REMARKS BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
INKOSI OF THE BUTHELEZI CLAN AND
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
KwaJikaza: 16 November 2018
It is always a humbling experience to witness a house being handed over. I know how deeply affected our community is by hardship and suffering. There are many of our people who need assistance. Many need help putting food on the table or burying a loved one. Many need access to clean running water, and electricity. Many need medical treatment, or assistance accessing social services.
These needs are not unique to our community. Throughout South Africa there are people living with the same needs. And all of them look to Government to assist.
It is simply impossible for our Government to meet every need. Yes, there is still great inequality in our country and services are not equally accessible to all. But no matter how hard Government works to level the playing field, the economy isn’t strong enough to provide all South Africans with everything we need.
This is a difficult message, but it is the truth, and it’s important that we understand. Because when one family is assisted, as this family is today, there are many other families who are still waiting for help.
We cannot let this create bitterness between us. We must celebrate every victory, whether it is ours or our neighbour’s. Because every victory is a reminder that this long battle is being won.
Bit by bit, we are overcoming the tremendous hardship of social and economic injustice. We are finding ways to meet needs, even when there are few resources. This battle cannot be won by Government alone. But it can be fought victoriously, day by day, through a partnership between our government representatives, our traditional leadership, and civil society.
When we join hands with a shared vision, much can be achieved. I want to encourage everyone living close to this family to reach out and join hands with them, so that they will be supported as they begin this new chapter in a new home. Their victory is our victory. Let us celebrate together.