ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 4 • 26 FEBRUARY 11 MARCH 2010
Mpumalanga Premier David Dabede Mabuza wants less talk and more action by government, and he also appealed for an end to the “pull-down syndrome”.
Mabuza was presenting his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) since his election as the province’s fourth democratically elected Premier.
The event was not held at the usual Legislature chamber. The Dome’s public galleries can only seat about 300 patrons. The spacious government car park was instead chosen and converted to a chamber in order to accommodate the estimated 1400 guests. A special legislature resolution, however, had to be passed to allow the sitting to be held outside the legislature precinct.
This year’s occasion, which is traditionally held in the month of February, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from the apartheid prison after 27 years. Throughout his imprisonment, successive apartheid governments projected him as a man who was committed to the violent overthrow of government, but on his release, Mandela preached reconciliation and tirelessly worked for a peaceful resolution of the country’s problems.
Mabuza used the occasion to pay tribute to this remarkable leader of the South African revolution by quoting from Mandela’s speech during his inauguration as the country’s first democratically elected President.
“We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread water and salt for all.”
“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign.
“The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
Quoting the five key priorities from the 2009 election manifesto of the African National Congress, Mabuza told the gathering that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government was committed to the organisation’s election promises.
“We remain committed towards speeding economic growth that creates decent work and sustainable livelihood for our people in the Province, particularly the poor and working class.”
“Our commitment continues to be unwavering with respect to dealing with challenges affecting our rural masses on a daily basis, especially matters involving access and ownership of land – land that should be utilized for subsistence and food security for the country as a whole.”
“Yes we remain committed towards ensuring that the challenges relating to creation of decent work, education, health, fighting crime and corruption do not escape our radar,” said Mabuza.
Premier Mabuza also issued an earnest appeal to the people of the province to work together with government and to end the “pull-down” syndrome.
“Sekwanele bakithi. Let’s stop the pull down syndrome’. We are calling for less scamtho (talk) but more action, action and action,” he said.
Premier wants action than “Scamtho”
