Speech by H.E. Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo during the celebrations of South Africa’s Freedom Day, Vienna, 27 April 2010

Senior officials of the Austrian Government present here tonight,
Honorary Consuls of South Africa in Austria,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman

On his inauguration as the first President of a democratic South Africa in May 1994, Nelson Mandela said, “Let Freedom Reign, The Sun Shall Never Set On So Glorious a Human Achievement”. He was speaking of the birth of a new South Africa - four years after his release from prison. He was referring to a nation that had been born from the sacrifices, from the struggles and from an unprecedented level of human solidarity - by people all over the world.

Nelson Mandela’s words were an injunction of responsibility on his and future generations of South Africans – that they needed to be reminded all the time of the road that had been traversed, leading to that glorious day in 1994.

It was a call for practical acts that would bring hope to the majority of South Africans - who for generations laboured in the misery and the hopelessness of a pernicious ideology and an inhumane system.

It is this challenge that has guided the work of the successive South African governments since 1994. The key overarching goals have been poverty eradication, political stability and nation building. I am pleased to say that in all these scores important progress has been registered.

An economy that has been growing for 16 years has contributed much to the lifting of many South Africans from poverty.

Today South Africa is a stable democracy that has witnessed four rounds of peaceful democratic elections since 1994. Our constitution and the Bill of Rights guarantee fundamental freedoms.

However, as he spoke in 1994 Nelson Mandela knew and understood that the challenges facing our country were immense - that not even in his lifetime would they be fully addressed. What was important was the determination by all South Africans to keep contributing to the social and economic development of our country. That, whatever the odds, we should never, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr “lose our infinite hope.”

The new South Africa immediately became part of the global family of nations, joined at regional and international levels by common challenges which no country – big or small – can address acting on its own.

Therefore South Africa’s foreign policy has continued to prioritise the achievement of peace, stability and development in the African continent. In this regard we work with fellow African countries to advance the agenda of continental integration under the aegis of the SADC and the African Union.

We are also well disposed and ready to play our part in the resolution of the global challenges that face humanity today. Amongst others, these include climate change, the global economic and financial crisis as well as disarmament and non-proliferation.

Distinguished Guests,

The year 2010 is an auspicious moment for South Africa. In June and July we will host the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. Although big in magnitude compared to any other sporting event, the World Cup follows on numerous other international sporting meetings which South Africa has hosted during the past 15 years. These include the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup. We have drawn from this vast experience in our preparations for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Last week President Zuma declared that South Africa is more than ready for the World Cup. Our infrastructure, facilities, including stadia, is up to the necessary standards. All the host cities are ready to welcome the many players, soccer administrators and the fans.

I dare say, because I believe that in true South African style - the mood will be festive! the ambience vibrant!, and therefore the football should be also be especially magnificent!

I invite you to travel to South Africa during June and July to be part of the Soccer World Cup.

Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentleman

Let me conclude by paying homage to the excellent relations between South Africa and Austria.

Ours is a strong tale of two countries whose relationship still reflects the best of times, predicated on peace, mutual respect and friendship.

Please join me in wishing good health to Presidents Zuma and Fischer.

I thank you!