business sector are making in assisting government and the scourge and thereby encourge investment for job creation.
In the short space of time that regular use has been made of the equestrian services, it has proved to have access to the most rugged of terrains. The manouverability of the animals into the nook and cranies should begin to send shivers to even those who after committing crime hide in places which are not accessible by car. In crovwed control, horses have also proved to be quite adept for both higheit and power.
We trust that many of your business partners and competitors will take this opportunity to target other units of the Police Services so that our approach to crime is not confined but is co-ordinated to bring to book all criminals and their activities under control. Without looking, a gift horse in the mouth, if you will excuse the pun criminal elements are running unchecked in money laundering, illegal electronic financial transfers and generally white-collar crime. These are areas where your king hearts as business people would also be welcome.
Son on this day we would like to congratulate the cohosts, Phumelela Gaming and Leisure and the South African Police Services for the bold steps they have taken in assisting many South Africans who though willing, do not have the means to make such contributions and sponsorships. The challenge that you have issued to simillar business concerns and indeed to the whole community is not insurmountable. However . for being among the first to sponsor our Police Services, you shall always have place in the annals of our safety and security history. You shall be remembered for having put hyour hands to the deck.
As a Government which is committed to deliver the basic need to our people, including a crime free society, we will always support donations and sposorships that assist the attainement of this goal.
Thank You