Your Excellency Vice President HAN Zheng, dear colleagues and friends,

I wish to express my profound gratitude for today’s engagements and your leadership in co-chairing this successful 9th Session of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission.

Today’s proceedings have injected renewed momentum into our bilateral relations and reaffirmed the importance of this platform as the apex mechanism guiding cooperation between the two nations

Our deliberations today have also enabled us to take stock of progress since the 8th Session and to assess implementation under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation.

We have noted with appreciation the outcomes of the Foreign Affairs Sectoral Committee, which reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing development, addressing debt sustainability, strengthening climate action, and promoting the reform of international financial institutions to better reflect the interests of developing countries such as ourselves.

South Africa further welcomes the continued strengthening of coordination within multilateral platforms, including BRICS, which is playing an increasingly important role in advancing a more inclusive, equitable and multipolar global order, as well as our shared commitment to safeguarding multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

South Africa also notes the importance of strengthening political dialogue through platforms such as the Strategic Dialogue and the Joint Working Group, which will ensure sustained engagement on regional and global priorities, and the effective implementation of BNC outcomes.

With that being said, in the area of Trade and Investment, South Africa welcomes the progress made in advancing cooperation in key sectors, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and the China National Nuclear Corporation in April 2025, as well as ongoing engagements through the China–South Africa Mining Working Group.

We are encouraged by the growing collaboration in energy planning, gas-to-power and nuclear-to-power development, as well as the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in mineral processing, beneficiation and value addition, which are critical to strengthening South Africa’s industrial base for economic growth.

South Africa further notes the importance of expanding investment cooperation, including mobilising Chinese investment into initiatives such as the Junior Mining Exploration Fund, revitalising smelters, and strengthening South Africa’s position within global value chains.

In the Environmental and Infrastructure sector, South Africa welcomes progress in cooperation on small harbours, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as ongoing negotiations on protocols and agreements that will strengthen market access and technical collaboration.

South Africa also notes the advancement of cooperation in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and environmental research, including progress on agreements relating to wetlands, desert ecosystems and wildlife.

In the area of Science and Technology, we are encouraged by the agreement to expand joint research projects and flagship initiatives, as well as the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges between researchers. To this end, South Africa welcomes the growing cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, innovation and digital technologies, which will support technology localisation, skills development and the advancement of sustainable economic growth.

In the field of Education and Culture, we commend the expansion of scholarship programmes supported by our Sector Education and Training Authorities, as well as initiatives such as the Chinese STEM Bursary Programme and partnerships with institutions such as Beijing Polytechnic College.

We are encouraged by the focus on technical and vocational education and training, which is equipping young South Africans with critical skills, including in emerging sectors such as new energy vehicle technologies, which are creating pathways into employment through partnerships with industry.

In a rapidly changing global environment, shaped by shifting leadership dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, South Africa and China, countries must continue to work together to advance shared modernisation, deepen economic cooperation, and strengthen coordination in multilateral platforms, while promoting dialogue, stability and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Your Excellency, I once again thank you for your leadership and partnership in today’s engagements and look forward to concluding our discussions later this evening at the banquet dinner hosted in your honour in Constantia Winelands, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy some of South Africa’s finest African cuisine and hospitality.
 

Let me take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Your Excellency Vice President HAN Zheng, and your delegation to South Africa. Your presence reflects the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to development that underpin relations between our two nations, as the year 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

We recall with appreciation the strong momentum in our bilateral relations, including my Working Visit to China in July 2025, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, followed by the meeting held in November 2025 with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel in Sandton which advanced South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance.

Since the establishment of the Bi-National Commission through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, this platform in particular has served as the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between South Africa and China.

Over nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries.

This platform remains relevant today and continues to provide strategic direction for the implementation of our partnership, particularly under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation (2020–2029).

Therefore, my hope for today is that this meeting will guide us in consolidating progress since the 8th session, help us identify priority areas for future cooperation, and strengthen sectoral collaboration.

While South Africa maintains strong relations with all major global partners and actively participates in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the G20, BRICS and the International Criminal Court, our partnership with China has become increasingly prominent and continues to compare favourably with our relations with other global partners.

As we meet under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, we are reminded that our partnership must respond to a rapidly changing global environment, while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress.

South Africa is also encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises in South Africa. Investments such as the Hisense industrial park in Atlantis, Cape Town, demonstrate the potential for industrial cooperation to drive job creation, skills development, and local economic growth.

We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration.

South Africa’s approach to international relations remains guided by its national interest, which is to advance the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.

In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries.

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. We deeply value your visit to our country and trust that you will enjoy the beauty of Cape Town, including the iconic Table Mountain and its surrounding landscapes, which stand as a proud symbol of South Africa’s natural heritage and hospitality.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow on Friday, 27 March 2026, lead an engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive Council of Free State Cabinet.

The President Cabinet engagement will includes meeting with the Premier of Free State Province, Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and the entire Provincial Executive Council.

This Joint National and Free State Provincial Executive engagement will take place at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme,“A Nation that Works for All".

The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to  tackle service delivery challenges.
 
This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance.

The joint meeting will be the eighth engagement between National Executive and various Provinces. This follows interactions with provincial governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and North West.

Free State Province will elaborate on the challenges and opportunities that exist for inclusive economic growth and service delivery and its envisaged proposed solutions.

Free State has solidified its position as the preferred renewable energy investment destination, currently tracking projects with a capital investment exceeding R100 billion. These projects, including Khauta Solar Project and Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project, which are central to strengthening national grid and creating sustainable jobs.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers and senior government officials.

Interested media will be able to cover President's opening address before closed session.

Note that media accreditation process are covered through GCIS platforms.

The Joint National Cabinet Meeting are arranged as follows:
Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Centenary Complex, University of Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State Province

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za / Mpho Sikisi, Spokesperson to the Premier of the Free State on 073 828 8935 or mpho.sikisi@fspremier.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Founder and CEO of Ninety One, Mr. Hendrik du Toit,
Chairman of Ninety One, Mr. Gareth Penny,
Management and staff of Ninety One,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Evening,

It is a pleasure indeed to be here; and thank you to Ninety One for the invitation.

Today we aren’t just opening new offices. This investment signals a long-term commitment to South Africa and its future. It is a tangible demonstration of confidence in our economy, and a step forward in our national ambition to be a global financial services hub. 

We are also here to celebrate 35 years of Ninety One as an unmistakably, proudly South African business with a global footprint. 

Ninety One was founded as Investec Asset Management in 1991, when South Africa was on the cusp of change. As our democracy has evolved and matured, the company has continued to grow. 

The Ninety One journey has been a story of innovation; of developing home-grown South African talent; and of a commitment to sustainable investing.

Ninety One’s success reflects the abundance of local expertise in our country and the strength of our financial sector as a key pillar of our economy.

The financial sector provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 3 million South Africans and contributes approximately 25 per cent of corporate income tax revenues.

It accounts for more than one fifth of our GDP, and in 2025 was one of the leading drivers of growth. 

The depth and sophistication of our financial markets is one of our most important strengths as a country, underpinned by an independent Reserve Bank and a robust, enabling regulatory environment.

The financial sector plays a key role in financing development in our economy, from investing in South African businesses to building infrastructure.

In times like these, when the global economy faces significant instability and uncertainty, we can rely on the strength of our financial system to withstand disruption and absorb shocks.

We will keep working to grow our financial sector, to modernize and strengthen our regulations, and to position ourselves as a premier global destination for financial services firms to locate their African and emerging market operations.

At last year’s Financial Sector Competitiveness Lekgotla, the National Treasury highlighted some of the ways in which we are working to reduce the cost of capital and to channel more financing towards infrastructure projects.

Despite the current headwinds, we gather here at a time of hope for South Africa.

There are many, many reasons to be optimistic about South Africa’s prospects, and to believe that the economy is turning a corner. 

We have experienced four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, national debt has stabilized, and we have generated a primary budget surplus for three consecutive years.

Across the world, investors are looking at South Africa with renewed interest, as an emerging market with strong institutions, sound policy and a solid track record of reform. 

The tangible improvements in our economic performance that we are experiencing now are the result of a sustained, multi-year effort to reform our economy and to fix what was broken.

The crippling electricity crisis has ended, investment is on the rise, and the economy is creating more jobs. 

We have implemented far-reaching reforms in our energy sector to enable private investment and are moving to restructure Eskom and establish a fully independent Transmission System Operator to create a level playing field for competition. 

We have also seen improvements in our rail network and ports, enabling us to increase exports. We have concluded the first major private sector partnership at the Durban Pier 2 Container Terminal, the largest port terminal in our country, and are on track to introduce open access to the rail system this year.

The state is on a massive infrastructure build drive, and we will spend more than R1 trillion on infrastructure over the next three years.

Through streamlined PPP regulations, budget reforms, and innovative risk mitigation mechanisms such as the Credit Guarantee Vehicle, we will use this funding to catalyse significantly more private investment.

We have brought stability to key state-owned enterprises and restored sound governance, repairing the damage wrought by corruption and state capture. 

Last year, we achieved two major milestones: our first sovereign credit ratings upgrade in nearly 20 years, and South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey-list.

The private sector shares credit for the economic progress we are witnessing. It is the outcome of deep and sustained partnerships between government and business to unlock growth and opportunity. 

All of our efforts have been driven by the simple conviction that we can achieve more when we work together.

We have sought to change the culture of government: to build a government that is more open, more transparent, more willing to engage, to listen, and to collaborate with others.

Institutions like Ninety One are key partners in our drive to mobilise capital for our nation’s development.

The economic progress we have made signal to the world that South Africa is not only open for business but firmly on the path to recovery. With its long and established presence at home combined with a global footprint, Ninety One can play a leading role in elevating the prominence, stature and scale of our financial sector.

This company stands as proof that we more than have what it takes, that our local talent is world class, and that our ambitions are well-placed. 

And so, we say once more congratulations on the opening of your impressive new offices. With this opening you bring our aspiration of becoming a leading financial hub for Africa and the world all the closer to becoming reality.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of charges against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service(SAPS), General Fannie Masemola and his scheduled court appearance.  

The President has further noted the arrests of the 12 senior police officers on a procurement related matter. 

President Ramaphosa will be addressing the matter concerning General Masemola in accordance with the law. 

The President working together with the Minister of Police is committed to ensuring that the SAPS remains stable and able to continue fulfilling its policing mandate.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Minister Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India,
Deputy Minister Mimi Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training of South Africa,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Medical Research Council Professor Ntobeko Ntusi
Head of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training at GIZ Mr Tobias  Muehler
Directors General,
CEOs,
Esteemed Guests,

It is my pleasure today to welcome you to South Africa for the 2026 Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit.

We are honoured to host this important global gathering in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council, GIZ, and all the partners who have contributed to bringing this Summit to life. We extend a warm welcome to all delegates who have travelled from across the world to be part of this important moment.

This Summit convenes a powerful coalition of leaders from government, private sector, philanthropy, multilateral institutions, and civil society. You represent not only institutions, but a shared commitment to rethinking how we finance development and how we deliver impact at scale.

At its core, this Summit speaks to one of the most urgent questions of our time. How do we ensure that every rand, every dollar, and every investment delivers meaningful, measurable change in people’s lives?

Ladies and gentlemen, across the globe, we are confronted with complex and interconnected challenges. Youth unemployment continues to rise in many regions. Poverty remains persistent. Education systems are under pressure to deliver relevant skills. Health systems are stretched. Climate change is intensifying vulnerabilities, particularly in developing economies.

At the same time, fiscal space is constrained. Governments are being called upon to do more with less, while citizens are rightly demanding accountability, transparency, and results.

It is within this context that outcomes based financing has emerged not as an alternative, but as a necessary evolution in how we think about development finance.

Outcomes based financing shifts the focus from what we spend to what we achieve. It moves us from inputs to results, from activities to impact, and from fragmented interventions to coordinated partnerships that are aligned around shared outcomes.

South Africa has embraced this approach as part of our broader commitment to innovation in public finance, governance, and service delivery.

We are proud to be among the countries that are not only experimenting with outcomes based financing, but actively implementing it at scale.

One of the most significant examples of this is the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund is one of the largest outcomes based funds globally focused on employment. It was designed to address one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, which is youth unemployment.

Through this initiative, government has taken on the role of an outcomes funder, committing public resources to pay for verified employment outcomes rather than activities alone.

The design of Jobs Boost is deliberate and innovative.

It brings together government as the outcomes payer, implementing organisations who deliver training and placement services, independent evaluators who verify outcomes, and private sector partners who play a role in absorbing young people into the labour market.

The fund prioritises young people who are not in employment, education, or training, with a strong focus on inclusion, particularly for women and those in underserved communities.

Programme Director, what makes Jobs Boost particularly powerful is that it aligns incentives across the ecosystem. Implementers are rewarded for achieving real employment outcomes, not just for enrolling participants. Government pays only when results are achieved. And young people are supported not only to access opportunities, but to sustain them.

Since its launch, Jobs Boost has supported thousands of young South Africans to access work opportunities across sectors such as digital services, business process outsourcing, green economy initiatives, and traditional industries. Through the R300 million Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, South Africa has already achieved over 9,100 verified enrolments and more than 6,800 verified job placements for young people, with over R220 million disbursed strictly against independently verified outcomes. This is not a pilot in theory. It is a demonstration, at scale, that outcomes-based financing can deliver real, measurable employment results.

Ladies and gentlemen, beyond the numbers, the jobs boost fund has generated critical lessons. It has demonstrated that outcomes based financing can drive innovation among service providers. It has shown that performance based incentives can improve efficiency and effectiveness. And it has highlighted the importance of robust data systems and independent verification in building trust and accountability.

We have seen, through our implementation partners such as BlueLever, Swift, and Afrika Tikkun, how this model is changing real lives.

We have met young people who entered these programmes without prior work experience, without networks, and often without confidence in their own prospects. Through targeted training, mentorship, and job placement support, they are now earning incomes, supporting their families, and building pathways into sustainable careers.

In the digital economy, young people trained through partners such as BlueLever and Swift are gaining access to opportunities in areas such as data annotation, digital services, and business process outsourcing, sectors that are not only growing, but that are opening doors to the future of work.

Through organisations such as Afrika Tikkun, we have seen young people from historically underserved communities transition from long-term unemployment into stable employment, often becoming the first in their families to access formal work.

One young participant shared that, for the first time, they are able to contribute to household income, support younger siblings, and plan for their future with dignity and hope.

These are not abstract outcomes. They are real transformations.

They remind us that outcomes-based financing is not only about efficiency or innovation in funding models. It is about restoring opportunity, building confidence, and unlocking human potential at scale.
 
Equally important, Jobs Boost has shown that government can play a catalytic role in crowding in additional investment and in shaping markets that deliver both social and economic value.

We have also seen similar progress in the Early Childhood Care and Education Outcomes Fund.

Through this initiative, government has partnered with implementers and private capital to improve early learning outcomes for young children, particularly in underserved communities.

This is a critical investment. Evidence shows that early childhood development is one of the most powerful drivers of long term human capital development, educational attainment, and economic participation.

By using outcomes based models, we are able to ensure that investments in early learning translate into measurable improvements in school readiness, cognitive development, and overall child wellbeing.

These initiatives are not isolated.

They form part of a broader strategic ambition to embed outcomes based approaches within our public systems.
 
However, the journey toward outcomes based financing is not one that government can undertake alone.

The success of this model depends fundamentally on partnership.

It requires collaboration between governments, investors, philanthropies, service providers, data and evaluation partners, and communities themselves.

It requires trust. It requires shared risk. And it requires a willingness to move beyond traditional silos.

We are encouraged by the strong representation at this Summit.

We see here governments that are exploring policy and regulatory frameworks. We see investors who are willing to align capital with impact. We see philanthropies that are de risking innovation. And we see implementers who are at the frontline of delivering change.

This reflects a growing global movement.

Esteemed Guests, at previous Outcomes Finance Alliance Summits, there has been a clear shift in the field.

We have seen a move from small scale pilots toward larger, more ambitious funds. We have seen increasing government leadership in acting as outcomes funders. We have seen stronger emphasis on data, evidence, and learning. And we have seen the emergence of more diverse applications across sectors, including health, education, climate, and social protection.

Importantly, there has also been a recognition that outcomes based financing is not only a technical instrument. It is a system level reform.

It challenges us to rethink how we design programmes, how we allocate resources, how we measure success, and how we hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve.

This Summit builds on that momentum.

Over the coming days, you will engage on critical themes, including scaling outcomes funds, integrating technology and data systems, expanding into new sectors such as climate and health, and strengthening the enabling environment for outcomes based financing.

But beyond the discussions, what matters most is what we do next.

We must move from dialogue to action.

We must identify practical pathways to scale.

We must strengthen the pipeline of investable opportunities.

We must build the institutional capacity required within governments and implementing organisations.

And we must ensure that the benefits of outcomes based financing reach those who need it most.

South Africa stands ready to continue playing a leading role in this global effort.

We bring to this space not only our experience, but also our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and impact.

We see outcomes based financing as a means to strengthen accountability in public spending, to improve service delivery, and to unlock new forms of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Ultimately, we see it as a tool to advance human dignity and human development.

As we gather here today, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a person. A young person seeking opportunity. A child needing a strong foundation. A family striving for a better future.

Our responsibility is to ensure that the systems we build, and the financing models we design, deliver for them.

Programme Director, I encourage all participants to use this Summit as an opportunity to share lessons openly, to build meaningful partnerships, and to commit to concrete actions that will advance the outcomes financing ecosystem globally.

Let us work together to ensure that financing is not only mobilised, but that it delivers real, measurable, and lasting outcomes.

It is therefore my honour to declare the 2026 Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit officially open.

I wish you a productive and inspiring Summit.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, 25 March 2026, officially open the Ninety One South Africa Headquarters in Cape Town.

The opening marks Ninety One’s 35th anniversary and a return to its historic home, underscoring the firm’s enduring presence in South Africa and its continued growth as a global investment manager.

This further reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to the country and its confidence in the country’s future as a leading global financial services hub.

The President’s participation will highlight the critical role of collaboration between government and the private sector in advancing economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable employment opportunities.

The programme of the President to officially open the building and deliver remarks will commence from 17:30.

NOTE TO MEDIA: DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON PRESIDENCY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director, Mr Charles Moeti,
Executive Mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Cllr Queen Mogatle-Thoane,
Speaker of Council, Cllr Keamogetse Madikiza,
Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency, Bonga Makhanya,
Representatives from Government departments and agencies,
Our partners from the private sector, including the mining houses and community development trusts,
Leaders from SETAs, TVET colleges, and civil society,
Distinguished guests,
And most importantly, the young people of Kuruman,

Good morning.

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you today as part of this Youth Services Outreach Programme here in Kuruman. This gathering is not simply another event on a calendar. It is a deliberate and practical effort to bring government and its partners closer to the people, particularly to young people who are the future of this country.

Too often, opportunities exist, but they remain out of reach. Too often, information is available, but it does not reach those who need it most. And too often, young people in communities such as Kuruman are expected to navigate complex systems without the necessary support. Today, we are saying that this must change.

This outreach programme is about closing that gap. It is about ensuring that services, opportunities, and support are not distant concepts, but accessible realities. It is about meeting young people where they are and walking with them towards where they want to be.

I want to acknowledge the wide range of stakeholders who have come together to make this programme possible. From the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, and the South African Police Service, to our SETAs, TVET colleges, and development partners your presence here today demonstrates a shared commitment to youth development.

We also recognise the important role played by the mining sector and community development trusts in this region. Your participation reflects an understanding that economic activity must translate into meaningful opportunities for local communities, particularly for young people.

As Government, we are clear that youth development is not optional it is central to the future of our country. We cannot speak about economic growth, social stability, or inclusive development without addressing the challenges faced by young people. High levels of youth unemployment, limited access to skills development, and barriers to entry into the economy remain among the most pressing issues we must confront.

But we are equally clear that the solutions lie in partnership.

Government alone cannot solve these challenges. It requires collaboration between the public sector, private sector, educational institutions, and communities themselves. It requires alignment between skills development and the needs of the economy. It requires investment not only in infrastructure, but in people.

That is why platforms such as this one are so important. They create a space where young people can access information about employment opportunities, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and essential services all in one place.

To the young people gathered here today, I want to speak directly to you.

This programme is for you. The opportunities that are being presented here are for you. But opportunity alone is not enough. It must be met with action.

I encourage you to engage fully with every organisation present here today. Ask questions. Seek clarity. Register for programmes. Follow up. Take initiative. The journey to success is rarely easy, but it is always possible when you are informed, prepared, and determined.

At the same time, I want to emphasise the importance of active citizenship. The presentation by the Independent Electoral Commission reminds us that participation in our democracy is not separate from development  it is part of it. Your voice matters, and your participation shapes the future of this country.

To our stakeholders and partners, I want to extend both appreciation and a call to action.

Your involvement today is commendable, but it must not end here. We must continue to strengthen collaboration, improve coordination, and ensure that the impact of our work is felt beyond events such as this. We must ask ourselves not only what we are doing, but whether it is reaching those who need it most, and whether it is changing lives in a meaningful way.

As the Presidency, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring services closer to communities, that empower young people, and that build pathways to opportunity. We are committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind, regardless of where they come from.

In closing, let me thank the organisers, partners, and all stakeholders who have contributed to making this programme a reality. Most importantly, I thank the young people of Kuruman for your presence, your energy, and your willingness to engage.

I look forward to interacting with you further during the walkabout and hearing directly from you about your aspirations, your challenges, and your ideas for the future.

Let us work together government, business, and communities  to ensure that every young person in Kuruman has the opportunity not only to dream, but to achieve.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Honourable Speaker of the Saldanha Bay Municipality Cllr Olwene Daniels,
Principal of Louwville High School Emile Petrus,
Representatives from Kumba Iron Ore, Transnet, and RuraTech,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at Louwville High School for the official launch and handover of the Mobile Digital Library. This moment represents not just the unveiling of a resource, but the opening of opportunity.

We gather here at a significant time in our national calendar. Just days ago, South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day on the 21st of March. This day reminds us of the sacrifices made in Sharpeville and across our country so that all South Africans may enjoy dignity, equality, and freedom.

This year also marks 30 years of our democratic Constitution, a living document that enshrines the rights to education, access to information, and human dignity.

Today, we give practical expression to those rights.

Because access to education, access to information, and access to opportunity are not abstract ideals. They are fundamental human rights. And in today’s world, those rights are deeply connected to digital access.
 
South Africa continues to grapple with deep inequalities, especially within our education system. Too many of our young people, particularly in underserved communities, remain excluded from the digital world that increasingly defines success in the 21st century.

This Mobile Digital Library is a direct intervention in that reality.

It says to every learner here that you matter. Your potential matters. And your access to the tools of the future matters.

Because in today’s world, digital access is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which education, innovation, and economic participation are built.
 
Programme director, this initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, the private sector, and communities work together with a shared purpose.

I would like to commend our partners Kumba Iron Ore, Transnet, and RuraTech for their commitment to investing in young people and in the future of this country.

This is what meaningful partnership looks like. It is not only about corporate social responsibility. It is about co-creating solutions that have lasting impact.

When we align resources, expertise, and intent, we move faster and we move further.
 
To the learners of Louwville High School:
This library is for you.
It is a space where curiosity must be encouraged, where questions must be asked, and where dreams must be nurtured.
Use it fully. Use it boldly.
Explore subjects beyond your textbooks. Learn new skills. Discover careers you may never have imagined. Teach yourselves to code, to research, to think critically, and to innovate.
Because the future economy will reward those who create, who solve problems, and who lead.
 
To the teachers and the broader community:
This facility will only succeed if it becomes integrated into the daily life of the school.
Let it not stand as a symbol. Let it function as a tool.
Encourage its use in classrooms. Embed it into teaching and learning. Support learners in navigating this digital space responsibly and productively.
To parents and community members, protect it, support it, and take pride in it. This is a shared asset, and its success belongs to all of you.
 
As government, we remain committed to building a capable, inclusive, and digitally enabled society.

Human Rights Day reminds us that rights must be lived, not only remembered. The 30 years of our Constitution remind us that those rights must be protected, deepened, and made real in the lives of our people.

Initiatives such as this one are aligned with our broader vision of ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age.

Through this Mobile Digital Library, we take a meaningful step toward ensuring that the right to education and access to information is realised in practice.

Because when we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our economy, our democracy, and our nation.

Ladies and gentlemen, Today marks a beginning.

A beginning of expanded horizons.

A beginning of new opportunities.

A beginning of a future where every learner, regardless of where they are born, has the tools to succeed.

Let us work together to ensure that this Mobile Digital Library becomes not just a resource, but a catalyst for transformation.

I thank you.
 

Programme Directors, Deputy Minister Steve Letsike and Provincial Civil Society Chairperson Ms. Amelia Mfiki;

Our host, Health MEC, Mireille Wenger representing the Western Cape 

Premier;
Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi;
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities of South Africa, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga;
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla;
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Ms. Peace Mabe;
Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks;
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel;
Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum, Mr. Solly Nduku; Deputy Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Dr. Thuthula Balfour;
SANAC CEO Dr. Thembisile Xulu;
Deputy Mayor of Overberg District Cllr. Ald Helen Coetzee;
Deputy Mayor of Theewaterskloof Municipality Cllr. Cynthia Clayton;
SALGA President, Mr. Bheki Stofile;
Cosatu President, Ms. Zingiswa Losi;
The Civil Society TB Ambassador, Ms. Sarah Bakamela;
Mrs Humile Mashatile, South African Patron of the Global Alliance to End Aids in Children;
WHO Country Representative, Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi;
STOP TB Partnership Executive Director, Dr. Lucica Ditiu;
Traditional Leaders present,
Members of the media;
Fellow South Africans;

Greetings to you all,

Firstly, thank you for joining us today as we reflect on South Africa's ongoing fight against tuberculosis (TB). A disease that has stolen too many breaths from our people. It has silenced voices in our homes, emptied chairs at our tables, and left permanent scars in our communities.
Yet today, we gather not in despair, but in defiance because as a country we are proving that TB can be defeated. 

Each life saved, each infection prevented, is a victory for dignity, and hope for the future.

I remember last year, during our commemoration in KwaZulu-Natal, a young man named Sibusiso approached me to share his challenging journey. He spoke about his journey of poverty, stigma, and the fear that others held towards him. 

This encounter highlighted the struggles faced by individuals in similar situations and the impact of societal perceptions on their lives.
He further told me how he had battled drug-resistant TB and how the road was marked by pain, doubt, and isolation. 

Yet he also spoke of the courage it took to keep going and the hope that sustained him when everything else seemed lost. With tearful eyes, he said he no longer has chest pain or excessive breathing difficulties, no more persistent cough, no more night sweats, and most importantly, he can freely play with his kids.

I am sharing his story because his recovery was a triumph. A victory for himself, his family, his community, and indeed, a victory for our nation. His journey reminds us that public health is a collective mission. When one life is reclaimed, the fabric of society is strengthened. His story also speaks directly to our adapted call, in line with the global community: “Yes! You and I can end TB."

We have deliberately taken the “WE” from the global theme and transformed it to “You and I”, because true change begins with personal responsibility and shared purpose. It is a powerful declaration that reminds us that each one of us has a part in ending TB. We must use our voices to break stigma, to tell stories that humanise the struggle, and to ensure policies translate into real access to treatment. 

On the other hand, a family should be the primary support for a person with Active TB Disease by providing encouragement, ensuring treatment adherence, and creating a conducive environment for recovery. This responsibility extends to our communities. Communitiesmust organise awareness campaigns, support clinics, and create spaces where TB survivors are celebrated, not shunned.

Most importantly, our institutions must guarantee access to diagnostics, medicines, and social support. But beyond that, we must invest in prevention, research, and the strengthening of health systems that leave no one behind.

There is urgent need for our collective action to act against TB, encourage individuals to take charge of their health. Our actions should complement the goals of our Cheka ImpiloProgramme and strengthens national efforts aimed at identifying and assisting the undiagnosed population, often known as the missing TB clients.

Compatriots, 

As we reflect on our progress against TB response, let me start with the good news: year after year, we continue to see a steady decline in the number of people contracting TB. Compared to our 2015 baseline, this is a story we can proudly tell as a nation.

Our national TB programme has achieved remarkable success in reducing the TB incidence rate, which is, the number of new cases each year. In fact, by 2024, we have seen a 61% reduction in that incidence rate.
Treatment outcomes for drug-resistant TB patients have improved significantly. We are now seeing a 79% treatment success rate, and for the first time ever, lost-to-follow-up rates for Drug Resistant TB are in single digits. This breakthrough is a result of our accelerated efforts in scaling up the introduction of shorter, more effective regimens.

This progress is worth celebrating, as it not only saves lives but also restores hope. It exemplifies that through unity, strengthened partnerships, and innovation, we can effectively combat disease, reclaim futures, rebuild communities, and revitalize our national spirit.

However, at the same time, we must be honest about where we stand. While we have made strides, there is still room for improvement. The proportion of estimated TB cases successfully placed on treatment has dipped from 79% to 74% this past year. This is not a statistic to ignore; it is a call to action!

It tells us that we must double our efforts, close the gap, and ensure that every person who needs care receives it promptly. For progress is not measured only in victories achieved, but in the determination to reach those who remain waiting.

Our End TB campaign is showing strong momentum. This year, we've achieved 70% of our ambitious testing target, over 3.5 million tests have been conducted since the launch of the End TB Campaign we unveiled at last year’s World TB Day in KwaZulu-Natal.

This is the highest number ever recorded in a single year for our TB programme. It stands as a testament to the tireless dedication of our health workers, the resilience of our communities, and the steadfast support of our partners.

But we cannot stop there.

Progress is a journey rather than a destination. Every accomplishment should motivate us to keep going, put in more effort, and make sure that no one is left behind. For every victory achieved, there is another battle to be fought.

I say this because TB remains a major public health concern and is still the leading cause of death, particularly for People Living with HIV. Despite a slight decrease in overall TB deaths, we have only managed a 17% reductioncompared to 2015, far short of the 75% target we set for ourselves.  

This gap reminds us that lives are still being lost unnecessarily, and we must do much more to turn the tide.
Another harsh reality: the 2021 TB Survey showed that 56% of people affected by TB in our country continue to face catastrophic socio-economic constraints that push families into poverty. 

We cannot ignore this human and economic toll. We need to make our response more patient-centred meeting people where they are and removing all barriers against access to testing and treatment.

We must find TB, to end TB. 

Early detection is the key to breaking the cycle of infection and protecting families and communities. When we diagnose and treat TB sooner, we save lives and prevent further spread.
We can draw valuable lessons from our COVID-19 response: rapid action, community engagement, and strong leadership. We must apply those same principles to TB.

I want to make a special call today to men: please get tested for TB. Our data shows clearly that many of the missing cases are among men. In the past 11 months, even though fewer men have been tested, their positivity rate is much higher. Testing more men will help us find those hidden cases and protect everyone.

I also urge anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has TB to visit their nearest health facility right away. Get tested. If you test positive, start treatment immediately and finish it as prescribed by a health practitioner. If you test negative, ask about TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) to protect yourself and stop the spread.

The promise of new vaccines offers a critical turning point in our fight to end TB. The leading candidate, the M72/AS01E vaccine, is in late-stage trials, with the majority of trial sites and a significant proportion of participants drawn from South Africa. This places our country at the centre of this scientific breakthrough.

With efficacy results expected in 2027, we have not waited idly. In June 2025, we convened a national stakeholder workshop to begin preparing for vaccine introduction and later that year leveraged the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting to advocate for sustainable financing and equitable access to TB vaccines.

Building on this momentum, we have now developed a country vaccine preparedness roadmap. We must be ready to implement at pace and at scale, because when an effective vaccine becomes available, delays will cost lives. South Africa must lead from the front in ensuring rapid, equitable access for all who need it.

Disease management requires accurate and accessible real-time data. This information informs programme design and enables targeted interventions. Last year, the Minister of Health launched the public-facing TB Dashboard to specifically track progress against the End TB Campaign. It provides near real-time data on TB testing, helping us identify "hotspots" where testing coverage may be lagging so that we can reallocate resources, such as mobile screening units.

The SANAC Situation Room, an inclusive and comprehensive data visualisation hub continues to expand by incorporating additional datasets and providing a unified, one-stop shop for what were previously stand-alone data sources. This enhances programme data availability and supports more sustainable programming. These tools improve transparency and strengthen data-driven decision-making. 

South Africa has come far, but the journey is not over. Let us keep pushing forward with urgency, compassion, and unity. To truly end TB, we need a whole-of-society approach.Researchers must continue to develop new diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines. 

Implementers must ensure these tools reach every clinic and community, so patients receive care that is timely, safe, and effective.

I am particularly pleased to announce that, following the new WHO guidance, South Africa is going to launch its pilot project for near-point-of-care diagnostic tests by July 2026. This essential step will move high-quality testing out of centralised labs and closer to the communities where our people live and work, supporting our drive towards universal health coverage.

As I have mentioned, civil society and communities carry a crucial responsibility in responding to TB and HIV by raising awareness, reducing stigma, advocating for policy change, and amplifying the voices of those affected. Our shared goal is to build a South Africa where testing is simple, treatment is accessible, and support is strong. In doing so, we multiply victories like that of Sibusiso, spreading hope and resilience across the nation.

Let us commit ourselves anew: to get tested, to seek treatment promptly, to complete treatment if infected, to support one another, and to build a healthier, TB-free South Africa.
TB is preventable.  

TB is curable. 

“Yes! You and I can end TB.”

I Thank You.