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End of the year Christmas speech
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Premier's Office

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 EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
END OF THE YEAR/CHRISTMAS SPEECH
 BY PREMIER STOFILE
 ON 20 DECEMBER 2000



It is again that time of the year when we take leave from our workstations to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and the festive 
season with our families and friends.

It is also a time when, as individuals and organisations, we reflect on the past year to assess whether we have realised the objectives and 
resolutions that we set for ourselves when we celebrated the dawn of the New Year.

During the year 2000 we have witnessed many dramatic events that have impacted in one way or the other on our mission to build a united non-
racial and non-sexist society. This year we were disappointed to lose the 2006 Soccer World Cup Bid and the mixed fortunes of our teams at 
the Olympic and Paralympic games in Sydney were also quite significant.

On 30 August 2000 – 02 September this year the Human Rights Commission hosted the National Conference on Racism whose purpose was to help 
our people understand what racism is, how it affects people and to find ways to deal it in South Africa.In the dialogue that took place in 
the conference and around the country, we acknowledged that there were increasing acts of racism , xenophobia and violence that are visited 
by a few South Africans on others. They are a source of concern but they do not represent the thoughts, aspirations and practices of all 
South Africans. The overwhelming majority of South Africans are committed to the building of a united nation and the promotion of 
reconciliation. In this regard, I want to urge all South Africans to support the 3rd United Nations Conference Against Racism, Racial 
Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in South Africa in 2001.

The most distinct feature of the year however has been the overhauling of the local government system that culminated in the Local 
Government Elections on December 5. The purpose of redesigning the system was to make it more efficient and capacitated to deliver services 
to all South Africans. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported this system by casting their vote.

A special word of gratitude goes to the thousands of South Africans from the IEC and other organisations who have worked tirelessly to 
ensure that these elections were truly free and fair.

The people have spoken, the time for celebrations has passed and all the new councils are now facing the challenge of constituting their 
leadership. The test is now on the new councillors to go back to work after the short summer recess and immediately carry out the mandate 
they have been given by the electorate. The millions of South Africans who still do not have access to water, electricity, roads and a 
sound infrastructure have pinned all their hopes on us. We cannot afford to fail them

Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy and celebration but sadly, over the past few weeks we have observed that the number of 
fatalities on our roads continues to rise at an unbearable rate. I would like to reiterate and make a special appeal to all road users to 
act responsibly by exercising extra caution, obey road regulations and support the efforts of the Arrive Alive Campaign to end the carnage 
that plagues the roads of our beautiful country. I also want to salute our traffic enforcement officers for the stringent control measures 
they have already put in place and encourage them to enforce road safety legislation without mercy for inconsiderate and irresponsible road 
users.

For matriculants, Christmas comes at a time when you will be still waiting anxiously for your examination results. Our prayers are with 
you. We hope for the best. Those who do not do well should not give up but recommit themselves to working harder as to achieve the desired 
result. Education is the key that will open many opportunities for you.

To those who have come to enjoy the splendors of our Province, please feel welcome. Our tourism sites stretch from the coast to the Karoo. 
All are safer than in many parts of the country and the world. But still, look well after yourselves. But do enjoy the province and our 
hospitality.

To all the people of the Province, let us start the year 2001 with a renewed commitment and dedication to improve quality of life of all 
South Africans especially the poor.

Have a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Rev. MA Stofile
 Premier: Province of the Eastern Cape

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