Programme Director, Mr Zulu,
Honourable Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Honourable MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Elzabe Rockman,
District Mayor, Cllr Conny Msibi, and other Councillors,
Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Ntate Morena Neo Mopeli,
Leaders of Communal Property Associations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.

It is an honour to join the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders gathered here today for this important engagement with land reform beneficiaries. Programmes such as this are not ceremonial. They are about restoring dignity, strengthening ownership, and ensuring that land reform translates into real economic participation for our people.

The handover of title deeds represents far more than a legal process. It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future.

Government is clear that land reform must not only transfer land, but must also support sustainable use of that land. Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development.

This work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. 

One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership. This work ensures that more South Africans are able to participate meaningfully in the economy and build intergenerational wealth. 

Today’s engagement therefore forms part of a much larger national effort to unlock opportunity, restore dignity, and build a capable, responsive state that works for its people.

We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency. Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice.

To the beneficiaries present today: the land you receive is a foundation for progress. Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations.

Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development, and shared prosperity.

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will release the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) Q3 2025/26 report. 

The release will present progress made in advancing youth employment, provide an overview of programme outcomes, and highlight partnerships driving digital and economic opportunities for young people.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the briefing as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: Edunova, 1 Ndabeni Street, Langa, Cape Town

The programme will include opening remarks by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, a presentation on the PYEI Q3 results, an overview of Edunova and the Innovation Fund, testimonies from youth participants, a media Q&A session, and a tour of the Edunova facilities.

The briefing will also highlight the ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative, a collaborative programme designed to empower young people, particularly young women, through digital skills development, micro-enterprise support, and sustainable economic participation.

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Dipak Patel as Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission.

Mr Patel’s designation as Deputy Chairperson forms part of strengthening the Commission’s work on climate finance, investment mobilisation and the delivery of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives.

President Ramaphosa, who chairs the Commission, appointed members of the inaugural Presidential Climate Commission in December 2020.

The Commission is an independent, statutory, multi-stakeholder body that oversees and facilitates South Africa’s just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

President Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Patel as Deputy Chairperson for a tenure from 2026 to 2030 in terms of Section 10 (8) of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024).

Mr Patel is an experienced professional with expertise in production management, process engineering, climate finance, and investment banking, and has strong networks across the business and public sectors.

He previously served as a Senior Advisor: Climate Finance and Innovation to the Presidential Climate Commission.

Earlier this year, President Ramaphosa announced the appointment of 25 new commissioners.

The President thanks Mr Patel for availing himself for this role and wishes him and fellow commissioners well in their critical national undertaking.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility in the Western Cape.

Drakenstein Correctional Facility, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, holds profound historical significance as the place from which Nelson Mandela walked to freedom on 10 February 1990.

That historic walk marked a decisive turning point in South Africa’s journey towards democracy, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first democratically elected President in 1994.

On 11 February, President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to the Madiba House, which housed Nelson Mandela during the final years of his imprisonment.

The President will thereafter officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, the first of its kind, reaffirming South Africa’s leadership role in advancing human rights, humane correctional practices, and the protection of the dignity and rights of offenders.

The year 2026 marks 11 years since the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and 16 years since the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules).

These international instruments provide practical standards that call for the humanisation of correctional systems, recognition of inherent human dignity, and the advancement of justice anchored in humanity.

The establishment of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy reflects South Africa’s continued commitment to embedding these principles within correctional training and practice.

The country will work closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, to ensure their effective implementation.

President Ramaphosa will officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Drakenstein Correctional Facility, Western Cape

Members of the media are invited to rsvp to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za / 079 898 4621 and Mocheta Monama on Mocheta.Monama@dcs.gov.za by Monday, 09 February 2026 at 17h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, attend and deliver the keynote address at the SAYEC 4th Annual Mining Indaba Business Dialogue under the theme: “Unlocking South Africa’s Critical Minerals Advantage: Driving Investment and Value Addition for a Competitive Future”. 

The Mining Indaba Business Dialogue is SAYEC’s flagship convening platform and forms part of engagements aligned to the Mining Indaba programme, placing young people at the centre of discussions on ownership, enterprise participation, and long-term sector transformation.

The Dialogue will bring together Government, industry leaders, investors, and young people to engage on South Africa’s mining, oil, and gas sectors as key enablers of industrialisation, beneficiation, investment mobilisation and inclusive economic growth.

Deputy President Mashatile will deliver a keynote address focusing on energy security, critical minerals beneficiation as well as inclusive ownership in advancing a resilient and competitive industrial economy.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 18h00 (media to arrive at 17h00)
Venue: Southern Sun, Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town, Western Cape Province

Media wishing to attend and cover the event must please RSVP by sending: full name, ID number & media house before 14h00 on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 to info@sayec.co.za or 081 413 5999 or contact Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) on 078 356 4355.

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 Tuesday, 10 February 2026, engage in a youth roundtable as part of a series of ongoing consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address. 

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), an agency of the Ministry in the Presidency, is hosting the Presidential Youth Roundtable engagement at the Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 

The Presidential Youth Roundtable is an interactive session where young South Africans will have a direct and open exchange with President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the National Executive.

President Ramaphosa will engage with youth on their perspectives, challenges, and ideas for the nation's future. 

Participating Ministers’ engagement with youth will precede the Presidential Youth Roundtable. 

The President will be accompanied by several Ministers to participate in the discussions and address issues within their respective mandates.

The Presidential Youth Roundtable Engagement will take place as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 11h00 (Media to arrive by 10h00 for set-up)
Venue: Khayelitsha CBD Hall (Thusong), Cape Town

Members of the media who wish to cover the engagement are requested to send their details to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za and Tabudi Madisha on Tabudi.Madisha@NYDA.GOV.ZA by Monday, 9 February 2026 at midday, 12h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will join the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, in two important engagements with land reform stakeholders in the Free State. These engagements form part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate land reform, strengthen tenure security, and support beneficiaries towards sustainable land use and inclusive rural development.

1.⁠ ⁠ENGAGEMENT WITH LAND REFORM BENEFICIARIES AND TITLE DEEDS HANDOVER

The first programme will focus on direct engagement with land reform beneficiaries, highlighting progress made, addressing challenges, and reinforcing government’s commitment to restoring land rights. The programme will also include the handover of title deeds to beneficiaries.

Details are as follows:
Date: Monday, 9 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Venue: Loft Conference Centre, Bethlehem, Free State

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks during the programme and participate in engagements with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

2.⁠ ⁠ENGAGEMENT WITH COMMUNAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATIONS (CPAs)

The second programme will focus on strengthening governance, accountability, and sustainability of Communal Property Associations. The engagement provides a platform for CPAs to present their experiences, challenges, and opportunities in managing communal land for the benefit of communities.

Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Venue: Lavender Hill Country Estate, Bethlehem, Free State

These engagements reaffirm government’s commitment to meaningful land reform, improved rural livelihoods, and ensuring that land reform beneficiaries and communal institutions are empowered, supported, and sustainable.

Members of the media are invited to cover both programmes.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the United Nations Secretary‑General, His Excellency Mr Antonio Guterres, of the South African government’s decision to withdraw its contribution of soldiers to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

South Africa ranks amongst the top ten troop‑contributing countries to MONUSCO, with a force presence of over seven hundred soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in support of the Mission’s peacekeeping mandate.

In a telephone conversation held on 12 January 2026, President Ramaphosa indicated that South Africa’s unilateral withdrawal decision from MONUSCO is influenced by the need to consolidate and realign the resources of the South African National Defence Force, following twenty‑seven years of South Africa’s support to UN peacekeeping efforts in the DRC.

MONUSCO was established by the UN Security Council in 1999, initially to support the 1999 Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. With persistent conflict in the DRC, the mission has evolved with a mandate to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence, and to support the DRC government in stabilisation and peace‑consolidation efforts.

South Africa will work jointly with the UN to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026.

President Ramaphosa has welcomed the appreciation expressed by the UN Secretary‑General regarding South Africa’s decision.

The South African government will continue to maintain close bilateral relations with the government of the DRC, as well as provide ongoing support to other multilateral efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) aimed at bringing lasting peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen together with the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso and the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, held an engagement with the Izwi Labantu Forum as part of efforts to address grievances delivered during a march to the Union Buildings on January 29,  2026.

The ministers were joined by senior officials at the head office of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development in Pretoria. Ministers Nyhontso and Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Mhlauli confirmed that constructive discussions were held and that, the engagement demonstrated that the government is committed to addressing genuine concerns raised, with ongoing and concrete interventions already underway across the affected sectors.

The issues presented by the Izwi Labantu, including matters relating to land reform, support for emerging farmers, rural safety, access to markets, bureaucratic delays, and transparency in agricultural support programmes, are not new to Government and form part of existing policy, reform, and implementation programmes currently being executed. 

Government has already initiated a series of interventions aimed at strengthening farmer support, improving land reform outcomes, enhancing rural safety coordination, and accelerating service delivery in affected communities. In addition, government wishes to reiterate its efforts and interventions to accelerating land reform and agriculture from both emerging and commercial farmers.

Over the years, government has put together programmes to addressing equity and inclusion of small scale and previously disadvantaged farmers. The inclusion of emerging black farmers in commercial agriculture is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector and our land reform programme. 

The ongoing land reform process and release of government land demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensure that emerging farmers are given the necessary support to contribute to the growth of South Africa's agricultural economy.

Given that the issue of land reform is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector to the same degree that the development of small and medium scale black farmers is vital for ensuring food security and increasing agricultural exports, the Government remains dedicated to advancing land reform and agricultural development, with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform providing political and strategic leadership on these issues.

In terms of targets for land reform, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has been working towards allocating 200,000 hectares of land between 2024 and 2029 to ensure equitable land access and improved tenure security.

This work will build on the significant progress achieved during the previous administrations. Among other matters, the following progress has been reported to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture:

• The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights reported that a total of 3,760,495 hectares of land were settled in the period between 1995 and 31 December 2024. A total of nearly 2,4 million individuals, including 1,275 persons with disabilities and 466,568 households, including 180,354 female-headed households benefited from these settlements. 
• Since 2019, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has released 125 land parcels measuring 25 549 hectares, for land redistribution,
• As of April 2025, the Department of Human Settlements had already released 44 land parcels measuring 2 424 hectares in extent. Power of Attorneys (POAs) have been issued to enable development planning. 

Issued by:
The Presidency of South Africa