ADDRESS BY ANC PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO BREAKFAST MEETING OF SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS, JOHANNESBURG COUNTRY CLUB, AUCKLAND PARK, MARCH 31 2009

Mr John Kane-Berman and leadership of the SA Institute of Race Relations,
Media sponsors of the event,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished guests,

We are 22 days away from exercising our right to vote; a right for which so many fought and for which many lost their lives.

When South Africans vote next month, we will collectively be doing so to secure the gains we have made as a nation in our 15 years of democracy. The achievement of our freedom was not a miracle as many proclaim. It was the consequence of many decades of relentless and painful struggle, the conclusion of a great human tragedy.

Each national election is a reminder of that great national achievement. It is a celebration of South African-ness and national pride that we overcame apartheid and became part of the international family of nations.

This year's election is indeed a true celebration of our democracy. The election appears to have energised the electorate in much the same way as it did in 1994. Over 23 million people have registered to vote. Half of these are under the age of 40. There are voters who were not yet born when our icon Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

This is a young electorate with great expectations for the future. We are determined to work with them to make this a country of their dreams.

We are committed to continue building an inclusive society, based on the respect for democracy, non-racialism and non-sexism. We must build a new patriotism where all South Africans Black and White are proud of their country, and are ready to defend it and work for its prosperity and success.

The anchor of our democracy is a progressive Constitution that was painstakingly negotiated to ensure that never again would the dignity of any person in this country suffer degradation or neglect.

Since January 2008, the leadership of the ANC has made a concerted effort to reach out to every sector of society, not only to listen to the views held on pertinent matters, but also to understand the concerns that our people have. This intensive listening campaign helped to shape the ANC's view on what needs to be done in the next five years.

The people we talk to in their homes and in various forums tell us that the ANC-led government has brought development and hope to South Africa and has been able to ensure stability.

It is their wish to live in peace and to live in a thriving multi-party democracy. It is their desire to live decent lives, free from fear or want. It is their desire to have decent jobs and be able to look after their families.

As we listen and share the concerns, we know that we are faced with new challenges. The global economic crisis is having an impact on our country.

We are determined to work together with business and labour to minimise the effects of this global challenge.

The agreement between business, labour and government in responding to the crisis provided five priorities for the budget presented by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in February. These were:

• Protecting the poor.
• Accelerating investment spending.
• Minimising job losses.
• Taking steps to improve long-term competitiveness.
• Ensuring that the debt burden does not rise too much.

The greatest strength we have in meeting this challenge is not simply sound economic management or massive public infrastructure investment.
It is our ability to work in partnership. South Africans, when called upon, can rally around a common cause, and work together to overcome what seem to be insurmountable obstacles. That is why we say working together we can do more!

The ANC has a clear and achievable plan over the next five years to improve people's lives further. It focuses on employment creation in a growing economy, health, education, rural development and land reform as well as fighting crime. But this plan will only produce the desired results if all South Africans get involved in implementing it.

Once the election is over, and there is a new government with a decisive mandate in place, there will be an opportunity for all South Africans - regardless of who the voted for - to contribute to the process of improving the lives of all.

The ANC election campaign is entering its final phase. We will now intensify direct voter contact over the next few weeks.

In the last two months of campaigning, we have established the following:

Support for the ANC among South Africans is as big and as enthusiastic as ever;

People recognise the achievements of the last 15 years, and feel they are part of the progress that has been made;

People are forthright about the problems they still face on a daily basis;

These include problems of access to basic services, crime, poverty, unemployment, corruption and lack of accountability among public representatives and public servants;

People expect the ANC to address these problems. They sometimes complain bitterly to the ANC about what has not yet been done, and the shortcomings and mistakes of government, because they know that the ANC will respond to them;

They feel entitled to level criticism at the ANC, but are fiercely protective of the movement when other parties try to do so;

People are prepared to work with the ANC to achieve the kind of lives they want.

Both in our interaction with people, and in new registration figures, it is clear that there is a great deal of interest in this election, and we can expect a high voter turnout.

This election is essentially about what party has the best programme and the means to improve people's lives. Other parties have tried very hard to make this election about individuals and personalities. But voters are interested in issues such as jobs, houses, safer streets and an end to corruption.

We are already looking beyond the election, to immediate priorities of the new administration. Responding to the global economic crisis - and its impact on South Africa - will be the most pressing priority of the incoming government.

The new government will also need to proceed with the infrastructure investment programme, putting in place the resources and expertise needed to implement it effectively. This will provide much-needed investment and stimulate economic activity at a time when the economy needs it.

Work will also need to begin on the design and detailed costing of a National Health Insurance system, alongside our investments in the public health system.

We must also review progress in the implementation of the national AIDS plan, to identify obstacles to the achievement of the ambitious goals we have set ourselves.

We are on course to realise our manifesto pledge of ensuring that 60% of schools are no-fee schools.

This must be accompanied by intensive work to ensure that matriculants are able to pursue higher education regardless of the financial situation of their families.

We have begun the overhaul of the criminal justice system. We must see this process through to its conclusion. We must review our land reform programme, making sure that financial and technical support becomes an integral part of the process of redistribution.

The transition to a new government will be smooth. The ANC's Transition Management Team has been paying attention to how this will be achieved, and how to make the national executive of government more efficient and effective.

The incoming administration will make changes to certain cabinet portfolios, based on the experiences of 15 years in government and the priorities for the five years ahead. Certain portfolios are likely to be split to allow for greater focus on key areas.

We will also establish a planning commission in the Presidency to enable better coordination, monitoring and evaluation.

We will pay particular attention to the performance of those charged with implementing policy. We will hold those occupying positions in the executive and public service to the highest standards of competence and accountability.

We are determined to stamp out favouritism and patronage. People will be appointed to positions of responsibility on the basis of their ability to do the work.

The next government will do everything it can to strengthen all institutions of the state and ensure that they have the means to fulfil their Constitutional responsibilities. The administration will promote and respect the independence of the judiciary, the oversight function of Parliament, and all other institutions charged with promoting democracy.

We have to ensure that institutions, including those of the criminal justice system, act impartially and without political or any other undue influence from any quarter.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are running a successful election campaign. Our message is getting across to the electorate and we are confident that they will return the ANC to power with an overwhelming majority.

The ANC is definitely ready to govern for another term.

I thank you.

Statement issued by the African National Congress, March 31 2009

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter