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President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of President Sam Nujoma of the Republic of Namibia
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On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Namibia on the passing of Founding President His Excellency Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, aged 95.

President Ramaphosa extends his sympathies to Founding First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Kovambo Nujoma, and the broader Nujoma and Kondombolo Family.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with Namibian President His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba and the government of our north western neighbour who are experiencing this loss 12 months following the passing of President Hage Geingob.

President Ramaphosa said: “As neighbours and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation.

“Dr Sam Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism and the liberation of South Africa from apartheid.

“In exile and on home soil, he led the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia against the seemingly unshakeable might of colonial and apartheid authorities and forces.

“Sam Nujoma inspired the Namibian people to pride and resistance that belied the size of the population.

“Namibia’s attainment of independence from South Africa in 1990 ignited in us the inevitability of our own liberation.

“President Nujoma’s leadership of a free Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership our two countries share today – a partnership we will continue to deepen as neighbours and friends.

“We are grateful for the extended lifetime with which Dr Sam Nujoma was blessed and we are grateful for the manner in which he dedicated the many decades of his life to serving his nation.

“May his soul rest in peace and may our neighbours find healing in his legacy.”


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the Annual Ubuntu Awards 2025, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
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Programme Directors, Ms Mothotoane and Mr Manyathela; 
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahomapelo;
Our Nominees;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Esteemed Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Members of Parliament;
Leaders of the Business Community;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good Evening, Molweni, Avuxeni, Dumelang!

Most of us seated here are familiar with the ancient African term "Ubuntu." This word recognises that we are all bound together as humans and that, through selfless acts of doing good for others, we can create a better world. 

Individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to the service of others, without anticipating any form of compensation, deserve the highest accolades and respect that humanity can bestow.

As has become custom, we have gathered in this fashion again during the week of Parliament's opening to give due recognition to our patriots who fly the South African flag high on the world’s great stages. These patriots represent our country positively in various disciplines through their good deeds, talent, hard work, and determination towards excellence.

The Ubuntu Awards represent a gesture through which our government aims to encourage and promote active citizenry. We do so because we believe the world views South Africa through the deeds of its people.

These are individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to promote South African interests and values on the global stage. They have elevated South Africa’s stature worldwide through their participation in various disciplines, ranging from sports, music & performing arts, philanthropy, and good business practice.

Compatriots,
It is important to recognise people who have put in much effort to bring South Africa and its people recognition on the global stage. Through their deeds, we are able to draw more investment in our country, which also contributes to its development.

In addition to creating opportunities for growth and prosperity through their various efforts, these individuals' vision, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit inspire others to follow in their footsteps. In other words, the individuals we will be honouring tonight, regardless of their field of expertise, serve as cultural ambassadors who represent a diverse tapestry of South African heritage and identity.

We must not overlook ordinary people, the unsung heroes whose contributions are changing the world in their special ways. They represent the best of what South Africa has to offer; they embody the essence of what happens when we stand in solidarity and commitment to building a better nation for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Speaking of solidarity, it is proper that you have themed tonight's awards under the theme "South Africa G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability." I am saying this because, as a country, we have since December resumed the Presidency of the G20. This is a significant step forward for both ourselves and the continent.

The key question we should therefore ask ourselves during this period is, "What does the G20 Presidency mean for South Africa and the African continent?"

The South African leadership of the G20 Presidency offers a real opportunity to further the interests of poorer countries. Our goals under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability include promoting more equality in international governance and elevating Africa's development agenda in ways that are more meaningful. 

These values are the pillars upon which we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all, not just in South Africa or Africa but across the world.

Our goal at the G20 Summit is to increase the focus on strengthening unity and ensuring no nation or individual is left behind in the global growth race. Mindful of the centrality of the United Nations agenda, South Africa is certain that the G20 has a critical role to play in expediting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What we should be cognisant of is that the G20 Presidency of South Africa is taking place at a time when the globe is confronted with significant issues or challenges. These issues include geopolitical tension, economic inequality, climate change, humanitarian disasters, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, and unemployment.
South Africa will work with G20 countries and build partnerships in all sectors of society to harness the global community's desire and capacity to solve these issues.

Our common objective is to achieve rapid and inclusive economic development. This implies that we must also carry on what the President said during SONA; the need to restructure our economy and make it more inclusive.

Through practicing Ubuntu, or solidarity, we have the ability to build a future that is inclusive and supports the interests of everyone. Solidarity serves as the cornerstone of our collective unity, fostering mutual support throughout adversity and honouring our differences.

It is solidarity that played a crucial role in South Africa's struggle against apartheid and continues to be vital in addressing the ongoing issues of poverty, inequality, and injustice.

At a time when solidarity is of the utmost importance, we have witnessed the unflinching commitment of our honourees to promote unity and cooperation, making certain that no one is left behind.

Your dedication to promoting equitable and inclusive practices is a beacon of hope for a future where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Your exceptional efforts towards sustainability serve as a positive example for future generations, emphasising the need to protect the planet and ensure a better tomorrow.

Collectively, the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability have the potential to lead us to a future that is more compassionate, equitable, and sustainable.

Compatriots,
We should also use this moment to remember the deceased troops who were part of a mission to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his speech to the Joint Session of Parliament on Thursday, "They lost their lives in defence of the Congolese people's fundamental right to live in peace and security."

As a nation, we must honour these selfless fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace. South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing peace to Africa and putting an end to violence both on the continent and in the rest of the world.

We will never abandon the idea of the Freedom Charter, which states that there shall be peace and friendship: the fostering of peaceful ties with other countries and self-determination for all African peoples. Indeed, South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war.

In the year that we celebrate 70 years of the Freedom Charter, we can boldly appreciate that it was instructive, specifically in this context, as it continues to guide us through the proclamation that: “Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of all”.

With this in mind, let us work hand in hand, across borders and boundaries, to build a world where every person is empowered to reach their full potential and where our world is peace secure for generations to come.

Promoting human rights, peace, and friendship, and strengthening fair trade and investment ties with other countries remain the key pillars of our foreign policy.

International relations work, whether in conflict resolution or diplomacy, is not just the responsibility of the government; it also demands public input and engagement. We all have a role to play in global affairs, and true to the essence of what makes us who we are as a nation, we should always be vigilant and never look the other way.

Compatriots,
As I close, let me emphasise that South Africa is a diversified fabric of tremendously bright individuals who are sincerely devoted to their professions, and many have made the country very proud. This includes our economic diplomacy envoys, who are playing an increasingly vital and prominent role in boosting economic growth.

In this regard, I welcome and support AgriSA's recent statement that our country is a stable constitutional democracy, that no land is being confiscated in South Africa, and that no white South Africans are being chased from their land. As a matter of fact, we are working together to build a capable and developmental state that will benefit all who live in South Africa.

Hence, we must reward enterprises that have helped to build South Africa's reputation as an attractive business destination.

These are the businesses that create jobs and strengthen South Africa’s global trade footprint. These are the artists whose work bridges cultural divides. The young innovators who demonstrates that South Africa is a land of talent and possibilities.

It is also the humanitarian extending a hand to those in need, demonstrating that we are truly a country of Ubuntu.

In this regard, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all the nominees and winners that are being recognised tonight. In my eyes, you are all winners, and you are all deserving of this honour and acknowledgement. Your selfless deeds on behalf of our country have not gone unnoticed.

Compatriots,
In recognising and celebrating the achievements of these outstanding individuals, we not only honour their dedication and commitment but also inspire others to emulate them.

While we only recognise a few individuals today, we are aware that thousands of people around the country have represented South Africa in a range of activities over the last year, including research, education and training, sports, arts and culture, business, and corporate affairs.

Together, we can amplify the voice of South Africa on the global stage, promoting a message of inclusivity, diversity, and progress.

Let us commit ourselves to the ideals of Ubuntu—not just in words, but in action. Let us strive to build a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, Black and White.

In the same vein, let us continue to support and uplift our industry leaders, eminent personalities, and ordinary citizens who embody the best of South African values and contribute to building a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

I Thank You, Baie Dankie, Ndo Livhuwa!

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President Ramaphosa to participate at the joint SADC–EAC Heads of State and Government Summit on the DRC
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 8 February 2025, arrived for a working visit to Dar Es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania on Saturday, 08 February 2025, to participate at the joint Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) – East Africa Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government Summit on the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The Heads of States and Government of SADC and East African Community agreed to meet urgently following their respective extraordinary Summits held last month to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC. 

The joint SADC – EAC Summit was preceded by Senior Officials and Foreign Ministers Meetings taking place on 06 and 07 February 2025. 

The Extraordinary SADC Summit held last month mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, to engage all state and non-state parties to the conflict on a ceasefire process to protect lives and facilitate a smooth flow of humanitarian support to people and communities affected by the armed conflict.

It also urged Political and Diplomatic leaders who are parties to the conflict to engage in a coordinated effort of dialogue, including supporting the Luanda Process, MONUSCO and others, to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola ,Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and senior government officials. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Deputy President Mashatile to attend the Ubuntu Awards
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Saturday, 08 February 2025, attend and deliver congratulatory remarks at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's (DIRCO) annual Ubuntu Awards in Cape Town, Western Cape Province. 

The awards ceremony, which is held annually following the Opening of Parliament and State of the Nation Address, brings together leaders from various sectors, including business, civil society representatives, Cabinet Members, prominent figures as well as Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited to South Africa.

As South Africa is serving as President of the G20, this year’s event will be held under the theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability".

The Ubuntu Awards ceremony was launched in 2015 to celebrate South African citizens who have made significant contributions to enhancing South Africa’s image globally through dedicated service in their respective fields.

Details of the awards ceremony are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025
Time: 19h00 (Media to set up at 18h00)
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Media covering the event must please send their RSVPs to Ms Mpho Rakgakole (DIRCO) at rakgakolem@dirco.gov.za.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President orders half-masting of National Flag to honour fallen troops
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country for a period of seven days from today, Friday, 07 February 2025.

President Ramaphosa has issued this directive as the country mourns the tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cape Town City Hall
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Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza,
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane,
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile,
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Judges President,
Former President Thabo Mbeki,
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe,
Former Deputy President David Mabuza,
Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete,
Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli, 
Former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo,
Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis, 
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Regional Deans and Heads of Missions
Members of Parliament,
Fellow South Africans, 

We gather here as our country is mourning the tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

We bow our heads in tribute to:

Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

Alongside soldiers from other Southern African countries, they lost their lives in defence of the fundamental right of the Congolese people to live in peace and security. 

They lost their lives not in the pursuit of resources or territory or power.

They lost their lives so that the guns on our continent may be forever silenced.

We salute our gallant soldiers.

My Fellow South Africans, 

This State of the Nation Address is taking place as we celebrate 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in Kliptown.

The Freedom Charter is the cornerstone of our democratic Constitution.

It sets out a vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. 

It sets out a vision of a country in which government is founded on the will of the people,

where the land is shared among those who work it,

where the people share in the country’s wealth,

and all are equal before the law.

It is this vision that continues to guide us as we work to build the nation we all want. 

It is the spirit of the Congress of the People that inspires us as we prepare for a National Dialogue in which South Africans are once again called upon to chart a new path for our country. 

We must chart this path in a world that is rapidly changing. 

It is a world of both interdependence and competition, of cooperation and conflict.

It is a multipolar world in which new countries are emerging to play a greater role in global affairs.

We are seeing intensifying competition over trade, technology and influence in global institutions.

There are global fundamental shifts underway that affect every aspect of human life.

From the growing impact of climate change to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions and violent conflicts. 

In the face of these challenges, we are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause. 

This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate. 

But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. 

We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. 

We will stand together as a united nation.

We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.

By staying true to our values, by harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and by forging a common purpose, we can turn these trying circumstances to our advantage and propel our country forward. 

As South Africans, we stand for peace and justice, for equality and solidarity. 

We stand for non-racialism and democracy, for tolerance and compassion.

We stand for equal rights for women, for persons with disability and for members of the LGBTQI+ community.

We stand for our shared humanity, not for the survival of the fittest. 

So, this evening, let us speak of the nation we want. 

And let us speak of the work we must do – and the work we are doing – to build that nation.

We want a nation united in its diversity. 

At many difficult moments in our past, we worked together towards a common goal. 

Through partnership, we brought peace and democracy to our country.

We overcame apartheid, a crime against humanity that denied people their human rights, that deprived them of their land and livelihoods, that sought to strip them of their dignity.

Through partnership, we overcame a devastating pandemic and rebuilt our country in the wake of state capture.

Together, we have built durable institutions that support our democracy, protect our fundamental rights and promote the well-being of South Africans.

We have built meaningful partnerships between government and business, labour, civil society and other social partners to drive growth and development. 

These stand as models of cooperation for the rest of the world.

South Africans are continuing to work together to confront our country’s challenges and build a nation that works for all. 

Guided by the wishes of the people as expressed in last year’s elections, we have formed a Government of National Unity to give expression to our culture of cooperation. 

As political parties, we have set aside our differences and agreed to work together for the good of all South Africans. 

In the last week, we have adopted the Medium Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years.

The actions contained in the Medium Term Development Plan will advance our three strategic priorities: 

Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. 

Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. 

Thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans. 

To undertake this task, we need a government that works for the people. 

We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. 

South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect. 

A state with leaders who are prepared to serve our people with complete dedication, and public servants who are ethical, skilled and properly qualified. 

To achieve these objectives we are strengthening the role of the Public Service Commission in the appointment of the key people who direct the affairs of our state such as Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of SOEs and board members and other senior positions. 

We will introduce a graduate recruitment scheme so that we may attract the best and the brightest into the public service. 

A capable state must start where people live and work. 

In many cities and towns across the country, roads are not maintained, water and electricity supply is often disrupted, refuse is not collected and sewage runs in the streets.

In part this has happened because many municipalities lack the technical skills and resources required to meet people’s needs.

Many municipalities have not reinvested the revenue they earn from these services into the upkeep of infrastructure. 

Starting this year, we will work with our municipalities to establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services to ensure that there is adequate investment and maintenance. 

Many of the challenges in municipalities arise from the design of our local government system. 

We will therefore undertake extensive consultation to develop an updated White Paper on Local Government to outline a modern and fit-for-purpose local government system. 

We will review the funding model for municipalities as many of them do not have a viable and sustainable revenue base.

We will continue to work with traditional leaders in the implementation of local development programmes.

We will expand our support to municipalities that require assistance, drawing on the lessons of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. 

We are seeing great progress in eThekwini as we implement the district development model, which enables all key role players as in government, business, labour and community-based organisations to work together.

As we work to reform the public service and build the capability of the state, we will harness technology to transform the way that government works. 

We will invest in digital public infrastructure to give South Africans access to government services anytime, anywhere, through a relaunched gov.za platform. 

At the heart of this transformation will be the implementation of a digital identity system.

These measures will transform the relationship between citizens and government, and create one government that is accessible to every person at a touch. 

We want a nation with a thriving economy that benefits all. 

To create this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs, we must lift economic growth to above three percent. 

To achieve higher levels of economic growth we are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have. 

We are developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure. 

We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R 100 billion in infrastructure financing.

A project preparation bid window has been launched to fast track investment readiness.

This includes revised regulations for public private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds.

Government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years.

This includes R375 billion in spending by state owned companies.

This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy.

Through the Infrastructure Fund, twelve blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion have been approved in the last year.

These are projects in water and sanitation, student accommodation, transport, health and energy. 

Construction of the Mtentu Bridge construction continues. 

This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa.

The Polihlali Dam will feed 490 million cubic metres of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System, securing water supply to several provinces for years to come.

Working with international partners, we are revitalising small harbours, unlocking economic opportunities for coastal communities.

We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth.

The economic reforms that we are implementing through Operation Vulindlela have created a new sense of optimism and confidence in our economy.
 
We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. 

We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors leading to job creation. 

Working together with business, labour and other social partners we must now finish this work. 

Over the coming year, we will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth. 

Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other state-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally. 

We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals.

We continue with the fundamental reform of our state owned enterprises to ensure that they can effectively fulfil their social and economic mandates.

This includes the work underway to put in place a new model to strengthen governance and oversight of public entities. 

We will ensure public ownership of strategic infrastructure for public benefit while finding innovative ways to attract private investment to improve services and ensure public revenue can be focused on the provision of public services.

We are in the process of establishing a dedicated SOE Reform Unit to coordinate this work. 

The measures we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have reduced the severity and frequency of load shedding, with more than 300 days without load shedding since March 2024.
 
While the return of load shedding for two days last week was a reminder that our energy supply is still constrained, we remain on a positive trajectory. 

We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security. 

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which came into effect on the 1st of January, marks the beginning of a new era. 

This year, we will put in place the building blocks of a competitive electricity market.

Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete.

We will mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid. 

As we reform our energy system, we are continuing to build successful multilateral partnerships in the global effort to halt the devastating impact of climate change.

Our Just Energy Transition is gaining momentum.

Over 13 billion US dollars have been pledged by the international community and significant private capital is being invested locally. 

We are determined to meet our carbon reduction commitments, and will do so at a pace and scale that our country can afford.

We are revitalising our port terminals and rail corridors through the Freight Logistics Roadmap, leveraging private capital to restore them to world class standards. 

Transnet’s performance has stabilised and is steadily improving.

We released a Network Statement in December 2024 which, for the first time, will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system.

Open access to the rail network will allow train operating companies to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while our network infrastructure remains state owned.

This will ensure that South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much needed revenue for our fiscus.

New cranes and other port equipment are being commissioned to speed up the loading and unloading of cargo and reduce waiting times for ships in our ports.

As we forge ahead with the reform agenda, an urgent priority is to ensure a secure and reliable supply of water across the country. 

Many people in our cities, towns and villages are experiencing more and more frequent water shortages as a result of failing water infrastructure. 

It is impossible to live without water and it is impossible for the economy to grow without water.

We are therefore taking a series of decisive actions to resolve the water crisis, to enable our people to get water where they live, whether in townships or rural areas. 

We are investing heavily in expanding our water resources. 

To date, the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects. 

We have ended delays in major water infrastructure projects like Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Dam. 

Work is underway to prepare for construction of the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River to supply additional water for domestic use and for irrigation in the Eastern Cape.

Within the next year, we will complete the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency to unlock much greater investment in water projects. 

Through the Water Services Amendment Bill, we will introduce a licensing system for water service providers and remove licenses where providers do not meet the standards for quality drinking water.

As part of our reform agenda, we will continue to enhance our visa system to make it easier for skilled people to invest in our country and to grow tourism. 

This year, we will launch an Electronic Travel Authorisation system to enable a secure, fully digital visa application process. 

This system will use artificial intelligence and automation to reduce the scope for corruption and enable rapid turnaround times for tourist visas. 

We have cleared over 90 percent of the backlog of more than 300,000 visa applications. 

These changes send a strong message that South Africa is open for business and tourism.

We want a nation in which prosperity and opportunity is shared by all.

For many decades our economy has been held back by the exclusion of the vast majority of the South African people. 

Black South Africans were deprived of land, of capital, of skills, of opportunities. 

Our economy was starved of the potential of its people. 

And that is why we needs to transform our economy and make it more inclusive. 

That is why our focus is on empowering black people, women and persons with disabilities because they were deliberately excluded from playing a key role in the economy of their own country. 

We will set up a transformation fund worth R20 billion a year over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises. 

We will fast-track the regulations of the Public Procurement Act to ensure businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts.

We will continue to provide training to women entrepreneurs to enable them to compete for government tenders. 

In November last year, we launched the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme.

In its first phase, this transformative initiative will empower over 10,000 persons with disabilities through tailored training programmes, stipends and specialised tools.

This part of the work we must undertake as business, government, labour and civil society to enable persons with disabilities to play an important part in the economy of our country.

Through these programmes, we are not only righting a grave historical wrong. 

We are unleashing the potential of our economy for sustained growth. 

We want a nation where there is work for all. 

Where every person can earn a decent living and realise their potential. 

Where the rights of workers are protected and working conditions improved.

Where women and men receive equal pay for work of equal value.

We need to ensure that growth creates jobs for all, especially for young people.

The success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus shows how public employment programmes can create meaningful work that generates a wider benefit and contributes to sustainable employment. 

The employment stimulus has created almost 2.2 million work and livelihood opportunities through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants. 

The Social Employment Fund has created over 80,000 jobs this year.

It has supported more than 12,000 participants to enter entrepreneurial activities.

During the past year, young people secured 235,000 work opportunities through the National Pathway Management Network, which is underpinned by the SAYouth.mobi platform. 

We now need to build on these innovative programmes to create jobs for youth at even greater scale. 

To create jobs, we must leverage our unique strengths and our unrealised potential to build the industries of the future – green manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles and the digital economy.

This year, we will finalise a modernised and comprehensive industrial policy that drives economic growth.

We will achieve this ambition by focusing on the opportunities in localisation, diversification, digitisation and decarbonisation.

We are working towards the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will tear down the barriers to trade on our continent.

As the most industrialised economy in Africa, we are positioning ourselves to be at the centre of this new and growing market.

We are harnessing the sun and the wind to make our country a leader in renewable energy and green manufacturing. 

With an abundance of cheap, green energy, we can produce products that are competitive anywhere in the world and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the process. 

We are making sustainable use of the rich abundance of the South African earth. 

By supporting our farmers, improving our logistics network and rural supply chains, and opening new export markets for products we can significantly expand our agricultural sector. 

We want South Africa to be leading in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis. 

We are breathing new life into the mining industry, which remains one of our most important and valuable endowments. 

We are on track to implement a new, modern and transparent mining rights system this year, which will unlock investment in exploration and production. 

We will put in place an enabling policy and regulatory framework for critical minerals.

By beneficiating these minerals here in South Africa, we can make use of the extraordinary wealth that lies beneath our soil for the benefit of our people.

Even more valuable than our natural resources are the diversity, energy and talent of the South African people. 

The services sector is now the largest part of our economy, ranging from financial services to retail, hospitality, tourism and the burgeoning creative industry. 

The tourism sector is growing rapidly, with close to 9 million tourists having visited our country last year.

We will grow tourism through our visa reforms, through increasing the number of flights to key destinations, and through marketing South Africa as the best country in the world to visit. 

We have also seen strong growth in digital services and business process outsourcing, which has created jobs for young people. 

To support this growth, we are investing in skills development for the industries of the future. 

The Jobs Boost fund has pioneered a new model that links funding for skills in demand to the successful placement and employment of young people. 

We are expanding our support for small and medium enterprises and for the informal economy, which sustains millions of jobs and livelihoods across our country. 

This includes streamlining funding for small businesses, unlocking venture capital for high-growth start-ups, and developing a regulatory environment that enables rather than restricts informal enterprises. 

To build an innovative economy, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will establish an Innovation Fund to provide venture capital to tech start-ups that emerge from our higher education institutions. 

We are calling on business to use the SA Youth.mobi platform, which has some 4.5 million young people registered, for their hiring.

We are calling on business to support the Youth Employment Service and to scale-up workplace experience opportunities over the coming year. 

We want a nation where no one goes hungry. 

For 30 years, since the dawn of democracy, we have worked together to reduce poverty. 

Today, we spend around 60 percent of our national budget on the social wage: on health, education, social protection, community development and public employment programmes. 

More than 28 million unemployed and vulnerable people receive social grants. 

More than 10.5 million learners go to public schools where they do not have to pay fees. 

Last year, over 900,000 students from poor and working class backgrounds received funding to study at universities and colleges. 

Through these programmes, we are alleviating the worst effects of poverty. 

We are providing the means through which South Africans can rise above the poverty that has been passed down from one generation to the next. 

But we have to do much more if we are to end poverty.

We must do much more to ensure that women in particular no longer face a hopeless struggle to feed and clothe their children.
 
While government invests heavily to support poor and unemployed people, these programmes are fragmented and sometimes difficult to access. 

We are therefore building an integrated system of support for poor and unemployed people. 

We are strengthening existing programmes from job search support to public employment and making sure that together they provide people with pathways out of poverty. 

Rather than expecting those in need to approach several government agencies separately, a citizen should be able to go to one place to receive all of the support that they need. 

To protect the gains that we have made since 1994 in advancing children’s rights, we will soon adopt the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children, which focuses on ten key priorities including poverty reduction, child protection and addressing malnutrition.

The Social Relief of Distress Grant is as an essential mechanism for alleviating extreme poverty.

We will use this grant as a basis for the introduction of a sustainable form of income support for unemployed people. 

Central to our efforts to end poverty and to develop our economy is to provide decent, quality education to every young South African.

We are immensely proud of the achievements of the matric class of 2024, which achieved the highest past rate in our country’s history. 

Eighty-seven percent of learners who sat for their matric exams passed. 

For the first time in the history of our country, nearly half of these learners achieved a bachelor pass. 

Nothing can diminish our pride in the hard work of these learners and the steady support of their teachers, parents and broader community. 

Our immediate focus is to expand access to early childhood development for every child.

This will be achieved through registering and formalising existing ECD centres and ensuring that they have the facilities, training and material that they need to provide quality early learning.

We will focus on ensuring that every child can read for meaning in the foundation phase to set them up for success in later years.

To achieve this, we are implementing mother tongue based bilingual education to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes, and rolling out lesson plans, reading books and other interventions that have been proven to work.

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme will continue to prioritise students who want to pursue a teaching career in the Foundation Phase.

Last year, we signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, which is pivotal for ensuring that education is accessible and inclusive for all South Africans. 

This year, the Minister of Basic Education will introduce national policy, norms and standards and regulations to empower all partners in basic education to support the implementation of the Act.

To ensure that the economy has the skills it needs, we are increasing the production of artisans through TVET colleges.

This is part of the shift we are undertaking towards education and skills development that combines formal learning with job training.

Drawing on the models that have proved so successful in other countries, we call on the private sector to offer young people experiential learning opportunities while they undertake their studies.

We are implementing Phase 1 of the comprehensive student funding model for higher education to address the needs of the "missing middle”. 

This will support approximately 10,000 students in the first year.

We want a nation in which there is quality health care for all. 

This year, we will proceed with the preparatory work for the establishment of the NHI.

This includes developing the first phase of a single electronic health record, preparatory work to establish Ministerial Advisory Committees on health technologies and health care benefits, and an accreditation framework for health service providers.

The NHI will reduce inequalities in healthcare by ensuring everyone gets fair treatment. 

The NHI will save many lives by providing a package of services that include, for example, maternal and newborn care and services for people living with HIV, those with TB, and those suffering from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Our most immediate priority is to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care.

A vital part of this is the modernisation, improvement and maintenance of existing health facilities and construction of new hospitals and clinics. 

A number of hospitals are under construction or undergoing revitalisation.

These include the Limpopo Central Hospital and the Siloam District Hospital in Limpopo, the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in Free State, the Bambisana District Hospital and Zithulele District Hospital in Eastern Cape, and the Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital in North West.

Other projects are at various stages of design and development. This includes the replacement of three existing old central hospitals, three new central hospitals, five new district hospitals, five community health centres and a new psychiatric hospital. 

To improve patient experience, we are putting more emphasis on reducing waiting times, cleanliness and staff attitudes in public health facilities.

We are encouraged by the great progress the country has made towards ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat.

By the end of March 2024, 96 percent of people living with HIV knew their status, 79 percent of these were on antiretroviral treatment and 94 percent of those on treatment were virally suppressed.

To ensure that we reach our target of 95-95-95, we will this year launch a massive campaign to look for an additional 1.1 million people who are not on treatment.

We are concerned about the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days.

This funding accounts for about 17 percent of our country’s HIV spend. We have been able to provide funding from our fiscus for our HIV and TB programmes over the years.

We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services.

To tackle inequality, we need to undo apartheid spatial planning, which has scarred our cities and forced many people to live far from areas of work and opportunity. 

We have delivered millions of housing opportunities since 1994, providing safety and dignity to poor households. 

Yet the practice of building housing developments on the periphery of urban centres has perpetuated inequality and urban sprawl. 

Going forward, we are going to build more housing in our city centres and closer to work and business opportunities. 

We are redesigning our housing subsidies and directing more funding towards programmes that enable people to buy or rent a home in an area of their choice. 

We will release more underutilised state properties for affordable housing development.

We are working with provinces and metros to reclaim buildings that have been hijacked in the city centres and repurpose them for public use.

We will provide 300,000 serviced stands to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors. 

We will clear the backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing, turning homes into household assets. 

We will review land use, building and other regulations to enable low-cost property development, including backyard housing. 

This represents a fundamental rethink of how the state delivers housing at scale while turning our cities into engines of growth and opportunity. 

In making our cities work for their residents, we will restore the remaining passenger rail corridors and stations to full service. 

More than 80 percent of passenger rail corridors have been returned to service. 

Prasa has introduced over 200 modern, locally-produced trains on its network to provide a low-cost option for public transport. 

Over the next five years we will restore Prasa’s signalling system so that we can put all our new trains to work and commuters can be assured they can reach work safely, affordably and on time.

We want a nation in which everyone is safe.

The police continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised crime syndicates and combat financial and violent crimes.

The SAPS has partnered with the metropolitan municipalities and is working with communities to fight crime in the priority provinces where crime is particularly high.

We are intensifying Operation Shanela, which has been successful in arresting suspects, recovering firearms and seizing stolen vehicles.

We must tackle the scourge of gun violence that has plagued our society for decades.

I have asked the Minister and the National Commissioner of Police to prioritise reducing gun-related crime and violence. 

This includes preventing the diversion of firearms into the illicit market and recovering illegal firearms in circulation.

We know from international evidence and our own experience that this is the most effective way to reduce overall violent crime.

The Detective Service, which is crucial to solving cases, will be expanded by 4,000 personnel through internal recruitment processes.

We are working on adopting surveillance, analytics and smart policing solutions for modern law enforcement.

We have seen the value of technology in fighting crime.

By using AI in its fraud risk detection and verification work, SARS has prevented the leakage of over R95 billion in impermissible refunds, recovered R20 billion in revenue and dismantled an illicit tobacco and gold scheme.

We continue to work across society to end the violence that is perpetrated against women.

We have promulgated the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, establishing a national structure to oversee a coordinated response to this crisis.

We will ensure that the Council is fully functional and properly resourced.

We continue to strengthen support to victims of gender-based violence.

There are now 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country.

Out of 52 districts in the country, 44 have GBV shelters. 

All police stations in the country have victim friendly services, and another 16 sexual offences courts will be established in the next financial year.

We want a nation that is free of corruption.

Last year, we established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA dedicated to investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases. 

We will ensure that the Directorate is fully resourced and has access to the information that it needs to prosecute state capture cases and hold those responsible to account. 

We are establishing a world-class digital forensics lab to support the investigation of complex corruption and financial crime with cutting edge tools and expertise. 

We are making steady progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, including signing into law several legislative reforms. 

The Special Investigating Unit and Asset Forfeiture Unit report that over R10 billion has been recovered in state capture related cases.

This year, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will report on the review of the anti-corruption architecture by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. 

This is expected to streamline legislation, eradicate the duplication of mandates and foster greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

We will finalise the whistleblower protection framework and introduce the Whistleblower Protections Bill in Parliament during this financial year.

This year, we will strengthen South Africa’s system to combat money laundering and terror financing with further legislative and system improvements. 

To secure our removal from the international Financial Action Task Force grey list, we have made significant progress in addressing the weaknesses identified in our law enforcement system, with 16 out of 22 action items fully addressed.

We want a nation that is at peace with the world. 

We continue through our international relations to advance the well-being of the South African people as we seek to advance the well-being of humanity. 

We will work to strengthen our trade relations around the world and to leverage our strong and diverse global alliances to make our economy more resilient.

The key pillars of our foreign policy remain the promotion of human rights, peace and friendship and the strengthening of fair trade and investment ties with other countries.

These are the principles that guide our Presidency of the G20 this year.

We have chosen the theme of solidarity, equality and sustainable development to underscore the need for cooperation and partnership among the countries of the world.

For the first time in its history, the G20 is being hosted on the African continent following the admission of the African Union as a member of the G20.

It is an opportunity to place the needs of Africa and the rest of the Global South more firmly on the international development agenda.
 
Our G20 Presidency is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to advance efforts towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development.

Africa remains at the centre of our foreign policy.

We continue to work to strengthen the African Union to support the achievement of peace, development and economic integration on the continent.

We know that our future prosperity is inextricably bound to the prosperity of the African continent.

For Africa to thrive, we must silence the guns on the continent.

Since the advent of democracy, we have been instrumental in restoring stability in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi, South Sudan and Lesotho.

Most recently, we have been part of the SADC peacekeeping mission in Mozambique that has brought relative calm and stability to the Cabo Delgado province.

The presence of South African peacekeepers in the eastern DRC is testament to our continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, which has cost millions of lives and displaced millions of people.

We call on all parties to embrace the current diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process. 

We will attend the Joint Summit between SADC and the East African Community scheduled to take place in Tanzania this weekend, where we will reiterate our call for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks to find a just and enduring solution.

We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and oppression.

South Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who, having endured decades of illegal occupation, are now experiencing indescribable suffering. 

South Africa has acted in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention by instituting proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

We are fully committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. 

We support the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and peoples.

We continue to participate in the different peace processes seeking to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

South African delegations have been instrumental in developing a framework for negotiations towards a just peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter and international law.

South Africa continues to advance its agenda of cooperation and multilateralism through its membership of the United Nations, African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS group of countries.

As humanity confronts unprecedented challenges, we are determined that a reformed and representative United Nations must be at the centre of global affairs.

We will continue to push for progress on the reform of the UN Security Council into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security. 

The work we do and what we stand for needs to be explained to many key players, especially to our trading partners and the many countries and leaders we interact with on the global stage. 

With a view to explaining the many positions that we have taken and in particular the objectives we wish to achieve during our Presidency of the G20, I have decided to send a delegation of government and other leaders to various capitals on our continent and across the world. 

This delegation will interact with various key players on a variety of matters that affect South Africa’s interests.

Fellow South Africans,

All of these things that we speak of are possible. 

As South Africans, we know the power of cooperation, of what is possible when people of different backgrounds, races, cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions come together behind a shared objective. 

The formation of the Government of National Unity provides us with an opportunity to show once again what we can achieve by working together. 

I call on all South Africans, united in our diversity, to come together in the National Dialogue to define a vision for our country for the next 30 years. 

The National Dialogue must be a place where everyone has a voice.

It must be a place to find solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

The National Dialogue must reaffirm that each and every one of us has a role to play in building the nation we want,

While we may differ on many issues, we agree on one thing: that we need to build a better South Africa and improve the wellbeing of our people. 

And so, as we enter a new era in the world and in our own country, let us speak of the empathy and compassion that we have for one another. 

Let us speak of the pride we have for our country and for all that we have achieved. 

Let us speak of the determination that won us freedom and that drives us forward now to a better future. 

With this determination, we will work together to make this an era of growth, progress and transformation. 

We will work together to build the nation that we want.

We will work together to build a nation that works for all. 

I thank you.

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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index (SASCI), Western Cape
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Programme Director;
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa;
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie;
The Telkom Group CEO; Mr Serame Taukobong;
Chairperson of Inclusive Society Institute, Professor Zweli Ndevu; 
Dr. Georgi Dragolov, the lead researcher behind the South African Social Cohesion Index;
Senior Government Officials Present from the Presidency and Departments;
Our Esteemed Panellists;
Distinguished Attendees; 
Fellow South Africans;

Good Evening, 

No matter how hectic my schedule was, I would have never been able to ignore the invitation to be here tonight. 

This is not only because the President has delegated me with the responsibility to promote social cohesion and nation building in our country, but also because I am also of the opinion that the human species would not exist if it were not for social cohesiveness.

According to Peter Guber, a well-known author and film producer, humans are incapable of surviving without the methods, rules, and strategies that enable people to collaborate. In essence, those who unite in purpose resemble threads knitted together, crafting a tapestry of intricate design. In unity, we find our true nature.

Our true nature includes attributes like empathy, diversity, kindness, love, and care for one another, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, religious belief, and any forms of diversity.

As a people, if we can recognise these elements, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and others, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive society. Indeed, the Bill of Rights in our Constitution recognises the rights of all people in their diversity.

The founding father of our democracy, President Nelson Mandela, dreamt of a progressive and inclusive society. He began the vital process of creating a new national identity based on national unity, consistent with the Freedom Charter.

The Charter asserts, “We, the People of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, Black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.”

In the period following the 1994 elections, South Africans came together and started to forge the nation we want—the rainbow nation, as Desmond Tutu described it.

The important question we must ask ourselves is: how far along are we in the process of nation building, and how cohesive are we as a nation?

The launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index is timely because it will serve as a tool to address this subject as we approach another 30 years of our democracy. This will help us assess our society's current state and future direction.

The 2024 Index offers us a picture of where we stand in our collective journey towards social harmony. It provides us with insights into the strengths and challenges facing our nation, highlighting areas where progress has been made and areas that require urgent attention. By understanding these dynamics, we can develop targeted strategies and policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and tolerance among all our citizens.

Despite reflecting an overall moderately high level of social cohesion, the index indicates that much work remains. The overall score of 53.3 index points does not provide a complete picture. There are several areas that warrant serious concern.

1. Acceptance of diversity in the country has steadily declined from an already low 47.1 index points in 2021 to only 46.8 in 2024;
2. Trust in institutions has declined from 50.1 index points to 47.9;
3. Perceptions of fairness have declined from 42.4 index points to a mere 42.7; and
4. Respect for social rules has declined from 40.3 to an alarming 36.6 index points.

The study reveals that the most significant decline occurred in the cohesion dimension, which relates to respect for social rules. Other weakened dimensions include trust in institutions and perception of fairness. The level of solidarity and helpfulness remained stable, whereas civic participation and general trust in people have become slightly stronger.

Compatriots,

Our current reality is that the sentiment that the Rainbow Nation is drifting apart rather than coming together has become stronger.

Numerous challenges continue to test our democracy. For instance, state capture negatively impacted our efforts to promote reconciliation and advance our democratic values. It also resulted in a negative and divisive narrative in the country.

However, some of the recent events in our country have demonstrated that our people are able to stand united for the common purpose. Adversity and triumph have shaped our nation.

We have witnessed defining moments in our history that demonstrate our ability to unite across racial, cultural, and economic divides. We have seen that when South Africans stand together, we are capable of overcoming even the most enormous of challenges.

As South Africa transitioned from the brutal system of apartheid into a new era of democracy, the world gasped in shock. Despite the deep scars of oppression, we chose peace over conflict, reconciliation over revenge, and democracy over dictatorship. The first democratic election was more than a political event; it was a triumph of national unity.

Furthermore, when HIV/AIDS in the 2000s threatened the very fabric of our society, we were able to unite a country in the fight against this epidemic. In this regard, governments, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens worked tirelessly to combat stigma and expand treatment provisions. Today, our successful HIV/AIDS response is a testament to our collective resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic once again put our country to the test. However, South Africans showed remarkable solidarity and unity of purpose in overcoming the pandemic. The response to COVID-19 was led at many levels, including community-based leadership. 

And more recently, I have been encouraged by different political parties, business leaders, and South Africans to stand together to defend our country’s sovereignty and interests in the midst of recent negative utterances about our country.

These moments remind us of who we are: a resilient, united, and determined nation. We must continue to stand together to confront any other issue that threatens to tear our social fabric and our nation apart.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This South African Social Cohesion Index is important in that it points public policymakers to the areas that need focused interventions.

We are encouraged that the development of this index has been thoroughly shared and workshopped with the National Planning Commission. The NPC has indicated that it will use this tool, and others, to drive its development work. Specifically as it relates to:
- Addressing economic inequality through inclusive economic growth strategies.
- Improving public trust in institutions through governance reforms.
- Fostering a shared national identity by promoting social integration and cross-cultural engagement.

Building social cohesion in the country is not the responsibility of government alone or any one sector of society. All must work together to realise the dream we have for a united, prosperous, and cohesive South Africa.

We must all work to close the gap between what South Africans want, which is a united South Africa, and what they currently believe to be the case.

We do that by changing the narrative from a divisive tone to one that encourages nation-building.

We further achieve this by fostering trust in our institutions, cultivating a culture of adherence to social norms, and guaranteeing a sense of equity for all, where everyone contributes equally to the development of a united South Africa.

We are committed to building a united and reconciled South Africa. The constitutional vision of a united and prosperous South Africa drives our actions as a government. 

The more prosperous a country is, the higher the level of social cohesion. When people have hope, they look forward with optimism, they work together, and they unite around common goals. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we delve into the findings and implications of this important index, we must not be despondent or discouraged; we must use the findings as a valuable contribution towards a more unified and harmonious future.

The Index findings will be useful in planning the National Dialogue for South Africa's future. President Ramaphosa has announced that the government is working with various social partners to convene the dialogue.

The Dialogue aims, among others, to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality and forge a new social compact to achieve the National Development Plan's vision. This also in light of the political and economic shifts that have confronted our country and our governance systems. 

Compatriots, 

As a country we are embarking on this crucial endeavour towards a more socially cohesive South Africa. Let us all strive to create a society where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard.

What should remain in our minds is that social cohesion is the cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive society. It is the glue that binds us together, transcending our differences and fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index and to all those who continue to work tirelessly towards building a more cohesive and inclusive nation.

It is through collaboration, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose that we will build a nation that is strong, united, and resilient.

I implore us all to not just treat this report as merely key findings of a research study, but instead treat this as the guiding light to how we chart our way to a better future, leaving no one behind. 

Thank You.
 

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Media briefing by Spokesperson to the President, Mr Vincent Magwenya, The Presidency, Tuynhuys, Cape Town
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Good morning and welcome to all the media representatives who have joined us in Cape Town and online, for our first Presidency media briefing in the year 2025. We will be discussing the public engagement programme of the President for the period up to the end of February.

06 February 2025 - State of the Nation Address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 7pm. The address will take place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament.

The 2025 SoNA is the first of the 7th Administration and will be held under the theme: “A nation that works, for all.”  This address holds added significance as it occurs during the commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, and it coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of G20. 

The annual address gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and recommits us to working together to build the country we envisioned at the start of our democracy. 

In the address, the President will outline the task of the government of national unity in implementing the three strategic priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan, namely, driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

07 February 2025 - Presidential Golf Challenge

On Friday, 07 February, the President will tee up alongside a diverse stakeholder grouping to raise funds for charities during the annual Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC) which will be held at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand.

The PGC is held every year following the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and is hosted by the Ministry of Public Service and Administration in partnership with the private sector as part of the activities around SONA.

The Challenge raises funds for charities designated by the sitting President and provides an opportunity for networking between government and private sector.  

The proceeds will be donated to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which will in turn distribute funds to deserving charities to improve education and promote skills development in the communities across the country.

The President is honoured to partner with an 11-year-old Golfer Shalom Madlala from Malelane in the Mpumalanga province. Shalom is a provincial player in the South African Golf Development Board’s (SAGDB) program.

The tee off is set to take place at 09h00 and media pool arrangement is in place for this occasion.

08 February 2025 

President Ramaphosa to participate at the Joint SADC – EAC Heads of State and Government Summit on the DRC

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a working visit to Dar Es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania on Saturday, 08 February 2025, to participate at the joint Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) – East Africa Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government Summit on the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The Heads of States and Government of SADC and East African Community agreed to meet urgently following their respective extraordinary Summits held last month to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC. 

The joint SADC – EAC Summit will be preceded by Senior Officials and Foreign Ministers Meetings taking place on 06 and 07 February 2025. 

The Extraordinary SADC Summit held last month mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, to engage all state and non-state parties to the conflict on a ceasefire process to protect lives and facilitate a smooth flow of humanitarian support to people and communities affected by the armed conflict.

It also urged Political and Diplomatic leaders who are parties to the conflict to engage in a coordinated effort of dialogue, including supporting the Luanda Process, MONUSCO and others, to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.

13 February 2025 - SONA Debate Reply

President Ramaphosa will deliver his reply to the State of the Nation debate on 13 February 2025. The President looks forward to a constructive and substantively enriching debate that will follow his SONA address. 
 
15-16 February 2025

President Ramaphosa to lead the South African Delegation to the 38th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African Delegation to the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU, which is taking place on 15 and 16 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He will be accompanied by several Ministers and Senior Officials.

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU will be held under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”. It will review and assess what has been achieved in Africa’s efforts towards the attainment of long overdue justice and reparations after decades of colonialism and apartheid. 

The Assembly is taking place two months after South Africa assumed its Presidency of the G20 in 2025. The Summit will be a unique opportunity for President Ramaphosa to brief his counterparts on the key priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and their alignment to Agenda 2063. The High-level meeting on the G20 will take place on 15 February 2025, on the margins of the Summit.

One of the main objectives of the forthcoming Assembly is to elect the new Senior Leadership of the AU Commission, Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. There are three candidates vying for the Chairperson position, while four candidates are contesting the Deputy Chairperson position. It will also appoint the six Commissioners following the endorsement by the Executive Council. 

The Summit is expected to discuss the status of Peace and Security on the continent. The discussion on Peace and Security on the Continent will take place against the backdrop of great concerns regarding the state of peace and security on the continent including the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The discussions on the peace and security situation in Sudan and South Sudan will also feature prominently during the Summit. 

The President, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, also known as the C-5, will convene an extended meeting on South Sudan to include key countries in the Eastern Region such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. The current President of South Sudan, President Silva Kiir, will also be in attendance. 

South Africa will participate in the exchange of views on issues such as AUDA-NEPAD, APRM and Climate Change on the margins of the AU Summit. There will also be a review and assessment of the implementation of the AfCFTA as a critical flagship project of Agenda 2063.

20 February 2025 - G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting

President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 20 February 2026, host the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting at the NASREC EXPO Centre, Gauteng. Among other issues for discussion will be the current geopolitical dynamics as well as the President reflection on South Africa’s G20 Presidency High –Level Deliverables and the Review of the G20@20. South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

27 February 2025 - Basic Education Sector Lekgotla

President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address on 27 February 2025 at the Basic Education Lekgotla. The Department of Basic Education will host the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Johannesburg. The theme of the 2025 Lekgotla is “Strengthening foundations for Learning for a resilient future-fit education system”. 

 

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town

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Presidential Spokesperson to brief media on President's upcoming programme
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Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya will on Wednesday, 05 February 2025, host a media briefing to update on the President’s programme and address recent developments of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday: 05 February 2025 
Time: 9h30 for 10h00 
Venue:120 Plein Street,  Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Executive Committee Lekgotla, Cape Town
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Programme Director;
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa;
SALGA President, Cllr. Bheke Charles Stofile;
SALGA Deputy Presidents present;
Members of the SALGA National Executive Committee;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

To begin, let me take this opportunity to thank you for inviting me to address you today at this important National Executive Committee Lekgotla.

I consider this Lekgotla an important platform to improve intergovernmental integration for service delivery, an aspect that is in line with my delegated responsibilities.  

Amongst other things, President Cyril Ramaphosa has delegated me to assist him in the implementation of the rapid response intervention on service delivery and in the roll out of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective coordination.  

As representatives of various sectors, we have a shared responsibility to collaborate and work together towards the common goal of serving our communities effectively and efficiently.

Since the formation of organised local government in 1996, SALGA has been able to support, and lobby for its member municipalities to receive targeted grant funding from the national fiscus, and also to implement strategies that will assist municipalities to improve service delivery in local communities.

SALGA, in particular, has an entrenched responsibility to represent organised local government at various levels of Government, including its representation in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

In this regard, SALGA has been influential in the passing of critical legislation that is intended to improve service delivery at local government level. These include the Electoral Laws Amendment Act of 2021 and the Municipal systems Amendment Act, to mention a few.

Now, as we move towards 30 years of SALGA’s existence, we are aware that the journey you have travelled has not been easy. However, you have made significant contributions to the improvement of the lives of our communities at the coalface of government. 

SALGA has effectively advocated for the sector in numerous intergovernmental forums. Over the years, SALGA has made significant contributions to the legislative framework that provides members with support in a variety of areas. 

This includes areas such as water management, transport management, electricity, disaster and waste management, safety and security, local government funding, and international relations. SALGA has also been committed to the transformation agenda with women occupying key leadership positions.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa establishes local government as a distinct field of governance within a framework of cooperative governance, where the three spheres being distinctive, yet interconnected and mutually dependent.

Given that local government comprises 257 municipalities, effective engagement in intergovernmental relations necessitates that local government operates collectively. 

In other words, this necessitates that SALGA be at the centre of this coordination. Local government can act collectively only through organised local government structures, as recognised and entrenched in the Constitution and other enabling legislation.

Therefore, as SALGA, you are expected to play this representative role as the voice of local government across a number of intergovernmental structures.

Intergovernmental integration is critical for promoting collaboration, coordination, and communication across different levels of Government. Through coordinating our efforts and resources, we can solve the complex difficulties that our communities face and, ultimately, provide better services to our residents.

Together, we can streamline processes, and leverage each other's strengths to achieve greater impact. It is through this collaborative approach that we can unlock innovative solutions and drive sustainable development across our nation.

Compatriots,

As we engage in conversation during various sessions of this Lekgotla, we must do so frankly in order for us to be able to come up with strategic direction that will improve service delivery in our municipalities.

We are all aware that the local government sector continues to grapple with a multiplicity of challenges.

These challenges include weaknesses in service delivery planning; failing municipal infrastructure; and the increasing pressure on local government finances. 

Furthermore, issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment can only be effectively addressed through collaborative efforts by government across all levels.  

After the 2021 Local Government elections, we have witnessed an increase in municipalities with hung councils. This has forced many municipal councils to be governed through coalitions. However, in practice, coalition governments have been unstable and are often terminated before the end of their term of office.

Instability in local government coalitions has contributed to severe inefficiencies and service delivery challenges. Coalition arrangements have compromised the ability of municipalities to adopt policies, pass budgets, adopt by-laws, and make senior management appointments.

This has resulted in the development of a Framework for Coalitions in Local Government by SALGA. We have since used this framework as part of our source documents, amongst other, to develop a discussion document during the National Dialogue on Coalition governments I convened in August 2023 at the University of the Western Cape. 

To this end, with the assistance of the Dullah Omar Institute and MISTRA, we have been able to develop a Coalitions Framework for South Africa. This framework has been handed over to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as a basis for the development of the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024 (Coalitions Bill) by CoGTA which will be submitted for Cabinet approval and introduction to Parliament this year.  

We must all be committed to our clearly defined vision to promote the interests of local government. In doing so, we must appreciate the increased effectiveness and efficiency of SALGA’s support of municipalities in intergovernmental structures, including the NCOP.

We are all now cognisant of the fact that many entities have been unable to pay their bills. It is obvious that a municipality's capacity to pay its bills, including those to Eskom and Water Boards, is directly related to its capacity to collect revenue for the services rendered to households, businesses, and Government departments.

In response to the increasingly complex situation faced by municipalities, we urge SALGA to continue working with Government and other social partners to find suitable solutions to these challenges.  

With regard to payment of water boards, the Minister of COGTA proposed a one-stop solution to resolve the interlinked financial challenges between municipalities, water boards, and other stakeholders. This approach would involve streamlining the payment system through the National Treasury. Under this model, funds owed by Government departments to municipalities would be directly routed through the Treasury, which would then allocate payments to water boards and other creditors like Eskom.

As Government we understand that addressing the innate issues plaguing municipal finances is not only essential for improving service delivery and infrastructure, but also for restoring public trust in local governance. 

We therefore encourage municipalities to explore new models to effectively collect revenue, thus ensuring their financial sustainability. In this regard, we encourage municipalities to enter into that space by bringing in the IPPs and buying from them. 

However, as we are focusing on finding new revenue streams, SALGA should work with us to address the core issue of leadership and financial discipline in local government. 

In doing so, it is important that we consider strengthening municipal public accounts committees to ensure oversight powers on procurement processes, expenditures and compliance with financial regulations.  

I believe that our municipalities can be fixed. We just need more concerted efforts in the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework which applies to the National, Provincial, Local Government, and SOEs. The Framework focus on accelerating service delivery, addressing poor performance and skills gap in the public service.

Professionalisation is critical to ensuring that Government is capable of delivering essential services to its citizens. 

As SALGA, you should work with National Government in the local sphere as the driver of professionalisation. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must prioritise the speed of execution, which includes enhancing coordination across Government.

As Government, we are harmonising planning and budgeting as part of adopting the District Development Model, which is based on One Plan-One Vision, to obtain the best results in developing a better life for everyone.  

The Water Task Team is seized with addressing the issue of water supply challenges in various parts of the country. 

As you would know, we are implementing a Public-Private Partnership model in water supply with the National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that we resolve the current water crisis facing a number of communities. 

Therefore, the successful implementation of the District Development Model lies in the speed of execution as our modus operandi, which should be adopted across the three spheres of Government.  

Consequently, as we gather here today, we must ensure that we sharpen and crystallise a common understanding of the three overarching policy priorities of the 7th Administration. We must equally develop a common appreciation of a monitoring and evaluation framework in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act.

Regarding the issue of land, I want to point out that the ownership of land is one of the most important mechanisms to achieve the objectives of economic inclusion, food security, social cohesion, inclusive spatial patterns, and rural development. 

Because of this, we need to move quickly to find solutions to the unequal and unfair patterns of land ownership that exist in our country. The resolution of this issue is not only a matter of social fairness, but it will also assist us in addressing other issues, such as instances of illegal land invasions and occupation. 

The enforcement of by-laws to address land invasions must be combined with measures for spatial transformation to reverse economic apartheid. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me remind you that, last year in August 2024, we discussed the plan to launch a clean city campaign at the Three Line Whip Meeting. I implore you to come up with a plan and approach for how we can start this programme.

We must establish a committee that will evaluate cities' cleanliness every year and give out prizes in collaboration with COGTA and SALGA. 

Let me conclude by restating that it is important that SALGA and all three spheres of Government collaborate in order to find solutions to service delivery challenges. On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address, an important message to the nation about where we have come and most importantly where we are going. 

As we deliberate on the key issues at hand today, let us keep in mind the importance of this address and the impact that it will have on the day to day activities of local government. 

I believe that this Lekgotla will have robust discussions that will advance our collective aspirations in a way that is united in purpose.

Let us harness the power of intergovernmental integration to build a more responsive, effective, and inclusive system of governance that truly serves the needs of our people.

I thank you.

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