Fourth Annual Report : February 2000
Message from Deputy President Jacob Zuma
South Africa - with its troubled history and its daunting future challenges - is not a place for the faint hearted. We come from a past that demands that drastic changes be made - changes that require both the strength of a Samson and the wisdom of a Solomon. We must build a country that enters the new millennium without pain. Given what we as a nation have endured for so long, it is imperative that we give the next generation a painless future. I want this Message to highlight this imperative. It is one that should encourage all of us to move ahead purposefully, hand in hand, toward achieving the objective of a "better life for all". I know that, given the commitment of our Government, we, together with the social partners, will find resourceful ways of achieving our mutual objectives. The emphasis has to be on delivery  especially on defeating poverty and promoting growth and development. Africa must work at becoming the champion of the 21st century. We must bring about the rebirth of Africa. Our evolution must keep pace with progress and not remain lost in the mists of time. Access to energy is one of the keys to achieving this. The current tragedy is that whilst Africa is richly endowed with energy resources - be it oil, coal, hydro, nuclear or solar, its people do not have access to these resources. The Ministerial foreword to the Government's White Paper on Energy Policy states: "Government is committed to the promotion of access to affordable and sustainable energy services for small businesses, disadvantaged households, small farms, schools, clinics, in our rural areas and a wide range of other community establishments." It further states: "Energy should therefore be available to all citizens at an affordable cost." I call on Sapia and its members to play a meaningful role in contributing to the African Renaissance and the transformation of South Africa by helping to improve access to affordable energy. Our President in his State of the Nation address said: "We are on course". Let us, for the sake of the generations to come, ensure that we stay on course. The Community, Labour, Business and Government must all work together to bring this about. I wish you well as we join hands and get to work at building a better life for all. You know the role you can and indeed have to play.