1970 was a year of tension on the international front. Communism gained many new footholds in various parts of the world. There was also the unstable situation in the Middle East and no sign of peace in the Far East. On the home front the Cape sea route increased in importance and the Republic's declared policy as an African state of making friends with other African states bore good fruit. Of course, the success achieved here evoked opposition from many quarters, and the cold war against the Republic still continues. Adv. Vorster pointed out that there is no instant solution to all the problems with which the Republic is faced from time to time. There is no reason, however, for remaining in the doldrums.

The year 1970 has come to an end and it is once again my privilege to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

The old year is now waiting to be added to our store of memories. For many there are sweet and happy memories, milestones achieved, ambitions fulfilled, ideals realized; for others, there was sadness, unsatisfied longings, sighs unable to be suppressed. And still life demands that we carry on a task that we are capable of, simply because we do not have to rely solely on our own strength.

We take leave not only of our own joys and sorrows, but also of the world of 1970. A backward glance shows us a long list of strikes, violent public demonstrations and an ever-increasing list of kidnappings. A civilized jungle is not a pleasant prospect.

Another feature of the year, as was the case last year, was the tension between nations and peoples, as well as the fact that communism gained new footholds in various parts of the world, including South America and Africa. Instability is still prevalent in the Middle East and there is no sign of peace in the Far East.

With regard to our own country, the seriousness of the drought and the anxiety with which we faced the end of the year come to mind. We are, however, thankful for the most welcome rains which came to many parts of our country just before Christmas and hope and pray that there will be more rain in the crisis months which lie ahead. The lessons derived from the Water Year will be taken to heart by one and all, otherwise serious problems lie in store for us.

It is with joy that we noticed the world's growing awareness of the significance of the Cape sea route, and we have every right to believe that this understanding will cause the Great Powers of the free world to take positive steps to ensure that the sea route remains open to Europe and other interested parties. Greater clarity in this respect will probably be forthcoming early in the new year.

South Africa's declared policy as an African state of befriending other African states continued to bear good fruit last year and hopefully the exact extent of our success in breaking down the barriers of prejudice and establishing sound neighbourly intercourse will become clearer during the course of the year. There is no doubt whatsoever that we have made substantial progress.

We must realize, however, that this progress has not been welcomed by leaders of certain African states and liberal elements in many coun­tries and it stands to reason that attempts to isolate South Africa economically, politically, in the scientific field and in the field of sport, will be doubled in the coming year. Open support to terrorists will also be greatly increased.

It is my conviction that there is no instant solution for all these problems. The quality of our products, the sincerity of our point of view, the achievements of our scientists and the standard of our sportsmen are the best and most effective weapons against these attacks. Support of terrorists will decrease as more countries realize that one cannot en­courage terrorism in another country without fostering it in one's own. Some countries have already had this experience and have been forced to resort to far more drastic measures than those which they so indig­nantly condemned in our country. 1

I am obliged, however, to warn that people (however well-meaning) must be wary of making impractical suggestions and propagating solutions which will do more harm than good. Rash action and thoughtless conduct are not the answers for the simple reason that we are here concerned with a well thought-out attack which does not aim at obtaining a few concessions here and there, but has as its goal the destruction of our whole way of life.

Perhaps some of us have ostensibly forgotten the lessons of the early sixties and I would just like to remind them that if they are going to have anything to do with bad elements, they must keep their distance.

We must bear in mind that the cold war which has been in progress against South Africa since the mid-forties is still being waged and that in any war one must be prepared to lose some battles. We have lost occasionally, but our victories have been more numerous. If this was not so, we would no longer exist. There is thus no reason whatsoever for us to be disheartened by opposition in any area. Opposition should rather serve as an incentive.

In addition, we must bear in mind that the indications are that 1971 will hold so many problems in store for each particular country that there will be increasingly less time for interference in the affairs of other countries. It is also noticeable that a spirit of greater realism is beginning to take root and that a clear distinction is being made between that which really threatens peace and that which in certain circles is exploited for other purposes.

It is generally accepted that 1971 has in store for the whole world many troubles in the economic sphere. Inflation, strikes, unrest and a spirit bordering on extravagance will be the cause.

The world problem will also affect us and if it were not for the fact that our economy is basically sound, we would be badly hit. But, like every other country, measures will have to be taken to ensure that our economy remain sound. Such measures are never popular, but this does not excuse one from the responsibility of taking such steps when necessary.

Each and every one of us will have to learn to live within our means. Thrift must be encouraged to a greater extent and commodities which still have life in them must be used for as long as possible before being replaced. We cannot afford high imports indefinitely.

It is high time that we be reminded once again of buying South African products. No country is or can ever be completely self-support­ing in all respects, but each country should strive as far as possible to provide for its own needs. The person who chooses to buy an imported article in preference to one of comparable quality manufactured in his own country, is endangering his own future, and besides, it is hardly possible for the quality of one's own products to improve if one does not buy them. I am referring here not only to our own factories but also to all South African firms and companies.

We are all equally guilty in this matter and are far too thoughtless when shopping and doing business.

It is the duty of each individual to improve the quality of our articles and improve our services. Competition as well as self-respect demands this of us.

We must also bear in mind that demands for higher wages cannot be met indefinitely by any enterprise or without a concomitant increase in productivity. There are definite limits and besides, it serves no purpose if the spiral just goes higher and higher. We must also ask ourselves very seriously, without placing anyone's livelihood in jeopardy, if we are making the most of our available labour. This is not only the task of the Government, but decidedly that of each employer as well.

Ultimately we come to the question of health, morals, and religion.

We are becoming increasingly negative. Listen for example to the rain reports. Before even rejoicing about the wonderful rains that have fallen, we hasten to report and exaggerate the damage that the rains have allegedly caused.

Loose morals and holding familiar intercourse with the permissive spirit of the age hold no good for us. We cannot afford to sit back and watch as disinterested spectators, for this matter affects the future of each one of us. Lack of faith is like a kettle that has boiled dry. There is no refreshment forthcoming, a fact one notices only when one is thirsty.

Many problems face us in 1971, but if our disposition is good, our morals sound, our faith strong, and if we walk in humility before God, our Creator, then the year holds only promise for us, in this our wonderful country in which we are privileged to live.

---

1 The Prime Minister is referring here to the problems facing the British Government in Northern Ireland, i.e. the strife between Catholics and Protestants. The banned Irish Republican Army, perpetrates widespread and purposeful terror.

BACK TO INDEX PAGE