Vaal River Carnival Calendar 2010

28 August - 1 October 2010

August 2010 - Whilst the Vaal River meanders through the beautiful landscape of Emfuleni, the birds that nestle on the green tress of the river add splendour to the panorama of the mysteries of nature's creation.

It is a scene that tempts one not to ignore the magical natural wonders of the Vaal. Emfuleni presents tranquillity and serenity. Those who only know the painful and valiant history of the Vaal and its people, without having set their foot on one of the most famous places in the world do not know the Vaal.

As we celebrate the Vaal River Carnival, we do so in recognition of our potential, the warmth and hospitality of our people, the flora and fauna and the ebb and tide of the Vaal River.

With its opulent history of its struggle for freedom, equality and justice, join us in visiting the Sharpeville Memorial Square, the Constitution Square in Vereeniging, Boipatong, Sebokeng, Bophelong, Evaton, Rust-er-vaal, Roshnee and Vanderbijlpark.

Public Safety MMC, Councillors, The Public Safety Management, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I want to thank the leadership of this department for affording me the opportunity to come and address this gathering.  It is also special since it is taking place during the month of August, which is termed Women’s month in South Africa. I am particularly pleased that this department chose to award women who have shown some commitment in executing their tasks.

As part of South African women population I feel that we have achieved so far, in terms of women in politics, Church leadership, business, and academia and in other areas of life.  I also feel that some of us are still carrying the scars of the oppression imposed by apartheid regime, culture, religion and social crimes committed towards us because we are women.

As women, it is particularly more that our male counterparts, with work during the day, and taking care of the family after work at home. For us, life is about balance. How do you acquire and hold a marriage, be a caring and dutiful mother, and yet set out and achieve your desires when it comes to your professional life. Having a large dose of stamina not to mention die-hard commitment to your ideals certainly helps.

Since its inception in 2005, the Vaal River Carnival has grown in stature. The Carnival has managed to successfully bring people of every colour, race, age and background together in celebration of the beauty, history and richness of the Vaal Triangle. The success was made possible by the partnership between the Emfuleni Local Municipality, the Vaal Community, NGO’s, Parastatals and other Non Governmental organizations. The parties came together with the sole purpose of jointly marketing and profiling the Vaal Triangle as one of the best tourism and investment destinations.