South African History Online

Notes for a speech by President Nelson Mandela at Worcester station

Worcester, September 27 1997

Mr Mayor;
Distinguished guests;
My children and
grand-children;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for your warm welcome. I am particularly delighted to meet you here
this morning, because you know the fondness I have for children. Our youth are
the future leaders of this country and their welfare is one of our nation's
highest priorities.

Unfortunately that has not always been the case. In the past the welfare of
most of our children was neglected. As a result there are still far too many who
have been denied a proper start in life. Too many have been, and still are,
victims of violence, poor nutrition and lack of facilities. Many of those who
are physically disadvantaged need care they do not get. Far too many do not have
a home or even a family to care for them.

Government is working to address these needs. But this is a task for the
whole country, and not only government. The true character of a society is
revealed in how it treats its children. I firmly believe that South Africans
care deeply for their children, and that is why I decided to start the
Children's Fund. It provides a way for ordinary people to get together with the
community and others, and join hands with government in improving the lives of
our children.

The response has been enormous. Last year alone the Fund's work with hundreds
of other organisations touched over 200,000 young people - and I do know that
that includes children here in Worcester through a project involving some of the
town's schools.

This adds up to a large amount of practical help, including assistance to
street-children; children's homes; feeding schemes; rural schooling; skills
training and playgrounds.

When so much is needed, we can never do enough. One of the things we have to
achieve is to inspire new efforts in others, and strengthen existing ones, and
to engage our youth positively in every aspect of their lives.

This is why the launch of the new Blue Train has extra and special
importance. Thanks to Spoornet, this journey will benefit the Children's Fund,
to help it provide this kind of support.

But the new Blue Train is also important for the future of our country.
Everyone involved in this journey is helping make it a success. They are doing
so in the hope that people from all over the world will want to come and visit
our country and ride on the train. When they pass through such beautiful areas
as this, they will want to stay even longer.

The visitors will help create jobs and economic growth for the reconstruction
and development of our country.

Today as this train goes to Cape Town it carries a message that South Africa
means business when it comes to the competitive industry of tourism, but also
that we care deeply about our youngest citizens.

To our young people we say: seize the opportunity for quality education that
most of your parents never had; study hard and gain the knowledge and skills
that we need so that our economy and our country thrive under your
leadership.

Now I must leave you, because good trains always run on time!

Thank you for your kind welcome.

Issued by: Office of the President