This year, on 11th February we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the release of President Nelson Mandela from prison. It was for this reason that the opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation Address by President Jacob Zuma coincided with this historic anniversary. Following President Zuma's State of the Nation Address, our Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan presented the Budget of the Country.
On the 8th March we celebrate International Women's Day which is followed by Human Rights Day on the 21st March. This anniversary is to remind us in South Africa and the World that the international community decided to commemorate the massacres at Sharpeville and Cape Town in 1961 when scores of people protested against the imposition of the Pass Laws and the denial of Human Rights.
The month of April will always be remembered and celebrated when in 1994 millions of South Africans voted in the first ever democratic elections which gave birth to the democratic South Africa we all know now. The historic elections in 1994 has become a beacon of the victory of justice and democracy over injustice after which President Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of South Africa which set our country on the road to reconciliation and peace.
The month of May is dedicated to the workers of the world and South Africa. During this month we remember the years of the oppression of South Africa workers, the fight against unjust apartheid labour laws, the struggle for the right to bargain with employers and the improvement in their conditions of work. May Day is an internationally recognised day, which has its origins in the USA in the 1880's.
June is the month dedicated to the Youth of South Africa. On the 16th June in 1976, students rebelled against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of learning. The massacre of the youth on this day provoked an international outcry against the apartheid regime. Democratic South Africa recognises the role youth play in society and June 16th is dedicated to the heroism of the youth.
We must not forget that in June 1955 in Kliptown, Johannesburg, the Congress of the People took place at which the Freedom Charter was adopted and which forms the basis of the ANC's political programme.
June will not be complete without us reminding you that South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup which will start on the 11th June 2010. This event is an acknowledgement that the world has recognised South Africa and Africa for the wealth of football talent from the African Continent which has enriched football across the world. June 2010 is Africa's month of football and we want you to celebrate with us and that is why we welcome you to South Africa to see the sights, smell the smells and to enjoy excellent African hospitality.
On the 9th August 1956, the historical march of South African Women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria took place. Black and white women marched to the Offices of Prime Minister Strydom to present petitions in protest against the imposition of Pass Laws on Women. The struggle of women for human dignity and equality has been recognised and the month of August has been adopted to remember the heroic struggle of women in South Africa.
In the month of September, we celebrate South Africa's Cultural Heritage and we acknowledge our diversity, our languages and our culture and traditions as a nation. On the 24th September we celebrate and recognise our diversity and we confirm our non- racist, non-sexist, African culture and democratic country.
The Father of our Nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is the living icon honoured by South Africans and people all over the world in their admiration and respect for Madiba because it takes a special kind of person to generate so much love and respect.
As a country we are very proud to have produced leaders of the highest calibre for the nation, from the generation of Pixley ka Isaka Seme, to that of Oliver Reginald Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, from Charlotte Maxeke to Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, from Yusuf Dadoo to Bram Fischer. All of them have taught us that we have to put the country and its people first over and above personal interests. They taught us that service to humanity, especially to the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalised, was the greatest contribution anyone could ever make in their lifetime.
It is in that spirit that we celebrate the life and contribution of Madiba to our country. It has been 67 active years of courageous struggle and dedication; unwavering commitment to non-racialism, non-sexism and a united and democratic South Africa; selflessness and humility; and extraordinary service to the people of South Africa.
South Africans and the world celebrate the life of this humanitarian and great African, who possesses high ideals and who is enriched with an immense wealth of inspiration from which the world communities continue to draw strength.
Madiba's entire adult life was spent in the service of our country and humanity throughout the world. It is an honour for us to be able to demonstrate our appreciation to him, and through him, to all our stalwarts and veterans who sacrificed their lives so that we could be free.
As our first President of a free and democratic Republic, he will always be respected as a selfless leader, who personifies human dignity and the limitless possibilities of all human beings. He continues to be a source of immense inspiration to all South Africans, as we build on his legacy in the continuing struggle for a humane, people-centred, democratic, free and united South Africa. He is a beacon of hope for Africa and the world.
In 1994, Madiba showed the world that our country was destined for greater things. He taught us that we must put the past behind us and explore a common future, united in our diversity, celebrating our collective achievement against apartheid and racist oppression, and work together to build our beautiful country. He taught us that you achieve freedom and inner peace if you release hatred from your heart.
Madiba continued, through his gift of caring, to respect even those who once vilified, oppressed, embarrassed and even tortured him for his noble thoughts of a society free of oppression, where people would live in peace and equality. He taught us that living for a good cause transcends the innermost rooted feelings of prejudice, hatred or revenge. Therefore how can we do things differently, other than take our country towards peace, reconciliation and prosperity?
If there is a mirror that reflects the genuine representation of a leader that aspires towards a society living in peace, good health, respect, non-racialism, non-sexism and in freedom; then Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would shine through. If there is a story to be told of an icon that inspires the world, characterised by the humility, warm humanity and a will for prosperity; then Madiba's 91 years life story offers a story of life worth living.
We have taken too long as South Africans to celebrate our own Nelson Mandela. If by chance an inspirational life story was equated to a monetary value; then the life Madiba would remove South Africa from the clutches of the global economic recession. That is how powerful the symbolism of Nelson Mandela is to the world and humanity and we are truly blessed to have him as a compatriot.
In celebrating Madiba's legacy we must remember our responsibility to work together to do more to strengthen our partnership for reconstruction, development and progress, and work together to achieve his vision of a free, prosperous and successful nation.
Madiba taught us that we couldn't live in peace in South Africa whilst the rest of Africa suffered the scourge of conflict and war. He spent countless days and months mediating a peaceful solution in Burundi. We are honoured to have taken forward Madiba's quest for peace in Burundi and other parts of Africa to a successful conclusion and in his honour we will continue to work for peace, development, reconstruction and progress on our continent.
To celebrate Madiba's birthday we need to honour and celebrate Nelson Mandela Day on the 18th of July. Nelson Mandela Day is an international call to action and to recognise the power within you to make a difference and to change the world around you for the better.
Let us hold each other's hands and commit ourselves to work together to do more to make South Africa a great country, to build a better Africa and a just world. It must never be that we pass those in less favourable circumstances and those in dire need without pausing to think of what we can contribute to better the conditions of humanity.
George Johannes
Ambassador
