World Bank’s Governance Indicator Report, and The Institute of Race Relations Rainbow Index, South Africa achieved better scores in the areas of political stability, good citizenship, and poverty alleviation over the period 2009 – 2011.Of course, the indices also show a slight decrease recently and most notable is the decline in key areas such as the control of corruption, civil liberties, and the ability of government to provide quality public services1. We consider the critique from these indices as part of the body of information which informs our strategies. As the Report shows a lot of work has been done in all the areas including the areas of decline indicated in the indices. Among the positive developments in this reporting period are the successful local government elections held in May 2011. Like the national and provincial elections in 2009, they were declared free and fair. In 2012 the African continent celebrated together with us the first centenary celebrations of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) – one of the oldest liberation movements on the African continent. The centenary celebrations of the ANC marked a 100 years since the birth of an organised and unified fight for democracy and independence across the continent. This precipitated into various forms across the continent and slowly, democracy was hard-won by Africans. Our democracy has given birth to inclusive social and economic development, with the electoral wishes of the majority forming the mandate of governments in a new age. This is important because without a strong ruling party endowed with rich historical experience; our democracy could have been weak. Since the dawn of democracy, under the leadership of the ANC, South Africa continues to advance and strive for a state that preserves human dignity, the independence of the judiciary, and the recognition of the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law. Our government also wants to acknowledge the service delivery challenges, instances of xenophobia and violence against women and children. These are challenges which have persisted over the three reporting periods and our government has developed robust mechanisms to root them out. It is in this context that various measures are being instituted to clean and strengthen the police, mobilise communities against xenophobia and violence against women and children, as well as capacitate the judiciary and oversight institutions. I wish to conclude by acknowledging the role played by the former Ministers of Public Service and Administration in laying the foundation to the APRM report writing process. The late Minister of Public Service and Administration, Mr Roy Padayachee, in his capacity as the APRM Focal Point, a responsibility that comes with this portfolio, served in this position till his last day on earth. His sudden death was not only shocking but is a big loss to all people of the continent. I wish to acknowledge Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who took over from the late Minister Padayachee, and has been instrumental in canvassing continued support not only for the production of this Report with various stakeholders, but also convening numerous engagements at various levels of government in recognition of their central role in the implementation of the National Programme of Action. Thank you very much. 1 South African Institute of Race Relations: Press Release, 6 February 2012. 16