South African History Online

Speech at the Ireland fund of South Africa charity dinner

Johannesburg, 20 February 1998

Master of Ceremonies;
Dr. Tony O'Reilly;
Distinguished guests,

In the company of so many accomplished descendants of a people renowned for
their gift of the gab, as well as so many others whose business is to interpret
and analyse words, any self-respecting politician ought to be very careful about
what he or she says.

But fortunately tonight is not concerned with policies and prescriptions. It
is not a time to give undertakings or render account, nor for debates on
divisive matter.

I therefore do not need to feel intimidated.

Indeed, I would like to extend a special welcome to the eminent members of
the International Advisory Board, amongst them many old and special friends of
South Africa, who are facilitating the transformation of one of South Africa's
major newspaper publishers.

I know that Deputy-President Mbeki was with you just the other day. And so I
need not intrude on the real purpose of this evening be raising media matters.
That is because, contrary to popular wisdom, I agree with everything he said to
you. Only I might no put it as diplomatically as he did!

Ladies and gentlemen;

We are gathered to promote causes that unite people everywhere, because they
are so close to our hearts.

This is not only a special occasion, but a rather unique one. It brings
together two endeavours that have been successful beyond all expectation in
providing a way for people to make their own individual contribution to matters
of the utmost importance to society.

When we launched our Children's Fund to help repair some of the damage which
apartheid had done to our youth, we knew it had great potential to draw on the
love which South Africans feel for their children.

But I must say that we underestimated the extent to which people shared our
concern, both here and overseas. In its short life the Fund has raised R60
million. Even more important, by March it will have used R20 million to help
ensure young people homes, adequate education, freedom from abuse and safe
places to play.

None of the goals that South Africans have set themselves as a nation can be
achieved by government alone. Organisations like the Children's Fund are
critical in mobilising resources and acting as a catalyst in building a brighter
future for our children.

The Ireland Funds have also grown far beyond what could have been imagined
when the first visionary step was taken by Tony O'Reilly and others more than
two decades ago. Their presence in so many countries and the scale of their
success testify to how deeply people in every walk of life desire friendship and
peace. It shows how ready people are to contribute to community development when
given the opportunity to do so.

It is a great joy to know that over and above what goes to the Children's
Fund tonight, funds already raised by the Ireland Fund of South Africa and the
proceeds of future activities are to be applied to upliftment projects in South
Africa. This is but one of the ways in which our Irish community is contributing
to the New Patriotism that is building our new South Africa.

Tonight's occasion takes on added significance when we recall that the first
Ireland Fund was launched in 1976, the year in which South Africa's children
were so brutally assaulted by the apartheid regime; and when we think of how our
three brief years of freedom have allowed us to make a real start in addressing
the basic needs of our people, especially our children.

Without reconciliation and the peace it has brought, none of that would have
been possible. South Africans take pride in having united those once locked in
bitter conflict, and we wish the Irish people every success in their efforts to
find peace.

Ladies and gentlemen;

We are most grateful to the Ireland Fund of South Africa for an occasion
which brings joint benefit to two such worthy causes.

Your generosity will promote reconciliation and development. It will bring
happiness to our children. They deserve no less.

I thank you!

Issued by: Office of the President