Pretoria – Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has appealed to South Africans to show compassion for others during the festive period.
“I would like to wish one and all a merry and peaceful Christmas on behalf of government.
At the same time, let us remember that as we celebrate and relish the joys of this moment, many here and in other parts of the world are not able to share in these delights that some of us take for granted,” said Motlanthe.
He appealed to all to lend a helping hand to fellow humanity by sharing and showing compassion, especially to the vulnerable among us.
Motlanthe also urged South Africans not to indulge in substance and alcohol abuse. “Equally, let us all avoid physical violence at all costs.”
“I wish to thank everybody in our country: in government, civil society, and business, for the work they did this year to ensure that we succeed.”
He said a special thanks to “those engaged in essential services, who have to work day and night to protect us and care for us, including members of the armed forces who serve our country with loyalty and selflessness; health professionals and workers who care for the sick and do their best to promote a healthy nation; traffic officers and other law enforcement agencies who are doing their job under testing conditions to make our country safe; refuse removers and all those who render emergency services”.
“Above all, give yourselves a loving hug for being such good South Africans. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!”
Motlanthe added that the late former President Nelson Mandela’s writing and actions will continue to inspire democracy, peace, justice, equality, non-sexism and non-racialism across ages; may his soul rest in peace. – SAnews.gov.za
