Programme Director, Mr Musa Mathebula,
Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa,The Right Reverend  GS Moyane; Esteemed Members of the Clergy;
Premier of the Limpopo Province, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Members of the Provincial Executive Council:
Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo;
Members of Parliament here present;
Leaders of various organisations;
Members of the EPCSA;
Representatives of Government and Civil Society;
Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is with profound humility and gratitude that I stand before you this evening to commemorate a remarkable milestone—the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. 

This sesquicentennial celebration is not merely a reflection of the passage of time but a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to serving both God and the people of South Africa.

Swa tsakisa ku va laha.

I was fortunate to have been raised by a pastor and have held the values of Christianity close to my heart. As most of you may know, the ANC was launched by believers and has throughout its 113 years of existence been guided by the principles that we have learned from our faith, the most important of these being the instruction to ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. 

The ANC loves and appreciates the work that the Church and other Faith-based Organisations play in social cohesion, nation-building and moral regeneration in our country. I know people like to say we only go to church when it is election season, but we have shown over and over that this is not the case.

Since the establishment of the EPCSA, in 1875 by the Swiss Mission in South Africa, the church has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for countless communities. From its humble beginnings in Valdezia, Limpopo, the church has expanded its reach, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries to serve a diverse and dynamic congregation. 

The EPCSA's dedication to education, healthcare, and social justice has left an indelible mark on our nation's history. By establishing mission stations, schools, and clinics, the church has played a pivotal role in uplifting marginalized communities and fostering social cohesion.

In October 2024, the EPCSA achieved a significant milestone by reuniting after over 30 years of division. This unification, decided at the 42nd Synod held at Bhuba Lodge, symbolizes the church's commitment to reconciliation and unity. 

This act of unity resonates deeply with the words of Jesus in John 17:21: "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." It serves as a powerful reminder that, through faith and humility, divisions can be healed, and communities can be strengthened.

As the Deputy President of the ANC and the Republic of South Africa, I hold a deep understanding that our peaceful nation is not solely a result of our remarkable ideas and leadership. It is also because of God's great mercies that we have not been consumed by apartheid and colonial oppression. As some of you may be following in the news, the fight for our freedom is far from over! We must be united in our efforts to fight for a better and prosperous future for all South Africans. In this endeavour, we as government understand that the role of faith-based organizations, particularly the church, is indispensable.

I believe that in all we do as a country, we must work together as faith-based leaders and political leaders. Historically, politics and religion have always been intertwined. Religion has been claimed to be the source of some of the most remarkable political mobilisations of our times. 

Throughout history, the church has been an integral part of the struggle for justice, dignity, and human rights. The church played a critical role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, standing as a moral compass and a voice for the oppressed. 

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, we do so during Africa Month—a time dedicated to reflecting on the shared histories, cultures, and future of our beautiful continent. Africa Month reminds us that our strength lies in our unity as Africans, in our collective efforts to overcome poverty, underdevelopment, and division. It is a time to affirm our commitment to building a continent rooted in peace, justice, and prosperity. In the same way that this church has transcended barriers to serve diverse communities, so too must we deepen our resolve to foster inclusive growth, cultural pride, and social cohesion across the African continent. 

As we honour 150 years of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, we do so fully aware that the spiritual and moral compass provided by the church has been a guiding light in our journey to build a democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa within a rising Africa.

Even today, in our democratic South Africa, the church remains an indispensable partner in addressing the challenges of poverty, inequality, crime, and social fragmentation. 

Government alone cannot address the multitude of challenges confronting our communities today. From unemployment and substance abuse to crime, poverty, and social fragmentation, these issues require a collective societal response. It is for this reason that the African National Congress (ANC) continues to mobilise the church and faith-based organisations to be active partners in addressing the moral, spiritual, and developmental needs of our people. The role of the church goes far beyond the pulpit—it is a beacon of hope and a centre for healing and renewal in our communities.

On behalf of the ANC, I extend gratitude to the leadership of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa for The EPCSA's commitment to addressing societal challenges—such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice—aligns with our national objectives. Your outreach programs, including food distribution, educational initiatives, and substance abuse counselling, exemplify the church's proactive approach to community development. 

The challenges facing our nation—unemployment, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and more—cannot be addressed by the government alone. It is through collaborative efforts with institutions like the EPCSA that we can create sustainable solutions.

In particular, we must unite in our efforts to combat the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The church has a profound moral responsibility to speak out against domestic violence and to promote a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and family cohesion. 

Through sermons, community outreach, and family counselling, the church can instil values of compassion, responsibility, and peace. Let us work together to ensure that our communities become sanctuaries for healing, restoration, and safety—especially for women, children, and the most vulnerable among us.

Makholwa,

Let us draw inspiration from Romans 12:10-16, which urges us to "be devoted to one another in love" and "live in harmony with one another." These principles are the foundation of social cohesion and nation-building.

As we celebrate this 150-year milestone, let us therefore, remember that our strength as a nation lies in our unity. Let us  reaffirm our commitment to unity, service, and faith. Let us continue to work together—government, church, and civil society—to build a South Africa that is inclusive, just, and prosperous.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa on this momentous occasion. May your legacy of faith and service continue to inspire generations to come.

Inkomo.

Thank you.

May God bless you all.

Programme Facilitator, Prof Somadoda Fikeni;
Director General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni;
Cabinet Ministers, and Deputy Ministers 
Premiers of our Provinces present here;
Directors-General;
Heads of Department;
Facilitators, Speakers and the Panellists;
Representatives of Organised Labour, Organised Business, Academia, Research Institutions and Civil Society;
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my distinct honour to open this important seminar — a timely platform for confronting one of the most consequential and sensitive issues facing South Africa’s state machinery: the political-administrative interface.

This happens just before our one year anniversary as the Government of National Unity (GNU) that is bound together by a quest to attain three strategic priorities: building inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty and building an ethical, capable and development state.

Central to us attaining these three strategic priorities is the ensuring sound institutional design that responsive to the prevailing challenges and the nuances of a modern state that is agile enough to respond to a rapidly changing environment.  

In this vein the synthesis evaluation we are reflecting on today — conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council under the stewardship of the Policy and Research Services in The Presidency — is not a routine performance review. It serves as a sobering mirror held up to the State, revealing systemic vulnerabilities, institutional dysfunction, and a lack of protection for those entrusted to lead departments and drive delivery.

We convene with the recognition that effective governance requires more than good intentions; it demands functional systems, clear accountability, and seamless coordination between those who set policy and those who implement it.

It tells us what many of us have long known but perhaps not yet fully addressed:

• That high turnover among Directors-General (DGs) and Heads of Department (HoDs) erodes institutional memory, undermines policy continuity, and dampens morale.

• That political interference in administrative decisions across Government and State owned enterprises— particularly in appointments, procurement, and financial management — creates a precarious environment, making even our most qualified professionals hesitant to serve or unable to act with integrity.

• That performance management systems and legal frameworks often incentivise short-term, siloed compliance, rather than long-term collaboration and innovation.

• And that career civil servants are being asked to carry constitutional mandates in spaces that lack stability, clarity, or professional respect.

• The net effect of all these institutional weaknesses erodes the trust of the people, undermines investor confidence, and compromises our stranding in the international community as it perpetuates the perception of a failing state. 

The significance of today's engagement cannot be overstated as we progress in our commitment to establishing a capable and developmental state, which continues to be a key priority of the 7th Administration. 

We believe that a capable and developmental state refers to a government that has the essential resources and skills to successfully execute policies that foster economic growth and enhance the well-being of its citizens. This requires a knowledgeable and effective Public Service, strong institutions, and a dedication to tackling the fundamental issues of poverty and inequality.

Thus, a developmental, capable and ethical state requires skilled managers, especially DGs and HoDs, with clear lines of authority and accountability to execute their duties in a way that achieves optimal outputs and agreed outcomes. This requires a political and administrative environment that is free from undue political interference, with effective systems, and with a consistent and fair application of rules. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

In South Africa, the urgency to enhance state capacity has never been more pressing. Our nation has made strides in the past, overcoming immense challenges to secure our democracy and pursue socio-economic progress. Yet, we acknowledge that there are areas where our state machinery still lags behind, hindering our ability to deliver on the promises of our Constitution.

We acknowledge that our ability to deliver on the promises we have made to our citizens in the Medium-Term Development Plan and the National Development Plan 2030 rests fundamentally on the capacity, stability and professionalism of our public service.

This makes it important that we address with urgency the foundational issues that have hampered our progress, thus far. If we are honest with ourselves, we will all agree that tensions and instability in relationships at this interface clearly remain a matter of great concern for all respondents, both Accounting Officers and Executive Authorities. Without doubt, these problems, are compounded by a history of apartheid and its lingering effects, corruption, skills gaps, and a lack of accountability.   

However, the question of political and administrative interface continues to be a source of concern for a well-functioning government that provides services to its citizens. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

In light of the fact that we are aware of the factors that are preventing us from making necessary interventions to obtain the objectives that we have set in out in our blueprint of a development state, achieving a developmental state at a rapid pace, we need to ask ourselves how we can effectively construct a capable state. 

A state that will ensure that citizens have access to basic services, a growing economy that creates jobs and our youthful population is inspired to build viable start-ups that can compete on a global level. 

None of this is abstract. The evaluation findings show that when the interface is unstable, plans remain unfunded, policies are inconsistently applied, and citizens lose trust in the state. When Directors-General are routinely removed or undermined, when procurement processes are politicised, or when coordination efforts fail due to poor design and mistrust — it is not just departments that suffer; it is the South African people.

If we are serious about building a capable, developmental and ethical state, we must recognise that reforming the interface is the precondition — not the afterthought.

We must move:

• From compliance to coherence
• From fear to integrity
• From institutional drift to decisive alignment

This calls, amongst others that we re-visit our institutional design to respond to governance deficits that in certain instances manifest themselves through acts of corruption and malfeasance. The recently launched white paper on local government , which seeks to review the 1998 version, is one among the many interventions being undertaken by this administration. 

Equally, as Government, we must deal with corruption which jeopardises sustainable economic development, ethical principles, and justice. Corruption, in both public and private sector erodes public trust in Government and undermines service delivery, impacting the most vulnerable within society.

In our quest of effectively building a capable state, we also need to put a sharp focus on the leadership. The findings of the report underscore that the instability at the highest echelons of our public service has a negative impact on the state’s ability to deliver on its development objectives.

It is important to highlight that the lack of consistency in leadership and institutional memory, particularly of Directors-General, compromises the Government’s ability to implement and oversee policies in the long term.

To add to this, if we are to make significant strides in the implementation of our development goals, we must work towards the de-politicisation of the Public Service through the recommended policy and legal reforms.

The depoliticisation Accounting Officers and Executive Authorities relationship is a matter of urgency.

It is important to stress that de-politicisation is not about diminishing the importance of political leadership, but rather about role clarification, appropriate devolution of power and clarifying the lines of accountability to enable optimal functioning of both the executive and administrative leadership. This means that the Public Service needs to be immersed in the development agenda but insulated from undue political interference.

We need to institutionalise administrative duties and the ability to carry out Government programmes regardless of political leadership transitions. Transitioning to a capable developmental state necessitates a series of bold actions that place the state at the centre of the transformational process, most notably with respect to leadership.

However, the state needs the skilled workforce to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation. A cornerstone in our skills development strategy is our collaboration with the National School of Government, which has played a significant role in supporting our objective of professionalising the public service.

As Chairperson of Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), we are also playing a key role in the professionalisation of South Africa, particularly within the public sector, by focusing on strategic planning, skill development, and addressing skills gaps. It also monitors the implementation of HRD strategies and provides a platform for social partners to address challenges.

Investing in continuous training and professional development is crucial for public servants to effectively implement sustainable development policies and programmes. This equips them with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Distinguished guests,

We cannot ignore the fact that South Africa stands at a crossroads where institutional stability is no longer merely about administrative goals, but an essential component of our efforts to advance inclusive economic growth, create meaningful employment opportunities, and reduce the persistent poverty that affects so many of our citizens.

Through the discussions to be held at this round table, we hope to work together to accelerate and deepen this professionalisation agenda as we interrogate how the political and administrative leaders can better work together.

The Government is implementing a National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Service to improve service delivery, address poor performance among senior staff, and improve retention. The framework focuses on meritocracy, competency, impartiality, and accountability, aiming to build a capable, professional, and ethical government. 

Approved by Cabinet in October 2022, the framework signifies the Government's commitment to improving the Public Service's capability. The establishment of the Head of Public Administration is a significant milestone in stabilising the political-administrative interface and promoting merit-based appointment of department heads.

Additionally, the Sixth Administration passed the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act and initiated a set of legislation to professionalise local government. Parliament is currently processing amendments to the Public Service Act, the Public Administration Management Act, and the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill. These Bills are currently before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for concurrence.

Through the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill, in particular, the mandate of the Public Service Commission (PSC) will now be extended to include local government and public entities. This will strengthen its powers to support Government efforts in professionalising the Public Service.

Additionally, “The Synthesis Evaluation on State Capacity”, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), provided compelling evidence-based insights into the challenge we face. The report confirmed the issues identified in the professionalisation framework and once again stressed the need for consistency in leadership to realise long-term development goals.

In essence, there is strong recognition that a successful and professional Public Service must be supported and enabled by a sound legal framework, guided by constitutional principles and robust legislation. Equally important is the cultivation of strong intergovernmental relations that enable seamless cooperation across national, provincial, and local spheres.

This is where the issue of intergovernmental collaboration for effective service delivery comes into effect. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides institutions with guidelines on how to collaborate and coordinate among all three spheres of government to avoid conflicts of interest.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would want to end by pointing out that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), especially those from disadvantaged communities, significantly contribute to the construction of a capable state. They drive growth, job creation, and innovation, thus fostering inclusive transformation, supporting marginalised communities, and contributing to the nation's economic diversification. SMMEs are vital engines of growth and development.

Government recognises the importance of SMMEs and provides support through various initiatives, including financial assistance, business infrastructure support, and facilitating market access.

However, we need to improve in how we support our small businesses who contribute to our economy and provide the much-needed employment. This includes ensuring that small business are always paid on time by all Government departments and agencies.

In this regard, I have proposed the establishment of War Rooms in accordance with the three objectives of the MTDP, as decided by the Cabinet. These will include a War Room on the Economy and Jobs, a War Room on Poverty and Hunger, and a War Room on Clean Governance. Part of the main priorities of the Clean Governance War Room will be the prioritisation of the 10 to 15 Day Payment cycles and Transformative Procurement of SMMEs.

We have been working to improve the payment cycle process since my address on 5 May 2025, during the launch of the Transformation Fund. We hope that you will collaborate with us to ensure that this becomes a component of the performance evaluation of the Heads of Department and Political Heads, with consequences for those who do not meet the standard. 

I am of the firm conviction that this is feasible, as there are already municipalities that have successfully implemented short invoice payment turnaround times. 

In driving this process of reducing red tape and maximising efficiencies in supply chain, we must also remember that the livelihoods of many small businesses, women, youth, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups that conduct business with the state rely on these efficiencies for sustenance. It is not just about meeting pay cycle targets, but also about ensuring that workers are paid on time, and that their business are empowered to function optimally.  

The path forward is clear and will require that, as a necessary first step that we stabilise the political-administrative interface through clear legal and policy frameworks. The citizens of our country deserve our full commitment to this vital task. Let us move forward together in service to our nation and its people, guided by the Batho Pele ethos of putting people first.

As we embark on this journey to strengthen South Africa's state capability, let us be guided by a sense of communal purpose and duty. But, in everything we do, we must be motivated by speed of execution. Getting things done while maintaining high levels of excellent service. We must be able to implement the policy that we have rapidly so that they can become alive in the daily lives of our people.

Let us remember that the success of our nation hinges on the strength of our state institutions and the dedication of those who serve within them. 

Always remember that the administrative-political interaction is critical for policy formation and execution, with politicians creating policy and administrators implementing it. We all have a vital role in the creation of a capable state. 

I thank you. 

 
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of theologian, former Member of Parliament and former Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, who has passed away at the age of 76.
 
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Dr Farisani who was a co-founder, alongside the President and the late Tshifhiwa Isaac Muofhe, of the Black Evangelic Youth Organisation in the early 1970s.
 
Rev Farisani was a Lutheran minister who fought apartheid from the pulpit and was arrested for his activism in the Black Consciousness movement and the Black People’s Convention, where he was a close associate of Steve Bantu Biko.
 
After the end of apartheid, Dr Farisani represented the African National Congress in the National Assembly and later served as a Member of the Limpopo Provincial Executive, following which he served as Speaker of the Limpopo legislature.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “Dr Farisani has left us as part of a succession of stalwarts who have passed on recently and whose dedication to our freedom and national development demands both our mourning and reflection.
 
TS Farisani preached the gospel of humanity and liberation in ways that energised our struggle and shook the apartheid regime into targeting him and depriving him of his personal freedom.
 
From the pulpit of his congregations in Venda and the then Transvaal, to the podiums of Parliament and the Speaker’s chair in Limpopo, Dr Farisani’s commanding baritone oratory conveyed his love for humanity and his fearless, sacrificial fight for our freedom.
 
May his soul rest in peace.”

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. 
 
The commission will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe. She will be assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC.
 
The establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. 
 
President Ramaphosa said: “For many years, there have been allegations of interference in these cases. This alleged interference is seen as the cause of an unacceptable delay in the investigation and prosecution of brutal crimes committed under apartheid. This has caused the families of victims great anguish and frustration. 
 
“All affected families – and indeed all South Africans – deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on any further action that needs to be taken.”
 
The Commission must inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on:
 
- whether, why, to what extent and by whom attempts were made to influence members of the South African Police Service or National Prosecuting Authority not to investigate or prosecute cases identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;
 
- whether any members of the SAPS or the NPA improperly colluded with such attempts to influence or pressure them; 
 
- whether any action should be taken by an Organ of State, including possible further investigations or prosecutions, of persons who may have acted unlawfully;
 
- whether the payment of any amount in constitutional damages to any person is appropriate. 
 
The commission will cover the period from 2003 to the present.
 
Interested parties include victims or families of victims in TRC cases who have a substantial interest in these matters, including parties in the current application proceedings against the President and government.
 
The commission will be expected to complete its work within six months from the date of this proclamation and submit its report within 60 days after the completion of its work.
 
While the families of victims and government have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, we were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application.  
 
Government believes that these matters will be addressed through the commission of inquiry while the families want the matters to be determined by a court.
 
The President respects the decision of the families to seek a court order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts. However, government is seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the commission of inquiry.
 
“As the commission undertakes this important task, we welcome the firm commitment by the NPA and the South African Police Service to investigate and, where appropriate, to prosecute the outstanding TRC cases. In recent years, the NPA has reopened and pursued priority cases. It has assigned dedicated resources to ensure these cases are dealt with effectively.
 
“As this government, we are determined that those individuals responsible for apartheid crimes and who were not granted amnesty by the TRC be held to account.
 
“This commission of inquiry is an opportunity to draw a line under a painful period in our country’s history. It is an opportunity to establish the truth and take steps, to the extent possible, to put right what may have gone wrong.
 
“I thank the Commission chairperson and two assistants for agreeing to take on this responsibility and wish them well in their work,” President Ramaphosa said.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President media@presideny.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

At the invitation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa Moderator, The Right Reverend GS Moyane, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Friday, 30 May 2025, attend and address the 150th Anniversary Celebration Golf Tournament Gala Dinner, scheduled to take place at the Euphoria Golf Estate, Mookgophong, in the Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo Province. 

The EPCSA’s 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which brings together the church community, government representatives as well as various supporters, will be held under the under the theme, “An Everlasting Covenant Founded Upon a Century and Half of Blessings:  Celebrating God’s Faithfulness to the EPCSA”.  The theme expresses an ongoing journey of transformation and spiritual growth to live life that reflects and appreciates the significance of God's covenant.  

Formerly known as the “Swiss Mission Church and Tsonga Presbyterian Church”, the EPCSA has accordingly transcended ethnic boundaries and now serving all communities with equal compassion and dedication.  To these communities, the church continues to stand as a beacon of hope, transforming lives through impactful community projects that have touched thousands of South Africans.  

This historical event marks exactly 150 years since its establishment in 1875. 

As a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, Deputy President Mashatile has on behalf of Government, expressed words of appreciation to the leadership and entire congregants of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, for their continued efforts in deepening the spirit of love, unity of purpose, respect, integrity, and justice for all citizens, in celebration of the 150 years milestone.  .  

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 17h30 for 18h00
Venue: Euphoria Golf Estate, Bazo Boya Hall, Mookgophong, Limpopo

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP with Mr Sam Matome Bopape on 082 18 5251.
 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 30 May 2025, lead a Roundtable on Strengthening the Political and Administrative Interface. The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Presidency to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030, which emphasises the need for a capable and developmental state to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.

The Roundtable will help advance the work of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), which the Deputy President chairs. The HRDC plays a crucial role in building a capable developmental state in South Africa by focusing on skills development, aligning human resource development strategies with the National Development Plan, as well as promoting professionalisation of the public service.

The Roundtable will bring together senior Government Officials, Organised Business, Organised Labour, Civil Society and Academia, to discuss challenges, best practices, and solutions to enhance effective governance and implement national priorities.

Since 1994, South Africa has been on a path of  balancing state intervention with market-driven growth through policies such as  the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and later Growth, Employment And Redistribution (GEAR) policy as the two most prominent ones. However, globalisation and the dominance of certain (neoliberal) economic policy influences continue to pose challenges to state capacity and transformative development.

Despite these challenges, South Africa has continued efforts to build its state capacity and pursue pro-poor policies so as to address the gaping inequalities and the legacy of apartheid.

The Roundtable is therefore a crucial step towards achieving the strategic priorities set out by the Seventh Administration, which are driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 08h30am (Media to arrive at 07h30)
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria.

Members of the media are requested to RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 29 May 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply from Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town. 

As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, the Deputy President is tasked with, among other things, coordinating the Legislative Programme of the Executive in Parliament - ensuring Executive Accountability by Members of the National Executive; ensuring that Cabinet Ministers attend to their Parliamentary responsibilities, including answering Parliamentary Questions; as well as representing the Executive in the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, ensuring smooth legislative operations.

In terms of the Constitution and Parliamentary Programme, the Deputy President appears periodically in the NCOP to answer questions posed by Delegates to the NCOP, particularly on matters related to his Delegated Responsibilities by the President as well as to account for the work of the Executive, especially in areas that affect the Provinces, and also facilitate cooperative governance by engaging with Provincial Representatives in Parliament on issues that require national-provincial coordination and intervention.

In this regard, Deputy President Mashatile will answer questions on issues related to the South Africa’s Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report and the envisioned National Dialogue; Government’s comprehensive strategy and plans to reduce poverty and create jobs; implementation of rapid response interventions on service delivery to address service delivery failures in water & sanitation in rural and peri-urban areas; the District Development Model’s whole of government approach in resolving service delivery challenges; inter-governmental interventions to assist the City of Cape Town residents and other communities in building and upgrading of infrastructure aimed at benefiting under-serviced areas.

Details of the Question & Answer session are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 14h00 
Venue: Old Assembly NCOP Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

Livestreaming on DSTV Parliamentary Channel 408 and YouTube Parliamentary channel. 

 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 31 May 2025, deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of the late Ma Gertrude Shope, who passed away on Thursday, 22 May at the age of 99.

President Ramaphosa has declared that the Funeral of Ma Getrude Shope be conducted in line with protocols of the Special Official Funeral Category 1.

The late Ma Shope who served the nation as an educator, freedom fighter, trade unionist and Member of Parliament will be honoured with a funeral ceremony that will incorporate military honours.

Media are to cover the Special Official Funeral as follows:
Date: 31 May 2025
Venue: Great Hall, Wits University, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Time: 08h00 for 09h00

Members of the media are requested to forward their names to Mr Ishmael Selemale on ishmael@gcis.gov.za for accreditation by 14h00 on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ma Gertrude Shope, who served the nation as an educator, freedom fighter, trade unionist and Member of Parliament, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1 on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

Ma Shope passed away at the age of 99 on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to Ma Shope’s family and friends and her political home, the African National Congress.

Ma Shope will be honoured with a funeral ceremony that will incorporate military honours.

Closer details of the funeral arrangements will be provided during the course of the coming days.

President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 28 May, to the evening of the funeral.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from South Africa and across the continent;
Distinguished international guests;
Premiers and MECs;
Mayors;
Head of Infrastructure South Africa, Ms Mameetse Masemola;
Representatives of business and labour;
Members of the diplomatic corps;
Ladies and gentlemen;

It is a great pleasure to be at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium again this year. 

This is a moment that is filled with great promise and endless opportunities for infrastructure development in South Africa. 

Earlier this year, one industry publication said the country was ready to unleash an infrastructure boom. 

As we gather at this symposium year after year, it is important for us to understand the important role that is played by infrastructure in the life of a nation, particularly our South African nation. 

This is so because infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country. 

It serves as the backbone of economic growth and social progress and contributes to the improvement of the life of our people. 

I have often said that infrastructure is the flywheel that our economy needs to boost growth and to create jobs. 

Through public infrastructure we are able to build roads, ports, railways and airports to enable what we produce as a nation to move efficiently.

Infrastructure development demonstrates stability and great potential to investors.

Infrastructure that is well constructed and maintained encourages investors to see our country as a great investment destination.

Infrastructure projects create jobs not only in construction and maintenance but in a number of related industries as well.

Public infrastructure in water supply, electricity, schools and health clinics improves living standards and provides dignity to our people and fosters national unity. 

When we have good infrastructure we are a nation that is connected by rail, road, telecommunications, electricity, education facilities, good health centres and outstanding entertainment facilities like stadiums. 

Good infrastructure will boost trade and will reduce the cost of doing business. 

This is essential as we open up to the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This will enable us to trade with ease with our sister countries on the continent, representing a market of 1.3 billion people. 

Through such economic activity, we will be able to reduce inequality and enable rural and marginalised urban areas to benefit.

To demonstrate our clear intent on having a better focus on infrastructure build, last month Infrastructure South Africa released the second edition of the Construction Book 2024/2025, which lists around 250 construction projects with an estimated value of more than R238 billion. 

This is a new record for public investment in roads, energy, water, logistics and other infrastructure. 

It follows a period of prolonged decline in infrastructure spending that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated effects. 

The Construction Book is a credible and detailed list of fully funded infrastructure projects. This year it includes social infrastructure projects that are overseen by the National Treasury. 

By showcasing the types of infrastructure projects being developed, the Construction Book helps the construction sector and supplier industries anticipate demand for local materials, components and services. 

By focusing on projects that are procurement-ready and financially secured, it also reduces uncertainty for contractors, consultants, manufacturers and material suppliers. 

We are showing that we have moved from great ideas on paper to executable plans to implementation.

As the Minister of Finance indicated in the Budget Speech, infrastructure spending will become the fastest-growing line item in our budget.

Public infrastructure spending over the next three years will exceed the R1 trillion mark.

As the state substantially increases its capital investment, we recognise that Government does not have the financial resources to undertake this work alone.

That is why we are working to mobilise all available capital, both domestic and international, towards this infrastructure boom.

This requires that our projects have the credibility that is necessary for stakeholders to invest in our projects and so that we can mobilise the trillions of rands in long-term savings managed by the domestic financial sector.

To enhance greater focus on infrastructure we are implementing reforms to make public-private partnerships easier, faster and more predictable.

Some of the reforms we are focusing on will make it easier for public-private partnerships under the value of R2 billion to gain approval.

This will significantly reduce the procedural complexity of implementing public-private projects.

We are implementing the reforms necessary to make it easier for more construction by reducing regulatory duplication and providing investors with long-term certainty.

For too many years, major projects were announced without technical readiness, cost realism or stakeholder alignment.

We had many sod turning ceremonies at the start of projects, but very few ribbon cutting ceremonies on completion.

Infrastructure South Africa was established to break this pattern.

Infrastructure South Africa helps to expedite project approvals and plays a key role in project preparation and in mobilising financing.

The entity has become a centre of excellence within Government, showing what is possible when the brightest minds apply themselves to some of our most complex challenges.

Over the last five years, more than three-quarters of all requests to Infrastructure South Africa to unlock permits, authorisations and licences were successfully resolved.

When Infrastructure South Africa is involved, it takes just 85 days on average for permits, licences and approvals to be issued by regulatory entities.

Under the Infrastructure Development Act, Cabinet is empowered to establish Strategic Integrated Projects that Infrastructure South Africa can fast-track through regulatory and approval processes.

The capital value of the Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from an initial R340 billion in 2020 to over R1.3 trillion in 2025. 

This value is bolstered by the huge demand for privately funded projects that only require expedited regulatory approvals to reach financial close. 

These projects span energy, water and sanitation, transport and logistics, digital infrastructure and human settlements.

The projects are making a difference in people’s lives.

One of the completed projects, for example, is the Hazelmere Dam wall raising project in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The project has increased the dam's yield, providing a reliable source of water to meet the growing demand from urban and industrial users.

Another milestone is the completion of the 100 MW Redstone Concentrated Solar Power Plant near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape.

This facility now supplies clean energy to more than 400,000 people a day and to over 100,000 households each year. 

In the past financial year, Infrastructure South Africa’s project preparation fund supported the development of 34 infrastructure projects with an estimated capital value of R259 billion towards bankability and investment. 

To focus our efforts further, last year we launched the Top 12 priority infrastructure projects for project preparation. 

These include the Namakwa and Nkomazi Special Economic Zones. 

They include the Amatola Bulk Water Augmentation project and Phase 2 of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works. 

The Eskom Tubatse pumped storage scheme and Transnet’s Port of Ngqura liquified natural gas project are being supported to meet South Africa’s energy security needs. 

We have completed the necessary project preparation work on a number of road, hospital and small harbour development projects. 

Over the past year, more than R600 million has been committed to preparing projects across municipalities and public entities. 

It is targeted at large-scale public sector construction projects with the potential to attract investment from alternative sources such as multilateral development banks and development finance institutions. 

Infrastructure South Africa opened the first bid window for project preparation support in October 2024, where Government bodies and state-owned entities were encouraged to submit proposals for infrastructure projects needing preparation support. 

The qualifying projects prioritise connectivity infrastructure, particularly the refurbishment and development of strategic rail networks and ports, water and sanitation, and energy. 

The Infrastructure Fund is also making a tangible impact on the landscape. 

Since its inception, the fund has packaged around 26 blended finance projects across several sectors, with a capital value of approximately R102 billion. 

Through this model, we are de-risking projects and unlocking capital from pension funds, commercial banks and international financiers. 

Projects being supported include the Cape Town container terminal and the eThekwini non-revenue water programme . 

Last year, through the SIDSSA, the Leaders Forum meeting was inaugurated. 

The Leaders Forum is a vital platform for bringing together infrastructure ministers from across the African continent, creating space for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange and policy alignment. 

This level of collaboration is essential if we are to overcome shared challenges and realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

By bringing together our collective expertise and political will, we strengthen the foundations for inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. 

Coordinating an ambitious infrastructure build programme is not only a practical necessity. It is also a transformative opportunity. 

When we align our efforts, we unlock economies of scale and attract more investment. 

We ensure the development of interconnected, future-ready infrastructure that supports trade, mobility, energy security and digital access. 

This integrated approach accelerates regional integration and positions Africa to compete more effectively in the global economy, while ensuring that our people see tangible improvements in their daily lives 

Thank you to our partners from across Africa for working together to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. 

As we seek to transform our country and continent and unlock its full potential, we must place infrastructure at the heart of our development agenda. 

Not only as a tool for economic growth and social development, but as a symbol of our great ambition and our hope for a better future.

I wish this year’s SIDSSA well and look forward to another year of productive outcomes. 

I thank you.