1999 Speeches

NCOP Information Network Launch
October 25, 1999: It is a great honor to be here today with all of you, as a partner and supporter in your efforts to strengthen in South Africa's democracy through a more efficient, transparent and participatory National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Amy Biehl foundation Trust Media Conference-Thursday, 30 September 1999. USAID Speaker: Henry W. Reynolds, Deputy Director
September 20, 1999: I like to think of myself as a development worker, yet I've also given quite a few speeches during my 25 years with USAID. But today is a very different occasion. I'm NOT going to give a conventional speech. I want to share some intense thoughts and feelings about a program that has captured my heart-the Amy Biehl Foundation. At the same time, I will, of course, tell you some official new USAID information that relates to the wonderful activities that the Foundation is doing around Cape Town.

Media Conference Statement at the Signing of an Agreement between USAID and the Amy Biehl Foundation, by James A. Joseph Ambassador of the United States of America
September 29, 1999: Today's signing ceremony is a perfect marriage of two dimensions of the American character, private individuals who care deeply about the wellbeing of others and a U.S. government agency mandated to promote participatory development and assisted self-reliance. Each in its own way reflects the essence of the American commitment to South Africa and the soul of goodness that is so much a part of the American experience.

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET), Northern Province Launch - "Equipping Adult Learners wtih Life Skills for the New Millennium" by Stacy Rhodes, Director, Tsianda, September 16, 1999
September 16, 1999:  It is a glorious African "spring" day. Those of us from down south appreciate the sunshine of the beautiful Northern Province. Indeed your sunshine reminds me of President Mbeki's inspiring statement at his inauguration: "As the sun continues to rise to banish the darkness . . . the new light over our land must show . . . a nation diligently at work to create a better life for itself."

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET), Eastern Cape Launch-"Lifelong Learning for Self-Reliance" by Karen Freeman, Acting Deputy Director, Port Alfred; July 24, 1999
July 24, 1999: The "Electives Project" that has been described is the result of such a partnership. This dedicated group includes the South African national and provincial governments (primarily the Department of Education-Adult Education and Training Directorate); non-governmental organisations such as Advancing Basic Education and Literacy (ABET); Project Literacy (Prolit); and my own organization the United States Agency for International Development (known as USAID).

Speech by Henry W. Reynolds, USAID/South Africa. Courthouse Dedications, Former Transkei, May 14, 15 and 20, 1999
May 14, 1999: It is very gratifying for me to participate in the dedication of this courthouse for this community. I'm honored to represent the United States Agency for International Development (known as USAID) at such an important event and to share the day with such esteemed colleagues and the community.

Financial Services Training Durban Launch--Friday, 7 May 1999 Henry W. Reynolds, Deputy Director
May 7, 1999: Thank you for joining our group of partners here today. We are officially launching the program in Durban that is capable of changing the face and pace of service in South Africa's banking industry.

Address by Professor SMR Bengu, MP, Minister of Education, at the Pre-Departure Orientation Workshop of the Mandela Economics Scholars Programme, Roode Vallei Country Lodge, 4 May 1999
May 4, 1999: It is an honour and a pleasure for me to address the MESP participants on the eve of their departure to the United States. I am sure that the twelve of them are eagerly looking forward to their educational sojourn in the United States. There they will be joining 28 other MESP participants who are currently completing their programmes at various institutions.

Southern Africa Senior Executive Program,Remarks by William Stacy Rhodes
March 19, 1999: It is a great pleasure to be here this evening to share in your celebration of this graduation. I would like to pass on the personal regrets of our Ambassador, James Joseph, who could not join us tonight. He is in Cape Town until Parliament closes this session later this month.

International Vitamin A Consultative Group, 19th Meeting; Durban, South Africa; March 8-12, 1999
March 8, 1999: It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning at the 19th International Vitamin A Consultative Group meeting, the first to be held in South Africa. This group has an important responsibility to guide activities for reducing Vitamin A deficiency around the world. On behalf of USAID-the principal partner of IVACG-I'd like to welcome you all to South Africa and to this very important meeting. And-if you'll forgive me-to all our partners who have come all the way here from Central or South America: "Una muy cordial bienvenida a Sud Africa".

Legal Placement Program Launching Ceremony Black Lawyers Association and Consortium with Ministry of Justice. Stacy Rhodes' Talking Points/USAID
March 1, 1999: USAID takes great pleasure today in seeing the results of our first Bilateral agreement with the Ministry of Justice, which was signed over four years ago, in support of the Ministry's goal of "Justice for All" by the year 2000. This South African vision is being-and will continue to be--strongly supported by USAID. We are committed to help the government and key NGOs like the BLA and the consortium promote basic human and legal rights; expand access to justice; strengthen the capacity of the government to combat crime; and to carry out other measures that are crucial to achieve the transformation of the justice sector so actively being sought by South Africans.

Remarks of Ambassador Harriet Babbitt, USAID Deputy Administrator to the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the University of Cape Town
February 19, 1999: I am pleased to be with you here today to lend USAID's support to this important partnership. This is my first visit to your country, and I have been deeply moved by the extraordinary beauty of this land - which is matched by the vibrant spirit of its people. Whatan exciting time to be in this wonderful country!

Department of Education/Childrens Television Workshop (CTW)/ USAID Production Launch-Monday, 1 February 1999
February 1, 1999: I am very excited to be here tonight to share in the launch of the new partnerships between the South African Department of Education, Children's Television Workshop, and the television and radio groups that will be producing the new, South African Sesame Street. Congratulations to Kwasukasukela and Vuleka Productions. USAID is pleased to be able to support this priority of the South African Department of Education.