18 July 2010

It is my privilege and great joy, on behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, to express my and my Party's congratulations to former President Nelson Mandela on his 92nd Birthday. We wish him good health and comfort as he spends this day at home with his family.

The 18th of July has become a date recognized worldwide and has somehow become bigger than our friend himself. His legacy has taken on tremendous proportions and, in his name, the Nelson Mandela Foundation encourages us all to keep doing the work he is no longer able to do himself. This is the work of service, selflessness and compassion.

It seems right somehow that Madiba's magic has taken on a life of its own even within his lifetime. He has been blessed to see his life's work accomplished as we stepped into a liberated South Africa and began the work of building our nation. He has been blessed now, too, to see Africa in the spotlight of the 2010 World Cup, and South Africa proudly representing our continent.

The world has changed dramatically in the 92 years since Nelson Mandela was born. I am of the same generation, and I too have witnessed the unfolding of history; at times with sadness and concern, but often with a deep sense of satisfaction. We have achieved a great deal and we surely can say that we have lived.

I regret that I am not able to be in Mvezo today to share the jubilation, but pressing matters within my Party have required that I be in Ulundi. Nevertheless, the injunction of this celebration, that we should make every day a Nelson Mandela Day, sets my mind at rest. 

For I know that even in the twilight years of my own life, I am living this principle.

I remain at work in the service of our nation. I remain a champion of the fight against HIV/Aids. I remain dedicated to development and upliftment. I remain a servant of my people; the poorest of the poor. 

I have shared the struggle with our liberation heroes like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and I continue to fight the good fight for all our people.

This is my contribution to our country and, knowing the heart of my friend the way I do, I know this is a fitting gift to Madiba.

When President Mandela appointed me to his Cabinet in 1994 as the Minister of Home Affairs, he gave me the task of transforming South Africa's legislative and policy foundation in terms of migration. My ten years in that portfolio were dedicated to opening the door to international tourism, investment and business, while dealing with the problems of illegal migration. Under my watch, we began to address xenophobia. The legislation we developed adhered to the highest standards of human rights' protection.

I am therefore pleased that this day is being dedicated to preventing xenophobia and assisting asylum seekers and refugees to integrate into our society. President Mandela and I began this journey together and I am proud to see Members of Parliament taking up the baton today.

May we instil a new harmony in the hearts and minds of our people. 
 

May we use the unity and camaraderie of the World Cup to impress upon South Africa our shared humanity. And may we do this in tribute to Nelson Mandela, in an effort to make every day a Nelson Mandela Day.

I thank you.