The world will be slow to forget the 2008 slogan of the American presidential campaign: "Yes, We Can." I was warmed by Richard Branson’s recent confession that, in his estimation, it more aptly applies to the African continent. We are indeed a continent that declares: "Yes, We Can".
We have proven that we can overcome the terrible circumstances of war and colonialism, slavery and racial segregation. This in itself is remarkable. But we still have a lot left to prove. We need to prove ourselves capable of halting the onward march of HIV/Aids, excising the cancer of corruption and boldly revaluating our economic belief system.
Having only recently emerged from a global economic recession that left many more families destitute in our nation, this latter task is one we must engage hastily. As 2010 draws to a close and we enter the festive season, I urge our country’s leaders not to wait to see what 2011 brings. Let us act now to create our own destiny.
This Christmas I want to thank every South African, and every one of our international friends, who proactively cares for our nation. In particular, I thank the medical staff and law enforcement officers who continue working through this busy time of year. I also thank faith-based organisations and NGOs that keep giving both resources and hope.
But I also thank every individual who makes the daily decision to respect the rule of law, to pray for our leaders, to extend a hand to their neighbour and to live right in an age of compromise. It is you who give credence to the slogan that we in South Africa should appropriate as our own – "Yes, We Can."
May God bless us this Christmas season and inspire us for 2011.