The year 2011 has ended better than it started in South Africa, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday, claiming great strides had been made in improving healthcare, education, service delivery and fighting crime.
“We have made visible progress in reducing serious and violent crimes, in improving healthcare, rural development, education, social security and the general expansion of access to basic services,” he said.
In 2011 the government created partnerships for job creation and made firm plans to improve infrastructure. A great achievement for the country was hosting the COP17 climate change conference.
Hosting the event in Durban, and the International Olympic Committee General Assembly in July, enhanced the country’s image as a first class organiser of international events.
Zuma urged South Africans to make 2012 a year of unity and to celebrate the country’s political heritage.
“We have an opportunity to showcase our country’s remarkable successes, given the historic celebration of the centenary of the ruling party, on January 8 2012.
“Our country proved to the world that it is possible to rise above institutionalised racism, hatred, colonial oppression and apartheid, and build on its ruins a modern democracy which enshrines justice, human rights and dignity.” — Sapa