DOCSLIB.ORG

Anc Today Voice of the African National Congress

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Anc Today Voice of the African National Congress ANC TODAY VOICE OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 22–27 May 2020 Conversations with the President THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19 OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY REMAINS TO SAVE LIVES E OFTEN TAKE our action about issues they feel most One of the triumphs of our democ- healthy and robust de- strongly about, such as health care, racy is that every South African be- mocracy for granted. education, freedom of speech and lieves the Constitution protects them Yet it is probably our corruption. and that the courts are a fair and im- Wgreatest asset in our momentous partial arbiter of their interests. struggle to overcome the coronavi- The poll confirms much that we al- rus pandemic. ready know about ourselves. We I got thinking on these matters enjoy nothing more than robust en- during a recent visit to the Eastern We have among the most political- gagement with our government and Cape to assess the province’s coro- ly-engaged citizenry in the world. A among ourselves on the burning is- navirus state of readiness. poll in 2018 by the Pew Research sues of the day. We have an active Center shows South Africans are civil society ever ready to safeguard I was asked by a journalist whether I strongly inclined to take political our fundamental freedoms and rights. was concerned at the pending litiga- FREEDOM AND Dear Mr President A POLITICAL EQUALITY – THE 4 COVID-19: 7 PERSPECTIVE BIRTHMARK OF CHILDREN ARE THE ON COVID-19 A BETTER FUTURE FUTURE OF AFRICA 9 2 ANC Today MAY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT Africa Month President Ramaphosa addresses members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Command Council tion challenging certain provisions We have checks and balances in of the Disaster Management Act. Our foremost priority place to ensure that every aspect This law is the basis for all the reg- remains to save lives. of governance is able to withstand ulations promulgated under the na- constitutional scrutiny. Where we tional state of disaster we declared Our every decision are found wanting, we will be held to combat coronavirus. to account by our courts and, above is informed by the need all, by our citizens. Besides our Since the start of this crisis, a num- courts, our Chapter 9 institutions ber of people have exercised their to advance the exist to advance the rights of citi- right to approach the courts. The zens, as do the bodies tasked with lockdown regulations were chal- rights to life and oversight over the law enforcement lenged in the very first week of the agencies. ‘ lockdown by a private citizen from dignity as‘ set out Mpumalanga who wanted an ex- As I told the journalist, every South emption from the travel prohibition in our Constitution. African has a right to approach the to attend a funeral. courts and even I, as President, could never stand in the way of any- In the 7 weeks that have followed, body exercising that right. there have been legal challeng- cations following engagement with es from a number of individuals, There has been, and will continue government. religious bodies, political parties, to be, robust and strident critique of a number of aspects of our na- NGOs and from business organisa- While we would prefer to avoid the tional response to coronavirus, from tions against one measure or more need for any legal action against the data modelling and projections, of the lockdown provisions they government, we should accept that to the economic effects of the lock- were unhappy with. Some have suc- citizens who are unhappy with what- down, to the regulations. As gov- ceeded in their legal challenges and ever action that government has de- ernment, we have neither called for some have not. Some, who had ap- cided on implementing have a right such critique to be tempered or for it proached the courts on the basis of to approach our courts for any form to be silenced. the urgency of their cases, had their of relief they seek. This is a normal urgency arguments dismissed and tenet of a constitutional democracy To the contrary, criticism, where it is others have found other avenues for and a perfectly acceptable practice constructive, helps us to adapt and the relief they sought. Others have in a country founded on the rule of to move with agility in response to subsequently withdrawn their appli- law. changing circumstances and condi- 3 ANC Today MAY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PRESIDENT Africa Month tions. It enriches public debate and virus, there is still a long way to go. we recognise that the decisions tak- gives us all a broader understanding The weeks and months ahead will en by government are made in good of the issues at play. be difficult and will demand much faith and are meant to advance, and more from our people. not to harm, the interests of South We have consistently maintained Africans. that we rely on scientific, economic The pandemic will therefore con- and empirical data when it comes to tinue to place an enormous strain Our foremost priority remains to making decisions and formulating on our society and our institutions. save lives. Our every decision is in- regulations around our coronavirus Even as we gradually open up the formed by the need to advance the response. To the greatest extent economy, the impact on people’s rights to life and dignity as set out in possible under these challenging material conditions will be severe. our Constitution. For as long as this is the case, the circumstances, we aim for consulta- We will continue to welcome differ- tion and engagement. We want all potential for conflict, discord and dissatisfaction will remain. ent – even dissenting – viewpoints South Africans to be part of this na- around our national coronavirus tional effort. The voices of ordinary As we navigate these turbulent wa- response. All viewpoints aid us and citizens must continue to be heard ters, our Constitution is our most im- help us to work better and smarter. at a time as critical as this. portant guide and our most valued protection. Our robust democracy The exercise of the fundamental The coronavirus pandemic and the provides the strength and the re- freedoms of expression, association measures we have taken to com- silience we need to overcome this and speech is a barometer of the bat it have taken a heavy toll on our deep crisis. good health of our democracy. But people. It has caused huge disrup- much more than that, these rights tion and hardship. Although we can Just as government appreciates that are essential to the success of our point to the progress we have made most court applicants are motivated national and collective struggle to in delaying the transmission of the by the common good, so too should overcome the coronavirus. 4 ANC Today MAY THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19 Africa Month FREEDOM AND EQUALITY – THE BIRTHMARK OF A BETTER FUTURE EXCERPTS FROM A POLITICAL LECTURE BY ANC SECRETARY GENERAL ELIAS ACE MAGASHULE TO THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ANC YOUTH LEAGUE TSHWANE REGION ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOLIDARITY AND INTERNATIONALISM AND THE ROLE OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IN OUR STRUGGLE AGAINST IMPERIALISM AND COLONIALISM 15 May 2020 ART OF THE strategy and tactics of our national liber- ation movement, the ANC, is to analyse the balance of Pforces at the turn of each and every historical period, and to determine how they influence the pace and di- rection of our struggle for the eman- cipation of our people. The ANC has always understood our struggle to be part of the wider struggle by our peo- ple to make the world a better place to live in. Today we use the opportunity of this platform to share ideas about the significance of human solidarity and internationalism and the role of the Cuban revolution in the history of our struggle against imperialism and colo- nialism. We do so because the ques- tionalism is of profound importance in hilated nearly half the population of tion of human solidarity and interna- the current realities of the dominant the human race. tionalism is more than ever becoming world of imperialism and neo-colo- nialism. This question is about the The deteriorating socio-economic important in the current trajectory of conditions caused by the First World our struggle, as we work towards the future of the overwhelming majority of the suffering people of the world, War became the breeding ground for building of a just and a peaceful world the spread of the pandemic. This was order. it is about their common aspirations, their being, their history, present and mainly as a result of the upheavals The reality is that if the progressive future. and mass movements of people from world of the community of nations is one place to the other, overcrowding not together, the weak shall be swal- A century ago, just as the people of in the war camps and prisons, over- lowed by the strength of the powerful. the world were celebrating the end of crowding in hospitals, malnutrition and Therefore, solidarity and internation- the First World War, which culminated other related diseases which weak- alism must be an essential quality of in the signing of the peace treaty of ened immune systems amongst the each and every progressive nation of Versailles in 1919, our mother earth millions of people, and by thousands the world and all revolutionaries. was visited by a catastrophic pan- and thousands of soldiers returning to demic called the Spanish Flu - one of their respective countries, carrying the The question of solidarity and interna- the deadliest pandemics which anni- disease at the end of the war.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Annual Report Department of Health Province of Mpumalanga
    ANNUAL REPORT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVINCE OF MPUMALANGA 2019/2020 FINANCIAL YEAR Department of Health: Mpumalanga Province, Annual Report for 2019/20 Financial Year Vote No 10 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVINCE OF MPUMALANGA VOTE NO. 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2019/2020 FINANCIAL YEAR 3 Department of Health: Mpumalanga Province, Annual Report for 2019/20 Financial Year Vote No 10 TABLE OF CONTENTs PART A: GENERAL INFORMATION 1. LIsT OF ABBREVIATIONs/ACRONYMs .........................................................................................................................7 2. FOREWORD BY THE MEC ............................................................................................................................................12 3. REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTING OFFICER ..................................................................................................................15 4. sTATEMENT OF REsPONsIBILITY AND CONFIRMATION OF ACCURACY FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT ................21 5. sTRATEGIC OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................22 a. Vision ................................................................................................................................................................................22 b. Mission .............................................................................................................................................................................22 c. Values ...............................................................................................................................................................................22
    [Show full text]
  • Export Directory As A
    South African Government Provincial and Local Government Directory 2021-09-27 Table of Contents Provincial and Local Government Directory: Eastern Cape Municipalities ..................................................... 7 Alfred Nzo District Municipality ................................................................................................................................. 7 Amahlathi Local Municipality .................................................................................................................................... 7 Amathole District Municipality .................................................................................................................................. 7 Blue Crane Route Local Municipality......................................................................................................................... 8 Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality ........................................................................................................................ 8 Chris Hani District Municipality ................................................................................................................................. 8 Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality ....................................................................................................................... 9 Elundini Local Municipality ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Emalahleni Local Municipality .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Department of Health Monitoring Covid-19 Compliance in the Province
    ISSUE 3 WHEN THE SUN RISES WE WORK HARD TO DELIVER Mpumalanga Provincial Governemt MpumalangaGov THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MONITORING COVID-19 COMPLIANCE IN THE PROVINCE The Mpumalanga Department of Health led capacity in Health facilities through community protective measures such as washing of by the MEC of Health, Ms Sasekani Manzini participation to ensure that essential health hands or sanitizers, wearing of mask and keep continues to monitor Covid-19 compliance and services continue uninterrupted and that social distancing, limit social gatherings and assess the implementation of the Clinic Based COVID-19 patients can access life-saving time spent in crowded places. Model in relation to COVID-19 resurgence. treatment, without compromising public “It is encouraging to note that in the areas I Manzini has already visited a number of health objectives and safety of health workers. visited so far there are measures put in place shopping centres and health facilities in the The MEC was happy to see the cooperation to mitigate the spread of the virus and I will three district. The aim of the visits is to monitor between taxi drivers and passengers, the continue to visit public areas unannounced. and encourage compliance in line with the shoppers and stores managers with regard to The MEC further appreciated the work ethics coronavirus lockdown regulations and assess adherence to COVID-19 lock down regulations displayed by all frontline Health Workers, and the implementation of the Clinic Based Model and protocols to curb the spread of infection the support demonstrated by Private-Sector in relation to COVID-19 resurgence.
    [Show full text]
  • BLM Mouthpiece Vol 2: Issue 12
    The Official Newsletter of Bushbuckridge Municipality Volume 2 Issue 12: July- September 2020 Your News. Your Eyes. Your Voice What is Inside... Page 06 + Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of The Municipality’s Priorities Page 11 +Municipality Adds Four UD Tipper Trucks To Service Fleet Page 13 FIGHTING COVID-19 TOGETHER + DBSA And BLM To Provide Clean Water To Communities Our Vision Bushbuckridge Local Municipality strives for developmental and prosperous life for all. Our Mission The municipality commits itself to provide affordable and sustainable services by enhancing community participation, through accountability, transparency and responsible governance. Our Core Values + Transparency + Responsible Governance + Efficient Service Delivery www.bushbuckridge.gov.za Editor’s Note BUSHBUCKRIDGE MUNICIPALITY LOCAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor’s note 2 Executive Mayor’s Desk 3 Municipal Manager’s Desk 4 Executive Mayor Hosts R40 Road Expansion 5 Communications Manager, Information Session Mr Aubrey Mnisi Service Delivery Ranks High On The List Of 6-9 ello again to you our valued of mourners gathered and large The Municipality’s Priorities Hreaders. Our third quarter catering for mourners. The latter BLM Seeks Devine Intervention With Three 10 mouthpiece issue comes out has changed due to restrictions Days Prayer Session at a month where we just brought by the novel Covid-19 celebrated Heritage month and lockdown regulations. BLM Cleans Illegal Dumpsites 10 moved to alert level one of the Municipality Adds Four UD Tipper Trucks To 11 Disaster Management Act. As a recovered Covid-19 Service Fleet patient, I want to warn all Bushbuckridge is a culturally Bushbuckridgeans about Belfast-Cork Receives Water Purification 12 diverse community with at least Covid-19.
    [Show full text]
  • 163-Mbombela
    Wednesday 17 July 2019 TOP SCHOOL IN MALELANE CIRCUIT 2020 ADMISSION STARTED and BEACON COLLEGE & KIDZ PARADISE CLOSES IN SEPTEMBER. MALELANE. | Gr R - 12. | HOSTEL FACILITIES | 013 790 1730/071 579 0972 & 013 790 1534 Email: [email protected] Gumede set to inject billions into Mbombela Masoka Dube step in that direction and set a trend of how the future Mbombela should look,” said Grimbeek. THE Kruger Lowveld Chamber of “It will also provide very necessary Business and Tourism (KLCBT) has housing and facilities for people welcomed the news that Mpumalanga working at the new high court (in businessman, Robert Gumede, is Nelspruit). They will be more young planning to develop the City of professionals who are probably not Mbombela into a state of the art city. interested in Mbombela’s traditional Gumede is well-known for ploughing suburban lifestyle. Any development back and investing into the community. at this stage will impact the local It has been confi rmed that the economy, which is stagnant at the mogul has been given the green moment,” she said. light to develop a multi-billion Rand Grimbeek said she was convinced development in Nelspruit. According that Gumede would use local to a media report, Gumede will inject contractors and suppliers and between R5 billion and R10bn into the provide business opportunities for project. local people and businesses in the “We welcome the development development. as it aligns with our vision of the Speaking to NEWSHORN development potential of the Lowveld last week, the City of Mbombela area. We have identifi ed seven spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, has development nodes or catalytic projects confi rmed the project.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report Department of Health Province of Mpumalanga
    ANNUAL REPORT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVINCE OF MPUMALANGA 2018 2019 FINANCIAL YEAR FINAL ANNUAL REPORT 1.indd 1 9/10/19 5:46 PM FINAL ANNUAL REPORT 1.indd 2 9/10/19 5:46 PM Department of Health: Mpumalanga Province, Annual Report for 2018/19 Financial Year Vote No 10 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVINCE OF MPUMALANGA VOTE NO. 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 FINANCIAL YEAR 3 FINAL ANNUAL REPORT 1.indd 3 9/10/19 5:46 PM Department of Health: Mpumalanga Province, Annual Report for 2018/19 Financial Year Vote No 10 CONTENTs PART A: GENERAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................................................................................6 1. DEPARTMENT GENERAL INFORMATION .....................................................................................................................6 2. LIsT OF ABBREVIATIONs/ACRONYMs .........................................................................................................................7 3. FOREWORD BY THE MEC ............................................................................................................................................10 4. REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTING OFFICER ..................................................................................................................12 5. sTATEMENT OF REsPONsIBILITY AND CONFIRMATION OF ACCURACY ................................................................18 6. sTRATEGIC OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................19
    [Show full text]
  • Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
    MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE MEDIA STATEMENT Friday, 21 August 2020 Attention: News Editors and Journalists THE LEGISLATURE HOLDS WOMEN’S PARLIAMENT AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC In celebration of the Women’s month, the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Ms Busisiwe Shiba convened the first ever virtual Women parliament. The Women Parliament held under the new normal was Private Bag X 11289 chaired by the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Children Youth, Mbombela 1200 Women, Public Participation and Petitions Mr Bheki Lubisi. Tel +27 13 766 1219 Fax + 27 13 766 1465 Speaking during the event the Speaker, Mrs Shiba conscientize all attendees Building No 1, Mpumalanga and on-line participants that the women parliament was an activity with Government Complex specific constitutional imperatives. “It is on this basis that all participants Riverside, Mbombela MpumalangaProvince should not only appreciate the legitimacy of this process, but also take www.mpuleg.gov.za comfort in the fact that their comments and concerns can shape the way things are done in the province” said Speaker Shiba in her welcoming address. In her discussion paper on accelerating women participation in the economic mainstream, Ms Nora Fakude-Nkuna expressed appreciation on the representation of women in government, whilst noting that the same cannot be said about women in the corporate world. Fakude-Nkuna further indicated that women farmers have less control on land and agricultural assets as well as challenges facing women in entrepreneurship. She alluded to the fact that “there are benefits in empowering women, and women need to be viewed as agents of change.” Concurring with the statement, was Dr Eric Khumalo, a medical Practitioner and specialist on issues of communicable diseases who said “The road to economic recovery will be starting in earnest and we are looking upon women to lead us through the economic recovery.” Dr Khumalo addressed the Women Parliament on the challenges facing women during COVID-19 pandemic.
    [Show full text]
  • Edition 162 Bohlabela 13072019.Indd
    Wednesday 17 July 2019 TOP SCHOOL IN MALELANE CIRCUIT 2020 ADMISSION STARTED and BEACON COLLEGE & KIDZ PARADISE CLOSES IN SEPTEMBER. MALELANE. | Gr R - 12. | HOSTEL FACILITIES | 013 790 1730/071 579 0972 & 013 790 1534 Email: [email protected] Miss Marite Market to ght social ills LEBONE Mashego (21), the winner of the Mkhabela. newly launched Miss Marite Market beauty “I believe that after the event people will pageant, has promised to ght against teenage change their perceptions about our area pregnancy, substance abuse and other related since it is rather known for its criminal social ills. activities,” she said. “Even the princesses She was crowned at a lavish event in Marite, promised they would use this platform to Bushbuckridge, which was attended by make sure that Marite as a whole becomes prominent businesspeople and dignitaries, a better place and break stereotypes including Bushbuckridge mayor Sylvia associated with it. Nxumalo. They would become in uencers assisting Event organiser, Locracia Mkhabela from discouraged youngsters to get their lives Esther Modelling Agency, said the reason they back on track.” presented the pageant was to bring the people Mayor Nxumalo pleaded with the youth of Marite together and give young talent a of Marite to refrain from criminal activities platform to showcase their talent. and start their own businesses instead of “The beauty contests also serve to create waiting for handouts. She also urged school a sense of togetherness and a ord young children to do well as they “are the future of ladies an opportunity to address social ills. I the region”.
    [Show full text]
  • Inhlabamkhosi .GOV.ZA Mpumalanga Provincial Governemt Mpumalangagov Issue 2 Vol 2019/20
    WHEN THE SUN RISES WE WORK HARD TO DELIVER FREE WWW.MPUMALANGAInhlabamkhosi .GOV.ZA Mpumalanga Provincial Governemt MpumalangaGov Issue 2 Vol 2019/20 The killing and victimisation of people with albinism must stop he killing of people with albinism in the According to him, he believed that the offence he “The behaviour of the accused indicates his lack of Mpumalanga Province is on the rise and committed would flourish his business and change his repentance. Genuine remorse must be distinguished most of these attacks are fuelled by a rising life for better. from self-pity” Judge Mphahlele said. demand of some business people who Thubane and his accomplices broke into the Shabane The other three co-accused have pleaded not guilty Twant to flourish and also the use of rituals by some household in Hlalanikahle‚ Mpumalanga, in January and are expected to return to court on May 25, 2020. traditional healers. 2018. In handing down the judgement, Judge Mphahlele It is alleged believed that the hair and bones, genitals The group kidnapped Gabisile Shabane, 13, and her said: and thumbs of people with albinism are said to 15-month-old cousin Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Both “The accused and the others took a decision to travel possess distinct powers and wealth or success. They children were killed and Gabisile’s body was later to Witbank to the house where they could find a are often dried and put into a package to be carried, found with body parts missing. person living with albinism. An accomplice provided to be secreted in businesses, homes or clothing, or Prosecutor Ntsika Mpolweni revealed that an axe them with the layout of the house.
    [Show full text]
  • Steve Local Municipailty Newsletter 19122018 Curved.Indd
    www.stlm.gov.za 1st and 2nd Edition 2018/19 013-249-7000 [email protected] NEWS Municipality advancing to be a Smart City The Executive Mayor, Cllr Bagudi Tolo • Two Parks in Mhluzi, and Rockdale 3 took over reigns of this Local Municipality were developed at a cost of after his political organisation, the ANC R2 million. deployed him in this position and was • Sports facilities at Rockdale and SERVICE DELIVERY offi cially inaugurated on 25 May 2018. Mhluzi were constructed at Since taking over offi ce, a number R3 million. Roads and Storm-Water of programmes and projects have been • Cemeteries in Kwazamokuhle delivered, turning this Municipality into a were developed at a cost of construction across the working site. R2 million. Local Municipal’s area • Middelburg landfi ll site was Masakhane News takes a closer look developed at a cost of R6 million at some of the Executive Mayor’s • Designs of the Somaphepha achievements on his fi rst 200 Days in MPCC at R1 million. offi ce. • Renovations at Themba Senamela Stadium at a cost of Roads and Storm Water R2 million.These included • Tarring of 7.9km urban roads in fencing and a tennis court. 6 Middelburg, Hendrina, Kwazamokuhle • Upgrading of the Hendrina and Presidentsrus, at a total cost of Waste Transfer Station at a cost R58 million. of R171 000.00. PARTNERSHIP • Resealing of roads in Ext 2, Mhluzi. • Fixing of potholes throughout the Local Economic Development Municipality. • Through the Expanded Public New Community Clinic to • Installation of storm water drainage to the Works Programme, 600 jobs were be constructed soon tune of R765 000.00.
    [Show full text]
  • Inhlabamkhosi Issue 2 Vol 2020/2021
    WHEN THE SUN RISES WE WORK HARD TO DELIVER Mpumalanga Provincial Governemt MpumalangaGov Mpumalanga Premier launches 67 Emergency medical vehicles The Premier of Mpumalanga, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane launched 67 new ambulances. The Premier was accompanied by Mpumalanga health MEC Sasekani Manzini, Ehlanzeni District Municipality Executive Mayor and the City of Mbombela Acting Mayor Councilor Majaheni Nyalunga. According to Premier Mtsweni-Tsipane, the new ambulances would be disperse to all districts in the Province. This, according to the Premier, would improve the response time to all call outs and emergencies to save lives as outs and emergencies to save lives as the festive season is approaching Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane added that the “new fleet will undoubtedly add to our patient transport efficiently, safely, reliability and further extend our ability to provide efficient emergency health care across the length and breadth of our province. The excited emergency practitioners warmly welcomed the fleet and committed to take care of the vehicles and patients. 2 INHLABAMKHOSI Issue 2 Vol 2020/21 Manzini encourages everyone to take charge and be responsible for their own health On the 13th November 2020, the MEC to health services and raise awareness and manage minor ailments. You should for Health, Ms Sasekani Manzini visited about the importance of practicing Healthy take charge and be responsible for your own Mbombela taxi rank to bring primary lifestyle culture. The programme was health”. health care services to tax drivers, owners, welcomed by MMC Shongwe from Ehlanzeni In the fight against Covid-19, Manzini commuters and hawkers to increase access district municipality and Mr MJ Mavundla further emphasize the importance to health care service as people with limited from Mbombela Taxi Association.
    [Show full text]
  • Address by the Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi On
    ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, MR JOE MASWANGANYI ON THE OCCASION OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF THE 17 VERENA ROAD CRASH VICTIMS HELD AT WOLVENKOP IN VERINA - MPUMALANGA 06 May 2017 Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbethe; Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga; Mpumalanga Premier, Mr David Mabuza; Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Pat Ngomane Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi; Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Ms Sasekani Manzini; All MEC Present; Mayors present; Traditional leaders The Leadership of the ANC and ANC WL and ANCYL and other parties in parliament Faith Based Leaders from various denominations; Officials from all spheres of government; Taxi Association leadership; Teachers of the learners; The Bereaved families; Members of the Media; Ladies and gentlemen We are gathered here today to mourn our children who departed under extremely tragic circumstances. 1 What the community of Verena and the other affected communities of Mpumalanaga, KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo provinces experienced this past weeks was a shock and a disaster that touched the entire nation. Its impact resonates throughout the entire country and the whole world. It is for this reason that we are gathered here to share the pain and grief and convey - to the grieving families that the events of the past week did not affect you alone, they affected all of us. Today the entire nation is mourning together with you for this is the darkest moment for us all. As the Minister of Transport, on behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the national government of South Africa, I bring the message of condolences to the grieving families, the government Mpumalanga province and other affected province.
    [Show full text]