PREMIER'S REMARKS
Programme Director
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.
First let me express my wholehearted congratulations to the class of 2000. Today is a great day for you and your families.
You have worked hard to get to this day, both parents and students alike. I include parents because, in most cases, it is the parents' hard work and sacrifice which made it possible for you to be here today.
I know full well that some of you are parents, but it is the hardwork of your parents that brought you here today.
So, ladies and gentlemen, can we please have a round of applause for the moms and dads here with us today who invested so much time, money and love to educate their children. And now another round of applause for the diplomandes, especially those of you who really worked hard on your studies.
Last, but certainly not least, a round of applause for the faculty, especially those teachers who put some heart and soul and real commitment into their classes.
To the diplomandes, you are now members of an elite and privileged group. I say privileged, because, even if you worked hard to get to this day, you must understand that God chose you to be an educator.
Now, just because you are a member of an elite group, that doesn't mean you have a license to start acting like an elitist.
On the contrary, God made it possible for you to get a good education, so you could use what you have learned, not only to have a good income and a comfortable life for yourself and your family, but also to help other people have a better life.
You are here today because you have been called to serve. You enter the world of your tomorrows at a remarkable moment for South Africa.
I am sure you know that our ultimate aim as a country and as a government is ensuring that South Africans have the knowledge, values and skills required to facilitate social and personal development and economic growth, strengthening our democracy, our people and our nation.
During the last seven years we took the first steps along this road, and we are now even more prepared than before to continue our march towards these goals .But we need a 21st century revolution in education, guided by our faith that every single child can learn.
Because education is more important than ever, more than ever the key to our children's future, we must make sure all our children have that key. That means quality pre-school and after-school, the best-trained teachers in the classroom, and college and university opportunities for all our children.
For seven years now, we've worked hard to improve our schools, with opportunity and responsibility -- investing more, but demanding more in turn.
Now, as we demand more from our schools, we will make sure all teachers know the subjects they teach. We will recruit more talented people into the classroom, reward good teachers for staying there, and give all teachers the training they need. But I want to challenge the diplomandes.
Horace Mann once said: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." If you accept this challenge, you will find a deeper sense of fulfillment and you will meet lots of interesting people who will enrich your life beyond what you thought was possible. It doesn't matter where you prefer to teach.
You can serve as part of your employment, or after hours in your community. But do put the time in serving people who need help, and you will find a growing sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
To these young men and women, lead us to a better society where the basic needs of a decent home, nourishment, a quality education and health care are secured for every South African.
Come forward with a vibrant spirit of inclusiveness, and say no to racism, sexism, no to homophobia and all forms of bigotry and discrimination and say yes to sisterhood and brotherhood of all humankind.
But do so not with anger and bitterness, but with a healing and hopeful heart, with unity and determination to make a more loving province and country.
In meeting this commitment, you will not only make a better community, nation and world but a stronger and more fulfilled person of yourself.
When different races and cultures learn to live together, to cooperate with and even enjoy one another, we enrich our society and expand the economy.
It is very important, however, that you take the time and become informed about the critical issues that will shape the 21st century.
Take the time to read up on the issues, consult with people who are well informed and tap the power of the Internet in researching all aspects of the issues.
With this commitment, let us now join together, united and determined to build a beloved community rooted in a radiant spirit of justice, compassion and love in Mpumalanga and throughout South Africa.
You should be educators of your nation as well as educators of your time.
I am confident that the men and women who carry the honour of receiving their diplomas from this institution will continue to give from their lives, from their talents, a high measure of public service and public support.
I believe the spark of possibility burns deep within everyone of you and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. And, finally, to the class of 2000, I offer my congratulations and, as your Premier, my gratitude for your commitment, for challenges conquered, for projects completed, for goals reached and even surpassed.
Remember you will be judged, and you will begin to judge yourselves, not only on what you do for yourself and your family, but on the contributions you make to others -- to your country and your communities.
Turn your good fortune into a chance for others.
Twenty-first century South Africa belongs to you -- take good care of it.
Thank you and God bless you.