The xenophobic attacks, on foreign nationals, that took place in 2008 were a tragedy for society as a whole. Such incidents still do occur in some parts of the country and we are doing our best to address the issue. As an international phenomenon, it requires all of us, African nations, to work together to purge this trend. The effects of global warming and climate change are evident in the environment, human life and development. Our view remains that all developed countries must commit to ambitious, legally binding emission reduction targets. We recognise the common responsibility of all nations to reduce emissions, while not retarding the development of developing countries. Through the African Peer Review Mechanism, we can further strengthen ourselves in the spirit of the constitutive act of the African Union by working for a continent characterised by democratic principles and institutions which guarantee popular participation and provide for good governance. We present this report at a time when our country is preparing for the third Local Government elections. I have no doubt that the elections will be conducted in an environment that is free and fair. Allow me to conclude by acknowledging the role played by Professor Adebayo Adedeji, the former Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons and a lead Panellist who presided over the assessment processes of our country since we acceded to the APRM. He announced his retirement last year, but he continued to share his time and experience with the APR processes in the SADC Region, giving guidance to the process of writing the report we are presenting today. Thank you very much. JACOB GEDLEYIHLEKISA ZUMA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA November 2010 4