President Cyril Ramaphosa will be making changes to the national executive following consultation  with the leadership of the Democratic Alliance as a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

These changes will affect the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy, Higher Education, and Water and Sanitation. 

Accordingly, President Ramaphosa will in line with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (“the Constitution”) appoint: 

Mr Willem Aucamp as the Minister of Agriculture,

Mr David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Furthermore, in accordance with section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution, President Ramaphosa is appointing the following Deputy Ministers:

Mr John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,

Ms Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy,

Mr Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation,

Mr  Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education. 

In the vacant Ministry of Social Development, President Ramaphosa has appointed Ms Dina Pule as the Minister of Social Development in accordance with section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution.

President Ramaphosa wishes all the incoming Ministers and Deputy Ministers well in their roles. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director;
Gauteng Premier, Mr Panyaza Lesufi;
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, Minister Solly Malatsi;
CEO of BrainSAT Technologies, Mr Adam Essa;
Distinguished Guests;

Good Evening,

Before I proceed with the main address, allow me to reaffirm that as Government we are deeply conscious of the challenges our nation faces. We are working tirelessly to address issues of illegal migration, ensuring that our borders are managed effectively and that the rule of law is upheld. This is not only about protecting our sovereignty, but also about demonstrating that Government listens, cares, and acts in the best interests of all South Africans.

Equally, we are speeding up programmes to build a growing economy that creates jobs for our people. It is this commitment to inclusive growth and opportunity that inspired me to accept the invitation to be here today. Tonight’s occasion is not only about technology, but also about the broader vision of a South Africa where every citizen has the chance to thrive.

I am very proud to be here tonight at the Launch of BrainSAT Satellite Services and Thuraya Satellite Phones. Tonight, we are not just introducing technology, we are witnessing the writing of a new chapter in South Africa’s digital journey.
 
As we turn this page, we cannot forget the lessons of the recent past. Many of us will recall the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Space42 pioneered a Proof-of-Concept using satellite technology to connect remote clinics to the internet.
 
What was once an emergency lifeline has now become the foundation for a future of universal access, reminding us that innovation born of crisis can become the architecture of renewal. 

Two years later after the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2024, we journeyed to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a Working Visit. I was accompanied by the then Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini; the then Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Ronald Lamola; and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Mondli Gungubele.

South Africa maintains positive diplomatic relations with the UAE, evidenced by frequent high-level visits and strong economic collaboration that benefits both nations. 

The UAE is a crucial investor in the South African economy, particularly in transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors, demonstrating the robust bilateral partnership between the two nations.
 
In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$5.22 billion, emphasising the UAE's strategic significance as an economic partner for South Africa in the Middle East and indicating potential for further trade and investment collaboration.

Our working visit was not only to strengthen ties but also to seek knowledge, to secure our digital sovereignty, and to ensure that South Africa would not stand at the margins of the digital revolution.

During the visit, we engaged with telecommunications and digital economy experts, aligning with South Africa's governmental objectives for enhancing technological and digital infrastructure towards Meaningful Universal Connectivity (MUC).
 
The MUC initiative aims to ensure citizens have access to affordable connectivity anytime, anywhere, with the necessary skills and devices to engage safely in the digital economy. 

Notably, the visit included direct engagement with innovative capabilities from Space42 and BrainSAT Technologies, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

The MoU represent more than a formal agreement. It is a commitment to bring world-class satellite and digital communications solutions to South Africa in service of our people. Tonight, here in Johannesburg, we see that commitment becoming a reality.

The launch of BrainSAT Satellite Services and Thuraya satellite phones mark an important milestone in our nation's pursuit of secure, resilient and reliable satellite connectivity. 

It is a powerful reminder that when vision aligns with partnership, progress is inevitable. This collaboration is a clear indication of South Africa’s readiness to embrace the digital future as well as positioning our country as a leader in Africa’s digital marketplace.

For us as Government, this launch is more than the unveiling of devices. It is about preserving dignity and ensuring that every child, whether in a rural village or a bustling city, has equal opportunities to learn, to dream, and to succeed.

We want a young boy in a rural village, who once had to walk kilometres just to borrow textbooks from a distant school library, to now have full access to digital connectivity. From his home, he should be able to log into online learning platforms, attend virtual classes, and connect with mentors across the world.

We also want an elderly woman, who used to wait weeks or even months for her children working in the city to visit, to now speak with them daily through video calls. She should be able to receive telehealth consultations without leaving her home and take part in community forums online at the comfort of a home.

As Government, we want these stories to become the lived reality of everyone in remote areas, where connectivity is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all and where opportunity reaches every household, every child, and every elder.

Most importantly, we want to ensure connection availability across South Africa’s most connectivity-dependent sectors such as energy, mining, maritime, and humanitarian operations. Satellite connectivity is essential for maintaining operational continuity and safety in extreme conditions. 

Collaborations with Government and Private Entities will ensure that critical sectors stay connected, thus advancing technological innovations while also protecting the essential lifelines of the economy and society.

However, we must understand that connectivity alone is insufficient. Connectivity must benefit everyone because it is a key engine of upward mobility in this digital age. 

As Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, I carry the responsibility to ensure that our young people are not left behind in this digital revolution. That is why I call on BrainSAT and Thurya to invest deeply in training programmes, apprenticeships, and skill development initiatives.

If we equip our youth with the expertise to design, maintain, and innovate within this sector, we secure South Africa’s digital future while empowering a generation to lead in the knowledge economy.

Our partnership must therefore be more about capacity-building, job creation, and nurturing talent so that our youth stand at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.

As a government, we are dedicated to enhancing public service accessibility for millions of South Africans. To achieve this, we have implemented the Roadmap for Digital Transformation in Government, aimed at simplifying access to essential services, including grants, ID applications, payment collections, and school registrations. 

The roadmap outlines a strategy for modernising service delivery through investments in shared systems, improved coordination, and the elimination of access barriers.

The launch of Thuraya Satellite Phone and BrainSAT Satellite Services will support the roadmap for digital transformation by providing a resilient infrastructure that supports modern and accessible public services. 

This technological foundation is designed to bridge the digital divide, enhance resilience, and empower citizens, allowing them to access government services with dignity and ease.

Furthermore, the Government views connectivity through the lens of the South Africa Connect programme, which aims to provide universal broadband access to all schools, health facilities, and Government institutions. This initiative focuses on creating an integrated "network of networks" to ensure that connectivity meets the cost and quality requirements of citizens, businesses, and the public sector.

The SA Connect initiative aims to enhance connectivity in remote areas of South Africa through a satellite-based communications network. This complements broadband services and addresses the digital divide in society. 

The National Satellite Communication (SATCOM) strategy, developed by the DCDT with various partners, focuses on establishing a South African-owned satellite system to achieve this goal. Additionally, the SATCOM strategy addresses several government priorities, and the deployment of the satellite system.

The benefits of having a South African-owned satellite system included improved efficiencies in service delivery in rural areas, catalysed economic growth, the development of new industries and markets, the creation of new skills, and increased access to broadband.

We understand that digital connectivity is essential in the modern global ecosystem, as it transforms industries and empowers individuals by breaking geographic barriers. It drives technology and data into practical solutions such as remote education, telemedicine, digital banking, and online trade.

It is the power that ensures our SMMEs are no longer confined to the marketplace of the street corner but are able to trade online, reaching customers far beyond their immediate community.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
It is equally important that international companies partner with local enterprises, for it is through such collaboration that the benefits of global innovation are firmly rooted in local empowerment.
 
By working hand in hand with South African companies, these partnerships ensure that advanced technologies are not only introduced but translated into opportunities that strengthen communities, build capacity, and safeguard our nation’s development. This ensures that the benefits of global innovation are rooted in local empowerment.

It is commendable that Space42 brings us world-class infrastructure: the Thuraya-4 NGS satellite, the Foresight SAR constellation, and Yahclick broadband. BrainSAT guarantees the translation of these global innovations into local empowerment. Together, these solutions have the potential to redefine the landscape of connectivity in South Africa, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of geography, can participate fully in the digital age.

As I have often said, reliable broadband and satellite connectivity are not merely technological advances; they are instruments of inclusion. In rural villages, townships and remote communities, they bridge the divide between isolation and opportunity. 

This is the foundation of a resilient digital economy. It equips farmers with real-time weather and market intelligence, enables small businesses to compete in the digital marketplace, and provides young people with access to the skills and opportunities that will define the jobs of the future.

Ladies and gentlemen, digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is an economic imperative. Around the world, it is driving investment, accelerating innovation, creating sustainable employment and improving the delivery of public services. Satellite communications are equally strategic, extending connectivity to underserved communities, strengthening national resilience, and ensuring that no South African is left behind.

Together, digital innovation and satellite connectivity form the foundation of inclusive growth, digital sovereignty and shared prosperity. The partnership between BrainSAT and its collaborators represents more than the launch of new technologies; it represents an investment in our people, our economy and our future.

Let us therefore embrace this moment with confidence and purpose. Together, we can build a digitally connected South Africa that not only transforms lives at home but also contributes meaningfully to Africa's digital future.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 01 July 2026, officiate the first Google Cloud Summit in Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Google Cloud Summit brings together global technology innovators, African policymakers, and industry captains.

The event is designed to showcase the transformative potential of Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence.

The Summit is convened under the theme “Google Cloud is building for Africa”, which will encompass launching new investment announcements in South Africa.

In March this year, President Ramaphosa convened the 6th South Africa Investment Conference under the 3 D’s framework, namely; Decarbonisation, Digitisation and Diversification, with the Ease of Doing Business being a cross-cutting theme.

The President also launched the second Presidential investment mobilisation drive with a target of R2 trillion in new investment from 2026 to 2030.

Google’s investment announcements are designed to directly support South Africa’s investment drive, advance The Presidency’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) agenda, and reinforce collaborative public-private efforts around AI skilling and national policy development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

President Ramaphosa will officiate and deliver keynote address to the Google Cloud Summit and investment announcement as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 01 July 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday,  03 July 2026, deliver a keynote address at the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration in Tshwane, Gauteng Province.

The acquisition by Chery International represents a significant transition in ownership and a new chapter in the facility’s operational future. It also  supports economic growth, job creation, and localisation. 

The automotive sector remains one of the critical pillars of South Africa's industrialisation programme. This investment in particular aligns with Government's commitment to attract investment that supports inclusive economic growth. It reinforces South Africa's position as the automotive gateway to the African continent.  

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 03 July 2026
Time: 14:00 (Media to arrive at 13h00)
Venue: Rosslyn Production Facility, Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng Province.

For more information and accreditation, please contact, Mr Sthembiso Sithole (Presidency) on 078 356 4355 or Ms Verene Peterson (Chery International) on 083 226 3344.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Presidency
 

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Honourable Ministers, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
We have reached the conclusion of an important session of our organisation. 
 
The decisions we have taken today on the political and security situation in the Republic of Madagascar reflect both the gravity of the challenges before us and the clarity of our collective commitment to peace, constitutional order and democratic governance.
 
Let me express our appreciation for the comprehensive work undertaken by the Panel of Elders, led by Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the SADC Secretariat. 
 
We approved the Reports of the three Shuttle Diplomacy Missions as submitted to the Extraordinary Troika Summit of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. 
 
We commend the Organ Troika for providing the necessary support and guidance to the work of the Shuttle Diplomacy Mission.
 
We urge the Organ Troika to convene at shorter intervals to assess the work of the Shuttle Diplomacy Mission and deploy the necessary interventions as the reform process progresses in our sister country, Madagascar. 
 
We commended the Panel and all those involved for executing the mandate of this Summit with diligence, impartiality and dedication under complex circumstances. 
 
Their work has provided us with a clear, evidence-based understanding of developments on the ground and the state of the reform process.
 
As we have reaffirmed today, any reform or refoundation process must be understood as a transitional pathway, not an open-ended arrangement. 
 
It must lead, within a defined and reasonable timeframe, to the restoration of full constitutional order and the holding of democratic elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Malagasy people. 
 
Our region cannot afford cycles of transition without resolution. Stability is not sustained by indefinite processes, but by credible institutions and legitimate, elected governance.
 
We have agreed that SADC shall remain seized with the situation in Madagascar and will continue to accompany the Malagasy people on this journey. 
 
In doing so, we reaffirm our unwavering support for a process that is inclusive, transparent, and nationally owned.
 
We reaffirm our support for a process that addresses the political, security, economic and institutional causes of instability.
 
Today’s decisions send a clear message to all stakeholders in Madagascar. 
 
First, that the success of the national consultation and reform process depends on the participation and good faith of all actors. We therefore urge all parties – government, political actors, civil society, youth, women, traditional leaders and all sectors of society – to engage constructively, exercise restraint and place national interests above narrow considerations.
 
Second, we emphasise that inclusivity and transparency are essential conditions for legitimacy. We call on the Government of Madagascar to ensure that consultations are genuinely representative and that implementation is guided by impartiality and neutrality. 
 
Third, we have strengthened the SADC engagement architecture. The expanded mandate of the Panel of Elders, under Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda, including facilitation and reconciliation functions, will ensure sustained political accompaniment. 
 
The approval of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo will further enhance our capacity to support coordination on the ground, in close collaboration with national authorities and partners. 
 
These mechanisms are designed to ensure that SADC remains present, responsive and effective.
 
Finally, we have reinforced accountability. 
 
Regular reporting through the Secretariat, including quarterly updates and immediate escalation of any deterioration or deviation from agreed milestones to the Organ Troika, will ensure that we remain fully informed and able to respond decisively where necessary. 
 
This is essential for maintaining confidence in the process and credibility in our collective decisions.
 
We reiterate our call for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests and the facilitation of the return of political exiles. 
 
These measures are not only humanitarian in nature; they are fundamental to building trust and creating an environment conducive to genuine national dialogue and reconciliation.
 
What we have decided today is a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to defend constitutional governance, to prevent the recurrence of instability and to stand in solidarity with the people of Madagascar as they seek a more stable and democratic future.
 
Let us therefore remain guided by unity of purpose that underpins the existence of our organisation, consistency in principle and values upon which SADC was founded, and firmness in implementation of our decisions. 
 
The credibility of SADC depends on our ability to ensure that we all respect the decisions that we collectively take.
 
I thank you once again for your participation and attention to this critical matter. 
 
I thank you.
 

Your Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Outgoing Chairperson of SADC,
Your Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Interim Incoming Chairperson of SADC,
Your Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,
Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers,
Honourable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon
 
Allow me to welcome you all to this important Virtual Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government. Thank you for availing yourselves at short notice.
 
We meet at a decisive moment for our region and, most urgently, for the Republic of Madagascar. 
 
We recall the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC, held virtually on 17 December 2025. 
 
Upon receiving a comprehensive report from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, following the Technical Fact-Finding Mission to Madagascar undertaken in October 2025, that Summit took far-reaching decisions. 
 
Today’s session will assess the extent to which those decisions have been implemented.
 
Having carefully considered the political and security developments that culminated in a change of government in Madagascar in 2025, the Summit in December last year noted the restoration of relative calm and the launch of national consultations by the Transitional Authorities. 
 
We reaffirmed a clear and collective position: SADC will remain actively engaged in Madagascar until our sister country restores constitutional order. 
 
We further committed that the reform process must be inclusive, time-bound and nationally owned. The reform process must create space for all stakeholders, including political exiles, to participate meaningfully in shaping Madagascar’s future.
 
Importantly, the Summit had urged Madagascar to submit a dialogue readiness report and a draft National Roadmap by 28 February 2026, with regular updates thereafter. 
 
These are not procedural formalities – they are essential benchmarks for accountability, transparency and trust in a process that must lead to credible elections within an agreed framework. 
 
We further approved the deployment of the SADC Panel of Elders, led by former President Dr Joyce Banda, supported by the Mediation Reference Group and the Secretariat, to accompany Madagascar’s reform process. 
 
We also directed the Secretariat to work closely with the African Union and international partners to mobilise financial, technical and logistical support in a coordinated manner, ensuring coherence and avoiding fragmentation of efforts. 
 
The message from the Summit was unequivocal: regional and international support must reinforce Malagasy-led solutions, not replace them.
 
The report of the Mission before us today will indicate whether Madagascar has seized the window of opportunity afforded by our regional organisation. 
 
It will indicate if calm continues to prevail, if the nation is fully engaged in inclusive national consultations, if institutions are becoming more representative, and if reforms are taking firm root. 
 
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all actors – government, opposition, civil society, youth, women and traditional leaders – to act in good faith and place national interest above partisan considerations. 
 
In this journey, SADC must remain engaged, vigilant and principled.
 
We are looking forward to the report of the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held on the 22nd of June 2026 on the political and security situation in the Republic of Madagascar.
 
I thank you.
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, deliver a keynote address at the launch of BrainSAT South Africa’s satellite services and the unveiling of the next-generation Thuraya satellite phone in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The launch comes as part of the outcome of the Deputy President’s visit to the UAE in April 2024, where he met with various companies that provide satellite technology. One of the key results of those engagements was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Space42 and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Space42 is partnering with BrainSAT South Africa to enable this MOU.

BrainSAT South Africa provides integrated satellite communication solutions to government, business, and industry, delivering secure voice, broadband, and data connectivity services across a range of sectors.

Through its strategic partnership with Space42, a leading global SpaceTech company, BrainSAT South Africa leverages advanced satellite infrastructure and technologies to extend world-class satellite communication services throughout South Africa and the African continent.

The launch marks an important milestone in advancing South Africa’s digital connectivity agenda by expanding access to secure and reliable satellite communication services that support socio-economic development, innovation, and improved connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

In his keynote address, the Deputy President is expected to underscore the importance of digital transformation as a catalyst for economic growth, investment, and job creation. He will further highlight the strategic role of satellite communications in strengthening national connectivity, bridging the digital divide, and improving access to services in remote communities.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Time: 17:00
Venue: Polo Room, Inanda Club, Sandton

Members of the media interested in covering the launch are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media house, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, has today, Saturday 27 June 2026, successfully concluded his Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, undertaken at the invitation of the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin.

The Working Visit was aimed at strengthening trade, investment and industrial cooperation between South Africa and China.

Chairman Ren Hongbin welcomed the Deputy President and the South African delegation and highlighted the importance of South Africa’s participation at CISCE.
The Deputy President thanked CCPIT for the invitation and for hosting the Expo, and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment cooperation with China.

Both sides discussed opportunities to improve market access, expand business participation, and deepen cooperation on trade and investment platforms.

The Deputy President participated in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) for the second time, reflecting the strengthening and continuity of South Africa’s engagement with this important global platform. 

The Deputy President's address at the Expo highlighted the importance of resilient, diversified and sustainable global supply chains in a changing global economy, and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

" South Africa is an attractive investment destination, supported by sophisticated industrial capabilities, a world-class financial sector, and well-established logistics infrastructure. We remain committed to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, accelerating infrastructure development, and strengthening industrial competitiveness" said the Deputy President.

During the Expo, the Deputy President conducted a walkabout of the exhibition, where he engaged exhibitors showcasing developments in digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, green energy, agriculture, smart mobility and supply chain services.

As part of the Working Visit, the Deputy President also held a bilateral meeting with Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between South Africa and China and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and multilateral engagement.

In an effort to strengthen economic cooperation and attract investment, the Deputy President engaged with a number of leading Chinese companies, including China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, Green Minerals and Metals (GMM Holding), Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering & Technology and SANY Group.

The engagements focused on infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, environmental management, healthcare, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, skills development and localisation. 

The Deputy President encouraged the companies to invest in South Africa and invited them to participate in the next South Africa Investment Conference.

In addition, the Deputy President participated in a South Africa Networking Session hosted at the South African Embassy in Beijing, which brought together government, business and investment stakeholders to strengthen economic cooperation and promote South Africa as an investment destination.

On the second leg of the Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile traveled to Shenzhen, in the Nanshan District of Guangdong Province where he further engaged in the China (Shenzhen Nanshan)- South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange at the Go Global Center, a guided tour of the facilities and a number of high-level engagements with Representatives from Government, Business and China Communist Party, the governing party of the People's Republic of China.

The engagements included  a bilateral meeting with Mr Huang Xiangyue, Secretary of CPC Nanshan District Committee Shenzhen and his delegation; a bilateral meeting with the China Everbright Environment and Delegation led by Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Wang Silian; a bilateral meeting with the Shenzhen Yujiaocheng Technology Co (YJC Group) and Jiangsu Joylong Automobile Co, led by Mr Derrick Zho and Mr Ni Haifei respectively; a meeting with Ms Shirley Chan, Deputy Secretary General of the South Africa-China Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce and her delegation; a guided tour and bilateral engagement with the Senior Leadership of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics.

On the final day of his Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile held a bilateral meeting with the China Communist Party Secretary of Shenzhen, Mr Jin Lei and his delegation as well as traveled to Dongguan for a guided tour of the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Centre (SACC), a platform for strengthening commercial and economic relations between South Africa and China through imports and exports.

"South Africa values institutions that create practical mechanisms for expanding trade, attracting investment, and facilitating business partnerships between our two Republics," said the Deputy President as he concluded the Working Visit.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi and senior Government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Majesties, Kings and Queens,
Ministers,
Officials,
Colleagues, 

Thank you for accepting my invitation to this meeting to discuss a matter that concerns all our people: the issue of migration.

We would like to brief you on government’s approach on this issue.

We would also like to be informed by the wisdom, experiences and concerns of those who lead our people and who are the custodians of our customs and our traditions. 

For generations, the peoples of our region have been bound together by ties of kinship, culture and history that pay no heed to the borders drawn on maps. 

Many of the people you lead share ancestry, language and customs with people in neighbouring countries. 

Over recent months, South Africans from every walk of life have raised concerns about migration, and illegal immigration in particular. 

These concerns arise in conditions of persistently high unemployment, poverty and hardship. 

They arise in communities that are plagued by crime, violence and corruption, and where there is increasing pressure on public services. 

Yet illegal immigration is not the cause of our social and economic difficulties. 

To tackle the challenges our country faces, we need faster and more inclusive growth, job creation and development. 

Migration is not the cause of our problems, but it is something that we must manage constructively and collectively.

We must do so while always holding firm to our Constitutional principles and shared values. 

We are mindful that the recent mobilisation against foreign nationals carries real risks for our communities and for our country. 

Unrest, violence and intimidation tear at the social fabric of our communities.

They endanger lives and they damage the standing and the reputation our country has worked hard to build. 

We have seen how some other African countries have raised concerns about the mobilisation of anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa. 

This has been worsened by the spread of misinformation and disinformation. 

These developments strain the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that unite us with our neighbours on the African continent. 

When I addressed the nation on the 7th of June to outline government’s Comprehensive Approach to Managing Migration, I said that every person within our borders must be here lawfully. 

I said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state, and that no individual may stop another to demand documentation or proof of nationality. 

I said that there is no place for racism, sexism, tribalism, xenophobia, Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance. 

The comprehensive approach adopted by Cabinet rests upon five pillars. 

Firstly, we are cracking down on violations of immigration, labour and other laws. 

Secondly, we are securing our borders. 

Thirdly, we are strengthening our immigration system by rooting out corruption and deploying advanced technology. 

Fourthly, we are closing the gaps in our laws and policies. 

Fifthly, we are working with our sister countries through SADC and the African Union to address the conditions that compel people to migrate. 

As a country, we need to have a common view and to take a common approach to managing migration. 

Our Kings and Queens have a vital role to play in this effort. 

As the traditional sovereigns of many of our people, as leaders who command deep trust and moral authority, you are well placed to speak out against intolerance and instability.

You can use your standing to calm tensions, resolve disputes through dialogue and prevent communities from being mobilised for violence and disorder. 

Through the spirit of Ubuntu that you embody and protect, you can remind our people that we are defined by our humanity towards one another. 

You continue to guide and unite your communities, working with government and other social partners to address the very conditions of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment in which these tensions take root. 

I hope that we can emerge from this meeting with a clear sense of how government, our traditional monarchs and the institution of traditional leadership more broadly can work together to address this challenge. 

While there are immediate pressures, the issue of migration is something that we must remain engaged with not only now, but into the future.

Thank you again for accepting my invitation and I look forward to our discussion. 

I thank you.

Programme Director Cllr Rebecca Lenstsoane,
Organisers of the Expo led by Sello Malatji
Deputy Minister, Dr Regina Mhaule,
Hon Member of Parliament Ms Joy Maimela,
Executive Mayor of Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Cllr Moimana,
Educators and Community Leaders,
Representatives of the Private Sector and Civil Society,
Learners present
Programme Director,
Happy birthday to the Mayor of Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality. We will not ask how old the mayor is, but we certainly wish him many more years of service and leadership. Allow me to acknowledge all councillors present, our distinguished guests, representatives from the Department of Basic Education, educators, organisers of this Career Expo, and most importantly, the learners gathered here today. I also wish to recognise the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education. She plays a critical role in overseeing the work of the Department of Basic Education and ensuring that learners across South Africa receive quality education, textbooks on time, and the support they need to succeed.

My name is Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency. In simple terms, that means I work in the Office of the President, and it is a privilege to be with you here today.

Today is a significant day in the history of our country. Exactly 71 years ago, on 26 June 1955, the Freedom Charter was adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown. The Freedom Charter became the foundation upon which our democratic Constitution was built. It was there that ordinary South Africans declared that "The People Shall Govern" and affirmed their vision of a free, equal, and democratic society. This year is also significant because we celebrate 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the supreme law of our land. The Constitution protects our rights, guides our democracy, and reminds us of our responsibilities as citizens.

Career expos are much more than events on a calendar. They are opportunities that can change lives. I know this from personal experience. I became interested in journalism after attending an event where I came across a newspaper. I became curious about how stories are written, edited, printed, and distributed. That curiosity eventually led me to study journalism. Today, I hope this Career Expo sparks that same curiosity in each of you. As you walk through the exhibition stands, ask questions. Explore careers you may never have considered before. Learn about bursaries, training opportunities, entrepreneurship, and higher education. Allow your imagination to be awakened.

Many of you attend no-fee schools. Some people may see that as a disadvantage. I do not. Over the past 32 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to quality education and opportunities for young people. Next year, many of you will enter universities, colleges, and training institutions. You will sit in classrooms alongside students from different backgrounds and different parts of the country. What will determine your success is not where you come from, but your commitment, discipline, and determination. I stand before you today as someone who attended a township school. Others standing here come from village schools. Yet today we serve our country in positions of leadership. That should tell you one thing: your background does not define your future.

Success begins with discipline. Discipline is reflected in how you conduct yourself, how seriously you take your studies, how you respect your teachers, and how committed you are to achieving your goals. Good results do not happen by chance. They require consistency, hard work, and sacrifice. The future you want starts with the choices you make today.

One of the most important messages I want to leave with you today is this: apply now. Applications for universities, TVET colleges and other institutions of higher learning are already open. Do not wait for your final matric results before applying. Submit your applications now. Secure your student number. As your marks improve through the year, you can update your application accordingly. If you wait until January, many programmes may already be full. We want every learner here today to leave matric knowing that they have already taken the first step towards their future.

This year is also an election year. Many of you are already 18 years old or will soon reach voting age. Every councillor, mayor, Member of Parliament, Minister, and President serves because citizens exercised their democratic right to vote. I encourage each of you to register to vote through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Participating in democracy is not only about voting; it is about shaping the future of your community, your province, and your country. Who knows? The next mayor, minister, member of parliament or even president may very well be sitting in this audience today.

As I conclude, I want to thank each of you for being here today. Do not see this Career Expo as simply a day away from the classroom. See it as an opportunity to invest in your future. Be curious. Ask questions. Explore possibilities. Learn about bursaries, careers, and opportunities. Most importantly, believe in your potential. We must continue changing the narrative of our communities, our schools, our municipality, our province, and our country.

The future of South Africa is sitting under this tent today.

Go out and make that future a reality.

I thank you.