30 December 1999
Issued by: Office of the Premier Gauteng Provincial Government
Africa is witnessing the end of an eventful century and millennium and the beginning of a century and millennium which offer many opportunities for it to rise and take its rightful place in the world.
The passing century has seen many African Nations freeing themselves from colonialism and beginning the long journey to reclaim their national self-determination. Most significantly was the liberation of the people of South Africa from centuries of injustice, prejudice, racism, oppression and exploitation. As we bid farewell to the passing century we pay homage to all sons and daghters of our great continent who fought to bring us where we are today. Without their selfless contribution to the struggles against colonialism in Africa we would not have achieved what we have.
Many more challenges still face our continent. Poverty, hunger, conflicts and epidemic diseases characterise the challenges we have to deal with as we enter the next century and millennium. We have already declared that the 21st century is an African Century. Declaring the 21st century as an African Century along is not a guarantee that indeed the 21st century will be an African Century.
We all make resolutions at the end of every year mapping out our vision for the New Year and set goals.
For many who live under conditions of object poverty the next millennium should bring about an end to poverty and herald the beginning of a better life.
For many of who suffer from epidemic diseases, the next millennium brings hope that a cure will be found for their ailments.
For those of our people who are without jobs and therefore no source of income, the next millennium brings hope that they will find jobs and work.
For many of our people who live under constant fear of crime and insecurity, the next millennium brings hope that they will live in safer and secure communities.
For many of our youth who face an uncertain future, the next millennium should open the doors to opportunities for them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills they require to become more worthier citizens of their country, the continent and the world.
For people living with disabilities the millennium brings hope that things will change for the better.
For many women and children who are subjected to abuse by those who do not recognise their human dignity will be respected. For many that live in squalor conditions, the advent of the new millennium brings hope that this will change and that they too will like other live in decent conditions.
For many of our people who do not benefit from the modern technology such as IT the new millennium brings the hope of the possibility to benefit from such technology.
Indeed every single South African has high hopes that the advent of the next millennium brings many possibilities to change things for the better.
So, our resolution for the next century and millennium should be to do everything in our power to hasten the process of changing our lives for the better and to ensure that the 21st century becomes an African Century.
I wish all Gauteng citizens a prosperous New Year. The high number of road accidents should be a reminder for all road users to be on the alert. Our call is not only not to drink and drive, but to not drink and walk as well. I also wish to thank the police, the army and traffic officers for the sterling work during this period. I call on all New Year revellers to behave with dignity as we usher in the New Year.