旅遊南非洲 (九) : 貧富懸殊 ∕ Travel to South Africa (Part 9): Rich and Poor

Photo Credit 攝影圖片: All three photos were taken by lotusandcedar in South Africa.

非洲大陸一代代的人經歷過無數次天災人禍,有許多國家的未來道路仍是崎嶇不平。就算是資源工業最發達的南非共和國,貧富懸殊仍是一個大問題,如图示。

加拿大總督米凱勒·讓(莊美楷)(Michaëlle Jean)說得沒錯,即使是困難重重,人民仍需要信心和希望,努力工作,共創美好將來。

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Governor General of Canada - Speech to African Country Leaders

Having visited South Africa earlier this year, I listened with interest the Governor General's speech delivered earlier today. I shall miss this "people GG" when she finishes her 5-year term in September this year.

Luncheon with African Country Leaders Attending the G8 Summit in Muskoka
Huntsville, Friday, June 25, 2010

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I am very pleased to welcome you to Canada and more particularly to beautiful Muskoka, which in the language of the Algonquin people, one of the First Nations of the Americas, means “the land of red earth.”

Africa, in which I have travelled from one end to the other, right to its very heart, is in my blood and in my heart.

I have gone on 10 missions to Africa on three different trips, something no Governor General of Canada has done before.

And I have discovered that Africa, this continent of my ancestors, which faces countless challenges, is a place full of promise, one very different from the pessimistic vision we are too often shown.

President Zuma, as the FIFA World Cup is taking place in your country, I am delighted to see in the major national and international press the South Africa that I discovered in 2006 during my State visit: a country that embodies hope and freedom.

During each of my visits, three of which were to countries you represent—South Africa, as I just mentioned, Algeria, also in 2006, and Senegal, which I visited recently, as President Wade will confirm—I saw the determination of the people to focus on the forces of life.

All of Africa's hidden promises—and there are a great many—are embodied in the actions of the women and men from all walks of life, from those in civil society to elected officials, young and old alike, who are responding to the challenges that their communities, their societies are facing with courage, conviction and dignity.

And I am more convinced than ever that it is through women that Africa’s renaissance will happen because African women carry this continent on their shoulders and its development is dependent on the daily efforts they make.

Women who demonstrate a tireless commitment to the well-being of their community.

Women who play a key role as ministers or parliamentarians.

Women like the President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, whom I met at an International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development and Security, to which she had invited me.

Women, also, who perform essential work in vitals sectors such as health care, education and justice.

Everywhere, African women mobilize forces and energies to tackle difficult but essential issues such as family planning, the physical integrity of young girls, access to education, food security and many other issues.

These women are a source of inspiration, and recognizing their contribution has always been an unwavering priority for me.

In all the countries in which I have travelled, it has been clear that there is a genuine determination to end the misery afflicting Africa.

Africa is working hard to achieve good governance, fight hunger and disease, provide its daughters and sons with an education, and finally put an end to the conflicts and violence.

You may be sure that Canadians share the African people’s hopes for peace, security and prosperity, as well as their confidence in their ability to take full control of their destiny.

Even though it has borne and continues to bear the scars of history, today, Africa is constantly reinventing itself and making a unique contribution to the wealth and well-being of humanity.

It is to that Africa that I raise my glass.

To its renaissance.

And to the friendship that binds us across the ocean.

(Source: Governor General of Canada website)