Ulundi, Friday 22 February 2002
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislature
His Majesty the King and members of the royal family present,
The Minister of Home Affairs, Umntwana wakwaPhindangene,
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal,
Members of the Provincial Cabinet,
Members of the Parliament and the Provincial Legislature
Representatives of Local Government,
Amakhosi,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you know, I always feel at home when I am among you here, particularly because I have been a part of this legislature and executive in the province before being deployed to the Presidency.
I must admit that I miss being a part of this provincial family, and am delighted to see all the familiar faces.
It always makes me feel proud to be in this province, given what the IFP and ANC leadership and ordinary people of KwaZulu-Natal achieved a few years ago.
Working together, the leadership of the IFP and ANC at all levels managed to stop the political violence that had claimed thousands of lives and displaced thousands of people, and which was threatening the stability of the whole country. You were able to move from conflict to an exciting politician interaction viewed by many as a shining example in modern politics of governance in the continent.
When travelling both locally and internationally, I take pride in relating the unique experience of this province, which proved that political differences can be overcome if leaders put the country and the interests of the people first.
Yours has truly been an outstanding achievement, and I sometimes wonder whether we realise the degree and depth of the contribution that KwaZulu-Natal made, both to the country and to the continent.
Colleagues, we should also remember that this province was the first to bring the politics of coalition governance to the democratic South Africa. I am not sure that if there were no Kwazulu-Natal coalition experience, a coalition government would have so easily emerged in the Western Cape.
KwaZulu-Natal remains arguably one of the most vibrant legislatures in the country, with a large number of political parties being represented here, showing active multi-party democracy at work. We must also emphasise that all parties in this legislature, regardless of size, have made an important contribution to the achievements and progress made in this legislature.
In addition, it is encouraging to note the great strides that have been made in the socio-economic arena. As we speak, the province is fast becoming a convention destination of choice through the successful hosting of major international events, to name just one area of achievement among many.
Such accomplishments do not mean that all problems and potential hurdles would automatically disappear and never resurface, given that politics is a lively and dynamic branch of science.
As the two major parties that make up the Executive nationally and provincially, the ANC and IFP need to anticipate these challenges and trying moments and must be able to confront them honestly and frankly.
I am saying this, ladies and gentlemen, in light of some acrimonious exchanges in the media recently. We believe that this does not augur well for the coalition and co-operation in the province.
We hope and trust that the provincial leadership will be able to rise above some of the differences, and do so in the manner and spirit that this province has become known for.
Colleagues, I am saying this in the spirit of providing encouragement as well as of strengthening co-operative governance, and the relationship between the three spheres of government. As you know, this has become the cornerstone of our democratic government.
I am therefore delighted that I come here just two days after the National Government has announced the Budget for the coming financial year. The Budget of course responds proportionately to the needs of the provinces and that is why KwaZulu-Natal has received the biggest slice of the cake.
The twenty six billion four hundred and seventy seven rand (R26.477 billion) represents the biggest increase, of more than twelve percent to this province. The allocation will go a long way towards assisting the provincial leadership to bring lasting relief to the poor.
The single most important yardstick, by which any government's progress is measured, is its National Budget. The positive response of our people to the Budget shows recognition of the successes of our co-operation in this Government. It is an acknowledgement that we are in touch with the needs of our people at all levels.
Colleagues, once again, let me reiterate that we need to constantly emphasise the importance of the political co-operation that exists here given our successes, as well as given the expectations of our people.
The expectations put pressure on us to do things in an extra-ordinary way. Where others tolerate one another in other parts of the country, we must be extra-ordinarily tolerant of one another. Where others promote understanding, we must promote extra-ordinary understanding between ourselves. Where others give and take, we must find extra-ordinary ways of compromise. Where others exercise restraint, we must go the extra mile, and exercise extra-ordinary restraint.
This we must do because the critical principle of our achievements is that we have scored these successes for the people of this province and this country, who continue to look up to us to provide leadership.
Colleagues, once again, let me thank you for providing me with the opportunity of being with you. I truly cherish these moments.
I thank you.