THABANG MAKWETLA AFTER HIS ELECTION AS PREMIER OF THE PROVINCE
Nelspruit. Monday 26 April 2004
Madam Speaker
Deputy Speaker
Justice Hartzenberg
Honourable Members of the Mpumalanga Legislature
Distinguished guests.
Let me first take this opportunity to congratulate our newly elected members of this House, individually and severally for the trust and confidence put in them by the people of our province to advocate and defend their interests through the powers and privileges of this august House.
Madame Speaker, the parties on whose behalf we occupy the seats of this Legislature must also be commended for the work done to give our people hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
Secondly Honourable Speaker, I wish to congratulate you personally and your deputy, on your election to the responsibility of guiding and co-ordinationg the important work of this august institution.
Knowing both of you, we are under no doubt that you will make a success of your duties and responsibilities.
Honourabe Members, allow me to express my humble appreciation of the privilege and honour accorded to me by my party and this honourable House to lead our provincial administration for the next five years.
The trust and confidence manifest in this decision is to any individual overwhelming
However, I trust that whenever we display any weaknesses as the executive, this House will live up to the expectations of the electorate by constructively criticising and enhancing the quality and capacity of our provincial government.Democracy must flourish.
In conclusion, in this brief moment as a member of this House, let me wish all colleagues in this august chamber a successful and fulfilling five years, as you set out to discharge your responsibilities in pursuance of the lifelong dream of millions of South Africans, the living and the dead –a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
I wish to pledge my commitment to work with all stakeholders
and sectors of our community in the province for the well being of every citizen
in Mpumalanga province across the political divide.
Lastly let me express my unbounded gratitude to Justice Hartzenberg for convening the third Provincial Legislature of Mpumalanga and guiding its proceedings.
Madam Speaker,
I thank you