South African History Online

Notes for speech at the Kimberley rally

De Beers Stadium, 17 September 1994

INTRODUCTION

It is a singular honour and source of joy for me to be with you here in
Kimberly today.

We have come here as a result of the decision that was taken by the National
Executive Committee of the ANC to go around the country to pay tribute to our
people for their victory in the April elections. It is as a result of your
actions that we are today gathered here as a liberated people.

Particular praise must go to the people of this province who against all
odds, ensured that the ANC won the elections. Despite the vicious campaign of
the opposition whose major focus was to fuel racism and suspicion, the people of
this province voted not on the basis of the colour their skin or as a result of
racial prejudice, but voted for peace, non - racialism and freedom.

We have come here to also report on progress we are making since the
establishment of the Government of National Unity. The government is operating
well and is on course with its programme.

THE RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Out of a broad consultation over the years emerged the Reconstruction and
Development Programme. The RDP now forms the cornerstone of government policy.
It has now been accepted by leaders of business and society in general as a
guide to resolving the ills of apartheid.

During the State of the Nation address in parliament on the 24th of May,
certain targets were set for the implementation of the RDP. These projects were
placed under the direct supervision of the President. I am proud to report that
in implementing these objectives, we have acquitted ourselves well.

Indeed, on the 1st of June we commenced the free medical scheme for children
under the age of six and pregnant mothers. This bold step by the government
threw up enormous challenges for us. Most of these arose from the legacy of
apartheid and the deliberate neglect of the disadvantaged communities.

Soon thereafter, the Minister of Health announced a scheme to combat the
spread of AIDS. Funds have been allocated for a major awareness and prevention
campaign. We also announced an electrification programme which has been
proceeding well.

Despite problems here and there, the scheme to provide feeding for needy
primary school pupils has begun. Initial reports indicate that as a result of
the introduction of the scheme, attendance figures in a number of areas and
punctuality have improved dramatically.

We also announced a campaign to rebuild townships and restore services. A
number or areas have been identified across the country.

The implementation of the RDP has important lessons for us. One of these is
that the RDP requires the involvement of the masses of the people in order to be
a living and achievable programme. For the people to be involved, strong
grassroots organisations are needed, and the provinces and local structures must
be empowered to implement the programme.

THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

I congratulate the Premier of the Province, Comrade Manne Depico, the members
of the Executive Council and the Legislature for the outstanding job they have
done since the elections. The Northern Cape province was the only province that
did not inherit an administration from the erstwhile structures. Its affairs
were always run from Cape Town.

I take this opportunity to express my admiration for the strides that are
being made by your provincial government to implement the RDP. Not only have
they started with the feeding scheme and other lead projects, they have also
made remarkable progress with the land restitution programmes. A word of praise
for the outstanding work the Minister of Land Affairs, Comrade Derek Hanekom, is
doing.

CHALLENGES

The greatest challenge facing the ANC is to continue to foster the spirit of
national reconciliation and nation building that is blossoming in the country.
Inseparable from this is the twin objective of reconstructing the country by
addressing the legacy of apartheid.

An equally important challenge is to transform our movement into a force for
rebuilding the country. We have to stop looking at ourselves as the opposition.
Our militancy must be rededicated to improving production and the creation of
more job opportunities.

The Government of National Unity is committed to upholding the rights of mass
organisations to protest and engage in other forms of action to advance the
interests of their constituencies. However, there is a growing tendency to abuse
these rights by engaging in acts of violence or violation of the rights of
others. The holding hostage of individuals during protest actions is a criminal
act which the government cannot tolerate. Similarly, the setting alight of
public property as we witnessed recently is an act which, if not ceased
forthwith, will prompt the government to consider action to ensure that this
does not happen again.

Late next year, local government. It is at a local government level
that the RDP shall find real expression. In order for us to succeed in its
implementation, we have to win the elections handsomely.

While I have reported progress that is being made by the Government of
National Unity; there is a continuing need to be vigilant and always act to
safeguard our new democracy. The unity of the democratic forces, more especially
the cohesion of the ANC- SACP and COSATU, is paramount. Without hesitation, we
must act to isolate elements that seek to undermine the alliance.

The ANC will hold its national conference in Bloemfontein from the 17th to
the 22nd of December 1994. This will be the first conference in a democratic
South Africa. It will be the first conference the ANC will be holding as the
leading party in government. Our conference will therefore be different from all
the conferences the ANC has had in its 82 years of existence.

As we approach conference, our attitude should be to consolidate the unity of
our movement. It is only when we act as a united people that we shall take our
country and our people to brighter horizons.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Office of the President