Before then, the Western Cape was beset by deepening racial polarization, development was lopsided and mainly occurring in the affluent parts of the City and Province.
In just two short years we have reversed this scenario and have instituted a people-centred government that cares for all the people of the Western Cape. A government that embodies and pursues the goals of Dignity, Equity and Prosperity for everybody who lives in the Province.
There has been consistent delivery, we are transforming the civil service at all levels, especially the top, to reflect the citizenry of the Province, more black companies are benefiting from government tenders, and most importantly we have introduced iKapa Elihlumayo, a new economic growth strategy that promises to put the people of the Province first.
iKapa Elihlumayo will and has been directing the Provincial Government's efforts towards a holistic approach to the challenges that face Western Cape. It aims to benefit the people of the Province, in their individual and collective capacity.
Through iKapa Elihlumayo we have trumpeted the notion that the Western Cape is a 'Home For All' and that the next five years will the best ever for the people of the Province. This includes making sure that our Province cares and looks after the needs of our most valuable asset, the children of the Western Cape.
Liberation struggle hero and former ANC president, Oliver Tambo, once remarked that a nation that does not look after its children does not deserve a future.
IKapa Elihlumayo does not only compel us to use all the resources at our disposal to the benefit of the poor, but we have to ensure that our future is properly prepared for, by investing in our children.
iKapa Elihlumayo therefore compels us to use all the resources at our disposal to benefit, the poor and rich, the old and young. In the Provincial Budget presented by my predecessor in March, measures aimed at ensuring that our children are not neglected included, the continued support for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programme. The programme is now available at all health facilities in the Province. Transmission rates have been reduced from a high of 25% to 12%.
The budget of the Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation, which is at the coal-face of problems facing our children was increased by 19.4% to R4,5 billion for 2004/05. The provincial budget makes generous provision for both the extension of the Child Support Grant to children between the ages of 7 and 14 as well as the increases in the grant values.
Other measures that were introduced include support for school going children without financial support, training for young people and the introduction of extra-curricula activities at schools. All these initiatives and others have my support.
If anything, I will use them as a springboard for launching other initiatives aimed at cementing the good work that was started by predecessor, Premier Ebrahim Rasool.
If as Provincial Finance Minister I don't establish a sound budgetary process that has the interests of our children at the core, then I would not be doing my job. Children are a valuable resource that needs care, love and nurturing. Anything else would be condemning our country to an uncertain and perilous future.
Deceased freedom struggle stalwarts like Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani and many others would expect us to do nothing but the very for our children.
Thank You.
