Promises, promises...

I just thought I'd take the time this morning to make clear some of the promises that our President made to us in this year's State of the Nation Address. I think that these promises (focussed on Women, Children and HIV/AIDS) are important for all of us to take note of, and it is our duty to ensure that we hold government accountable and make sure that they meet their goals.

Promise 1:

“For as long as there are women who are subjected to discrimination, exploitation and abuse; for as long as there are children who do not have the means, nor the opportunity to receive a decent education; we shall not rest, and we dare not falter, in our drive to eradicate poverty."

Promise 2:

“We will improve higher education of children from poor families and ensure a sustainable funding structure for universities."

Promise 3: "We are very concerned about reports of teachers who sexually harass and abuse children, particularly girls. We will ensure that the Guidelines on Sexual Harassment and Violence in Public Schools are widely disseminated and that learners and teachers are familiar with, and observe them. We will take very serious, and very decisive, action against teachers who abuse their authority and power by entering into sexual relationships with children."

Promise 4: "The most serious attention will also be given to combating organised crime, as well as crime against women and children."

Promise 5: "We want to reach 80% of those in need of ARV treatment also by 2011".

Promise 6: "We must work together to improve the implementation of the comprehensive plan for the Treatment, Management and Care of HIV and AIDS so as to reduce the rate of new HIV infections by 50% by the year 2011."

Many more promises were made, as they are so easy to do. What we must make sure is that these promises are translated into achievable, affordable and efficient action on the part of goverment.