Deputy Minister Speeches 2014 - 2010
I am delighted to be here today with legends in the arts and culture fraternity. It is awe inspiring to have this occasion graced by the presence of so many of our legends and artists whose work I sincerely admire. It is not every day that you find such a calibre of great minds gathered under one roof.
We are gathered here today to pay respect to women and children. Every year from the 25th November which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to the 10th December, International Human Rights Day, marks the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, an awareness raising Campaign.
A Buddhist proverb says that: “If we facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking” These words find resonance in this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which says “Count me in. Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward”.
Allow me to join the people of the world in paying tribute to world renowned author Dr Myles Munroe, who passed on sadly with his wife Ruth, early this week. We will always be consoled by his words in his book called “The Burden of Freedom”
As we are gathered here today, it has been a sad week for our nation as we have mourned the passing away of three national sporting heroes, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, Senzo Meyiwa and Phindile Mwelase.
It feels good to be back in the Eastern Cape province, the home of Isithwalandwe, Seaparankwe, former ANC president, the late Oliver Reginald Tambo.
I am delighted to be part of the official opening of the newly built Shiluvane Public Library. I wish to thank the MEC for the invitation and for the opportunity to be part of this historic occasion.
It gives me great pleasure to open the 11th Annual National Oral History Conference in this most vibrant and cosmopolitan City of Johannesburg.
I would like to extend our arts, culture and heritage fraternal greetings on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa. The people of South Africa convey their greetings in the spirit of Ubuntu – which means that “We are, because you are”.
It is fitting to officially open this momentous 5th Funda Mzantsi Championship with the words of the iconic, world renowned poet, writer and human rights activist, the late Maya Angelou, “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him”.