Roundtable Conference for the Promotion of the Productivity Movement in Africa
28–31 August 2006, Hilton Hotel, Sandton, South Africa
Nelson Mandela’s message at the African RTC
I constantly remain amazed, impressed, and appreciated when approached to continue speaking and making speeches on matters like the one today. I have repeatedly announced my retirement from public life and expressed my wish to remain retired. Friends, however, seem to continue disbelieving me in this regard and they pay me the compliment of valuing my comments and remarks. For this, I thank all of you present at this occasion where delegates from Africa and Asia, together with others, meet in a common purpose.
At my age, I no longer need to put on pretences and shall not pretend to you that I have any expertise, knowledge, or advice about productivity. You, after all, are the experts meeting to advance the cause of productivity as a driver of successful economies and societies. What I can say, with great certainty, is that this forum of cooperation between institutions and persons from our respective continents provides the springboard for development and advances on both continents and regions. It is in this taking of hands and working together that humankind shall advance and progress in our century.
People and leaders in Africa have acknowledged that the progress on our continent demands that we take responsibility for our fate. This includes responsibility for the enhancement of productivity. This conference, as I understand it, will through partnership strengthen the drive toward greater productivity. I wish delegates well over the next four days with their deliberations on promoting the productivity movement in Africa. I am certain that this will enhance the quality of life of all our people in Africa. I have faith in human progress, and productivity in all spheres of human activity is certainly at the heart of that progress. I thank you.
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