Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, December 5, 2006

I would like to begin on a personal note, and say how meaningful it is for me to be here in South Africa.

For as long as I can remember, I have looked forward to the day when I could make a pilgrimage to the cradle of humanity, this land of freedom.

Your history is very much part of my memory. It has helped a young Black woman of the Americas become the person I am today.

My ancestors were torn from their lives, stripped of themselves, of their languages, of their names, of their history, deprived of their basic dignity as women and men. They were reduced to slavery and deported to the Americas.

I was born in Haiti where, after more than three centuries of dehumanizing trade, the slaves were the first to break their chains.

When you, the people of South Africa, ended apartheid, you did much more than break a system based on racism and a cycle of brutality and repression. You did much more than usher in an era of equality for all your citizens.

You gave the entire world a precious gift. You showed the world that change is always possible. You showed the world that when people stand up, speak out, and take action, we can achieve anything.

As I visited the Apartheid Museum, I was moved to tears by the fundamental, courageous role played by South African women, from all walks of life, in the resistance against racial oppression, in the name of freedom and justice.

Those women inspire me and are role models for the new generation of women on this continent and in the world. Their legacy is compelling.

I am proud to say that many Canadians stood by South Africans to support the efforts made to end apartheid. The end of the apartheid regime was also the result of international solidarity.

That is indeed a powerful message in an age when poverty and disease destroy millions of lives, and when violence and injustice continue to hold sway over millions of others.

South Africans know that the challenges of today must be met with the same strength, courage and conviction.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “…to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

More than a decade after the apartheid regime, now that you have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, time has come to advance this vision and to turn hope into action.

Security, the pandemic of AIDS, unemployment, women empowerment, and full respect of their dignity and physical integrity, as well as good governance are issues of great concern for you and for the new generation of South Africans.

We believe in your ability to respond effectively to these challenges. In doing so, you will bring hope not only to the free people of this nation but to the entire continent looking eagerly for African solutions.

We believe in the vital contributions of women, men and youth of this country who make up a vibrant civil society.

I am also here today to celebrate the strong partnership between our countries. Canada and South Africa are working together in a number of important areas and in a variety of international fora, including the UN, the Commonwealth, the Human Security Network, and others.

We are pleased to see that next month, South Africa will take its place for the first time on the UN Security Council. Be assured that you can count on the support of Canada.

South Africa and Canada both believe in and promote global partnerships that are equitable, fair and mutually beneficial.

Our partnership involves a broad range of interests, including conflict resolution, the promotion of trade and investment, peace, stability and democracy throughout the continent.

We are proud to join South Africa and other African partners in implementing NEPAD and the African Union agenda.

The G8 partnership in support of NEPAD began in Canada, and Canadians are very encouraged to see the significant progress that has been made over the past five years.

Canada is also a partner in economic development in South Africa. Our bilateral trade has doubled in the last five years, well beyond the one billion dollar mark.

I am pleased to note that Canadian investors have a strong sense of Corporate Social Responsibility, and they have worked in good faith to implement their Black Economic Empowerment obligations.

Last but not least … let us not forget the World Cup. You have probably heard that Canada is hosting the next World Cup of Soccer… by that I mean the Under 20 World Cup, to be held next year!

That is quite different from the FIFA World Cup, which everyone knows is coming here to South Africa in 2010. That is very exciting, and I have no doubt that your country will give the world a memorable welcome.

That will also be an important year for Canada, as we host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising your glasses to the great nation of South Africa.

Let us rejoice together in the African renaissance. Let us never forget that the preservation of the sanctity and the dignity of life is our most important collective responsibility.

Thank you with all my heart.