Skip to main content
x
Image
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations, New York
Body

President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ms Annalena Baerbock, 
United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres,
Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Eighty years ago, the United Nations was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and build a peaceful, prosperous and just world arising from the devastation brought about by global conflict. 

Through the UN Charter, the nations of the world pledged to uphold peace, development and human rights underpinned by international law. 

Now more than ever, we are called upon to uphold the values and advance the purpose of the United Nations. 

We are called upon to advance cooperation and solidarity between nations. 

We are called upon to promote multilateralism and safeguard the institutions that enable it. 

South Africa’s engagement in the international sphere echoes our domestic imperatives of eradicating poverty, reducing unemployment and addressing the root causes of inequality. 

Our foreign policy is guided not only by the needs of our people, but also those of the continent of Africa and the Global South. 

Inspired by our own history, South Africa strives to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes through negotiation and dialogue, not war. 

We therefore welcome the strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations in promoting peace, security and stability on the African continent. 

This year, South Africa is honoured to preside over the G20. 

This is the first time that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on the African Continent, the Cradle of Humankind. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is guided by the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 

As Member States of the United Nations, we adopted the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Many of these goals remain elusive. 

There are many reasons that hold many countries from fulfilling and implementing these development goals. Some of the reasons are lack of sufficient financial resources. 

Many countries with developing economies, especially in Africa, do not have adequate capital to finance their development goals. They are indebted and are paying more on debt servicing than they do on health and education. 

Yet through global solidarity, by having fairer lending rules especially for several countries of the Global South, we can achieve our shared commitment. 

Through the G20 process we are working towards consensus on how this problem can be tackled, including the reform of international financial institutions, particularly multilateral development banks, to better tackle global challenges. 

The multilateral trading system needs to be reformed as we re-confirm that the World Trade Organisation remains the only multilateral body capable of managing differences and coordinating positions in global trade. 

Trade is one of the most important instruments to mobilise domestic resources for development. 

It is concerning that geopolitical shocks and unprecedented trade policy volatility are destabilising the global economy and jeopardising a critical source of development financing. 

We must redouble our efforts to strengthen the link between trade and development. 

Unilateral trade practices and economic coercion have a detrimental impact on many nations. This includes the economic embargo against Cuba, which has caused untold damage to the country’s economy over the years. This unfair embargo must be lifted. 

In the midst of global trade uncertainty, the African continent is providing a pragmatic example of constructive collaboration by using the African Continental Free Trade Area as an engine for sustainable growth and development. 

This will, with commitment, become the central pillar of economic cooperation and integration for our continent. 

As part of the effort to build more inclusive economies, South Africa’s G20 Presidency has launched an Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality. 

This committee, chaired by Professor Joseph Stiglitz a Nobel laureate, will deliver the first-ever report on global inequality to G20 leaders. 

Climate change is an existential threat. 

We are failing future generations by our inability to reduce global warming. 

Climate change is reversing economic growth and development gains in many countries, especially in the Global South. 

Although Africa carries the least responsibility for climate change, many countries on the continent experience much of its harshest effects. 

Extreme weather events like floods and droughts are driving food insecurity, displacing populations, causing damage to infrastructure and leading to the unnecessary loss of livelihoods. 

Member States must honour their undertakings and commitments in line with the guiding principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. 

The Secretary-General recently reported that global military expenditure has reached historic highs just as the world is falling behind on its core development promises.  

We are building weapons, when we should be building social infrastructure. 

We are fighting wars that cause death and destruction, when we should be fighting poverty and developing the livelihoods of vulnerable people. 

We must act decisively to silence all guns, everywhere, to realise the goal of sustainable development and global peace. 

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the UN, the relevance of this institution and multilateral processes for the maintenance of international peace and security is being wilfully undermined. 

There is an increasing reliance on unilateral military action in contravention of international law. 

The United Nations Security Council has proven to be ineffective in its current form and composition in carrying out its Charter mandate to maintain international peace and security. 

South Africa remains deeply concerned by the erosion of the credibility of the Security Council and its failure to ensure accountability and uphold international law. 

As the security and humanitarian situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Gaza and elsewhere deteriorate, it is a matter of grave concern that there are countries that continue to violate international law and defy UN resolutions and rulings from bodies like the International Court of Justice. 

The establishment of the Hague Group and the Madrid Group aim to reaffirm the primacy of international law, promoting accountability and ensuring support for a just peace. 

We cannot and should not accept that members of this Organisation continue to violate without consequence the Charter that we have all agreed to uphold. 

Therefore, as nations that have pledged to uphold the UN Charter, we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure and protect the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 

Consistent with the case that South Africa brought before the International Court of Justice, there is growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. 

Just last week, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry found that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. 

As Palestinians continue to face genocide and famine, we have a duty to act. 

We welcome the historic High-Level Meeting held yesterday on the Two-State Solution yesterday in this chamber. This reflects the determination of the global majority that Palestinians deserve a peaceful state alongside a peaceful Israel. 

The long overdue announcement by an increasing number of countries to recognise the State of Palestine is testament to this determination. 

We have a responsibility as the Member States of the United Nations to reaffirm the right of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. 

The very first resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, in January 1946, called for the elimination of atomic weapons. 

The resolution was passed shortly after the catastrophic use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Decades later, we have not made significant progress in the fulfilment of the commitment to nuclear disarmament. 

In 2026, South Africa will be presiding over the first review conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 

This Treaty reaffirms that there is no greater assurance of non-proliferation than the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons.

This year, we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a roadmap for the achievement of gender equality. 

South Africa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and their full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of life. 

This milestone reminds us of our shared responsibility to advance human rights, dignity and justice for all. 

The right to development must be central to the policies and operational activities of the UN and its specialised agencies, programmes and funds. 

It must be at the core of the policies and strategies of the international financial and multilateral trading systems. 

As we celebrate 80 years of the United Nations, we must seize the opportunity to build a better UN for the next 80 years. 

What is needed now is a stronger and more capable United Nations, based on a renewed commitment to its founding principles. 

We must invigorate the negotiations on Security Council reform at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations in the General Assembly, including by initiating text-based negotiations. 

The Security Council must be more accountable, representative, democratic and effective in executing its mandate. 

We look forward to working with the Secretary-General on the UN80 Initiative to ensure that our Organisation works more effectively and efficiently. 

Mandates given by Member States must be implemented and the necessary structural changes and programme realignment must be implemented across the UN system. 

In the face of the decrease in funding to the United Nations to fulfil its mandate, the UN80 Initiative is important to maintain the integrity of the multilateral system and to uphold international law. 

Lastly, I am reminded that our collective membership of the United Nations is our shared humanity in action. 

The UN at 80 compels us to reflect on our collective achievements, and to chart a way forward in building an Organisation that is able to address our common challenges. 

We must rise to the occasion and do our utmost together to ensure the political, economic and social freedom of all humanity. 

We must reaffirm that freedom is indivisible and that the denial of the rights of one person diminishes the freedom of us all. 

We must reaffirm the equal dignity and worth of every person and must therefore leave no-one behind. 

I thank you.
 

Image
President Ramaphosa to address the UNGA80 High Level Segment
Body

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 23 September 2025, join Heads of State and Government,  at the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The proceedings will commence from 15h00(SAST).

The President is speaker number 16 on the speakers list and he is expected to address at 20h15 (SAST).

The proceedings can be followed on https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n/k1n593x637.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Image
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers remarks at the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, New York, USA
Body

Distinguished Guests,

Colleagues,

Partners,

It is a great privilege to join you this evening in support of a cause that is vital to the conservation of all life on our planet – the launch of the Africa Keystone Partnership.

We wish to commend the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the Rob Walton Foundation, and the African Wildlife Foundation for their dedication to nature conservation in Africa.

We also welcome the bipartisan support from United States Senators and Congresspeople present here.

Nature knows no political barriers and we are united in a shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.

Nature is an intrinsic part of our cultural and social identity. It is vital to human well-being and progress.

South Africa welcomes support from our friends in the United States.

The 162 areas in Africa that are suggested for additional protection have been identified based on irreplaceability, connectivity, ecological integrity and resilience.

Some of these areas are already supported by African Parks.

However, all have funding and resource gaps.

We have therefore come here to listen to the proposals on the African Keystone Partnership and to say that we are keen on further dialogue.

I therefore invite the champions on this initiative to have in-depth follow up discussions with our relevant department and agencies.

As African countries, we have much to share with our international partners.

As South Africa, we have a proud reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible nature conservation as is our duty as one of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.

Over the past 25 years, in the Southern African region, we have undertaken a remarkable journey and witnessed the many achievements of our Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme.

These wildlife areas that have been established across national borders have a transformative impact on conservation, regional integration and sustainable development.

The idea behind these transfrontier parks is bold yet simple: “Nature knows no borders”.

The Transfrontier Conservation Areas serve as critical ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife and preserving biodiversity across borders.

These areas have unlocked sustainable tourism opportunities.

Investments in conservation economies have created jobs, improved livelihoods and empowered local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.

These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and benefit the people who live near the parks.

Such parks symbolise unity, cooperation and shared responsibility among our nations.

I am confident that the 162 parks identified for support through the Africa Keystone Partnership will serve the same noble purpose.

Let us continue to champion this model of conservation, integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems and for future generations.

I thank you.
 

Image
Statement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa during the High-Level on Two-State Solution, UN General Assembly, New York, USA
Body

Co-Chairs,
Excellencies,

Thank you for convening this crucial meeting.

This is a matter of great significance, not only for the people of Palestine, not only for the people of Israel, but for all people who cherish the ideals of freedom and self-determination.

Shortly after the United Nations was created, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, which recommended the creation of two states, Israel and Palestine.

Immediately following the adoption of this resolution, only the State of Israel was created, ushering the Palestinians into a decades-long wilderness of statelessness characterised by decades of occupation and now genocide.

The High-Level International Conference has clearly shown that the global majority is committed to peace in the Middle East and supports the long overdue creation and recognition of the sovereign State of Palestine.

South Africa reiterates its firm commitment to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian State existing peacefully and side by side with the State of Israel, along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The global majority should continue to pursue this ideal despite efforts by Israel to make the establishment of a Palestinian state practically impossible.

The world is appalled at the brutal acts of genocide and grave war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, aimed at eradicating the Palestinians from that narrow strip of land, and the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

The situation has been made worse by Israel’s stated intention to annex the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The viability of a two-state solution depends on full and universal respect for international law.

It requires the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the Provisional Measures and Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.

All states, including the State of Israel, must comply with our collective obligations under international law.

The establishment of the Hague Group and the recent meeting of the Madrid Group to elevate the primacy of international law, promote accountability and ensure a just peace are welcome developments.

As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, we call on all Member States to recognise Palestinian statehood and act in solidarity with its people.

To restore the prospects of a two-state solution, we call for:

firstly, global recognition of Palestine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity;

secondly, an immediate ceasefire, an end to the genocide and the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by Israel;

thirdly, full respect for international law, including UN resolutions and opinions and decisions of the International Court of Justice;

fourthly, removal of obstacles to the two-state solution, including a halt to illegal settlements and removal of the separation wall; and

lastly, restoration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

We are gravely concerned by UN reports stating that all areas of Gaza have reached acute starvation levels and that the residents are facing famine.

South Africa joins calls for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access, encompassing all air, land and sea borders, to allow for vital aid and basic services to reach those living in Gaza.

This is a conflict that has raged for almost as long as the United Nations has existed.

It will be a blight on our collective conscience if self-determination, sovereignty and human rights continue to be denied to the Palestinian people.

We trust that the practical measures and requirements outlined in the outcome document of the International Conference will provide crucial momentum towards achieving lasting peace.

The international community must act now and in unison.

It must act not only in the interests of international peace and security, but also to protect people whose very existence is now under threat.

We welcome the demonstrable groundswell of support for the establishment of the much-awaited State of Palestine.

We must now work together to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting solution.

I thank you.
 

Image
President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish Community Shanah Tova
Body

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Image
President Ramaphosa arrives in New York for the UNGA80 High Level Segment
Body

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States of America to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

The President will on Monday, 22 September 2025 participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.  The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments.

The President will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive.

The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, The President will lead the High level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.  G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace

President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week.

The President is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

UNGA80 High-Level schedule and clean feed available on https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Image
President Ramaphosa to champion global solutions and UN reform at 80th UN General Assembly
Body

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.

Under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” this landmark session coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter. President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful, and equitable world order.

Advancing a Vision for Peace and Multilateralism
President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. His address will champion robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

The delegation will engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

Championing UN Reform and Sustainable Development
A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, democratic, and effective. South Africa will assertively advance the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Engagements
On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:
· The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
· The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
· A High-Level meeting on the two-state solution in Israel/Palestine.
· Trade and investment  discussions with leading US captains of Industry and other key US decision makers.

The President will be accompanied and supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.


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

Issued by: The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Pretoria

Image
Deputy President Mashatile convenes meeting of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism
Body

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 19 September 2025, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, convened a virtual meeting of the structure. 

In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member Government of National Unity (GNU), and delegated Deputy President Mashatile to lead the GNU Clearing House.

The purpose of today’s meeting was to review written submissions by Political Parties into the Draft Terms of Reference as per the resolution of the meeting of the Clearing House that took place in March 2025. 

The meeting received a consolidated report on written submissions from the Good Party, Al Jama-Ah, and Democratic Alliance.  

The Deputy President raised his concern about the time that the Clearing House has taken to finalise the matter, and provided the following way forward to expedite the process: 

Establishment of a Task Team to review the current draft TOR’s to report back to the Clearing House in two weeks’ time. The Task Team will be led by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and comprised of the following members: Hon Thomas Walters (DA), Hon Makashule Gana (Rise Mzansi), Mr Apa Pooe (PAC). 

This meeting also serves as an indication that the GNU remains in tact and committed to the shared goals and objectives of each representative party towards which include, but are not limited to driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high rate of unemployment. 


Enquiries on the GNU Clearing House Mechanism: Mr Mduduzi Mbada, Head of Office of the Deputy President on 082 900 1893.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Image
Deputy Minister Mhlauli to deliver the Rhodes University Open Guest Lecture on Governance, Heritage Month and Indigenous Languages
Body

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Monday, 22 September 2025 deliver the keynote address at an Open Guest Lecture hosted by the School of Languages and Literatures at Rhodes University.

Her address will focus on “Governance contribution to empowering the community about Heritage Month and the importance of indigenous languages as part of institutional transformation.”

The lecture forms part of the University’s S.E.K. Mqhayi Week and Heritage Month activities celebrating the legacy of the renowned imbongi and writer whose work helped standardise isiXhosa and advance African linguistic scholarship.

Details of the lecture are as follows:

Date: Monday, 22 September 2025
Time: 18h30 (guests seated by 18h20)
Venue: Great Lecture Theatre, Rhodes University, Makhanda (Grahamstown)

 

Media enquiries and RSVPs: 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

Image
Deputy President Mashatile to lead Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Body

In his capacity as the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government, officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape Province. 

This year’s, Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme: “Re-imagine our Heritage Institutions for a New Era”, emphasising the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

In particular, the 2025 celebration will focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in the light of social, economic, and technological challenges. It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts. 

Over the years, there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement, said the Deputy President.

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation,” said the Deputy President, “so our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices.”

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.
  
“Thus the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Details of the celebration are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Time: 09h00 (media to start setting up from 07h00)

Venue: Bridgeton Sport Grounds, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

For all enquiries regarding media accreditation, please contact Mr Madimetja Moleba (DSAC) on 066 301 4675 or madimetjam@dsac.gov.za  

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Subscribe to
 Union Building