Congratulatory Remarks by Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe, on the occasion of the 232nd Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, 3 July 2008

Your Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr Eric Bost,
Your Excellencies: Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished representatives from the United States Congress
Representatives of Diplomatic Missions,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am honoured to be here today to join in the celebration of American Independence Day. On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I would like to wish the United States Government and its people, our warm congratulations on the eve of the 232nd anniversary of your independence.

Tomorrow, Americans all over the world will recall the 4th July in 1776, when the 13 American states made the unanimous declaration of independence, setting them free from colonial rule and establishing the basis for one of the worlds great democracies.  They did so “… deriving their powers from the consent of the governed”… and by dedicating their new Nation to the principles of democracy, freedom, equality and opportunity for all.

We are also reminded of the Union victory at Gettysburg on 4th July in 1863 and the elegant and eloquent speech of President Lincoln, delivered some months later at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery.  He spoke of a “new birth of freedom” for the nation, and he talked of reshaping the war for the American people from a war for Union, to a war for Union and freedom.

It is this freedom that all of humankind desires, which all democracies pursue. But freedom does not come without cost or without struggle and without the vision and guidance of great leaders.

President Lincoln’s Gettysburg address lasted only 2 minutes.  In that time he was able to make profound and everlasting contribution to our understanding of the importance of the pursuit of freedom and democracy. On that day President Lincoln urged his people…”that this nation.. shall have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

In addition to the stirring nature of the content of the speech and its impact, its brevity is perhaps something to which we as politicians, should all aspire!!

This year, together with Americans, we also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the tragic assassination of another great American leader, Martin Luther King Jnr, one of Americas most renown advocates of freedom and equality. As Martin Luther King did 40 years ago, democrats all over the world continue to struggle for freedom, for political, social and economic freedom. The pursuit of such freedom still challenges all of the world’s democracies, and embodies our own continuing struggles in this country for the full emancipation of our people.

As South Africans, we have gained much inspiration from the people of the United States of America, for their noble pursuit of freedom, and for the embodiment of their aspirations in the American Constitution. 

As we dedicate ourselves to the African Renaissance, to our new birth of freedom, to the renewal of our continent…. and on this birthday of the United States of America, I am reminded of the words of Thomas Paine, a great protagonist of American Independence, in February 1776 .  He said:

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again,
A situation, similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of Noah until now,
The birthday of a new world is at hand.”

These words, written in a time of great hope in the United States of America, are appropriate for us here in South Africa as we work towards a new and better world for our  children on this continent and all over our planet.

We have been inspired by America’s example to pursue our dreams of a better world.. and while we believe our country and our continent hold the mysteries of the origins of humankind, at the same time we seek to create a modern Africa, a significant partner in a world characterised by co-operation not conflict, sharing not greed, multilateralism not unilateralism, where democracy and freedom thrive. We share with Americans a desire for equality and social justice, of respect for fundamental human rights, and the creation of non-sexist, non-racial and prosperous societies, free from discrimination.

As we work towards the renewal of Africa we know that this requires the commitment and active engagement by all sectors of the African society – of women, men, youth, workers and peasants, of the business community and all members of civil society. These same groups and people enabled America to realise its democracy. We believe that ultimately, South Africa and Africa, will achieve all our democratic goals, all the freedoms we seek for our people and we look to the United States, with 232 years of experience to walk with us on this path and inspire us again. 

Your Excellency, Ambassador Bost

We have watched with fascination the primary election process which will culminate in the election of a new American President,  in November. This has been a living example of democracy in process.

As America and its people prepare for the election of their 44th President, we in South Africa and indeed the world will be watching your great country choose its new leaders.  We wish your country and the Presidential Candidates every good wish for a successful election campaign.

Let me conclude by re-affirming the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our countries and our peoples. I am convinced that the good that unites our peoples will continue to prosper and strengthen in the coming years.

I would now like to propose a toast to the President and people of the United States of America and to the friendship between our two countries.

Thank you