3 AUGUST 2001
Master of Ceremonies,
Deputy President Jacob Zuma,
Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma,
Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Children of Africa
I am indeed humbled by the kind and flattering remarks that have been made about me by all the previous speakers. My journey through life has indeed been a long and winding one - a life of challenges that I was not groomed for, or given skills to cope with, a life of uncertainty and at often pain, to have been away from my country, my people, my family and home. But, as an African and a humanist, I had to endure whatever life threw at me as did many others, because we remained guided by our conscience and conviction.
I have been fortunate to be able to use the medium of music to spread a message of hope to the citizens of the world. This was done neither for the fame, glory, nor was it for the recognition. It was a calling from the heart and quite simply, the right thing to do. The struggles of all downtrodden people in Africa in particular, and those around the world, who are so vulnerable as are the youth, women and aged, ought to remain the focus of our efforts. It is my fervent desire that we must continue, with determination to ensure thatwe can make Africa and the world a safer and more humane environment for all.
Distinguished Guests
Allow me to express my appreciation for the honour bestowed upon me by my Government and my people. Taking into consideration that I have just recently moved beyond the age of youth, I shall try to live up to the expectations of Africa by making whatever little contribution I can to the upliftment of my people. I am confident that in working together we shall be able to overcome.
Honourable Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, I thank you, and through you the President and the Government, and all those who have chosen to honour me in this manner. I accept your kind gesture in all humility. Perhaps you will allow me to now express myself in a manner that I know best.
Aluta continua!
Thank you.
Ngiyabonga.