The Government of South Africa remains committed to building social cohesion and has, in this regard, called on all citizens to remain resolute in building a better and more equal society. Dismantling the edifice of apartheid has required more than the repeal of apartheid legislation and its replacement with legislation based on equality and the rule of law. It has required political will, all hands on deck through the participation of communities, resources, building new institutions to support constitutional democracy, and the progressive realization of the socio-economic rights of all people. Chairperson, this forum should be disabused of the notion that seeks to revert back to a South Africa where the minority will strip the majority of their fundamental rights and freedoms. I thank you 4