Remarks by Premier Mabuza on the occasion of
the farewell function of Dr Bam, Mbombela stadium, 18 October 2011
Programme Director
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Honourable Members of the Executive Council
Honourable Members of Parliament and the
Legislature
Dr Brigalia Bam and distinguished Commissioners of
IEC
The CEO of IEC and all officials of the IEC
Amakhosi endabuko akhona phakathi kwethu
Representatives from business, labour, civil
organisation and media
Representatives from different political parties
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
When the northern waves of imperialism and
colonialism hit our shores many centuries ago, seeds of wars,
dispossessions, slavery and all other ills that one can think of, got
planted in our motherland.
As we all know, the consequences were devastating,
especially for those who were on the receiving end of all these
injustices.
Our leaders waged bitter struggles against these
phenomena over many decades. Those struggles assumed different forms as
the years evolved.
It was only in the wake of the 20th century when
their vision became more concrete and focused relating to the kind of
future society they envisage creating. All in all, they envisioned a
society that is united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial and
prosperous. The Freedom Charter captures the ideals of the envisaged
society more accurately.
In 1994, we saw the political landscape of the
country changing fundamentally.
We saw the dream of our founding political leaders
started to happen in practical terms.
Indeed, we saw the bitter struggles of our freedom
fighters beginning to pay dividends.
For the first time in history, South Africa saw
the emergence of a democratic rule. We adopted the Constitution as the
supreme law of the country.
It is through this Constitution that, among other
things, we established the Chapter nine institutions, of which, the
Independent Electoral Commission is one of such institutions.
Obviously, for this IEC to become complete and
functional, it required men and women who would breathe life into it –
men and women who shared the same vision as those of our forebearers.
When the country made a clarion call, our Dr
Brigalia Bam and some of the Commissioners present here today, never
hesitated but heeded to the call.
Uthe ubab’ uMadiba lapho ebuza ukuthi kazi
ngothuma bani ukuzohola lenqola ka-IEC isiyise ekanana, lapho kuzoba
khona ukuthula noxolo kuwonke umuntu, u-Dokotela Bam nethimba lakhe
lathi siyizinceku zakho, thuma thina baba, angeze sakudumaza.
Indeed, Dr Bam and her team lived up to the
expectations of not only South Africans but people in the African
continent and the world as a whole.
On behalf of the Mpumalanga government and its
people, I wish to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to you
Dr Bam for captaining the IEC ship so successfully during your terms in
office.
All of us know that the IEC sailed
through turbulent waters, particularly in the early days of our
democracy. Our political system was littered with extreme divisions,
mistrust, hatred, suspicion and bitterness – tendencies and thinking
informed by our historical background. The country was engulfed by
conflict, especially in the Gauteng and KZN provinces
In the midst of all these challenges, Dr Bam and
her committed team managed to steer the ship away from all these
icebergs that came in the way of the IEC. You ensured that the rule of
law find its way in our new democracy.
Difficult as it is, you and your team managed to
put together a well-oiled electoral machinery that left the world
flabbergasted.
You managed to build a formidable and reputable
institution that enjoys the support of all South Africans and the people
of the world who subscribe to the tenets of democracy.
You contributed immensely towards
schooling and educating our masses and political parties about democracy
and the respect of Human Rights. And you did so without fear, favour or
prejudice.
Today we have a credible voters roll
and efficient electoral system that is governed by a powerful but
user-friendly Act of parliament.
We are proud as a nation that all our elections
were ran smooth all these years and results were not only published on
time but also passed the test of being declared free and fair.
You showed the world that we can do this on our
own despite the fact that we are a new kid on the block as far as
democratic rule is concerned.
You provided leadership in the management of
elections of our national, provincial and local legislative bodies. The
awards that your institution received over the years bear testimony to
this effect.
Once more, on behalf of the Mpumalanga government,
I wish to thank you for leading the IEC with distinction. We are all
proud of you and your leadership qualities. We wish you good luck and
success in your new life.
We hope that you won’t cease to contribute towards
the betterment of your country which you served so well in the different
portfolios that you occupied over the past years.
You definitely made South Africa proud throughout
the entire globe. Your contribution will never go unnoticed. Your work
will find space in our history books. Believe me, you left an indelible
mark in the politics of this country.
Unwele olude!
I thank You