PREMIER'S SPEECH

Bishop Masango
Reverend Nthaii
Priest Shrinivasan
Reverend Dlamini
Moulana Majid
Reverends Mthembu and Azafe
Ministers of the different faiths
Members of my staff Ladies and gentlemen

First of all, I would like to thank the messengers of God for having humbled themselves by taking time off from other important engagements to be with us here today.

I would also like to thank the South African Broadcasting Corporation"s religious desk for having made it possible to broadcast today"s proceedings.

Also a very big thank you to members of my staff who worked tirelessly in making sure that this event does take place. I say this not to conform to routine, but because I genuinely believe that it is important, always, to give thanks to the Almighty for the little mercies - for being able to be part of this wonderful miracle that is South Africa.

A few years ago many people the world over believed that our country was going to explode - to become an inferno. It was not through our wisdom and designs that we came back from the brink of total chaos, disaster and mayhem to produce what must surely be the miracle of the country - if not of the millennium.

Let us praise the Almighty for that.

I warmly welcome the commitment made by you that you Will guide us and pray for the provincial and national government leaders. Your appeal for closer co-operation cannot and will not be ignored or brushed aside.

A few weeks ago, when the first storm clouds gathered around the now infamous "lie" saga, we watched as some people propounded a mean, angry, vengeful, soulless and retributive theology. And this they did while appending a Christian label to their call for Ndaweni Mahlangu to be crucified.

In their rage and anger they did not care to remember that I had right from the start prefaced my statement with the words: "I am not saying it is correct to tell lies".

Despite my being quoted out of context, I tendered an apology. Not enough, some cry. Hang him, hang him, they shout as they remain true to a theology that knows no forgiveness, no compassion, no humanity, to which the notion of "the quality of mercy" is foreign.

In the words of President Thabo Mbeki there was a seeming passion to see human blood flow.

We are glad that you as true messengers of the Almighty have come here today to demonstrate to us the true meaning of forgiveness. You are here today to show us the true meaning of compassion, humanity - the true quality of mercy. For that we will forever be grateful

I have on several occasions expressed the wish that there should be greater co- operation between government and other organs of civil society: Business,academics, burial societies, chiefs and traditional leaders, religious leaders etc.

Govemment can only succeed in partnership with the people. This means a government that is in daily and respected contact with the people; a government that listens and learns from people. It means communities that take full responsibility for their upliftment in partnership with government. It requires discipline and responsibility at work and at leisure.

Everywhere, a New Patriotism must make itself felt among citizens who care for one another; citizens who build one another; citizens driven by new morality in the public and private sectors.

We look up to you to lead the moral regeneration that will result in us as human beings behavmg and acting like people made in the image of the Almighty. Through your prayers you should lead the fight against crime, corruption, human greed, violence against women and children and the fight against HIV/Aids.

As you leave to go and administer to the flock out there remember to keep us in your prayers. Pray for those civil servants, government officials, MEC's and other components of government to execute their duties with due regard for the creation of a better life for all our people

I thank you.