July 18th 2011

Honorable Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Ms.Lulu Xingwana

Respected Alderman Mayor Patricia de Lille,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In such a fine day under the beautiful sun, entrusted and on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, my colleagues and I of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town are very much pleased and honored to join you in celebrating the "International Mandela Day". SABC has done a great job of running "Touching Lives" program. My life is much touched by the songs sang from the bottom of hearts of these disabled children and by the choir of the Ministry of Correction Services.

The Chinese Disabled Song and Dance Troupe is delighted to be part of the charity by donating what they made from their performance in South Africa. The sum is not big but the significance is much greater because it is from the same people like you. You can and you will achieve the same.

In a sense, anyone is disabled in one way or another. I, for one, am disabled in singing. You sing much better than I do. It is equally true that everyone has his forte in one respect or another. You have your strong points and you will achieve your goal. You have a good hope and bright future.

In conclusion, I would like to quote from South African former president Nelson Mandela, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

I thank you.