5 October 2017
Government calls on all sectors of South Africans society to elevate activities in recognition of the values of Oliver Reginald Tambo in celebration of his centenary birth on the 27th of October.
South Africa has declared 2017, “the Year of O.R. Tambo" and unfolding activities in October will serve as a strong reminder to citizens of the legacy O.R. Tambo.
Annually, Government commemorates October as Social Development Month but will give added impetus this year, as it honours the birth of O.R. Tambo focusing on events showcasing social development services, public transport and services for older persons.
On October 1st South Africa joined the international community in celebrating Older Person’s Day and officially launched Social Development Month under the theme, ‘Working Together to Build Caring and Sustainable Communities for All.’
Minister in the Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, officiated over the celebration with senior citizens at Noma Day Care Centre in Ga-Rankuwa and reminded all to respect and uphold the dignity of all senior citizens in the country.
The rest of the month will see various initiatives celebrate social services delivered since 1994 and recognise its role in restoring dignity to the people of South Africa. The country has made many strides in the provision of social services to those less fortunate, especially through social grants, which bring financial relief to millions of households.
October is also an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate the benefits of Transport under the theme: “Together we move South Africa Forward.” The country’s infrastructure network is a critical economic driver and all in South Africa are encouraged to experience the value of affordable and improved efficiency of transport networks that the country has to offer.
Marking the life and times of OR Tambo, Transport month will see the unveiling of a statue of the icon at the foyer of the OR Tambo International Airport and the ATNS Tower in Johannesburg will be branded with the OR Portrait.
The launch the Oliver Tambo Centenary Coins on the 4th October is also recognised as a significant milestone in celebrating O.R Tambo. The Governor of the Reserve Bank, the City of Ekurhuleni, SA Mint and the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation will unveil the range.
Investment in transport infrastructure is transforming the economic landscape, creating new job opportunities, supporting hunan development and strengthening the delivery of basic services daily.
Recently, the country experienced a sigh of relief with positive GDP growth figures reported the last quarter and moving forward, Government will elevate focus on programmes and projects that create jobs especially through major infrastructure development that have direct linkages to Local Economic Development.
Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy, led by Minister of Environmental Affairs Dr Edna Molewa, as well as the outcomes of the broader Maritime Sector Development Agenda will also be highlighted this month.
Operation Phakisa was launched in 2014 to fast-track the implementation of the National Development Plan. It is aimed at reigniting growth and creating jobs and improving socio-economic services. The oceans economy has the potential to contribute up to R177-billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2033 and create approximately 1 million jobs.
Government has since unlocked investments with jobs created across the ocean sectors. President Jacob Zuma will visit one of the manufacturing projects in the Port of Durban on Friday 06 October 2017 and provide a progress report to stakeholders on the implementation of all the Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy initiatives.
This month, Government departments will present their annual reports to Parliament. The tabling of these reports play an integral part in holding government to account and participation in the Parliamentary process shows government’s commitment to stand before the public and account for uses of public funds that have been entrusted into government’s care in order to deliver to all South Africans.
The tabled reports have been made public through Parliament or via departmental websites and the public is encouraged to scrutinise results of the 2016/17 financial year.
Let us strive to realise the South Africa dreamt by O.R Tambo to remain active in our communities and partner with government to address challenges and move South Africa forward.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams (Acting Director-General)
Cell: 083 501 0139
Email: phumla@gcis.gov.za
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
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