Cape Town, South Africa - South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has saluted the role that his country played throughout the continent over the past year, saying it augers well for the year ahead. In his New Year’s message to the nation, Zuma said his country had played a critical role within the African continent, and also through cooperation with both the developed world and the emerging economies of the South, and multilateral organizations.

“A major achievement for the country was the successful hosting of the United Nations COP17 Climate Change Conference in Durban. The four political agreements reached at the COP 17 conference are accepted as a significant advance in climate change negotiations,” the President said.

In addition, he said South Africa hosted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) General Assembly meeting.

“The two events further enhanced our country's image as first class organizers of mega international events,” President Zuma said.

He urged every South African to make 2012 the year of unity and the celebration of the country's rich political heritage.

“We have an opportunity to showcase our country's remarkable successes, given the historic celebration of the centenary of the ruling party, the African National Congress, on the 8th of January 2012.

“Our country proved to the world that it is possible to rise above institutionalized racism, hatred, colonial oppression and apartheid, and build on its ruins a modern democracy which enshrines justice, human rights and dignity. We must therefore use 2012 to celebrate our individual and collective contributions to the attainment of freedom and democracy in our country, all of us, black and white, united in our diversity,” the President said.

Pana 02/01/2012