Deputy Minister of Social Development, Maria Ntuli;
Social Development MECs;
Director General of Social Development, Mr Vusi Madonsela;
Colleagues and Comrades from Civil Society;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

It is a great honour for me to introduce to you, President Jacob Zuma.  He is the President of the Republic of South Africa and also the President of the African National Congress. He was elected as President of South Africa by Parliament following the ANC’s victory in the 2009 general election.

President Zuma, has dedicated his life in serving the marginalised people of South Africa. Firstly, as a selfless member of the African National Congress and in Umkhonto We Sizwe where he was a leader in the struggle to free all South Africans from racist oppression.

After the liberation of this country, President Jacob Zuma served as the Deputy President of the country and of the African National Congress.  We are honoured to have our President today and for him to take time out of a very busy schedule to address us. 
Remember, that the struggle for liberation was about freeing all South Africans, black and white, from a system that was fundamentally dehumanising.

President Zuma dedicated his life to ensure that all of us have the space and opportunities to build a better society.  He will be the first to tell you that our struggle is not complete.  He is a leader in the country’s efforts to rid the majority of our people from enduring poverty, inequality and unemployment bequeathed to us by the systemic exclusion of our past.

For President Zuma, the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment is not just a slogan.  He experienced it first-hand while growing up in rural Kwazulu- Natal.  It is perhaps this history that has given rise to the passion and dedication that he has for the fight against all forms of exclusion.  He is a firm supporter of government’s partnership with civil society to fight against poverty, rural development and a more inclusive society.

Under his administration, South Africa sponsored a historic resolution at the United Nations which fights against people being discriminated upon based on their gender and sexual orientation.  At the same time during his term as President of the ANC the party has implemented the 50/50 resolution making our parliament amongst the most gender balanced in the world.  Given this background it is therefore befitting that he addresses this gathering as he shares the vision that you have, of a South Africa free from discrimination, free of poverty and free of inequality.

True to his humble nature and commitment to be accessible to the people of this country, we are honoured to have the President of the ANC and of the country. President Jacob Zuma is here to listen to how government and civil society can work together for the most vulnerable of our society.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma to the podium.