NEWS & MEDIA
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NEWS & MEDIA |
THE FAITH AND POLITICS INSTITUTE – 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 25 October 2001
REMARKS BY DANIEL T. NGWEPE ON BEHALF OF AMBASSADOR SHEILA SISULU- THE HYATT HOTEL, WASHINGTON DC.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good evening. The Embassy and indeed the people of South Africa joins with the thousands of well wishers in congratulating the Faith and Politics Institute for the wonderful work in which you are involved, and we take great pride in being associated with you and your mission. You should all know how profoundly privileged we are to have been invited to be part of this great evening.
It is humbling to see so many friends of our country in attendance of this event. Peter and Linda Biehl, Amo and Priscilla Houghton, David Bonior, John Lewis, Diane Watson, Henry Waxman, Mel Watt, Howard Wolpe, the list goes on. We thank you for your leadership in Congress and for being such strong and committed advocates for our country and our continent.
The evil events of September 11 have made it even more crucial for all of you involved with Faith and Politics to soldier on, and continue with your efforts of creating a better understanding and appreciation of differences among nations of the world. The fabric of South African society is stronger today than it was eight years ago, not in spite of diversity, but because of it. The transformation of our society is by no means completed, because it is not an event, but a process. A closer look at the mission and vision of the Faith and Politics Institute tells us there’s a great deal we can learn as a country, in our national efforts of establishing our own identity not as black and white and coloured and Indian South Africans, but first as South Africans, and second as everything else.
I bring greetings tonight from Ambassador Sisulu, who, as Doug said, has been part of the Faith and Politics family since her arrival in Washington. Needless to say, she has the highest regard for the work of the Institute. Ambassador Sisulu traveled to South Africa on official business unexpectedly, and regrets very much that she is unable to be with you. Rev Turner, I know you are disappointed that the Ambassador is not able to join us tonight, but I am somewhat glad that she is not here; because the food was great. Please promise me you won’t share this career-limiting remark with her. She has asked me to assure you of her intention to walk every mile with Faith and Politics, and to convey her warm regards to the Biehl family.
Peter and Linda represent the triumph of the human spirit. After the loss of their daughter, they had the option to become victims, sit heaped up in a corner and feel sorry for themselves, or rise to the challenge and turn the tragedy into a constructive and positive experience. Their ability to be high minded about a tragic personal loss should serve as a reminder for what human beings are capable of, even in the face of adversity and circumstances conducive and tempting for bitterness. Their association with our country is a story of great courage and has given hope to the millions of our people. Today, the Biehls have become so much an integral part of the South African society that I have difficulty remembering whether they are Americans or South Africans.
Ambassador Sisulu has also asked me to reiterate South Africa’s support to the American people in the aftermath of September 11. Our government has expressed that support on numerous occasions and continues to work with the United States government and others in an effort to create a safer and more secure world for our children and for future generations. We are encouraged by the resilience of the American people, and President Mbeki observed in a recent article, South Africans can learn a great deal from the American patriotism through the spontaneous display of the red, blue and white and the amazing spirit of unity during this testing time.
In addition to losing nationals during the attacks, the events of September 11 have had a multi-faceted negative impact on South Africa as well. As the United States and others intensify their search for the snake in the house, and it may not be easy to locate it among all the pieces of furniture, we urge you not to burn down the whole house. We pray for ourselves, we pray for the people of Afghanistan, and most importantly, let us pray for all those who cannot be here to pray for themselves.
We wish you well as you pick up the pieces, get the train back onto the railtracks, and return to your normal lives. Happy Anniversary Faith and Politics; we’re delighted that you have decided to take the Pilgrimage to South Africa in August of 2002, and we stand ready to assist you in any way possible as preparations get underway.
Thank you and God bless you.
Photograph from the event courtesy of Rick Reinhard.