Speeches & Remarks

 

THE SPEAKER MS. ASSUNÇÃO ESTEVES

MR MENDES BOTA MP CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS, CITIZENSHIP & MEDIA

MEMBERS OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES REPRESENTED HERE TODAY

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 

EXCELLENCIES AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO PORTUGAL

MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORP

MEMBERS OF NGOs

LEADERS OF BUSINESS

MEMBERS OF THE CHILDREN'S ORCHESTRA

MADAM CELINA PEREIRA

OTIS (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OTIS)

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

FELLOW SOUTH AFRICANS

Madam Speaker, may I thank you most sincerely, and through you, the government of Portugal, the members of Parliament  and the staff who helped with all the preparations for graciously including us in Parliament's Tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela for his 95th Birthday tomorrow 18th July commemorated all over the world as Nelson Mandela International Day.

The Tribute here in Parliament is particularly touching this year because tomorrow marks the start of the EU-South Africa summit which takes place in South Africa. It is completely apt bearing in mind not only the significance of the date for my South African compatriots and all Africans but also because it was Mr. Mandela himself who cemented the relationship between the European Union and South Africa. This Strategic Partnership incorporating a wide variety of mutual interests aside from matters of trade is the 6th meeting between the parties. I’m also reminded that in 2007 the EU-Africa Summit was held here in Lisbon.

Madam Speaker, as you may know each year on this day the principles and values Mr. Mandela lives by are encapsulated around a particular theme and for 2013 the theme is: Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day A Mandela Day. There are three sub-themes - shelter, food security and literacy.

We are all requested to take at least 67 minutes of our time to make a contribution to the homeless, the hungry and those who cannot read or write by engaging in activities in orphanages such as reading to children, undertaking maintenance tasks where required, attending to the needs of the elderly and any number of simple acts of kindness. That is what Mandela is all about.

Yes, he is about the big actions of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation but if one dwells on that it becomes an impossible ideal, one feels too small for such huge gestures, the actions of a statesman up there in the heights. But actually that is not it. If you think that's what he is about you do not understand the real man: a gentle, humble, caring, respectful, loving person, always quintessentially regal in the best sense of the word.

He believes in small actions from the heart whose effect changes situations and the lives of people and children in particular; quiet mediation with positive results for both proponents; listening to the other side with respect to gain understanding; accepting differences of opinion with grace. That is why the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory promotes Dialogue for Justice - to allow all voices a hearing in order to arrive at a common understanding. 

Tomorrow millions of South Africans will heed the call of our dear former President Mandela. En masse they will leave their comfort zones early in the morning to travel to different areas of the country to paint and upgrade schools or houses in poor neighbourhoods, rural communities,  informal settlements; take food to the poor, plant trees, vegetables and numerous other tasks to uplift the lives of the less fortunate.

And, our Department of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation is no exception. Led by our Minister Mrs Maite Nkoana-Mashabane thousands of our officials have been collecting and donating food, books and other items from their own salaries to take to identified Children’s homes. Others will perform tasks to improve the fabric of the lives of the less fortunate in poor areas nearest to the Department's headquarters. We are all committed to volunteer and we do it - we walk the talk - we take action, we hate poverty it's our new liberation struggle and in the spirit of Mandela and his comrades it is a battle we intend to win. We have to.  That is South Africa.

It is my fervent hope that likewise in Portugal many thousands will heed the call and give at least 67 minutes of their time to help the poor and aged in their various communities.

I know that in this very room there are committed people working tirelessly with communities in Setubal and other places, mediating conflict, promoting education and self empowerment. I see Mrs. Andrelina Cardoso and I think Mrs. Carla Marie Jeanne is also here. To me they are heroes and embody perfectly the values and principles of our great icon. I am sure if Mr. Mandela was here they would be his heroes too. There are many changes taking place in Portugal and I think you would agree that change is a challenge. It requires a change of mind-set and resolve. But, it is possible. It begins with you, the individual and it is a slow process of daily personal growth. I must change before I can make a change for the better elsewhere.

Later we will be entertained by international artist Otis. Otis today is your birthday but you gave up your special day to be here and you have generously agreed to perform without charge. We thank you sincerely and wish you a wonderful year of blessings with lots of gigs. Your saxophone rocks!

Mama Celina Pereira you have been an activist all your life and in 1987 you sang for the release of Mr. Mandela from prison. Then you sang for him in person. And you very kindly sang to raise money for a project very close to his heart: the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital to be built in Johannesburg. We are grateful to you for your unstinting support and example.

Madam Speaker, children are Mr. Mandela's passion.  He adores them. That beautiful smile lights up his face when he is around them.  We have here with us today an orchestra of young musicians and speakers, wonderful talented children, our future. With your permission Madam Speaker, I will address the children directly.

Young friends, Mr. Mandela lives for you, he believes in you and your capacity to surprise us and to make us happy just by being happy yourselves. The best advice he has given you is this: «Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world».

Education can change your life and the lives of others. I am sure you have heard all these adults talking about how hard it is to find a job. But did you know that when things get better and jobs increase anywhere in the world, the first people to get jobs are those with an education and skills?

So, I would encourage all of you to take the picture of Mr. Mandela where he talks about the power of education and keep it in your desk at school or in your favorite file to inspire you never to give up. And never ever allow anyone to tell you, you don't count. You count, you counted the minute you were born and you have a right to be counted. It's up to you, it's up to us. So, make the change. Become a Mandela Engine of Change to make the world a better place for yourself and for the less fortunate. We, in this room are very lucky, we can make the change. Are you willing to do so?

 

Thank-you