Zille wishes Obama well
2009-01-20 14:17
Cape Town - Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille says her party wishes Barack Obama well for his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States.
"Obama's ascent to the presidency shows that in an open opportunity society, nothing is impossible," she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Obama is set to take the oath of office in Washington at 19:00 SA time.
"Twenty years ago, most Americans would not have believed that an African-American president could be elected in their lifetime.
"Now, the majority of Americans are proud to call themselves supporters of Barack Obama, as evidenced by the millions of supporters and well-wishers who have already started converging on the National Mall in Washington for the inaugural festivities.
"They stand solidly behind Obama's vision of hope and change," Zille said.
It was significant that, 45 years ago, civil rights leader and activist Martin Luther King had delivered his "I have a dream speech" on the same Mall.
"Obama's inauguration is a fulfilment of that dream, and it conveys a powerful message that the politics of race is moribund," Zille said.
- SAPA