By Neo Semono
Pretoria - Promoting nation building and eradicating corruption and inefficiency in the public service, are some of the targets the new administration has set, for the next five years.
Addressing South Africans for the first time, after being sworn in for a second term, President Jacob Zuma said the performance of the state will need to improve.
“Key targets in this regard will be to eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the public service,” the newly inaugurated President said on Saturday, at the Union Buildings.
Key targets in this regard will be to eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the public service. Government, President Zuma said, will promote productivity within the public service and ensure much tighter accountability with firm consequences where there is a failure to deliver services to people.
While the lives of many South Africans have changed, work still needs to be done.
“We have a lot of work to do,” he said, adding that government needs the backing of a united and cohesive nation to move South Africa forward.
“Government will promote nation building programmes to rebuild the soul of our nation. Many South Africans still bear the emotional scars arising from decades of apartheid divisions and hatred,” he said, as he spoke from the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre, where the inauguration ceremony took place.
For South Africa, national healing and reconciliation has to continue.
“We will work together to promote unity, understanding and tolerance across race and colour lines, as we build a South Africa that truly belongs to all,” he told thousands of people who had gathered for the ceremony.
The President said he was honoured to lead the nation for the next five years. This, he said, was a nation that had worked to build a new society from the ashes of apartheid.
Several Heads of State, eminent people, musicians and leaders of business had gathered to witness the swearing in of the President.
Guests at the Union Buildings also witnessed a 21-gun salute and were treated to a breathtaking flypast, among others. - SAnews.gov.za
