Berlin, 3 July 2001
Your Excellency, Ambassador and Mrs Bengu
Government Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am told that this ceremony was originally planned for the 16th of June, when South Africa commemorated the 25th anniversary of the students' uprising which started in Soweto. We have now declared this day National Youth Day in our country.
Ladies and gentlemen, the 16th of June is an important date for us, because it marked a turning point in the history of our struggle for freedom. I am therefore truly honoured to have had an opportunity to be present at this important celebration.
My delegation and I are in this beautiful city, Berlin, for the 3rd meeting of the Bi-national Commission between our country and Germany. During our stay we have successfully carried out our objective to further deepen our constructive friendship and partnership with Germany and its people.
I am sure that our German friends will agree with me when I say that the outcome of our deliberations has been positive and produced many concrete results.
In view of our unequivocal commitment to significantly expanded co-operation, it is indeed important that South Africa should entrench and position herself, in Berlin, in a manner that would adequately reflect the value we attach to our relations with this country.
I trust that you will all agree that Ambassador and Mrs Bengu have transformed this residence to reflect a homeliness and warmth, which is characteristic of the South African people. They have succeeded in creating a true African spirit in the residence that should make all South Africans feel that they have found a home away from home here.
South Africa has not only invested in this prestigious property, but as a further manifestation of our commitment to our future relations with Germany, construction will soon start on our new Embassy in the historical area of Tiergarten where South Africa owns two properties purchased as long ago as 1935.
Your Excellency, I am delighted to note the presence of so many esteemed Ambassadors from Africa here tonight. It confirms our belief that Germany is indeed a friend of Africa and the developing world and that we can count on this country's support for Africa's renewal efforts.
With the winds of change blowing across our continent, a new era has been ushered in for our representatives in foreign lands. African ambassadors now have a new challenge to promote a new Africa. An Africa that is determined to bring about lasting peace and stability, ensure the rule of law and establish itself as a significant player in world affairs.
This has implications for future relations between Africa and the rest of the world and therefore it requires that our representatives represent us in a different way - not as a helpless continent to be given Aid and then forgotten about, but as a continent with possibilities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
We as South Africans are therefore extremely proud to be represented in this country by a man of the calibre of Professor Bengu. We are confident that under his leadership relations between Germany and South Africa will grow from strength to Strength.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare this elegant Residence officially open. I trust that it will continue to symbolise the hospitality and warmth of the South African people.
I thank you.