Madame Speaker,
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Deputy President of the Republic, The Honourable Paul Mashatile (in absentia),
Members of the Executive,
Honourable Chief Whip,
Honourable Members of the House,
Distinguished guests.

Mr President, Madame Speaker,

After the 2024 May Election results, the political parties committed to see South Africa move forward, anchored on strengthening our constitutional democracy came together guided the Statement of Intent, to form Government of National Unity. Our constitution, founded on amongst others, the Freedom Charter, adopted 70 years ago. The constitution, in the preamble enjoins us to improve the quality of life of every citizen and free the potential of each person.

We accept that the challenges confronting our country are stark. We are contending with the stubborn legacy of colonialism and apartheid that continues to manifest itself through inequality, youth unemployment and slow economic growth. But we remain resolute.

Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), and cross-cutting coordination with social partners, we are shifting the dial and scaling solutions that are showing real impact.

One of the most promising interventions we are leading is Jobs Boost, a groundbreaking outcomes-based employment model. Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance initiative currently being piloted. 

This programme which is currently in its pilot phase, seeks to connect 4,500 of the most marginalised young people in our country to sustainable, quality jobs. It is among the largest outcomes funds globally dedicated to youth employment. 

Mr President

What makes Jobs Boost particularly powerful is its laser focus on inclusion and results. The programme targets young people who have matriculated from quintile 1 to 3 schools or received child support grants, and who have no formal post-school qualifications. These are the youth most at risk of long-term exclusion. 

Jobs Boost ensures they are placed in high-quality jobs that are employer-paid, and monitors whether they remain in these jobs. 

To date, twelve implementing partners have begun rolling out the programme. Since September 2024, we have seen:
• 4,136 young people placed in sustainable jobs,
• 1,543 of them have retained these jobs for at least three months,
• 825 have remained employed for six months or longer.

These are not just numbers; they represent young lives being changed. They represent families who now have a steady income. 

The pilot will conclude in December 2025, and early indicators suggest that Jobs Boost will not only meet its targets but also set a new benchmark for how we tackle youth unemployment. We look forward to scaling this model in 2026, in partnership with the private sector and donors.

Linked to this success is the growing impact of SAYouth.mobi, the digital platform that is the heartbeat of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. Since its launch in 2020, SA Youth has grown to over 4.7 million registered users. 

Through the platform, young people have accessed more than 1.67 million earning opportunities. These include jobs supported by the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service, and the National Youth Service.

This platform is not only large in scale but also deeply equitable. Over 70% of the opportunities accessed have gone to young black African women. More than 73% of users come from quintile 1 to 3 schools, and 65% live in households where at least one member receives a social grant. 

These statistics show that SA Youth is reaching the very people who need it most.

Speaker,

This is what inclusive development looks like. When we design systems intentionally to serve the poor and unemployed, we bend the trajectory of this country towards justice and shared prosperity.

These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of strong coordination led by the Presidency, and the tireless work of departments and delivery partners across the state. 

As we move forward, we invite all sectors of society to be part of the solution. The Jobs Boost model demonstrates the power of partnership. Equally so, the SA Youth platform thrives because of cooperation between government, business, and civil society. 

Honourable Members, we are laying the foundation for a new economy. One that works for all, especially the youth. One that sees potential in our people, not just risk. One that rewards innovation, not exclusion.

Madame Speaker,

I also wish to highlight the responsibilities of Deputy President Paul Mashatile who is on official assignment abroad, whose work continues to strengthen the Presidency’s leadership across critical social and economic programmes.

The Office of the Deputy President leads our national response to HIV, TB and STIs through his stewardship of the South African National AIDS Council. Under his leadership, the country is intensifying efforts to reach the 95-95-95 targets, while also strengthening partnerships with civil society and the private sector to reduce vulnerability and address the social drivers of disease. 

This includes prioritising gender-based violence and femicide, and aligning our work with global efforts to end AIDS in children by 2030. At the World TB Day commemoration in Mpumalanga earlier this year, the Deputy President reminded us that ending TB is not just a health imperative but a matter of dignity and justice. He reaffirmed our commitment to invest in early diagnosis, community-led monitoring and strengthening the health systems that support vulnerable people. His call to action is clear. We must ensure that no one is left behind in our fight to end preventable illness and suffering. 

Madame Speaker,

The Presidency is also leading the Human Resource Development Council, advancing the implementation of South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030. The Council has committed to deepening coordination across sectors to solve the structural skills mismatch in our economy.

The National Skills Advisory Forum was launched, which will serve as a strategic platform for all stakeholders to jointly diagnose, prioritise and respond to South Africa’s skills challenges. 

This initiative reflects a shift toward a more agile, data-driven and responsive human development ecosystem that aligns with our growth sectors and transformation objectives. This forum is about more than training people for jobs, it is about building the competencies and capabilities of an empowered nation.

The Presidency emphasises on building capacity for the Just Energy Transition is especially critical. Through the Just Energy Skills Forum, we are ensuring that South Africa’s energy future is not just clean but also inclusive. 

Workers and communities affected by the transition will not be left behind. Instead, they will be equipped to lead it. The HRDC’s work is laying the foundation for industrialisation pathways that are both green and just. 

The upcoming Fifth HRDC Summit, which will assess progress and chart the next phase, is a moment to galvanise action across the skills landscape. The HRDC is not an observer it is an enabler of change. This work is essential for preparing our workforce for the demands of a 21st century economy, and is being done in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and partners across labour, business, academia and communities.

Lastly, fellow Members,

I would like to remind some amongst us in the GNU, that what binds us, is the statement of intent, whose foundation is the respect of our constitution and constitutional democracy. I would like to warn the DA, that being in the GNU does not give a license to alter the constitution or pick and choose constitutional provisions that we like and throw others of the window because we don’t like them. 
 

Honourable House Chairperson,
President of the Republic of South Africa, President Matamela Ramaphosa,
Honourable Members Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Honourable Nonceba Mhlauli,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Honourable Kenny Morolong,
The Director-General in The Presidency, Ms Phindile Baleni,
Chief Operations Officer, Mr Rory Gallocher,

National Dialogue and Social Cohesion

Honourable Chairperson,

As the President has indicated, the national dialogue is one of the most important pillars of any thriving democracy. It is a bridge that connects 1 government to citizens, leaders to communities, and one generation to the next. In moments of uncertainty, it provides clarity. And in seasons of transformation, it offers us direction and shared purpose. From South Africa’s own journey out of apartheid, where dialogue laid the foundation for reconciliation and democracy, the lesson is clear: when people talk— honestly, openly, and respectfully—nations change.

Contrary to attempts to mislead South Africans, the National Dialogue is not an event. It is a process that will commence on August 15 and take place for a period of no less than 12 months. The national dialogue must be a culture. A culture where disagreement is not a threat, but a sign of a healthy democracy. A culture where every voice matters —whether from the hills of the rural provinces or the corridors of our cities. A culture where the youth are not just heard but involved, and where the marginalised are not only included but empowered.

To achieve these goals, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and IMC have proposed an inclusive process that will be immersed in deep citizen engagements that prioritise the voice of those who feel marginalized. We have identified 30 sectors of our society around which to mobilise, with an emphasis on the diversity and inclusion of the often-marginalised sections of our society.

In its entirety the National Dialogue will involve the following layers of conversation:

1. The First National Convention on 15 August 2025 – 1000 delegates. This is an agenda setting convention which will prepare the nation for the community engagements.

2. Community Dialogues – 13400 ward-based community dialogues.

3. The Online platform is aiming to reach no less that 2,5 million citizens.

4. There will also be smaller citizen-hosted events in churches and community groups that shall have access to the toolkit being designed so that the outcomes feed into the process.

5. Sectoral Dialogues – self organised in specific social or economic sectors which shall also have access to the toolkit so that their outcomes feed into the process.

6. The 2nd National Convention will be the concluding event that converts the engagements into a National Compact and 30 Year Plan of Action. We estimate that this will be about another 1000 delegates.

7. A detailed implementation plan.

8. A national roadshow to socialise the outcomes of the National Dialogue and engage with implementation partners.

9. Independent, citizen-led Monitoring and Evaluation will remain in place.

The majority of the work of conceptualising and planning for the National Dialogue process has been undertaken by ordinary citizens from various walks of life who have volunteered their time, skills and resources to this national effort over the past 12 months.

After a week of opening up the online platforms as many as 737 organisations have registered their wish to participate in various elements of the National Dialogue. This is an average of 100 per day to show that many South Africans are eagerly awaiting this process.

The national dialogue will also promote government social cohesion efforts and strengthen social compacting as led by the Deputy President. The Deputy President led social cohesion efforts have prioritised a focus on gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, racism, sexism and patriarchy, as well as the role of families in building communities.

At the core of building communities, the Deputy President is also assigned the responsibility to coordinate efforts to improve service delivery by supporting the President in the roll-out of the District that Development Model (DDM), lead the IMC on Service Delivery, the Water Task Team, and oversee the coordination of government’s Public Employment Programmes.

Madame Speaker,

In the Seventh Administration of Government, President Ramaphosa delegated Deputy President Paul Mashatile with the responsibility of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, in line with Section 91 (4) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

This responsibility entails driving the Legislative Programme of Government while ensuring Executive Accountability to Parliament, building relations between the Executive and Leaders of Opposition Parties, and enhancing the electorate’s public participation in policy and law-making processes.

In the current Administration of Government, this responsibility has been coupled with the Deputy President’s role of facilitating the Clearing House Mechanism of the Government of National Unity (GNU), as per the decision of the Cabinet meeting of 18 September 2024.

In navigating and facilitating the success of the current political configuration, the Clearing House Mechanism must serve as a working committee of the Political Leaders Forum. The Clearing House ensures that contentious policy considerations are deliberated without hindering or delaying the focus of the Administration. This Mechanism is a resource through which parties in the GNU pursue political coordination to build consensus on contentious policy matters. This makes the ultimatums to the President and playing to the gallery so unnecessary by a party that is a signatory to the Statement of Intent.

Achieving national development objectives through government efficiency

Madame Speaker,

The Presidency is tasked with leading the nation to towards the fulfilment of the aspirations of our National Development Plan: Vision 2030, by 2030. This is no small task, and it is one that requires all hands, brains and, yes, political orientations, on deck.

The Presidency remains focused on achieving our national objectives and continue to ensure that our people, particularly the historically disadvantaged, women, youth and persons with disabilities are mainstreamed in our economy and government services reach all South Africans.

We are diligently focused in doing this.

Since 2020, The Presidency has been coordinating the acceleration of government efficiency by working with departments, entities and social partners. As mentioned by the President, Operation Vulindlela continues to drive structural reforms to drive inclusive economic development that creates jobs.  

In its Phase 2 of implementation, the 2025/26 first quarter Operation Vulindlela report released on Monday 14th July demonstrates sustained progress in the economic reform agenda, which serves as a counter to strong economic headwinds.

Key milestones during the past quarter include the publication of a Ministerial Determination and associated regulations to enable the first round of Independent Transmission Projects, as well as a Request for Information for major private sector participation (PSP) projects in the freight logistics sector.

The Network Statement and rail access tariffs in Dec 2024, have resulted in 98 applications from private freight operators and this is currently under review with slots sales to be allocated soon. And the clearing of a backlog of 306 000 visa applications at the Department of Home Affairs.

Progress has also been made in the new areas of reform included in Phase II, with a comprehensive review of the White Paper on Local Government to reform the local government system and the introduction of a performance-based financing mechanism to support the reform of municipal water and electricity services.

Presidential Working Groups on eThekwini and City of Johannesburg

The President referred to the progress made in eThekwini through the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG). Just to give further details on the achievements registered under the PeWG are:

• The finalisation of water supply agreements for the Upper Mkhomazi Water Project which will provide 200 million cubic meters per annum by 2032. In the short to medium term, there has been a focus on reducing non-revenue water including the refurbishment and rehabilitation of key aqueducts, pipelines, and pump stations.

• The unlocking of additional funding to support the water and sanitation turnaround plan, including a R189.5 million BFI grant to improve non-revenue water reduction in the North of eThekwini announced in the MTBPS.

• Ten of the largest wastewater treatment works in eThekwini are now run by uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), resulting in an improvement in effluence compliance.

• Several transport infrastructure projects are making progress including the repair of the Umlaas Canal (damaged during the 2022 floods) which is now 60% complete. Other transportation infrastructure projects include the completion of rehabilitation of key road arterials including the M37.

This work of the PeWG has contributed to the progress in improving service delivery in eThekwini and positioning it as an investment hub. We are confident that we will achieve same progress with the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group.

Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign

To support the President’s initiatives to revitalise our cities, the Deputy President in August 2024 announced the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign to revitalise cities, towns and villages, and improve service delivery by keeping our environment and surroundings clean.

Madame Deputy Speaker,

A strong Presidency must be institutionally supported. It requires a capable state — one with professional public servants, strong institutions, and systems of integrity. When the Presidency is strong, it unlocks the potential of the entire government machinery. A strong government machinery accelerates delivery of services to the people of South Africans.

We are humbled to table a total allocated budget of The Presidency for 2025/26 financial year of R 747.2 million.

I say we are humbled, because we know these funds come from the nation. It comes from businesses and individuals who play their part in our country’s development by paying taxes and levies that constitute the public purse.

These monies are hard-earned. And the SARS Commissioner will tell you some of these monies are hard-collected, and we thank SARS for this.

We therefore pledge that we will work judiciously with these funds to ensure they are spent in the ways we have committed and to ensure that they deliver the positive impacts on our society and our economy that are foremost in our minds and professional conduct.

The allocation has been distributed per programme as below:

• Administration: R 657.5 million
• Executive Support: R 55.7 million
• Policy and Research Services: R25.8 million

Conclusion

Madame Deputy Speaker,

A strong Presidency does not mean autocracy. It means accountable, visionary, ethical, and decisive leadership that is empowered to act in the interests of the people. A strong Presidency leads with legitimacy, guided by the Constitution.

I would have thought a person holding a PhD in law would understand this basic fact, but he is the same person who was declared not fit to be a judge or judge President by the Judicial Service Commission, a fact even confirmed by the Courts.

Madame Speaker,

I want to thank our President for leading us in difficult times and putting the needs and hopes of South Africans first, while contributing to the reconfiguration of global institutions and governance. 

I would like to remind Honourable Hlophe that since 2018, President Ramaphosa has been seized with rebuilding the broken Eskom, Transnet, SAA, Denel and many other entities broken during the 4th and 5th Administration under the erstwhile President Jacob Zuma – the lifelong President of MKP.

Lest we forget, it was President Ramaphosa who during the Covid-19 pandemic that ensured that not only South Africans had access to vaccines but the rest of the African continent, thus saving many lives when the West intended to hoard the vaccines for their citizens.

It was this very President who rose to mobilise the much-needed lifesaving vaccines, thus preventing a worse loss of life in South Africa and the rest of the continent, even when we continue to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

Furthermore, it was President Ramaphosa who mobilised the rebuilding of South Africa’s economy that was ravaged by the effects of the Covid19 pandemic. It was under the leadership of President Ramaphosa that the country developed and implemented the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Programme to recover the economy.

It is important for South Africans to remember that the responsibility to build our country lies with all of us. We don't have to criticise for criticism sake but with an objective to build our country. This requires all of us to be critical, hold government accountable but contribute to the development of our country.

I want to thank this Parliament for keeping us accountable. It is not always pretty, but it is always necessary, and it helps the Administration sharpen its outlook and its praxis.

I thank the leadership and staff of The Presidency, headed by Director-General, Phindile Baleni and Chief Operations Officer, Rory Gallocher, for dedicating themselves to ensuring that The Presidency plays its rightful role in A Nation That Works For All.

Thank you, Ndo livhuwa, iNkomu!

Following the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on Friday, 11 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated the following persons to lead and coordinate the group:
 
Co-Chairs:

- Prof Tinyiko Maluleke
- Mr Roelf Meyer
 
Deputy Chairs:

- Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko
- Mr Siyabulela Xuza
 
Secretary:

- Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa
 
President Ramaphosa said: “I am grateful to each of them for agreeing to take on this responsibility and to contribute towards the effective functioning of the Eminent Persons Group.”
 
The President established the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to guide and champion the National Dialogue.
 
The EPG consists of prominent individuals in society with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. The Eminent Persons are drawn from across the country and from many fields of endeavour in our public life.
 
The EPG is supported by the National Dialogue Preparatory Task, which is made up of representatives of a number of foundations, civil society organisations and The Presidency. 

The Preparatory Task Team is responsible for the practical arrangements of the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Mr Liu Jun, President of ICBC Bank;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Esteemed representatives of Standard Bank, Sinosteel, China Communication Construction Company and Chery;

Ladies and gentlemen,

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success," is a renowned quote that has always served as a source of motivation for me.

The phrase highlights the fact that merely getting people together is a good place to begin; nevertheless, it is essential to keep unity and actively collaborate with one another to advance in a meaningful way and finally achieve success.

This gathering signifies the importance of fostering strong partnerships between South Africa and China in strategic sectors for investment and trade promotion. While we are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for us, it is clearly evident that the partnership between our two countries offers a significant potential for the progress and prosperity of both of our countries.

With the diversified resources of South Africa and the economic strength of China, there is a great deal that we are capable of accomplishing together. We must augment our collaboration, especially in critical industries poised for investment and trade.

Currently, South Africa and China have strong economic cooperation, with bilateral commerce amounting to $34 billion in 2024 and Chinese foreign direct investment in South Africa being $13.21 billion. This partnership is characterised by a growing trade relationship, with China being South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

A notable aspect of the trade relationship is the trade imbalance, where South Africa exports primarily raw materials to China and imports manufactured goods, creating a trade deficit for South Africa. South Africa needs to benefit more from its active, albeit highly unequal, trading partnership with China.

Therefore this dinner presents a strategic opportunity for us to: 

· Leverage ICBC’s financial expertise and Standard Advisory’s market insights to deepen investment in SA’s priority sectors. 

· Address trade imbalances by promoting value-added exports and technology transfer. 

· Advance partnerships in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and manufacturing under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
 
Through the process of recognising and capitalising on these key sectors, we are able to create an environment in which both of our economies benefit and in which we make progress towards our common objectives.

I am certain that the many areas of expertise and knowledge that have been collected around these tables will make it possible for us to devise specific plans and strategies that can be put into action, which will propel our partnership ahead.

Let me also highlight some opportunities in green industrialisation, infrastructure financing, and export diversification. 

In particular, South Africa has substantial prospects in the areas of green industrialisation, financing infrastructure, and export diversification. This is especially true when considering the worldwide move towards a low-carbon economy.

In addition to a rapidly expanding renewable energy industry, the country's plentiful natural resources, which include minerals that are essential for the development of environmentally friendly technology, provide a solid basis for the expansion of green industrialisation.

Strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, and a focus on export diversification can further drive sustainable economic development and job creation.

In a nutshell, let us collaborate in the strategic sector for the purpose of promoting investment and trade in areas such as the following:

· Battery Manufacturing & Critical Minerals: SA seeks Chinese investment in battery value chains (mining → processing → cell manufacturing) to supply global EV markets. 

· Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen: SA’s Hydrogen Valley ($5.96B) and 24 renewable energy projects ($9.35B) need Chinese EPC and financing. 

· Infrastructure and Rail Modernisation: SA’s rail revitalisation (high-speed Gautrain extension, rural corridors) requires Chinese expertise and capital. 

· Metallurgy and Smelter Revitalisation:  South Africa presents significant investment opportunities in metallurgy and smelter revitalisation, driven by its rich mineral resources and the global shift towards a low-carbon economy.

South Africa and China are at a pivotal moment to redefine our economic partnership—from raw material trade to co-industrialisation. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future that brings prosperity to our people and strengthens the bonds between our nations.

We invite ICBC and Standard Advisory to:

· Finance catalytic projects in batteries, green hydrogen, and rail under FOCAC’s Partnership Action Plans. 

· Bridge trade gaps by supporting SA’s Top 100 Export Initiative and SME integration into Chinese supply chains. 

· Co-invest in infrastructure through blended finance, ensuring mutual gains under Africa Free Trade Agreement. 

Let us turn commitments into concrete projects that create jobs, transfer technology, and position SA as China’s gateway to Africa.

There is potential for South Africa and China to work together to foster innovation, the transfer of technology, and the development of skills. There is the potential for us to form partnerships that are beneficial to both parties if we capitalise on our individual skills and explore new ways of working together.

Through partnership and working together for a common purpose, we can realise the full potential of both our countries.

Thank you.

Speaker of the National Assembly,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Members,
Fellow South Africans,
 
In two days from now, on Friday, 18 July, South Africans will join people across the world in celebrating Nelson Mandela Day.
 
Madiba helped us see that we can achieve progress by staying true to the vision of a better, more equal society and by working together to make that vision a reality.
 
Today, the world faces real and significant challenges. So do we as a country.
 
We face an increasingly volatile world, with disruptions to global trade and deepening conflicts causing reverberations across the globe.
 
We face high levels of unemployment and economic growth that is too low to create jobs and reduce poverty.
 
We face the corrosive effects of corruption and pervasive crime, to which the poorest are most vulnerable.
 
We face the daunting task of building a state that is capable of tackling these challenges and restoring the trust of the people.
 
It is with these challenges in mind that we formed a Government of National Unity to place our country on a path of growth and transformation, a path of peace and prosperity.
 
As we established the GNU, we understood that we were embarking on a new era in the life of our democracy. We understood that there would be complex dynamics and novel challenges that we would need to navigate.
 
We have together adopted the Medium Term Development Plan, which outlines clear actions that we will undertake over the next five years in pursuit of three strategic priorities:
 
- Firstly, driving inclusive growth and job creation.
- Secondly, tackling poverty and the high cost of living.
- Thirdly, building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
Across all ministries, all departments and all national entities, there is a commitment to implement the actions on which we have agreed and to move with urgency and purpose to address the needs of South Africans.
 
Most importantly, there is a shared understanding that we need to rise above our differences and to work together to make progress on our most important challenges.
 
The approach of the Government of National Unity is to enhance national cohesion and nation building and to build partnerships across society to advance the common interests of all South Africans.
 
The National Dialogue is being convened in response to calls from individuals and formations from across society. This initiative has received wide support and has been endorsed by the GNU as a significant national process to develop a social compact that will enable us to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan.
 
At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together to define a shared vision and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another.
 
The National Dialogue is not just about talking.
 
Like CODESA, like the National Peace Accord, like the consultation process that led to our new Constitution, the National Dialogue is expected to produce real results that have a tangible impact on people’s lives.
 
We are all called upon to use this National Dialogue as an instrument of development, transformation, progress, national cohesion and nation building.
 
The National Dialogue does not displace the democratic processes mandated by our Constitution, nor the electoral mandates that parties carry into Parliament and the Executive.
 
As the National dialogue process continues, the Government of National Unity will continue to take action to address the immediate concerns that all South Africans share – to grow our economy, to create jobs, to tackle corruption and crime, and to fix local government.
 
The Medium Term Development Plan sets specific measurable targets for each of our programmes, and these budget votes quantify the resources that we will need to reach these targets. However, the true measure of success is the impact that we have on people’s lives.
 
Everything that this government does – from trade negotiations to economic reforms, from the professionalisation of the Public Service to support for farmers and small businesses – is directed towards meeting the needs of South Africa’s people and securing their future.
 
The role of The Presidency is to coordinate the work of Government towards this end, and to make sure that our commitments are translated into action.
 
Our most important priority is to grow the economy and create jobs. 
 
We are working across government to boost infrastructure investment to ensure that infrastructure development becomes the true flywheel of economic growth.
 
We are using the Infrastructure Fund to invest in the roads that link communities to economic centres and the water projects that supply expanding cities and towns.
 
We have amended the regulations for Public Private Partnerships to make it easier for the private sector to invest in infrastructure ranging from renewable energy generation to housing.
 
This infrastructure has a direct impact on people’s lives, providing the services they need, reducing the cost of living, improving the business environment and encouraging economic activity.
 
We are following through on our commitment to invest more than R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years to renew our country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems.
 
South Africans benefit when the economy grows, when jobs are created, when established industries expand and new industries emerge.
 
To ensure that our industrial policy promotes local economic activity, we are repositioning it to look at opportunities in diversification, decarbonisation and digitalisation.
 
That is why we are redirecting our development finance institutions to be active investors in emerging industries and introducing tax incentives for new energy vehicles from next year.
 
We are pursuing the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy recently approved by Cabinet to ensure that the country’s mineral wealth creates jobs and produces value here in South Africa.
 
Our National Policy on the Commercialisation of Hemp and Cannabis aims to improve the livelihoods of people living in rural areas, targeting 10 percent annual growth in this emerging industry.
 
Communities in our cities and rural areas alike will benefit from rapid growth in tourism.
 
More than 9 million international tourists visited our country in the past year, directly spending over R90 billion.
 
This is thanks in large part to reforms in our visa system, targeted tourism promotion in key markets and support to local companies.
 
To encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises, we are continuing the work to remove regulatory constraints and simplify business licensing.
 
We are refining our financing offerings to these businesses, recognising that different types of businesses have different needs at different stages of their development.
 
To accelerate economic growth and create jobs, we are moving ahead with the economic reform agenda through Operation Vulindlela, with The Presidency providing strong leadership and coordination to ensure that reforms are implemented.
 
In the energy sector, working together with all stakeholders, we have made outstanding progress in reducing the severity and frequency of load shedding.
 
There was a time when daily load shedding was the norm. Now, it is very much the exception.
 
We are putting in place the foundations for a competitive electricity market to unlock massive new investment in energy generation.
 
This will result in lower electricity costs for all South Africans and more renewable energy to power our economy.
 
We have also made significant progress towards enabling innovative public and private investment in our transmission network.
 
Implementation of the just energy transition continues to progress, coordinated by a dedicated JET Project Management Unit in The Presidency. 
 
There is a growing pipeline of just energy transition projects in municipalities, skills development, electricity transmission and renewable energy generation. 
 
Total international pledges to support South Africa’s just energy transition now amount to $12.8 billion, or around R230 billion. 
 
This investment will go directly into renewable energy projects where the communities affected by the transition to clean energy sources will be at the centre of our focus.
 
Through this work, South Africa is leading the world in showing what a truly just energy transition looks like – one that enhances our energy security, protects workers and leaves communities better off.
 
We are also following through on our reform commitments in the logistics sector.
 
We have continued to make progress in reforming our visa system to attract skills and grow tourism.
 
An Electronic Travel Authorisation system will be launched later this year.
 
The Department of Home Affairs has made great progress in clearing the visa application backlog, which stood at over 306,000 applications in March 2024.
 
Through these reforms, we are steadily removing the obstacles to growth and paving the way for a new phase of investment and job creation.
 
The work of Operation Vulindlela shows the importance of a capable Presidency at the centre of Government, fulfilling a coordinating role in working closely with the departments and agencies responsible for implementation, and building a culture of delivery across the state.
 
The greatest challenge that faces our country today is youth unemployment.
 
Approximately 3.8 million out of 10.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 years are not in employment, education or training.
 
These are young people with energy, initiative and untapped potential.
 
As we pursue faster and more inclusive economic growth, as government we have undertaken programmes on a large scale to provide opportunities for young people to earn an income, develop skills and gain work experience.
 
Through innovative and targeted interventions, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has continued to demonstrate that when a society invests in its people, the dividends are measured in hope restored and futures rewritten. 
 
In June this year, we began a new phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative, with over 200,000 young people working as school assistants in over 20,000 schools.
 
This initiative has now created over 1 million posts for young people to serve as assistants in schools, supporting teachers in classrooms, school administration and school maintenance.
 
The programme has been designed to strengthen the learning environment and learning outcomes in schools. 
 
In the process, participants gain work experience and skills vital to finding employment and starting their own businesses.
 
Young people face many barriers. Without established networks in the economy, without work experience, without money for data or transport, it is difficult for many young people even to look for work.
 
To address these challenges, we launched the SAYouth.mobi platform in 2020.
 
Since then, it has linked a growing number of young people to learning and earning opportunities. 
 
There are now over 4.7 million young people registered on the SAYouth network. 
 
Young people have been supported to access over 1.67 million earning opportunities. 
 
A significant achievement of SA Youth is that the vast majority of earning opportunities have been accessed by the most excluded young people. 
 
Seventy percent of opportunities have been accessed by young black African women. 
 
Around 65 percent of the young people registered on the SA Youth platform reported that they live in households where at least one member receives a grant.
 
This means that we are reaching some of the people who have the greatest need.
 
With the support of Government, the Youth Employment Service – known as YES – has become the largest corporate funded youth jobs programme in the world. 
 
The programme has to date provided over 190,000 young people with a year-long work experience opportunity. 
 
Through all of these programmes coordinated by The Presidency, we are changing the way that Government works and scaling innovative solutions to our unemployment challenge.
 
Honourable Members,
 
Education is at the centre of our fight against poverty. 
 
The foundational years are central to a child’s progress throughout their educational journey and even later in life. That is why our focus is on expanding access to quality early childhood development and early-grade literacy and numeracy.
 
We continue our efforts to ensure that learners have a safe and conducive environment in which to learn. To date, we have completed 97 percent of the sanitation projects under the SAFE initiative aimed at getting rid of pit latrines in our schools.
 
The Department of Basic Education is undertaking the work needed to implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act – or BELA – to ensure that all children have access to quality education and well-run schools.
 
We continue efforts to expand and strengthen vocational training, to match the skills we develop with the needs of our economy.
 
Through NSFAS, we are expanding access for students from poor and working class families, and with the support of the National Skills Fund, we are expanding assistance to the ‘missing middle’.
 
This year, NSFAS is supporting over 800,000 university and TVET college students. This provides opportunities to young people today that will, in time, transform our economy and society. 
 
In order for us to give access for all people to quality health care, we have determined that we will address the poor state our hospitals and clinics. We are investing in the construction, revitalisation and maintenance of facilities across the country.
 
To address the severe challenges in the health system and in preparation for the implementation of the NHI, we are directing resources towards the hiring of more doctors, nurses and health professionals, the permanent employment of community health workers, and the purchase of new equipment and supplies.
 
 We are determined to meet our HIV testing and treatment targets, despite the withdrawal of US funding. The Minister of Health has reported on the progress made, working with stakeholders, to mobilise resources to fill some of the gaps in our response and research work.
 
The South African National AIDS Council, led by the Deputy President, remains at the centre of our HIV/AIDS response, mobilising all sectors and stakeholders to ensure that we end AIDS as a public health threat.
 
For us to effectively tackle any of these challenges, we need to build a capable state with institutions that are resistant to corruption or interference.
 
The recent adoption of the Public Service Commission Bill by the National Assembly marks a crucial milestone, enhancing the independence and effectiveness of the Public Service Commission in promoting ethical governance. 
 
The Bill will allow the Commission to function as an impartial constitutional body and ensure that the executive is compelled to act on the Commission's recommendations, thereby reinforcing accountability across the public sector.
 
To make Government work more efficiently and bring it closer to the people, the Digital Transformation Roadmap was launched in April 2025.
 
The roadmap focuses on building digital public infrastructure including a digital identity for every South African citizen.
 
It includes a digital payments system to enable instant, low-cost payments, and interoperable data systems to ensure that citizens only have to provide their information to Government once. 
 
The integrity and credibility of the criminal justice system is vital to our ongoing efforts to combat crime and corruption. Over the last few years, we have made significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening law enforcement agencies, security services and prosecutorial bodies.
 
These changes have been real and visible in the South African Police Service, the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigating Unit, State Security Agency and others.
 
We are determined to maintain this momentum. We must therefore be concerned when reports emerge and allegations are made that threaten to undermine the stability and effectiveness of these institutions.
 
I have recently established two commissions of inquiry that, in different ways, will interrogate aspects of our criminal justice system.
 
The first, chaired by Judge Sisi Khampepe, looks to the past. The commission will investigate allegations of undue interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
 
Not only is the commission necessary to ensure justice for the victims of apartheid-era crimes and their families, but it will provide valuable lessons as we strengthen our efforts to ensure accountability now and into the future.
 
The second commission, which I announced on Sunday and which will be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate allegations made by the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
 
Lt Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police had interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.
 
These allegations are serious. They are also untested.
 
It is therefore necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service.
 
It is therefore strange that some people have voiced strong opposition to the establishment of this commission of inquiry.
 
Some have said that I should take immediate punitive steps against the Minister on the basis of untested allegations. Not only would this be unfair, but it would create a dangerous precedent.
 
The commission should be allowed to do its work.
 
Some people have resurrected the tired line that the commissions and panels that we have established have not produced any meaningful results.
 
This view is wrong. It is not borne out by evidence.
 
In 2018, we established a Commission on the South African Revenue Service, chaired by Judge Robert Nugent. The commission’s findings and recommendations resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of SARS’ leadership, governance structures and operational capacity. 
 
This has enabled SARS to significantly increase revenue collection, improve compliance and recover substantial sums of unpaid tax.
 
The Commission of Inquiry into the Public Investment Corporation, chaired by Judge Lex Mpati, exposed serious governance failures and led to far reaching institutional reforms.
 
These commissions resulted in disciplinary actions and the cancellation of unlawful contracts.
 
The implementation of the recommendations of the High-Level Panel on the State Security Agency have contributed significantly to SSA’s stabilisation and recovery, improved oversight and accountability, and the structural reforms contained in the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act.
 
Following the recommendations of the Expert Panel into the 2021 Civil Unrest, government has taken steps to ensure better intelligence coordination, capacitating public order policing, strengthening community policing forums and streamlining the functioning of the National Security Council.
 
In the three years since the final report of the State Capture Commission was presented to the President, Government has undertaken major reforms based on its recommendations. 
 
Eight new laws have been enacted to strengthen our anti-corruption institutions, enhance the procurement system, reform the intelligence services, and improve corporate accountability and public administration.
 
The value of assets linked to State Capture that have been recovered by the state stood at nearly R11 billion by March 2025. 
 
Another R10.6 billion is currently frozen, awaiting the outcome of cases in court.
 
There are criminal cases arising from the state capture commission that have been concluded, all with guilty verdicts. Other cases, involving 51 individuals and 27 companies, are currently enrolled in court.
 
Each of these commissions and panels unearthed information and made findings that were critical to understanding the events that took place. They were essential in ensuring accountability and providing recommendations on strengthening our institutions and processes.
 
These commissions and panels show a government that takes responsibility, that is committed to transparency and accountability, that does not fear independent scrutiny, and that is determined to take corrective action where lapses have taken place.    
 
We continue to make progress in investigating and prosecuting corruption.
 
Since its establishment last year, the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption has authorised over 120 matters involving more than 215 of the most high profile state capture corruption accused. 
 
Over 80 cases are currently under investigation and approximately 40 have already been enrolled.
 
The NPA is using new technology to conduct complex investigations through the rapid, efficient analysis and documentation of digital evidence. 
 
South Africa has substantially completed all 22 action items that were contained in the Action Plan adopted when South Africa was greylisted in February 2023. This paves the way for an on-site visit, which is the final step before the FATF can delist South Africa.
 
We are at the mid-point of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Yet, violence against women and children continues unabated. It remains a pandemic that shames the men of our nation.
 
While we can point to progress in responding to instances of gender-based violence – from clearing the historical DNA backlog to increasing conviction rates and improving victim services in police stations – our greatest challenge is to prevent such instances in the first place.
 
Our efforts to prevent gender-based violence need special focus. They need to be intensified, massively scaled-up and include all sectors of society. We need to give greater attention to the social factors – such as alcohol abuse – that fuel such violence.
 
The impact of weak governance is felt the most at the local level.
 
We recognise that many of our cities and towns are failing to deliver basic services, creating serious challenges for businesses and residents.
 
We have initiated a comprehensive reform of the local government system, underpinned by a review of the White Paper on Local Government and of the local government fiscal framework.
 
While this reform process is underway, The Presidency is providing targeted intervention and support in struggling municipalities, starting with eThekwini and Johannesburg. 
 
Working groups established in both of these cities have brought together mayors, senior officials from local, provincial and national Government, business and civil society to tackle the most urgent problems.
 
The progress made since the establishment of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group shows that this model does work.
 
In the last year, the tourism sector in eThekwini has seen significant recovery, with a 33 percent growth in domestic trips in 2024 contributing over R17 billion to the local economy. 
 
The Presidency is uniquely positioned to bring together the many stakeholders within and beyond Government who must work together to turn our cities around.
 
Honourable Members,
 
South Africa’s International standing has been greatly enhanced in recent years despite the increasingly challenging global circumstances in which we pursue our national goals.
 
Multilateralism is on the retreat. Global stability and development are being threatened by unilateral and coercive economic measures.
 
Conflicts in some parts of the world are having economic, political and social consequences far beyond the areas of conflict.
 
The erosion of rules-based multilateralism undermines efforts to achieve a level playing field in economic relations, and places emerging markets such as ours in a vulnerable position.
 
The economic uncertainty that arises from these developments dampens the growth prospects of economies around the world.
 
Last week, we received notification that exports from South Africa to the United States will attract tariffs of up to 30 percent from 1 August 2025.
 
This could have a substantial impact on the products we export to the United States. 
 
We welcome the commitment by the US government that the 30 percent tariff is subject to modification pending the conclusion of negotiations between our two countries. 
 
At the same time, we continue the work to diversify our export markets and build a more resilient domestic economy.
 
We continue with our efforts to strengthen relations with the United States, which remains a strong investment and trading partner.
 
Our successful working visit to the US in May reaffirmed the importance of keeping the channels of dialogue open and established a basis for greater engagement and cooperation.
 
Organisations that seek to use South Africa’s relations with other countries to advance their own domestic agenda undermine these efforts.
 
We are now at the halfway mark of our G20 Presidency.
 
So far, nearly 70 of the 130 planned official meetings have taken place, and we are making progress in engagement with fellow G20 countries on the central themes that we have identified for our Presidency.
 
Through our participation in other fora, such as the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil and the G7 Summit in Canada, we have reinforced our position on critical issues of concern to all G20 countries.
 
These issues include debt sustainability and financing for development and climate action. We are seeking agreement on a sustainable approach to critical and rare minerals that benefits the communities and countries where these resources are found. 
 
Throughout our participation in G20 meetings over the last half year, we have sought to advance shared solutions to common problems, promote the African Agenda and place the interests of the Global South firmly on the Global Agenda.
 
As we reflect on our place in the world, we express our horror and dismay at the genocide taking place in Gaza. 
 
More and more Palestinian civilians are being killed every day, millions face starvation, homes, hospitals and other essential infrastructure are being destroyed.
 
The fact that these atrocities are taking place in plain sight of the international community – with no concerted effort to end them – is a damning indictment of world leaders.
 
The stance that South Africa has taken on the genocide in Gaza, including the application we have made to the International Court of Justice, is founded on our commitment to peace and justice.
 
We are equally concerned at the grave humanitarian situation in Sudan. 
 
The conflict is taking a severe human toll. It is estimated that over 30 million people need aid and some 12 million people are displaced.
 
The international community has a responsibility to support regional and other efforts to end the conflict and provide the assistance that the people of Sudan desperately need.
 
As the situation in the eastern DRC enters a new phase, the SADC mission has ended and our personnel are being withdrawn in a phased manner.
 
As we welcome the return of our soldiers, we remember with great sorrow the 14 SANDF soldiers who lost their lives, alongside soldiers from other Southern African countries, to bring peace and security to the region. 
 
We are hopeful that the parties to the conflict will now engage in the envisaged dialogue and cessation of hostilities culminating in an all-inclusive political process that leads to a lasting solution.
 
South Africa remains part of initiatives to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace.
 
While many of these conflicts are far from our shores, we have an interest in seeing them resolved.
 
Our history places upon us a moral responsibility to strive for an end to suffering and oppression around the world. We also have obligations under international law to prevent genocide and ensure accountability for atrocities.
 
It is in our interests as a country to ensure that international law is upheld and consistently applied and that global bodies like the UN Security Council are effective in ensuring peace and security.
 
We will intensify efforts to reform these global institutions to ensure that they are representative and inclusive.
 
It is unacceptable that 1.4 billion Africans have no permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
 
It is these laws and these institutions that we will look to for protection and support as we confront the uncertainty of a changing world.
 
Honourable Members,
Fellow South Africans,
 
A tree survives strong winds by its deep and extensive roots, anchoring itself in the soil. 
 
Its flexible branches can bend and sway with the wind, enabling it to adjust to changing circumstances.
 
A forest of trees works together to withstand a storm, the closeness of their canopies breaking the wind’s force.
 
Like a baobab of Limpopo or a yellowwood of the Eastern Cape, our roots have been made firm by experience. As the winds pick up around us, they will hold us to the ground.
 
The formation of the Government of National Unity has inspired new hope in South Africans that we can make progress in addressing our most urgent challenges.
 
Our task is clear. We must grow our economy, create jobs, reduce poverty, tackle corruption and crime, and build a state that works with institutions that will stand the test of time.
 
While we will always have differences and disagreements, we are all committed to staying the course and seeing these reforms through to the end. 
 
We must combine the strength of our principles and convictions with an openness and willingness to listen and adapt.
 
The Presidency will continue to lead Government in ensuring that we do so, and that we deliver a better life for all South Africans.
 
I hereby commend this Budget Vote of The Presidency to the National Assembly and look forward to a constructive debate.
 
I thank you.