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Speech at the inauguration of the Municipal Council and the installation of the Mayor
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Premier's Office

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 EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
SPEECH BY PREMIER STOFILE
 AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND INSTALLATION OF THE MAYOR OF THE NELSON MANDELA METRO
 31 MARCH 2001

Today marks another milestone in our long walk to freedom. The successful election of the 5th December 2000 gave boost to the process of 
democratic transformation. Just as the 1994 elections marked a qualitative break with apartheid in our country, the advent of a new order 
of Local Government in December 2000 also marked a qualitative break with apartheid policies based Municipalities. That process will 
assist, we believe, in improving our machinery for the efficient delivery of quality service to our people. So this occasion should be 
filled with the joy achievement as well as the anxiety of delivering on our mandate.

Our people have spoken and they have given an unambiguous message: we agree with the vision of our government and we know who should 
implement that vision. So you must now go and work. The councilors must begin the task for which they were elected.

Because the Nelson Mandela Metro is the first for the Eastern Cape, we are all challenged to make it work. The other two spheres of 
Government, the corporate sector and the rest of society. We must make sure that it functions properly, efficiently and in a clean way. 
This does not mean that personal opinions of those who resent us so much, should now replace the statutes that govern its operations. It 
also does not give anybody the license to do corruption. We must criticize faults when they occur. Yes, but we must also criticize those 
who spread distortions and untruths as they attempt to discredit our government at all costs. Nobody is exempt from criticism.

IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES

We need to radically improve our communication with the masses of our people. We must live in the middle of the people and know their mood. 
Only in this way will we will their absolute trust and support. We must begin in earnest to implement the multi-sectoral, integrated and 
sustainable development strategy. You heard our President announce at the opening of Parliament that Motherwell has been targeted for the 
implementation of the urban renewal strategy. Ngqura (Coega) is also steaming ahead (despite those who try to sabotage and bad mouth it). 
So you must work closely with the other spheres of government, service providing and development parastatals like Telkom, Eskom, IDT, DBSA, 
IDC, etc. Of course you must work closely with our communities, the Trade Unions and the Corporate Sector.

We must continue to work hard to reduce levels of crime and violence, including violence against women, children and the aged. We all know 
that Uitenhage has a bad reputation in these types of violence. We must mobilize the people themselves to be involved in the security of 
our neighbourhoods.

The rate of unemployment and poverty continues to be unacceptably high in this area. You are challenged to contribute in giving further 
inputs to the growth and expansion of the economy. These will strengthen the material base for the provision of a better life for all. 
Large, medium, small and micro enterprises as well as labour and NGOs must all be involved. But all must play it by the rules. All must 
know the rules. Spectators as well as players, who do not know the rules can spoil a good game. You have seen it happen in your area of 
jurisdiction.

HIV/AIDS = KEY CHALLENGE

Finally you must work on your image. Perceptions tend to be more attractive to the media and the public easily accept them as reality. This 
is what our detractors hope happen and work for. Do work hard on your profile.

We are confident that the good men and women in the Metro Council, the officials and all stakeholders will ensure your success.

GOOD LUCK!

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