President Cyril Ramaphosa today, Thursday, 06 August 2026, visited Sasol's Secunda Operations in Mpumalanga, where he received a comprehensive briefing on the company's integrated operations and their contribution to South Africa's economic growth, industrial development, energy security and job creation.

The visit provided the President with a first-hand view of one of South Africa's largest industrial complexes, where approximately 35 million tonnes of locally mined coal are beneficiated each year to produce a wide range of fuel and chemical products that support key sectors of the economy.

The President was briefed on Sasol's integrated value chain, spanning mining, gasification, proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, refining, logistics and chemical production.

The briefing also highlighted the company's role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, driving innovation, developing critical skills and sustaining employment.

Discussions also focused on the company's ongoing investment in maintaining a competitive industrial base, enhancing operational efficiency and advancing its transition initiatives, while ensuring a reliable supply of liquid fuels and chemical products that underpin economic activity.

The visit reaffirmed the strategic role of large-scale industrial investments such as Sasol's Secunda Operations in promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening South Africa's industrial competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting the country's long-term development objectives.

The President was accompanied by the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, and was hosted by Sasol President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Baloyi, Sasol Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Board, Muriel Dube, together with members of the Sasol Group Executive Committee.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
The Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, T Taubie Motlhabane
Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
Chief Director: Skills Development, Department of Economic Development and Tourism Western Cape Government, Mr. Nezaam Joseph
Executive Deputy Mayor & Mayoral Committee Member: Spatial Planning and Environment, City of Cape Town, Alderman Eddie Andrews
Representatives of our Universities, TVET Colleges and Schools;
Our valued partners from Civil Society and Community Organisations;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen 
Molweni! Good morning!

It is a pleasure to be back!

This is my second opportunity to address the Youth in Action Expo, and I must say that returning to this platform is truly an honour. Last year, I left inspired by the remarkable energy, ambition and determination of the thousands of young people gathered here. I was reminded that South Africa's youth are not waiting on the sidelines for change to happen. You are actively seeking opportunities. You are asking important questions. You are investing in yourselves. Most importantly, you are determined to shape your own future. I want to thank the Cape Town International Convention Centre and each of the more than 170 organisations that have made this Expo what it is. In just three years, this gathering has grown from 1,500 young people to over 14,000. That is not a statistic. That is a movement. It tells us something our country urgently needs to hear young South Africans are not waiting for the future to arrive they are showing up to build it.

The Challenges Our Youth Face
South Africa is a young nation. Two out of every three people are under 35. That is a huge asset but also a huge responsibility, because too many young people cannot find work. I know the questions you ask yourselves. Will I get a job? How do I get experience when every job needs experience? What if I cannot afford to study? Is a degree my only option? Can I start my own business? These are real questions and government hears you. But let me be honest: government cannot fix this alone. Solving youth unemployment needs all of us government, business, schools, colleges, and you working together.

Programme Director, 

I want to start where every young person's journey begins, education. There is a reason that our Constitution guarantees the right to education. There is a reason that government spends the single largest portion of the national budget on education more than on any other function. It is because education is the most powerful engine of individual mobility and national prosperity that has ever existed. It is the single greatest equaliser in an unequal society. But let me be clear about something: education does not mean one path. It does not mean that every young person must go to university. That idea has done enormous damage to young South Africans who have gifts, talents, and ambitions that a traditional academic degree was never designed to serve.

The Power of TVET Colleges, Universities, knowledge, and research
If I could leave you with one message today, it is this: TVET is not a second choice it is a pathway to opportunity. South Africa's 50 public TVET colleges offer qualifications in fields such as engineering, information technology, agriculture, hospitality, business, and the skilled trades that drive our economy. These are the skills our industries need, and many cannot easily be replaced by technology. Many successful entrepreneurs, artisans and business owners began their journeys at TVET colleges, proving that success is determined by your skills, commitment, and ambition not by the type of institution you attend. Through the National Skills Fund, the SETAs and partnerships with industry, government continues to strengthen TVET education to ensure graduates are equipped with skills that employers are looking for. At the same time, our 26 public universities remain essential in producing the professionals, innovators, and leaders our country needs. Whether you choose university or TVET, what matters most is how you apply your knowledge. Be intentional about gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, and leadership opportunities. Qualifications open doors, but it is your initiative, adaptability, and willingness to keep learning that will determine your success.

NSFAS: Removing the Financial Barrier
I know what many of you are thinking. This all sounds good but how do I pay for it?

Let me tell you about the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS. NSFAS is government's primary vehicle for ensuring that no young South African is denied an education because of their background. If you come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less or R600,000 or less if you are a person living with a disability, you qualify for NSFAS funding. And NSFAS does not only cover tuition fees. It covers accommodation. It covers books and learning materials. It covers meals. It covers a travel allowance. It is a comprehensive bursary designed to ensure that you can focus on your studies without the constant anxiety of how you are going to survive. For those in the so-called "missing middle" households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 per year NSFAS also offers a student loan facility, with favourable repayment terms that only begin once you are employed and earning above a certain threshold. Here is what I want you to do: if you are considering university or TVET college and you are worried about funding, visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. Find out if you qualify. The application window for the 2027 academic year will open later this year. Do not wait. Do not assume you will not qualify. Apply. The funding exists but you must take the first step.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention: From Learning to Earning
Programme Director, 

Education is only the beginning the real challenge is ensuring that young people can successfully transition from learning to earning. That is why, in 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), government's flagship response to youth unemployment and a key responsibility of my office as Deputy Minister in the Presidency. At the heart of the PYEI is the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), which brings together government departments, the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA), SAYouth.mobi, the National Youth Development Agency, Harambee, universities, TVET colleges, the private sector and civil society into one coordinated network. Its purpose is to connect young people with jobs, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships and other opportunities more efficiently. The impact has been significant. Since its launch, the PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.5 million earning opportunities, while over 5.9 million young people are registered on SAYouth.mobi and more than 5.36 million on the ESSA platform. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 155,161 new opportunities were created, with more than 70% accessed by young women. These achievements demonstrate government's commitment to creating practical pathways into employment and economic participation for South Africa's youth.

Programme Director, 

let me tell you about a young woman I met recently. Her name is Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka. Adelia registered on SAYouth.mobi. She enrolled in a programme ran by our partner, the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. She did not have connections. She did not have capital. What she had was the willingness to take that first step to register, to show up, to learn. She used that opportunity to gain skills and experience. And today, Adelia owns her own construction company. Think about that. A young woman, in a sector historically dominated by men, who started with nothing but a registration on a free mobile platform and today she is an employer. She is building. She is leading. She is proof that the pathway works. Adelia's story reminds us of something fundamental: opportunity can change a life, but young people must take the first step. Government can build the platforms. We can fund the programmes. We can forge the partnerships. But the registration must come from you. The application must come from you. The decision to walk through the door when it opens that must come from you. We want thousands more success stories like Adelia's across South Africa. And the only difference between Adelia and anyone else in this room is that she took the first step. You can do the same. Today. Right here.

SAYouth.mobi — Your Digital Gateway
I want every young unemployed person in this room to do one thing today. Take out your phone. Go to www.SAYouth.mobi. Register. It is completely free. It is zero-rated on participating mobile networks. You do not need a single megabyte of data. You do not need a laptop. You do not need a CV written by a professional. You just need your details, your qualifications, and a sense of where you want to go. Whether you are still in school, studying at a TVET college or university, or a graduate searching for your first break, SAYouth.mobi meets you where you are. It will match you with jobs, learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, bursaries, digital skills training, volunteering, and workplace experience. And once you are registered, it will notify you when something comes up. The platform works for you.

The Youth Employment Service: Public-Private Partnership in Action
One of the greatest challenges facing many graduates is the lack of work experience. Too often, young people are told they cannot get a job because they have no experience, yet they cannot gain experience without being given an opportunity.
That is why the Youth Employment Service (YES) is such an important initiative. As one of government's key private-sector partners, YES provides unemployed young people with meaningful workplace experience, helping them build their CVs, gain valuable skills, and improve their chances of securing permanent employment. It is a powerful example of how government and business can work together to tackle youth unemployment. To every graduate looking for that first opportunity, I encourage you to explore the programmes available through YES. Your first opportunity can become the foundation for a successful career, and initiatives like YES are helping to open those doors.

Skills Development: The Bridge to Opportunity
Programme Director, 

Between education and employment lies a critical bridge: skills development. Qualifications are important, but employers are also looking for practical, industry-relevant skills. That is why government invests in the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), which work with industry to identify skills shortages and fund learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and other workplace-based training opportunities. These programmes provide practical experience, nationally recognised qualifications and, in many cases, a stipend while participants learn. Government also supports skills development through the National Skills Fund, the National Youth Service, and partnerships with organisations such as Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, ensuring that young people gain the skills and experience needed to access employment. As our economy becomes increasingly digital, I also encourage every young person to develop digital skills such as coding, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity, or cloud computing. These skills are in growing demand and can open opportunities across almost every sector of the economy.

Entrepreneurship: Build It Yourself
Not every young person in this room wants to work for someone else and that is a good thing. South Africa will not solve its unemployment crisis by relying on big business and government alone. We need a generation of young people who will build enterprises, create jobs, and solve problems in their communities.

How Government Supports Young Entrepreneurs
For those who dream of creating jobs rather than only seeking them, government is committed to supporting youth entrepreneurship. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) provides entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business development support, and grant funding to help young people start and grow their businesses. Young entrepreneurs can also access support through institutions such as the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), while the Department of Small Business Development offers incubation programmes and market access opportunities. Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and SAYouth.mobi, aspiring entrepreneurs can also be connected to relevant support and opportunities. If you have a business idea, I encourage you to visit the NYDA stand at this Expo. Ask questions, explore the support available and take the first step. Every successful business began as an idea, and with the right support, your idea could become the next enterprise that creates jobs and drives economic growth.

Women's Month: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future
Programme Director, 

As we gather today, we do so at a significant moment in our national calendar. August is Women's Month, and in just a few days we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings. More than 20,000 courageous women united to oppose injustice, proving that collective action can change the course of history. Their enduring rallying cry, "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo," continues to remind us of the strength and resilience of South African women. This year's Women's Month theme of Empowerment reminds us that the struggle of those women was not only for political freedom, but also for access to education, economic opportunity, and dignity. That work continues today. To the young women in this room: know that your potential is limitless. Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for young women, and today more than 70% of the opportunities created through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) have been accessed by young women. We recognise the barriers many still face and remain committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

To the young men here today: the empowerment of women strengthens our nation. Be allies in advancing equality, challenging discrimination, and supporting the women around you. Together, we can build the non-sexist South Africa envisioned in our Constitution. As we honour the women of 1956, let us also ask ourselves: What will our generation do to build on the legacy they entrusted to us?

Ladies and Gentlemen 

As I conclude, let me leave you with this thought: your future starts now. Government is building a coordinated system of support to help young people move from learning to earning through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, SAYouth.mobi, ESSA, the National Youth Development Agency, the Youth Employment Service, SETAs, the National Skills Fund, TVET colleges, universities, NSFAS, and partnerships with organisations such as Harambee. These initiatives exist to remove barriers, create opportunities, and connect you to education, skills, entrepreneurship, and employment. But no programme can replace your own determination. Your future will be shaped by the choices you make, the opportunities you pursue and the courage you show in taking that first step. So, before you leave this Expo, ask questions, make connections, explore every opportunity available and believe in your potential. Together, let us build a South Africa where every young person has not only the freedom to dream, but the opportunity to realise those dreams. The future is not something we wait for it is something we build, together.

Enkosi, Dankie, I thank you. 
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the recommendations and referrals contained in the Second Interim Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from specific allegations by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025 (“Commission”).

The Commission submitted its second interim report to President Ramaphosa on 29 May 2026. This follows the submission of the first interim report on 17 December 2025. The final report on the completion of the inquiry will be submitted on 16 November 2026.

The report revisits the recommendation and referrals made in the First Interim Report in respect of the South African Police Service (SAPS) based on prima facie evidence and, with one exception, confirms these recommendations now that the relevant implicated parties have appeared before the Commission to give evidence.

The report also sets out new recommendations and referrals made by the Commission on the basis of evidence heard since the start of 2026.

Flowing from this evidence, the Commission recommends the institution of disciplinary proceedings and the immediate investigation of criminal conduct and, if sufficient evidence be found to exist, the institution of criminal proceedings against the following individuals:
1. Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya
2. Witness G
3. Sergeant Fannie Nkosi
4. Mr Brown Mogotsi

The Commission also recommends that the Office of the Inspector General for Intelligence or another functionary with the necessary authority conduct an immediate investigation into the off-the-books operation of Crime Intelligence in which Mr Mogotsi and Witness G were allegedly involved.

These recommendations and referrals are made in line with clause 10.4 of the Commission’s Terms of Reference, which provides the Commission with the “power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.”

Clause 12 further states that “the Commission shall, where appropriate, refer any matter for prosecution, further investigation or the convening of a separate enquiry to the appropriate law enforcement agency, government department or regulator.”

The most recent referrals from the Commission will form part of the work of the SAPS special investigations task team established following receipt of the first interim report to institute investigations against people identified by the Commission as a matter of urgency.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Following its successful pilot during South Africa's G20 Presidency, the ETA will be officially launched as the cornerstone of South Africa's modern digital immigration system and the flagship reform of the Department of Home Affairs' digital transformation programme. 

The ETA combines advanced biometric verification, machine learning and the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (eMCS 2.0) as part of a modern digital immigration ecosystem that strengthens border security while making travel to South Africa faster, simpler and more secure for legitimate travellers.

This reform will enhance South Africa's competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment, while supporting more efficient and secure border management.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), demonstrating Government's commitment to harnessing technology to improve service delivery, safeguard national security and facilitate economic growth.

The programme will feature the official launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, followed by a live walkthrough and a guided tour led by the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Venue: OR Tambo International Airport
Media registration: 13h00 at the ACSA Media Centre, International Arrivals
Official programme: 14h00 – 16h00

Media accreditation: 
Media representatives wishing to attend the event are requested to submit their full name, media house, contact details, and South African ID number or passport number for accreditation by close of business on Friday, 07 August 2026, to Mr Thabo Mokgola at the Department of Home Affairs on Thabo.mokgola@dha.gov.za , 060 962 4982.

NB: Only accredited media representatives will be granted access to the event. Please note that no RSVP means no accreditation, and no accreditation means no access.

Media enquiries:
Ms Ndileka Cola, Head: Communication Service
Department of Home Affairs
Cell: 076 333 3799

Ms Mmemme Mogotsi, Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Border Management Authority
Cell: 072 856 4288

Mr Vincent Mangwenya, Spokesperson to the President
The Presidency
Email: media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is pleased with the recovery of Deputy President Paul Mashatile following a minor surgical procedure. 

The President visited the Deputy President this afternoon and was assured that his Deputy will soon be back at work. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
My colleague, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga,
Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Our Partners - The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute and the family of our icon,
The Chairperson of the South African State Theatre and your colleagues,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good day,

On the onset, allow me to extend the sincere apology of the Deputy President, His Excellency Mr Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, who wanted to join you on this occasion, but circumstances beyond his control left you saddled with just me.

It is a great honour to join you today for this great occasion at the Union Buildings, on the verge of the 70th Anniversary – more aptly a commemoration – of the historic 1956 Anti- pass Laws Woman’s March.

It is fitting that we are gathered here to celebrate the “Portraits of Power” project which forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 125th Graduation Anniversary of Charlotte Makgomo Mannya-Maxeke, a woman of remarkable firsts and enduring influence. A trailblazer in every sense.

As the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901 from Wilberforce University in Ohio, United States of America, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke lit the path for women’s rights and gender equality.

As the only woman who was present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress (ANC) was formed in 1912, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke decidedly asserted the need for women representation in the corridors of power in South Africa.

She went on to become the founding President of two of the most important women-led institutions on the continent, the most popular being the Bantu Women’s League which later evolved into the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s. Through these platforms, she shaped not only the future of women, but the trajectory of our country, our continent and indeed the world. It was the leadership of Mme Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke that eventually led the ANC to include women in its leadership.

She also led some of the earliest organised resistance against injustice, including the first women’s protest and the first anti-pass laws march in this country, in Bloemfontein and Winburg. Her life reminds us that courage, conviction and leadership can alter the course of history.

It is therefore most fitting that we gather here today at the Union Buildings, a place that stands not only as the seat of government of the Republic of South Africa, but as a powerful symbol of our democracy, resilience, and national journey.

This historic site, now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, reflects both our shared past and our collective aspirations for the future. We gather here for an occasion that speaks to legacy, leadership and the enduring power of human expression.

Earlier this year, we gathered in this exact place as we launched the Milestones of Freedom under the theme – Honouring The Past: Delivering the Future, this campaign commemorates significant milestones in South Africa’s struggle for Freedom, with a commitment to deliver on the aspirations of our forebears.

This year, the Milestones of Freedom commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 women’s March, 60th Anniversary of the 1966 District Six forced removals – where communities were destroyed to enforce racial spatial segregation, the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Students Uprising – where young people rose to protest against the forced introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction as part of enforcing the inferior bantu education as a way of keeping black people inferior, and lastly the 30th Anniversary since the adoption of South Africa’s first democratic Constitution.

The 1956 Women’s March would not have been possible, if Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke had not led the mobilisation and organisation of women to fight for their rights.

At the Union Buildings, we don’t just remember the 20,000 strong women of the 1956 women’s March, we have immortalised them. If one stands underneath the reception Dias next to these staircases, you will hear the slogan – Wathinta Bafazi, wathintaiMbokodo and their message is inscribed on these staircases.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we celebrate “Portraits of Power”, an exhibition that honours extraordinary women whose courage, leadership, vision, and talent have shaped our world. We have just listened to their individual stories, and contributions to make the world a better place from their own countries and living by the mantra of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke by accepting that “this work is not for oneself, kill that spirit of self… If you can rise, bring someone with you”.

At a time when the voices of women were often silenced, these women stood firm, speaking truth to power and laying the foundation for generations to come. Their legacies continue to resonate today, reminding us that true leadership is rooted in courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

“Portraits of Power” initiative goes beyond celebration, it is a recognition that women’s contributions transcend borders, cultures, and generations. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and development. They are shaping policies, building communities, and driving progress in ways that are both transformative and enduring.

Therefore, the Presidency will continue to support this initiative and others like it because the story of humanity is incomplete without recognising the invaluable contributions of women across all spheres of life.

Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that the journey toward full equality is not yet complete. There remains work to be done to ensure that women everywhere in the world have equal access to opportunities, resources, and platforms for leadership.

This is where the power of the arts becomes especially important.

Art has the unique ability to preserve our histories, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.

It builds bridges where there are divides.

It fosters dialogue where there is silence.

And it inspires understanding where there is difference.

In this way, “Portraits of Power” serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us.

As South Africa, we remain firmly committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. This commitment is rooted in our Constitution and reflected in our policies, programmes, and partnerships.

We recognise that inclusive leadership is not optional, it is essential for sustainable development, social justice, and lasting peace.

We also recognise that achieving this vision requires collaboration. It requires governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community to work together to create environments where women can thrive, lead, and succeed.

Therefore, let this exhibition be more than a moment of admiration let it be a call to action.

Let us commit to supporting and elevating the voices of women in all spaces. Let us invest in their potential and remove the barriers that hinder their progress. And let us strengthen global partnerships that promote equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.

In doing so, we not only honour the legacy of those who came before us, like Charlotte Maxeke, and all those we are honouring today such as:

- Her Excellency, President Dr. NetumboNandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia,
- Her Excellency, former President Dr Joyce Banda of Malawi,
- Dr Wangari Maathai of Kenya,
- Deolinda Rodrigues of Angola, 
- Josina Machel of Mozambique,
- Her Excellency President Mireya Moscoso of Panama,
- Her Majesty, late Queen Marie of Romania,
- Her Excellency, President Dr Mary Robinsonof Ireland,
- Mum Shirl of Australia,
- Trismila Rentería of Colombia,
- Emilija Pliaterytė of Lithuania,
- Madam Chan Choy Siong of Singapore, and last but not least,
- Sabiha Gökçen of Türkiye.

Through this initiative, we are also paving a way for the celebration of future generations of women leaders.

Programme Director,

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the organisers, the artists and all those who have made this exhibition possible. Especially the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) for initiating this epoch-making project and surely through their efforts, the legacies and stories of women will never be the same again. Your work ensures that these powerful stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

May “Portraits of Power” inspire reflection, spark meaningful dialogue, and remind us all of the extraordinary impact of women in shaping our world.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu;
Executive Mayor of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Cllr Mhlonishwa Masilela;
Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Thomas Ngwenya;
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena;
Community, religious and traditional leaders present with us today;
Citizens of Middelburg and Mpumalanga;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Goeie môre. Good morning. Sanibonani. Dumelang.

Akwande setjhaba sekhethu.

I greet you all as we celebrate this milestone in our quest to ensure quality healthcare services for the people of Mpumalanga.

Today, we are officially opening the King Nyabela Hospital, which will serve more than 240,000 people in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

For more than a hundred years, the old Middelburg Hospital was the only hospital serving this community.

Over the years, it became dilapidated and too expensive to maintain.

So the decision was made to build a new hospital to serve our people.

This hospital was ready for occupation on the 1st of November 2025 and today it is officially open.

All the services that were provided at the Middelburg Hospital have now been relocated here, but the quality of care and the range of services this hospital provides are a huge improvement on the old.

The scale of this facility is impressive.

This is a 220-bed hospital with surgical, medical, paediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal and high-care wards. It has a world-class accident and emergency department and three operating theatres.

The outpatient services are just as impressive.

Beyond regular outpatient services like pharmacy, TB and HIV management, dentistry and eye care, patients will be able to access dietetics and nutrition services, social workers, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical male circumcision, mental health, and dozens of other services.

This is what we mean by comprehensive health care services.

Healthcare is not just about calling for an ambulance when we are sick, about fetching ama-pillies every month at the clinic, or going to the emergency ward if there has been an accident.

Comprehensive health care is about walking alongside our people through every season of their lives.

It is about supporting a mother with antenatal care as she prepares to bring new life into the world, and ensuring she delivers safely and that both mother and baby get the support they need.

It is about helping people to keep and stay healthy, and starting to do so when they are still children.

Comprehensive health care is about providing the necessary care to our elderly when they are still in good health and supporting them when they become frail.

It is about reducing the burden of disease across society.

This means tackling communicable diseases like TB and HIV.

But it also means tackling non-communicable diseases– the so-called silent killers – such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

These are among the top ten diseases here in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

These diseases are claiming lives, straining our public health facilities and weakening the productivity of our nation.

Comprehensive health care is about healing the mind as well as the body.

Stress and mental health issues are affecting lives and communities.

People struggling with mental health issues often feel alone. Many turn to alcohol and substance abuse to try to cope.

The health sector is also shouldering a huge burden as a result of high levels of violence in our society, including the terrible scourge of gender-based violence.

Comprehensive health care is about prevention, early detection and management of all the health issues our people face.

As the World Health Organization reminds us, health is not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental and social well-being.

Healthcare is about giving every man, woman and child the chance to live with dignity.

This is the promise of our Constitution, which declares that everyone has the right of access to health care services and that the state must take reasonable measures within available resources to achieve the realisation of this right.

The opening of this district hospital demonstrates our commitment as Government to give effect to this constitutional right.

A healthy nation is a nation where children learn better and where adults are able to work and provide for their families.

When a nation’s people are healthy, its economy is healthy and all of society prospers.

By contrast, weak health systems lead to higher levels of mortality, especially in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation, poor housing and high unemployment.

What often happens is that people present late at health facilities, when some of these diseases are too advanced to treat.

That is why prevention, detection and monitoring are so critical.

That is why hospitals with the capacity to provide comprehensive services are our priority.

This new health facility is named after King Nyabela kaMahlangu, son of King Mabhoko, one of the most fearless warriors and a unifier of the Ndzundza Ndebele people.

King Nyabela was renowned for fiercely defending ancestral lands against European encroachment and for being relentless in seeking peace.

The Ndzundza Ndebele have a history of resistance and solidarity.

We recall the Mapoch War of 1882 to 1883 when KingNyabela harboured the Pedi King Mampuru II from the Boers.

We recall that it was in Middelburg where King Dinizulu kaCetshwayo kaMpande was exiled in 1910 and where he spent the last years of his life.

We also recall how, in the late 1960s, the then Prince Goodwill Zwelithini was given shelter by the Skosana family here in Mpumalanga amid fears for his safety following the death of his father.

This speaks to the spirit of a people who throughout history have been peacemakers and resolute and brave when called upon to be so.

Today we honour King Nyabela and we honour all the forebears of the Ndzundza Ndebele people.

Let this hospital be a living tribute to their resolve, principle and commitment.

In taking forward their legacies, I call on the community to care for this facility.

It is significant that the community has been actively involved in this project, with over 1,100 work opportunities created, including more than 520 work opportunities for women.

There were challenges during the early construction stages with so-called business forums who disrupted the work. There were also legal challenges with contractors.

We must be clear that acts of intimidation and violence relating to the construction of public infrastructure will not be tolerated.

We cannot stand for the construction of hospitals, clinics, roads, dams or any public infrastructure being disrupted to advance some individuals’ financial interests.

We will continue to improve access to quality services by refurbishing facilities, by building new hospitals and by expanding primary health platforms.

We will continue to promote access to health care information in languages that people understand and through platforms such as radio and television.

We are working to put in place the critical building blocks of the National Health Insurance, or NHI.

At its heart, the NHI is about fulfilling the constitutional right of access to healthcare, without this being dependent on where one lives or one’s ability to pay.

The NHI ensures that all people can access the full range of quality health services they need, where and when they need them without experiencing financial hardship.

For the NHI to be a success, we need a healthcare sector that is properly governed and well led.

We need a skilled workforce, high standards of service delivery and uninterrupted access to the medicines that people need.

To build a health system that meets the needs of all our people requires the involvement, the resources and the capabilities of all sectors of society.

As we open the King Nyabela Hospital, we are determined that all hospitals and clinics that have been commissioned must be completed to budget and on time.

There can be no space for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies or services.

We have done much to tackle corruption in health care.Stolen funds have been recovered. Alleged perpetrators are being prosecuted.

But we need to do more.

We will end the criminal actions of those who steal from the sick and vulnerable, who endanger people’s lives.

To those entrusted with the health of our people, we are counting on you to treat our people with respect and dignity.

While hospitals and clinics are built with bricks and mortar, the heartbeat of our facilities is provided by the health care providers who diligently perform their duties, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

We salute all the healthcare workers at this facility and across our country.

To the community we wish to say, we are a nation that practices ubuntu.

We are a nation of empathy and compassion.

Just as none of us would ever wish to be turned away from a hospital when we need medical attention, we must reject the actions of those who have been breaking the law by trying to prevent foreign nationals from getting medical treatment.

Our Constitution says that everyone living in the country has the right to be treated at a hospital or clinic when they need care, whether they are citizens or non-citizens.

Determining who is in South Africa illegally is the job of law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Let us remember our own past, when many of our people were denied care on account of the colour of our skin.

We do not wish to see it revisited on us or on those who have sought refuge in our country.

Like the great King Nyabela after whom this facility is named, let us open our hearts and have compassion.

All who walk through the doors of this hospital have a right and a hope to be cared for.

With these words I now declare the King Nyabela Hospital officially open.

uNyabela nguGijamphezeni kaMabhoko
Ikhozana lekhethu elahlutha
Layokungena Erholweni
Bayede Ngwenyama!

Asiphile isitjhaba amaNdzundza nabahlezi naso…

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Youth in Action Expo hosted by the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, in Cape Town. 

The Expo will be held under the theme "Connecting Young People to Opportunities: Education, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation," the Youth in Action Expo has become one of South Africa's leading youth empowerment platforms, bringing together government, business, educational institutions and civil society to connect young people with opportunities that support their transition from learning to earning.

Details of the event are as follows:    
Date: Wednesday, 05 August 2026
Time: 09h00    
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 1), Cape Town
   
 
Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbhele, 082 580 2213 / Mandisam@presidency.gov.za   

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria