Programme Director, 
Your Excellency, President Mahammadou Issoufou, former President of the Niger and AfCFTA Champion,
Your Excellency, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency, Minister Ahmed Ali Bazi, representing the Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros,
Your Excellency, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat,
Prof Benedict Orama, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank,
Ambassadors and distinguished dignitaries,
Business leaders, CEOs, members of Boards and associations,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am honoured to speak to you at the conclusion of the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum 2023.  The Forum has been billed as Africa’s biggest business event to promote private sector participation in the acceleration of the implementation of the AfCFTA. 

We would like to thank the AfCFTA Secretariat for hosting the Forum in South Africa.  For those of you who come from outside our borders, we would like to invite you back to our country for longer because three days is surely not enough for you to enjoy our hospitality and beauty of South Africa. 

Our continent is moving in the right direction towards one African market. To date, 54 of our countries have signed the Agreement. As of February 2023, 47 of the 54 signatories have deposited instruments of ratification.  We are well on our way to creating the world's largest single free trade area, with 1.3 billion people and a Gross Domestic Product of $3.4 trillion.

This represents an important step forward which must culminate in the ratification of the AfCFTA instrument by all African Union Member States. The implementation of the AfCFTA will improve intra-African trade, the continent’s share and participation in global trade, stimulate and improve her economy as well as contribute to lifting millions of people out of poverty. 

Yesterday, the local press reported on recent remarks by the Secretary General of the AfCFTA to the effect that the free trade area holds the potential to inject $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy and help lift between 50 to 100 million people out of poverty by 2035. This would represent a significant improvement to the economy and the quality of life of the people.

For her part, Rebeca Grynspan, the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, has pointed out that Africa boasts $21.9 billion of untapped export potential. She has suggested that: “An additional $9.2 billion of export potential can be realised through partial tariff liberalization under the AfCFTA over the next five years.”

There exists continental-wide consensus on the need for Africa to reduce structural and regulatory barriers to market entry and to invest in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate intra-African and global trade – more so road and maritime infrastructure. 

At present, the quality of much of the continent’s maritime, road and railway infrastructure is less than satisfactory.  There are few road links, general poor road infrastructure maintenance and limited regional road linkages throughout the continent’s five regions.

Yet, roads are the pre-dominant mode of transport on the continent, carrying approximately 80% of goods and 90% of passengers. Without this infrastructure, rail and maritime trade cannot realise their full potential. Road transport is therefore an indispensable part of daily African economic activity and critical to facilitating cross-border trade and regional integration. 

Another impediment we must confront is inefficiencies at border posts, many official and unofficial inspection points along transport corridors and low road densities.

I am informed that during the last three days, you have had extensive discussions which identified more impediments to African trade and the solutions necessary for the implementation of the AfCFTA.  The solutions you have identified will hopefully take us a step closer to the actual investment projects that give renewed meaning to the objectives of the AfCFTA.

We similarly hope that you have emerged from this conference with platforms for further interaction to follow up on the realisation of the solutions you have identified.  This is because as you would be agreed, it is not enough merely to point out the problems. We have a moral duty to search for answers to the question: “What do we do?”. And so, meetings of this nature ought to serve as launching pads for long lasting relations amongst the African business community in pursuit of practical programmes of economic action.

Your interactions have hopefully also reflected on the factors we must all continue to watch and attend for the successful implementation and the AfCFTA. These include such factors as: 

(i) the skills and technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, without which we cannot be globally competitive; 
(ii) national and regional industrial policies to create and support the growth of vibrant African economies;
(iii) public policy instruments to support and promote social and political stability and the role of the private sector in this regard; 
(iv) accepting internal and external migration as a fact of life which can and must be managed in the context of regional and continental integration; 
(v) A deliberate plan to manage rapid urbanisation that is currently unfolding throughout the continent, which calls for the imagination, planning and building of post-colonial new cities that will anchor the continent’s economies of the future, and;
(vi) building African unity and solidarity as a sine qua non for the all-round advancement of the continent; including as it relates to the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The AfCFTA will become a “game changer” to the continent’s growth trajectory as some conference participants have suggested, if you, the continent’s business community together with governments and the working people of our continent act in unison, refusing to drop the ball. 

As you continue to exchange views beyond this conference, I would like to suggest that you also study the address by French President Emmanuel Macron on the future of Europe delivered last week at the Nexus institute in The Hague. 

Among other things, President Macron envisioned:
(i) A Europe that guarantees security in all its dimensions;
(ii) A Europe that responds to the migration challenge;
(iii) A Europe turned towards Africa and the Mediterranean;
(iv) A model Europe of sustainable development;
(v) A Europe of innovation and regulation adapted to the digital world, and;
(vi) A Europe of economic and monetary power.

There is a convergence between the issues we have just identified as the factors to watch and attend in the successful implementation of the AfCFTA and what President Macron raised with respect to Europe. The notable difference is that Europe faces a different challenge of migration than the African continent. The migration they are mostly concerned about is migration from without while we have to contend with migration from within the African continent.  

President Macron’s address provides a strategic inlet on the thinking of an important section of European political opinion and how it will shape the continent’s trajectory and its relations with the rest of the world, Africa included.

Let me conclude by returning to the question of social and political stability to which I referred as one of the success factors for the AfCFTA.  

Unarguably, war and peace have a very direct and material impact on the success of continental initiatives like the AfCFTA.  This is why our Heads of State and Government adopted the May 2013 Solemn Declaration which committed the continent to silence the guns by 2020. The fact that the guns are still firing should tell us that we should spare no effort in the quest for peace.

It is in this context that we reiterate South Africa’s deep concern about the fighting that broke out in the sister African country of Sudan over the weekend between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.  

We are particularly concerned about rising numbers of civilian loss of life, the destruction of private and public infrastructure, the likely humanitarian disaster that is likely to arise with the entrapment of civilians in their houses with no access to food and other basic necessities.  Equally concerning is the impact of the conflict on Sudan’s neighbours. 

South Africa fully supports the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council at its 1149th meeting, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 16, 2023, on the situation in Sudan. 

We commend the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to resolve the conflict.  In this regard, we wish Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan, William Ruto of Kenya and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti well in their efforts to secure a ceasefire and an immediate commencement of the implementation of the December 5, 2022 framework agreement aimed at returning Sudan to civilian rule to which the belligerents have committed themselves.  

So will the guns permanently fall silent!

Thank you.

Programme Directors, Mduduzi Mbada and Sarah Mukwebo
The Mthimkhulu family as a whole,
Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwane,
Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. David Masondo,
Former Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura,
Former Premier of North West, our Leader Popo Molefe in absentia,
The Director General in the Presidency Ms. Phindile Baleni, and the Acting Director General of the National Treasury Ismail Momoniat,
Leadership of the African National Congress,
Leadership of the Alliance and Democratic Movement,
Religious and community leaders present,
Comrades and friends,
 
Percy's Sister Jabulile and, Tatyana, Percy's Daughter, we are here to tell you that your Father loved you. Your Father, irrespective of the work and tasks at hand, would always prioritise you. I know he would drive to Kimberly to come and spend time with you. One of his wishes for you was that you would grow and attain the best education available, in order for you to become whatever you want to be. I promise that we will take care of you. We will work with your mother to ensure you realise your dreams.

Friends, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a son, Father, brother, comrade and dear friend.
 
I have known Percy since 2004. He was recommended to work with me after working with the former Premier of North West Popo Molefe and the late comrade Edna Molewa. Since then, my relationship with Percy blossomed into a camaraderie and brotherhood that withstood the test of time.
 
Percy was dependable. He was a proper Mandarin. I would ask him to work on this or that speech, sometimes under extreme pressure, and he would oblige. I do not remember him complaining. Instead, he would deliver, and at all times provide quality work. On many occasions, I have read speeches by Percy with confidence, trusting his capacity to adequately capture my ideas and sentiments on most topics of political and administrative importance.
 
We developed a speech writing system; depending on the occasion, we would talk about the nature and form of the event and agree on the message we would like to communicate. He would then produce a draft for my comments, which would be followed by a robust and engaged back-and-forth until finally deciding on the speech.
 
Besides being my speechwriter, he was also my spokesperson when I was the MEC for Economic Affairs and Finance. He also excelled in this role because he came into it with a journalism background and an credible track record.
 
Percy embodied the spirit of the Lembede generation, a generation which placed their energies and capabilities at the disposal of serving the people and the movement.
 
Percy was largely inspired by the revolutionary leader and philosopher Vladimir Lenin, whose leadership and activism provided society with an alternative, revolutionary perspective on political economy. Having also studied Economics, Percy was convinced that dealing with the power relations in the economy as a vantage point to liberation, was of absolute necessity. Like Lenin, he was a political leader, strategist and philosopher, indeed many of his great works and ideas will always remain with us.
 
The death of a loved one remains one of the most unbearable aspects of life that affords us very little to no preparation. Whilst we acknowledge that over the past few months, Percy experienced health challenges, as his loved ones and his comrades, we could have never been prepared enough to have to sit here, and come to terms with the reality that he is no more, and that the very precious moments once shared will never again be.
 
I stand today at the final resting place of our beloved Comrade Sibusiso Percy Mthimkhulu, this current moment is filled with great pain, and anxiety. It is indeed the finality of death that causes a collapse of our consciousness and our hearts. Throughout this week, it has been almost impossible to say what Percy's passing means, most critically, what a future without having him available without reservation, to serve the African National Congress, and the people of South Africa would look like. In earnest, words will never be enough to express what we are currently processing as comrades of Percy.
 
We should, however, consider ourselves highly privileged to have had the opportunity to have shared moments of joy and laughter, as well as those of despair and endurance, with him. To have been given a chance to do life with Percy, is among the best gifts given to me.
 
As I have said earlier, I met Percy in the early 2000's. Percy was an activist involved in the student and youth movement. Through various tributes from comrades and friends who knew Percy mainly as Lenin in his youth, it is clear that his devotion to the African National Congress and this nation was never at any point questionable.
 
His love and commitment to the working class and engendering a working-class conscious society inspired by intellectualism, and his affinity to the idea and principle of dialectics, is indeed one of the things that have always been clear about Lenin's character.
 
In his activism, he, among other things, valued; both the study of politics and its praxis. Inspired by the robust culture of youth activism in the early nineties, his generation played an important role in shaping South African politics and discourse when the democratic state was taking form. His generation was and continues to play an important role in the country, just as he did until his last breath.
 
In the twenty years I have had the privilege to work with Percy, I have witnessed the true meaning of selflessness, discipline and commitment. His introduction into the field of political strategy and developing narratives that would shape the discourse in the ANC and in government was at its peak through his involvement in the writing of the economic recovery plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We worked closely together, and it is through this that his qualities would be further shown.
 
The voice and brilliance of comrade Percy will be forever etched in the books of history through his contribution to the various policy processes of the African National Congress, but most significantly in my own memory of his contribution and commitment to what we both believed and stood for. One of the memories about Percy that will forever be engraved in my heart is during the writing of my speech themed My Captain, when I was Premier in 2008. This speech remains one of those which really defined my tenure in more ways than one with him. This incident and many others that would follow were a direct reflection and representation of who Percy was; a sharp intellectual who spoke with integrity, humility and great optimism about the future of our nation.
 
His dedication to principle is something that is to be admired in the ANC and society at large. There is no doubt that Percy was confident in his commitment to truth, justice, equality, and the pursuit of a National Democratic Society. Even through his humility and light humour, Percy was always unwavering in his political views, convictions and the value of service. A lot can be said about the life of our brother, a lot also remains unsaid. It is however our hope that his spirit will continue to live on, and that in our continuing efforts for a better country, his life may be a reminder that the struggle continues, and that our contributions as activists are never in vain.  
 
In concluding this tribute to a dear brother and comrade, allow me to share a poem by Walt Whitman titled - ‘O Captain! My Captain!’, whose words served as a compass for Percy's journey, and will always remind me of him -
 
“O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
                         But O heart! heart! heart!
                            O the bleeding drops of red,
                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,
                                  Fallen cold and dead.
 
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
                         Here Captain! dear Father!
                            This arm beneath your head!
                               It is some dream that on the deck,
                                 You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My Father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
                            But I with mournful tread,
                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,
                                  Fallen cold and dead.”
 
It is ill-fated that our journey with him has come to a sorrowful end. We will however, always treasure the times that we shared with Percy. We will remember him by the undying love and passion he had towards his country and its people.
 
May the Mthimkhulu family, his friend and comrades receive my sincerest condolences. Percy has indeed run and finished his race.
 
To you Lenin –
Lala ngoxolo mfowethu - uMthimkulu, Hadebe, Bhungane!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile learned with sadness of the passing of one of the protectors assigned to him this week, Warrant Officer Jacob Shuwa Leeuw of the Presidential Protection Services.

Warrant Officer Jacob Shuwa Leeuw passed away on 14 November 2023 after a battle with cancer. 

He joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2009, and at the time of his passing had an unbroken and unblemished record of service. 

Warrant Officer Leeuw moved to Intransit Protection in 2015, where he protected former President Jacob Zuma and former Deputy President David Mabuza. At the time of his passing, he was serving as a protector to Deputy President Mashatile

Upon learning of the passing of Warrant Officer Leeuw, the Deputy President visited the Leeuw family on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, to convey his condolences. He described Warrant officer Leeuw as "disciplined, committed to service, and kind." 

Warrant Officer Leeuw is survived by his wife and three children. He will be laid to rest today at Atteridgeville, Pretoria. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will tomorrow, Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and officiate the launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme of Action, scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
 
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a resilient partnership which includes Government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector, and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society, under the theme: “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments” #MenChampioningChange

“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “Let Us Stand Up Together”, a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the Official Launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action, which represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, and advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. 

In recognition of organisations committed to Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present Certificates of Recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials.

Members of media are invited to cover the event and to confirm their attendance by sending their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Ndavhe Ramakuela on 082 200 5357.
 
The event will be divided into three sessions as follows:

SESSION ONE: TRADITIONAL MEN’S COUNCIL AT MASIA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL

Time: 08h30 – 10h20
Venue: Masia Traditional Council, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
SESSION TWO: PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO NPOs

Time: 08h30 – 10h00
Venue: Masia Traditional Council Hall, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.

SESSION THREE: FORMAL PROGRAMME & LAUNCH OF THE 2023-2025 TAKUWANI RIIME MEN’S MOVEMENT PROGRAMME OF ACTION

Time: 11h00 – 14h00
Venue: Masia Village, Multi-Purpose Resource Centre, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
For media interviews prior to the event, please contact:

1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape, 082 318 5251
2. Modise Kabedi – Parliament, 081 715 9969
3. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini, 078 731 0313
4. Limpopo Office of the Premier – Ndavhe Ramakuela - 082 200 5357
 
Enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 25 November 2023, preside at the Launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign for 2023, scheduled to take place at Nsikazi Stadium, Khumbula Village, Gutshwa, in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province.
 
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign this year will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide, leaving no one behind”, a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and the entire social fabric.
 
Government continues to lead efforts aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and femicide, working together with civil-society movements as well as the private sector.
 
South Africa will observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children from the 25th November until the 10th of December, when the world will be commemorating International Human Rights Day, the day that marks the anniversary of the UN Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu; Premier of the Mpumalanga Province, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane; members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council; Mayors as well as senior Government officials.   
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the launch as follows:

Date: Saturday, 25 November 2023
Time: 09h00 - 16h00
Venue: Nsikazi Stadium, Khumbula Village, Gutshwa, in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province
 
MEDIA PROGRAMME

Part A: Deputy President and Delegation visit the Tekwane Bridge site,
Time: 08h00
Venue: Ehlanzeni District

Part B: Deputy President and delegation visit the Karino Water Treatment Plant
Time: 08h30
Venue: Ehlanzeni District

Part C: Main Event
Time: 10h00
Venue: Nsikazi Stadium, City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga
 
For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape 082 318 5251, Tshiamo Selomo on  066 118 1505 or Cassius Selala on 060 543 0672.
 

For comment: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

As-Salaam Alaykum!
Programme Director, Mr Faizal Royker;
Our Esteemed Religious and Inter-Faith Leaders here present;
Chairpersons of the Gatesville Masjidul-Quds Mosque, Mr Sataar Parker and Mr Mohamed Abdulah;
Imaam Shegh Alexander and Imaam Yaaseen;
Retired Judge Siraj Desai;
First Deputy President of the Muslim Judicial Council, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Ebrahim Allie and the delegation of the Muslim Judicial Council;
Honourable Member of the NCOP Mohamed Dangor;
Honourable Members of Parliament present;
The wife of late Minister Dullar Omar, Mrs Friedan Omar;
Councillors;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I would like to wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters here at home, the wider African continent and the world a blessed month of Ramadan as we join you to witness IFTAAR and breaking the fast.
 
Today is a day of celebration, reflection and rededication.
 
It is a day of celebration in the holy month of Ramadan. This is a fulfilling period of learning and meditating about the holy qualities of “piety and righteousness” as the Holy Quran demands and renewal of our fear of Allah, the Almighty, so we can be better human beings.
 
It is also the beginning of the celebration of Freedom Month during which we celebrate our hard-earned freedom and democracy. The older generation here will recall the difficult and challenging journey we travelled as a nation to cross the turbulent ocean of apartheid into the promising shores of democratic South Africa.
 
This was a continuum in a long tradition of heroic struggles by previous generations of liberators such as Abdul Burns, Dr Alan Boesak and Imam Hassan Solomon who led protest marches armed with the Bible and the Quran in hand.
 
I also vividly recall coming to Cape Town 40 years ago in August 1983 to attend the historic meeting of the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) which took place at the Rocklands Community Hall in Mitchell's Plain.
 
Those were difficult days, but we had something going for us: We were united and resolved to defeat a government which defied the Farewell Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat.
 
Whereas the Prophet had said that there is “no superiority of a white person over a black person or of a black person over a white person, except on the basis of personal piety and righteousness,” apartheid said exactly the opposite and went on to inflict untold suffering and pain on those it considered as sub-human.
 
Thankfully, the people of South Africa, black and white, urban and rural, men and women, young and old, rich and poor took the path of the Prophet and defied apartheid. As in the Battle of Badr, the people demonstrated that nothing could defeat a united and resolute people.
 
I am grateful to start this year’s freedom month in celebration of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan because it once again places the non-racial teachings of the Prophet Muhammad firmly on our country’s agenda, 40 years after the formation of a UDF which embraced his teachings at the risk of life and limb.
 
We should use this occasion to begin an important process of dialogue amongst each other aimed at restoring the unity of purpose which led to the victory in the Badr of antiquity and gave birth to and sustained the UDF as one of the midwives of democratic South Africa.
 
We must dialogue about such wide-ranging issues and topics as may include:
 
• jobs and job creation, crime, kidnappings, extortion, vandalising of infra-structure, visible policing and police response time to citizen calls to crime scenes;
• poor government support for small businesses especially during load shedding;
• housing and the persistent problem of backyard dwelling in our communities;
• poor public transport, and;
• the Western Cape’s proud tradition of the struggle for liberation.
 
I have tasked my office to engage formally with you in a solution-oriented dialogue about these and other issues. We are the first to admit that while we have made strides to change the country for the better, we have also made mistakes. We, therefore, look forward to hearing the specific concerns of the people about the government because we are genuinely committed to solving the problems of the people.
 
Today is also an occasion for reflection on the ethical dimension of our lives. You need to look no further than the aphorism of the Quran: “Whoever does not abandon obscene speech and evil action, Allah does not need his refraining from eating and drinking.”
 
This is also why this day provides us with an opportunity to rededicate and recommit ourselves to peace, human solidarity and to the values of a non-racial, non-sexist, free, democratic and prosperous society, united in its diversity as enshrined in our constitution which the UDF of which some of you were a part helped to bring about.
 
Ramadan brings to the fore the spirit of sharing and Ubuntu – the idea that I am because you are. We must keep this spirit alive throughout because this is who we are as a people, and we should promote this spirit in every nook and cranny of our lives.
 
About 10 years ago, the government-sponsored a compact of positive values. These are the values of:
 
• Respect for human dignity and equality;
• Promotion of the rule of law and democracy;
• Improvement of the material well-being of the people and economic Justice;
• Promotion of sound family and community values;
• Upholding honesty, integrity and loyalty;
• Promotion of harmony in cultural belief and conscience;
• Showing respect and concern for all people;
• Promotion of justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence, and;
• Protecting the environment.
 
We note and applaud the fact that this event is an interfaith celebration and not just an event for Muslims. You are building bridges across our different religions and communities and in so doing helping to build an inclusive South Africa that our constitution envisages.
 
Once more, my office as delegated by President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa stands ready to assist where we can and must in this construction process and will be engaging with you on this and the other issues to which we have committed ourselves.
 
Like the warriors of the Battle of Badr and the heroic activists who gathered in Mitchell's Plain to form the UDF 40 years ago, we will succeed.
 
As you break the fast today, we hope your eagerness and desire to do good in our community will drive you to improve the conditions of our people. We all hope to live in a country where people are more connected to one another and work together to solve problems.
 
As I conclude, to generate the required warmth in humanity and displays of human solidarity, let us follow the example set by Prophet Muhammed, May Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him!, by developing truthfulness, dependability, selflessness, ethics, forgiveness, passion, love towards other people. That, for us, is a great Sunnah.
 
We wish you a blessed Iftaar and may the food we eat today nourish both our bodies and our souls.
 
Shuk-ran-ja-zee-lan (Thank you so much)

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Friday, 01 December 2023, lead the Official Commemoration of World AIDS Day and Launch of the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children.
 
The event is scheduled to take place at Ngcedomhlophe Sports Field, Sundumbili Township, Mandeni Local Municipality, in the Ilembe District, KwaZulu-Natal Province.
 
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment and care.
 
The 2023 commemorations will take place under the theme:  ‘Let Communities Lead’, a clarion call to invest in and strengthen community-led interventions and community-centered approaches in the management of HIV. It further highlights the importance of greater involvement of civil society in strengthening accountability and empowering communities to be at the forefront of strategic interventions against stigma, discrimination and human rights violations of people affected and infected with HIV.
 
In this regard, South Africa joins the rest of the world in shining the light on the experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will lead the commemoration event alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Ms. Steve Letsike; Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Ms. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Ms. Nomagugu Simelane; and various sector leaders. The event will be attended by members of the surrounding communities as well as representatives from development partners such as the UN Agencies, US government, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the events as follows:
 
Date: Friday, 01 December 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ngcedomhlophe sportsground, Sundumbili, Mandeni Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
 
For accreditation, please send your full details by Thursday, 30 November 2023 to Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Nelson Dlamini on 078 731 0313.
 
For media interviews, please contact:
 
1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 / Matome@presidency.gov.za or Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993 / BonganiM@presidency.gov.za
2. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini on 078 731 0313 / nelson@sanac.org.za
3. National Department of Health - Foster Mohale on 072 432 3792 / foster.mohale@health.gov.za
 
MEDIA PROGRAMME
 
09HO0: Photo-Opportunity – Arrival of the Deputy President at the Mandeni Local Municipality offices
 
09H30: Walk-about and assessment of the Sundumbili Community Health Centre by Deputy President Mashatile
 
09H45: Dialogue with Children led by the Patron of the South African Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, Ms. Humile Mashatile, at the Roman Catholic Church, Sundumbili Township, Mandeni Local Municipality
 
11H00 - 13H00: Main Programme starts - World AIDS Day messages and Launch of the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030

 
Media enquiries: Mr. Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr. Amos Masondo;
Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Sylvia Lucas;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers in attendance;
Honourable Premiers here present;
Honourable Members of Executive Councils;
Honourable House Chairpersons;
Honourable Members of the National Council of Provinces;
Distinguished Guests, 

It is my pleasure to take part in this Three Sphere Planning Session of the National Council of Provinces, which is convened under the theme: “Delineating key priorities for consolidation and implementation during the final year of the sixth dispensation.”

Chairperson, I would like to start by apologising for not making it on the first day of the strategy session yesterday due to a Cabinet meeting. 

This planning session takes place a little less than 18 months away from the 2024 National General Elections which will mark the transition from the Sixth to the Seventh Parliament. As critical institutions of our democracy, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces must guide this process. In doing so, both institutions must ask themselves and answer two interrelated questions. The first question is whether they have, during the last four years, provided sufficient oversight and enforced accountability by the executive?

In the spirit of a critical and democratic exchange of ideas which is the hallmark of democracy, we are all interested the legislature’s answer to this question. I can assure this House of the Executive’s continued commitment to accountability to you, the representatives of the people.  

Having been a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and a Premier of that province, I have always appreciated the role of the NCOP, as it brings together the three spheres of government throughout the nine provinces. Our diversity and unity of purpose should continue to fuel our will to cure the nation’s problems and challenges.  By so doing, we will honour the wisdom, hopes and aspirations of our founding mothers and fathers when they conceived the NCOP. 

The NCOP’s continued relationship and partnership with the South African Local Government Association puts us in better proximity to a sustainable developmental local government which commands the capacity to deliver basic services to the people. 

In this context, I appreciate concerns raised about the need to improve coordination among the three spheres and tiers of government. This is a serious constitutional imperative. Amongst others, the supreme law of the land enjoins all spheres of government and the organs of state answerable to them to cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith. 

The Constitution further directs us to establish structures and institutions to promote and facilitate intergovernmental relations as well as to provide appropriate mechanisms and procedures to facilitate disputes. We are committed to honour the constitution and have established the cluster system of governance for this purpose. It seeks to integrate the government’s programme across departmental responsibilities. Life continuously and continually throws citizens with multiple personal and social challenges. Where it is morally and lawfully required, so must the government’s response be continuous and continual.  But it can only do so if it is holistic in its approach, which is what the cluster system seeks to achieve.

This requires coordination throughout the State. It has to be part of the mechanisms to achieve our goals. And we will achieve our goals if we also make a critical assessment of our track record in the context of the democratic critical exchange of ideas I mentioned earlier. So, the second question is whether the government has improved the quality of life of the people? The two questions I have just highlighted are about probing the effectiveness of government policy across the three spheres of government. 

Without exonerating it from its constitutional responsibility, we all know that this is a task far greater than the government and I will seek to demonstrate this in my brief comment on the land question shortly. 

But let me share with you the thinking of the Executive on the consolidation and implementation of the programme in the final year of the sixth administration.

In addition to the transformative legislation we have enacted over the years, we are now introducing and prioritising crucial legislative proposals for the efficient delivery of services that bear on the lives of our people.

We will continue to engage the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders for their valuable input on matters of property rights, land ownership, agricultural support and broader economic development in rural communities.  

Land ownership is critical to the realisation of the goals of economic inclusion, food security, social cohesion, inclusive spatial patterns, and rural development. For this reason, we must speed up the resolution of unequal and inequitable land ownership patterns in our country. It is a matter of social justice and its resolution will also help us to address other problems such as illegal land occupations. 

The correct call for the enforcement of by-laws to address land invasions must also be accompanied with measures for spatial transformation to reverse economic apartheid. 

In this process, we will also have to address a difficult matter – that of unutilised land absentee landlords, some of whom are no longer resident in our country. Our social context of the scarcity of residential land, especially in the urban areas brings this matter into sharp focus. When land is invaded, the government and neighbouring property owners bear the brunt of legal, political and other costs of evicting illegal occupants. The country will have to find a balance between the legal obligation for respect for property on the one hand and the imperative of social justice on the other. The as I have described simply cannot be sustained. 

This is partly why I said earlier on, that improving the lives of the people is not just government’s role alone. To secure a common future for all government and private actors should meet at the construction site of a new and inclusive society. 

Part of our responsibility as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament is to introduce measures to improve the quality of legislation submitted by the Executive and to monitor the implementation of the Legislative Programme by Parliament.

We are pleased that Parliament has prioritised key legislative revisions as mandated by the Constitutional Court, particularly, the NCOP's role in enacting crucial amendments to the Electoral Act. 

Working with both Houses of Parliament, we will ensure that Parliament does not experience a decline in the processing of key legislation. For example, as of 3 February 2023, Parliament could only process and pass 83 bills. 

The Constitution stipulates that Members of the Executive are individually and collectively accountable to Parliament for the exercise their powers, and the performance of their functions. Furthermore, the rules of Parliament provide clear guidelines on the responsibilities of Members of Parliament. 

In this regard, we will continue to utilise mechanisms to monitor executive accountability to Parliament. These include monitoring and tracking responses to parliamentary questions for written reply and ensuring that Ministers and Deputy Ministers appear before Portfolio and Select Committees when required, and further avail themselves to respond to Motions and deliver Member Statements. 

Honourable Chairperson, the National Council of Provinces remains an important platform to address the needs and aspirations of our communities, especially at local government level.  In this regard we have introduced the District Development Model to improve coordination among the three spheres of government.

This model will help us rapidly to respond to service delivery challenges. Further, this approach ensures that government drives development and brings resources to resolve the problems of communities in a more coordinated manner. 

We have already seen the interventions in Gauteng where, together with the Provincial Government, the Emfuleni Local Municipality as well as entities of government have intervened in resolving the water challenges at  Emfuleni. We have also anchored our response to the floods disaster in KwaZulu-Natal through the implementation of the District Development Model. 

Our responsibility will be to ensure effective coordination of all spheres of government to work together to improve the delivery of services at District and local levels. 

We will utilise your oversight reports on NCOP Provincial visits, and Taking Parliament to the People to respond to issues raised during oversight visits.

In contributing towards the improved coordination, we have committed to the National Assembly that together with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we will convene meetings with all District Development Model Champions in all nine Provinces, and further reach out to all distressed municipalities especially those identified as service delivery hotspots.  

It is through structured interactions and engagements that we will be able to strengthen our cooperation with all spheres of government. 

We are committed to engage regularly with Provinces through the National Council of Provinces to address governance and service delivery challenges.
 
I wish you well as you continue to plan and strategise on important interventions that will improve the performance of this esteemed institution.

Thank you!

Programme Director;
Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel
Chairman of the Proudly SA Board, Mr. Howard Gabriels and the Board Directors of the Proudly SA;
CEO of Proudly SA, Mr Eustace Mashimbye;
CEO of Southern Sun, Mr Marcel von Aulock; 
CEO of ABSA, Mr Arrie Rautenbach;   
The CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, Ms Busisiwe Mavuso
All CEO’s and Captains of Industry present here this evening;
The recipient of The Order of Ikhamanga, Dr John Kani;  
Leaders of Civil Society and Organised Labour; 
Distinguished Guests; 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Let me first convey the apology on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who would have loved to be here with you tonight, however due clashing government commitments, he has asked me to represent him at this important occasion.
 
We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this localisation gala dinner, which brings together a group of industry professionals to discuss the next steps for expertise driven solutions, in creating much needed jobs in our country. 
You may recall that in 1998, President Nelson Mandela called a Presidential Jobs Summit under the auspices of NEDLAC to bring together all social partners and determine how jobs could be created within the South African economy.
 
One of the interventions resulting from the 1998 Summit was the establishment of a 'Buy Local Campaign’, a targeted initiative to encourage all sectors of society to support locally produced goods when making procurement decisions.
 
This is what gave birth to Proudly South African, whose role and mandate is to lobby and advocate for increased procurement and consumption of locally made products and services. This campaign will help contribute to the companies that manufacture these products and provide services, while remaining operational, retaining the jobs they have created, potentially creating new opportunities, and ensuring meaningful economic growth.
 
Additionally, we are pleased that the Proudly South African Buy Local Conference and Expo has successfully carried that baton by striving to teach, educate, and empower business owners to help them rebuild our economy.
 
As South Africans, we must be proud of our locally produced goods and take the initiative to support the small businesses who produce them. We must make our products the first choice.
 
SHOPPING LOCALLY HAS AN INCREDIBLE RIPPLE EFFECT
 
This is because every local transaction has a ripple effect that extends beyond our comprehension. By purchasing locally produced food and other goods, consumers support their local economy, families, communities, and promote the culture of entrepreneurship. 
 
Moreover, supporting local businesses can stimulate the local economy, since it redirects funds back into the community rather than into the coffers of ambiguous national chains and corporations.
 
We have also observed that money circulated throughout a community has the potential to finance public infrastructure such as schools, libraries, roads, and parks. 
 
For this reason, as Government, during the 2018 Presidential Summit, together with our social partners, reaffirmed the commitment to localisation. We need to ensure that we support the investments being made in the country by improving the uptake of those products and services that will flow from these investments in new and existing production plants. 
 
This coincided with the investment drive that has been introduced at the time, including through the commitments made at the newly introduced SA Investment Conference.
 
On the other hand, localisation can play a crucial role in achieving Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals of promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
 
By encouraging the use of local products in government contracts, we can create jobs in areas critical to economic growth, such as manufacturing and agriculture, which have historically been vital to economic progress.
We support local businesses because they offer the most significant untapped potential for growth, and economic transformation. 
 
Studies have shown that local businesses recirculate a more significant share of every Rand as they create locally owned supply chains and invest in their employees, something that needs our collective encouragement.
 
We therefore call on businesses and other sectors of society that do procurement to support government policies that encourage and promote the localisation of supply chains. Organisations should change their inclusiveness and localisation delivery models to increase partnership with the local market.
 
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
 
Ladies and gentlemen
 
As the Government, we cannot call on others to do what we are not doing. It is, therefore, imperative that, as the Government, we support localisation by improving the ease of doing business in oaaur country and procuring goods and services from local manufacturers. 
 
During the 2023 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will host the 5th South Africa Investment Conference in April 2023. Linked to this investment drive, South Africa has further committed a new target to mobilise more than R2 trillion in new investment by year 2028. 
 
However, according to the most recent annual rankings by the World Bank as of December 2022, South Africa ranks 84 out of 190 economies on the ease of doing business index. If we want to attract more foreign direct investment, we must improve our ranking to encourage more investments that concurrently combat underdevelopment and youth unemployment.
 
In this regard, urgent work is being finalised by Government to create an enabling regulatory framework, attract foreign investment, reducing red tape, and improve ease of doing business. 
 
Further, the Red Tape Reduction Team, which resides in the Office of the President has made headway in reducing complex regulations, procedures and processes that impede economic growth and job creation in important sectors of the economy. 
 
In February 2020, Cabinet approved the publication of the Public Procurement Bill for public comment, setting in motion legislation for procurement strategies that support Government’s socio-economic objectives.
 
The draft bill aims to introduce a single regulatory framework for local, provincial and national governments and state-owned enterprises. The draft bill proposes the creation of institutions necessary to ensure the procurement system's integrity and address potential violations. 
 
To this end, the National Treasury has conducted a public participation process in relation to the amendment of the Public Procurement Bill, and the Bill has been included in the 2023 Legislative programme as a priority Bill for Cabinet approval, and for introduction to Parliament.
 
We are also pleased that during the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, more than 20 large corporations made firm commitments to improve their levels of local procurement in their respective supply and value chains.
 
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains and created economic uncertainty, making it difficult for businesses to invest in local production.
It has had a devastating effect on many small firms, resulting in massive employment losses. 
 
On the other hand, the pandemic opened opportunities for those who were unemployed and forced to get creative to make ends meet by starting their own businesses. 
 
Moreover, the pandemic and the subsequent necessity to respond appropriately to its demands led to the introduction of many interventions that required substantial localisation.
 
The ventilator localisation programme is one such example, and the work done by Business For South Africa (B4SA), spearheaded by organised business, working together with Government, organised labour and civil society representatives, saw capacity being built up for medical grade sanitisers, respiratory masks, face shields, medical gloves and other items required during that time, where most of these had been largely imported at the commencement of the pandemic period. 
 
This was a clear demonstration of the power of collaboration and an example of what can be achieved if those leading the country across all sectors of society work together towards a common goal. 
 
This ensured supply security for our country and region, not just during the initial years, but also if global supply chain disruptions affecting products entering the country occurred again.
 
During this period, many companies refocused and repurposed their businesses to survive, as most of them could not produce and supply their usual products due to the extremely necessary restrictions imposed on the country at the time.
 
Once again, one such company is Sanath Trading, which traditionally supplies décor products to the events and entertainment industries. They had recently invested in machinery for manufacturing events and décor linen, but due to restrictions on the hosting of events during that time, they decided to use these newly acquired machines to produce face masks.
 
The company was able to keep its doors open and keep all their jobs due to orders from various private sector entities.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
The current constraints, such as a lack of dependable electricity, significantly impact localisation initiatives. As we all know, businesses rely on a consistent supply of energy to run their operations, and the availability of electricity is a significant element in determining where companies choose to invest.
 
Without dependable electricity, businesses may struggle to operate and may be forced to invest in costly generators or other backup power sources. This might increase prices and make it difficult for firms to compete internationally.
 
Correspondingly, if power outages are frequent, local factories may be unable to produce goods that are up to par with South African Bureau of Standards requirements as well as global norms.
 
To address this issue, the Government is investing in reliable energy infrastructure, such as renewable energy sources, to give businesses the electricity they need to grow.
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa presented solutions in the 2023 State of the Nation Address. They include declaring a national state of disaster and creating a Ministry within the Presidency to accelerate the implementation of the agreed-upon strategy to reduce and terminate load-shedding.
 
While the grid's energy constraints threaten businesses and regional development, they also present an opportunity. This pertains to the production of wind turbines, solar panels, and other forms of energy storage, among other things. 
 
By producing it domestically, we may avoid paying import taxes on similar machinery, and the current energy crisis presents an opportunity to expand employment opportunities in a field with significant demand.
 
Compatriots, it is still the State’s intention to support all industries that remain competitive, as well as those where capacity has been built up over the years, because of the designation of sectors for local procurement by the Government. 
 
Significant investments were made by current and new producers of these designated products in the country due to this instrument and policy of designating sectors for local procurement by the Government. This is highly welcomed and is much needed at this time.
 
As a result of this, the modification of procurement legislation, in this regard that came about because of a ruling by the Constitutional Court should not lead to the loss of this capacity and investments because of the State's new preference for imported products, even in situations where these products can be sourced locally.
 
We are thus making a concerted effort to ensure that we remind all procurement authorities and decision-makers in the public sector of this dynamic. As part of this effort, we ask them to maintain local content standards in their preferential procurement policies.
 
During this 11th edition of the Proudly SA Buy Local and Expo, a public-sector procurement session was hosted. An engagement in this regard was held with senior representatives from all public sector spheres, and we have been assured that this work will continue beyond this conference.
 
If we keep moving in this direction, our economy will reap the rewards not just in terms of new jobs, but also in terms of new tax income collected from citizens and the businesses that stand to gain from increased local procurement by the public and private sectors. 
 
We cannot have economic growth without localisation. The study, commissioned by Proudly SA and done by Dr Iraj Abedian's PAIRS outfit, confirms the link between localisation and economic growth and the different steps that the private and public sectors need to take in this area.
 
Some of the most important things in the report are the positive effects of domestic manufacturing investment on the GDP, fiscal revenue, real wages, and consumer inflation.
 
Moreover, the report showed that the SA economy could benefit from an increase of just 10 percent in investment spending in the manufacturing sector. 
 
This is what would happen if investments in this labour-intensive industry went up by 10 percent: 
• 13% GDP growth
• 8% more jobs created
• 8.3% overall boost to investment across the economy
• 9% jump in tax revenues
 
The same goes for the private sector as a strategic partner of the Government whose buying power can help turn the economy around. We want to see consolidations at the industry level, so that ailing industries or industries threatened by illegal and sometimes legal imports can be helped by local procurement policies and preferences that companies in those industries choose to follow.
 
LET'S COLLABORATE TO MEET LOCALISATION TARGETS
 
Ladies and gentlemen
 
As we put the spotlight on the value of local procurement and localisation tonight, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the businesses that have emerged as leaders in this area around the country.
 
These are companies that have walked this journey with us, from when we first introduced the first set of localisation commitments, and publicly proclaimed their commitments at the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit. 
 
These companies set localisation targets for themselves, some informed by the sectoral masterplans driven by Government. They continue to be brave enough to report these annually, review and improve on the targets where possible and are impacting many other enterprises as part of their respective supply and value chains. 
 
This group of businesses will be recognised tonight as the first batch to publicly announce their localisation efforts, establish goals and work towards them, and agree to be held accountable for meeting those goals by the dates they have established. According to the goals of these businesses, localisation takes the shape of:
 
· Favouring locally made products over imported goods/services, i.e., increasing their local procurement spend.
· Investing in an Enterprise/Supplier Development Programme (and/or including a localisation condition for companies that may or have benefitted from their respective Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes).
· Expansion plans (building additional factories or adding more production capacity).
· Introducing additional product/service offerings in their local manufacturing facilities.
· Increasing levels of local content in raw materials and/or components utilised for producing their products and rendering their services.
· It could also be to give more “shelf space” or “target more” local manufacturers. 
 
Through the localisation commitments given, the companies also highlight the medium to long-term impact their commitments will have, especially in growing the economy and job creation and retention.
 
The collaboration between Proudly SA, South Africa's national Buy Local campaign, and Business Leadership South Africa exemplifies the dedication we seek from the private sector, where businesses continue to localise their supply and value chains, with a clear focus on growing those industries in which we have a competitive advantage.
 
One way the social partners have been able to work together to maximise the potential of identified industries is by introducing Sectoral Masterplans. 
 
These plans focus on specific industries, such as the automotive, steel, furniture, sugar, clothing, textiles, leather, and footwear industries, and they do so by capitalising on the existing demand, which comes primarily from the private sector.
 
On that note, we urge all South Africans to support Proudly SA's call to "buy local to create jobs" and make this mantra a rallying call as we work together to boost our economy.
 
Finally, on behalf of the Government and all South Africans, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the companies that have contributed to the success of the Proudly SA Buy Local Summit and Expo, including Southern Sun, ABSA, Coca-Cola, and SAB, as well as Sasol, Brand South Africa, Aspen, and Sizwe IT. 
 
These patriotic companies have successfully illustrated the partnership between the private and public sectors in working together to turn around the fortunes of our economy. Their deeds must be emulated by all of us.
 
We wish you all a successful and productive Proudly South African evening.
 
I thank you.

Programme Directors (North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha & Provincial Civil Society Chairperson Mr Pinampi Maano);
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla;
Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum, Ms Steve Letsike;
Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Dr Tshegofatso Gopane;
Our gracious host, the Premier of the North West Province, Mr Bushy Maape;
Our esteemed Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders present
US Consul General in South Africa, Mr Vincent Spera,
Esteemed members of the US Government delegation;
UNAIDS South Africa Country Director, Ms Eva Kiwango;
WHO Country Director, Dr. Owen Kahlua,
Esteemed members of the UN Delegation;
Leaders of our Inter-Faith Communities;
Other Development Partners here present;
SANAC CEO, Dr Thembisile Xulu;
Members of the Media
Honoured Guests, fellow South Africans,
Dumelang! Sanibonani! Avhuxeni!
 
On behalf of the SANAC Community, I would like, first and foremost, to convey my sincere gratitude to former Deputy President David Mabuza for the leadership he provided as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council as well as leading the process towards the National Strategic Plan 2023-2028 that we will be launching today.
 
His vision and leadership helped to forge stronger ties with key partners in the fight to end HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.  These valued partners include our esteemed Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, the business community and civil society. His efforts ultimately ensured that all sectors join and put all their efforts to make the SANAC family a success. We must continue to strengthen collaboration with all national and international stakeholders.
 
Programme Director,

As all of us are aware, tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of ill health and death in South Africa. This is exacerbated by the fact that some TB patients do not complete their treatment while others remain “missing;” which means that they are either undiagnosed or are unreported even as they are diagnosed.
 
Today, our country joins the rest of the world in observing World TB Day under the country theme: “Yes! You and I Can End TB!” The theme is aimed at encouraging individual action to strengthen the national strategy against Tuberculosis. It underlines the significance of taking personal responsibility and joining forces to eradicate Tuberculosis as a public health threat by 2030.
 
We must recommit ourselves to raising greater levels of awareness about the disease alongside its terrible health, social, economic implications and strengthen other efforts to prevent the further spread of the disease in our communities.
 
This province faces specific challenges in the fight against Tuberculosis due to mining activities and a high number of informal settlements which result in overcrowding and unfavourable living conditions which expose people to health hazards.
 
However, the province has made noteworthy progress in the reconstitution of its Provincial Council on Aids with the involvement of all stakeholders. Other provinces can learn valuable lessons from this positive step.
 
The Government is determined to build a world free from the devastation of preventable and curable diseases such as TB. We must continue to embark on Tuberculosis catch-up programmes as we continue to pursue shortened treatment after infectious diseases took a backseat due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
However, regardless of the setback, we have made conscious efforts to rebuild and intensify TB interventions across the country.
 
Through the ‘You and I” statement of intent, we seek to encourage individuals to take charge of their health in line with the objectives of the “Cheka Impilo” National Wellness Campaign, as well as the country’s endeavour towards finding the Missing TB Patients.
 
It is critical that everyone infected with TB is aware of the infection, is introduced to treatment and goes on to complete their treatment. Finishing the course is important in order to avoid developing Multidrug-resistant TB and Extensively drug-resistant TB which are both very difficult to treat, life-threatening and fatal.  
 
We must promote awareness for personal responsibility in the eradication of TB.  This will undoubtedly deliver better progress in the fight against TB. Together, we can recover the ground lost by the TB response as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
We should bear in mind that our country is mostly off-track in terms of attaining the set TB targets, including those related to the 2018 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB.
 
It concerning that the last SA TB Prevalence Survey positioned our country as one of the 30 high TB burden countries accounting for 87% of the burden. It is one of 10 countries with a triple burden of TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB.
 
We shall accelerate interventions to eliminate TB by fast-tracking the implementation of the TB Recovery Plan launched in 2022.
 
We have already started finding undiagnosed people with TB through interventions that scale up community screening, introduce Targeted Universal TB Testing, and the use of other technologies.
 
One of the useful approaches to mobilising political will for TB response, is the strengthening of the South African TB Caucuses in all our Provincial Legislatures. The Caucuses provide a platform for elected public representatives to champion the TB response in their provinces and constituencies, led by the Speakers of the Provincial Legislatures.
 
We are pleased to report that five out of the nine provinces have successfully launched their TB Caucuses.  These are the North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape Provinces. The National TB Caucus in Parliament is due to be relaunched this year. We congratulate all these provinces and urge the remaining others to follow suit.
 
Programme Directors,

A few days ago, we observed the Human Rights Day. As we continue to observe Human Rights Month, we should remember that access to health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by our Constitution.
 
Stigma and discrimination remain some of the hardest social and structural barriers that limit access to TB screening, treatment and care – thus compromising the lives of people who are infected and affected by TB. We think it is unacceptable that in year 2023, we are still talking about stigma!
 
We should therefore collectively champion interventions against social isolation associated with TB at community level. We must also continuously maintain well-coordinated multi-sectoral interventions against stigma and discrimination in our communities.
 
We will continue to work together to look at how to strengthen the systems that link people to care, strengthen the systems that keep them in care, and scale up initiatives that encourage the use of TB prevention therapy.
 
In September this year, world leaders will gather at the United Nations General Assembly for the United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB. The last meeting was held in 2018 during South Africa endorsed the Political Declaration on TB.
 
Key among the targets committed to in that declaration were the following:
 
•​Treat 40 million people with TB between 2018 and 2022;
•​Treat 3,5 million children with TB;
•​Treat 1,5 million people with drug-resistant TB; and
•​At least 30 million people put on TB Preventive Treatment.
 
We cannot over-emphasise the importance of collaboration in the TB response. We can do more by leveraging our combined strengths and resources.
 
The active roles of civil society, private sector, development partners, research institutions, community members, TB survivors and people infected with TB, all remain paramount in our fight to end TB.
 
To that effect, through the fourth National Strategic Plan (NSP), we continued to guide our collective response to HIV, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Viewed together, the plans set out in the NSP provide insight into the path we have travelled as a nation to overcome one of the most devastating human challenges of our time.
 
The previous NSP is a clear demonstration of the outstanding progress we have made. It is also a stark reminder of how far we still need to go.
 
Indeed our response to HIV, TB and STIs has evolved over the last two decades as we have come to understand the nature and impact of the epidemics, the factors that contribute to their spread, and the interventions that work best in reducing infection, morbidity and mortality.
 
In this regard, we are pleased to launch today the fifth National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023 to 2028 as adopted by Cabinet.
 
The new NSP is a blueprint and roadmap for a multi-sectoral, people-centred approach to eliminate HIV, TB and STIs as public health threats by 2030.
 
It emphasises the need to break down barriers and maximise equitable and equal access to services, through resilient and integrated health systems, to guarantee the health and social protection of all South Africans.
 
The successful implementation of this NSP will require strong governance and leadership, and the involvement of all sectors of society including government, business, organised labour, civil society, development partners, research institutions and communities in general.
 
The 2023- 2028 NSP features four strategic Goals:
 
•​Goal 1: To break down barriers to achieving HIV, TB and STIs solutions.
•​Goal 2: To maximise equitable and equal access to HIV, TB and STIs services and solutions.
•​Goal 3: To build resilient systems for HIV, TB and STIs that are integrated into systems for health, social protection, and pandemic response.
•​Goal 4: To fully resource and sustain an efficient NSP led by revitalised, inclusive, and accountable institutions
 
Work has already begun to give effect to these goals. SANAC is leading several activities as part of the NSP rollout.
 
One of them is the year-long Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Campaign – aimed at sustained and impactful messaging and demand creation for reproductive health services, information about STI transmission, condom use, availability of family planning services and availability of ground-breaking HIV prevention tools such as the newer Dapivirine Ring as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
 
Another project in the pipeline is the Treatment Literacy Framework aimed at improving treatment adherence, eliminating stigma & discrimination, promoting health seeking behaviour and enhancing treatment uptake.
 
This is important to ensure that individuals on antiretroviral therapy remain virally suppressed so that they can enjoy a good quality of life. Most importantly, when the viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be passed onto one’s sexual partner.
 
SANAC is also preparing for the launch of the “Situation Room” – a cutting-edge data visualisation and analytics platform that provides up-to-date multi-sectoral data in an easy-to-use format to support evidence-based decision making and planning.
 
Another critical signature initiative by SANAC is the continued effort to strengthen the Provincial AIDS Councils. The core objective of all this work, is to pave the way for the successful implementation of the NSP.
 
The NSP 2023-2028 calls upon all of us to build consensus and drive a well-coordinated, unified response to the three epidemics over a five-year period.
 
We must also be cognisant of the fact that this is the last NSP ahead of the 2030 target of ending HIV and TB as a public health threat, and we dare not fail.
 
Drawing lessons from previous NSPs, the COVID-19 pandemic and current epidemiological trends, the new NSP is considerably more radical in its own right –
 
•It is pandemic-ready to guard against unknown future disruptions similar to those caused by COVID-19,
•​It recognises the need to strengthen health systems,  
•​It has an expanded scope for the management of sexually transmitted infections.
•​It recognises the need to scale up mental health services and social support based on interlinkages between HIV, TB, and STIs with other social challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), human rights violations and inequalities.
•​It was drafted through an extensive public consultation in all nine provinces by bringing together multiple stakeholders, key populations, vulnerable groups, academics and ordinary people from all walks of life.
 
Every input was carefully considered and integrated into the final product, the NSP 2023-2028 that we are launching today.
 
SANAC will coordinate the implementation of the NSP as mandated by Cabinet; however, its successful implementation lies with all of us.
 
It is about our lives, how we protect it, how we prolong it, how we value it and how we improve it. Let us work together to ensure that this NSP is one of the last in our times.
 
Yes we can conquer TB!
 
Yes TB is curable! And
 
“Yes! You and I (Together) Can End TB.”

I thank you.