PREMIER'S ADDRESS
Let me congratulate MEC Siphosezwe Masango and his staff for having made it possible for us to meet with you - our Province's sports ambassadors.
It is indeed an honour for me that you sacrificed your time in order to be here with us.
We gather here today, a nation united in putting behind us a
painful past - a past of unequal opportunities.
I look at you today not as black and white athletes, but as South Africans who
will never again allow their diversity to be used to divide and tear them apart.
As young men and women you have, in your own way, contributed to the reconciliation processes so necessary in the building of a nation.
When we cheered Linah Mhlongo as she came down the straight to grab the title of marathon champ last year, we did so not because she is black, but because she is South African.
Ivan du Preez, ou broer, ons is almal bewus van die teespoed en ramp wat u getref het in 1990. Maar ons is baie trots daarop dat u nie teruggesit het nie en gese, "My lewe is nou niks werd nie."
The fact that you have won Gold in Javelin, silver in shotput
and discus in two consecutive years says something about of
the resilience of a ware Suid-Afrikaner.
We say the same about Leon Labuschagne, Elisabeth Prinsloo in swimming and Hannes Venter who could not be with us today. Sterkte aan julle almal.
Another athlete who could not be with us today is Sunnyboy Magazi, who I understand is shadow-boxing and punching his way through several sparring partners in preparation for the All Africa Games.
I am glad that he did not ask me to help him prepare for his fights. Otherwise you would be having a Premier on crutches.
As I said earlier Sports, more than anything has the power to unite people and diverse cultures, something that is quiet critical in a period where we are building a nation.
All over South Africa and in the Province, unity is emerging through organised activities. These activities focus on specific themes that seek to enhance the achievement of government objectives of democracy, the attainment of peace, crime reduction and prevention, reconstruction and empowerment.
As you go into the All Africa Games, remember that all the people of this province - black and white - are united behind you. As government, on whose behalf I speak here today, we will be present at the games to spur you on.
We wish all of you all the success. But remember, even if you don't win, the essence of the games is to enjoy.
So go out there and enjoy yourself.
I thank you.