Morgan Tsvangirai- full inauguration speech (11 Feb 2009)
The full inauguration speech by Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai.
11 February 2009
Harare
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Your Majesty, King Mswati III, the Chairman of the AU Commission, Mr Jean Ping, President Mugabe, former President Mbeki, Your Excellencies, Honoured Guests, People of Zimbabwe,
Today is an historic day for our country. As we form this transitional government, we look back withreflection on the difficult journey that has brought us to this day, and look forward with determination to the road that lies ahead.
To my fellow African leaders, there can be no turning back on the political agreement which each party has signed, knowing it is not a perfect agreement but still a workable one. An agreement that if implemented with good faith, will deliver a peaceful way forward toward a stable economy, a new constitution and free and fair elections. Brothers and sisters in SADC and the AU, we are counting on you to be our partners and to ensure that this agreement is upheld as we face the challenges of rebuilding our country in the days ahead.
Though today’s ceremony marks a very significant milestone on our democratic journey, it is only the beginning. On this day 19 years ago Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster prison, an historic step on South Africa’s long road to freedom. Read more
We have a successor to Nelson Mandela’s successor
Kgalema Motlanthe
Just like that, we are witnessing history in the making. The last time there was a change of presidents in South Africa, Thabo Mbeki was replacing Nelson Mandela. Now, it’s Kgalema Motlanthe replacing the former. A new chapter is being written in the history book of South Africa…
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SAPA- Newly elected South African President Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, who was sworn in yesterday, immediately announced his cabinet.
Mr Motlanthe was elected South Africa’s president yesterday, assuming what many believe will be a brief caretaker role after Mr Thabo Mbeki was ousted in a power struggle within the ruling African National Congress. Read more
