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Deputy Minister Mhlauli participates in CSI programme with Weast Coast College and Transnet
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The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms. Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 24 April 2025 participate in a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme in partnership with West Coast College and Transnet, in Vredenburg.

This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen youth empowerment, skills development, and access to educational and economic opportunities in the region. The CSI programme reflects the Department's ongoing commitment to public-private partnerships that advance community development and upliftment in line with South Africa’s broader socio-economic goals.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event for photo, video, and interview opportunities.

Members of the media are invited to cover the programme as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: West Coast College, Vredenburg Campus, Vredenburg, Saldanha Bay

 

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Virtual address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile on the occasion of 2025 Budget Roundtable, FFC Offices, Foreshore, Cape Town
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Programme Director, Ms Nosipho Nzube;
Chairperson of the Finance Fiscal Commission, Dr Patience Nombeko Mbava, and Commissioners here present;
Chairpersons of the Standing Committee on Finance, Tatane Joe Maswanganyi;
Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance, Ms Sanny Ndhlovu;
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mr Mmusi Maimane; 
Chairperson of the Select Committee on Appropriations, Ms Tidimalo Innocentia Legwase;
Chairperson of SCOPA, Mr Songezo Zibi;
Members of the above mentioned Committees here present;
Members of Provincial Executive Committees present:
Members of political parties and organised labour;
Representatives of civil society;
Representatives of various stakeholders, including business; 
Members of academia; and
Senior Government officials;

I extend my greetings to every one of you.

Thank you for inviting me to participate in this 2025 Budget Roundtable discussion under the theme “Charting Fiscal Pathways: Collaborative Action for Equitable Growth and FFC Recommendation”.

Although I would have wanted to join you all in person, I was unable to do so because of prior commitments.

Nevertheless, I informed my office that I would not want to miss this roundtable discussion, even if I had to participate virtually. 

For the first time, since the dawn of democracy, we experienced the postponement of the 2025 Budget Speech. However, subsequently, after a number of engagements with political parties represented in Parliament, the National Assembly adopted the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals on 02 April 2025. 

As we are all aware, the Fiscal Framework is one of the critical budgetary procedures that gives effect to the macro-economic policy of the National Executive, as determined by the Money Bills and Related Matters Act No.9 of 2009.

Just to give context: following the first Cabinet meeting, during which we agreed to postpone the budget presentation, in our subsequent Cabinet meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a Cabinet Committee, chaired by myself, comprising of Ministers Gondongwana, Steenhuisen, Mantashe, Gwarube, Creecy, and Motshekga. The task of this Committee was to find a solution to the VAT increase proposal by the Minister of Finance and the National Treasury. The committee did its work and agreed to the reduced 0.5% vat increase with the provision that we must invest in the implementation of the expenditure budget allocation so that we can address revenue constraints so that we avoid further tax increases. 

As you are well aware that we have have gone through the first step of passing the 2025 Budget in Parliament with a simple majority, we are now focused on getting through the second stage of passing the Division of Revenue Bill, and the Appropriation Bill in May and June respectively.

Programme Director,

The 2025 Budget process has taught us important lessons, especially those relating to improving transparency in decision-making processes. We have learnt that the current budgetary process is not transparent and inclusive enough, making it difficult for citizens to understand how Government goes about the process of taking some of the most critical decisions in allocation of resources albeit limited resources because of the competing needs.

In my considered view a transparent process is one that allows for public participation, scrutiny, and informed decision-making, ultimately leading to better resource allocation and improved service delivery to the citizenry.

In fact, the foremost lesson we have learned is that we need to return to the concept of the people's budget, this was advocated by Ben Turok, and Joanamarrie Fubbs. What this means is that we need fiscal planning that is inclusive from the start, in terms of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, and in line with Government's priorities. In this case, the budget process as part of fiscal planning must focus on how we address the issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality specifically. 

Equally, the budget process should be governed by principles of equity, equality and non-discrimination. Public allocations should be fair, just and available to all citizens. Particular steps should be taken to ensure that vulnerable sectors of society are not discriminated against in budget planning processes, and when the national budget is presented.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

The National Budget is the primary tool a government uses to plan and implement its policies, translating them into tangible deliverables and programmes. It provides the financial resources needed for essential public services such as education, healthcare, and defence, and it also allows for prioritisation of government spending based on socio-economic needs and political commitments.
Hence, passing a budget is not an easy task. I say this because I have first-hand experience from my time as the Chairperson of the Appropriations Committee and MEC for Finance.

During the period leading up to the budget speech and Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, I used to experience mixed feelings. This was because we had to deal with multiple competing needs when it came to the allocation of financial resources.

Even more so, the responsibility of leading the Treasury and its institutions is not a simple undertaking. The success in this area of work requires that we chart fiscal pathways, which involves planning and implementing macro-micro policy strategies to achieve our goal of building a non-racial, non-sexist, united, democratic, and prosperous society. 

Together with the Minister of Finance, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Finance, the Select Committee and the Chairperson of the Appropriations Committee, we are tasked with the daunting duty of navigating the intricate domestic and international environment, and providing a healthy balance of the inherent competing interests.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Prior to speaking about the domestic and global environments in which we operate, allow me to briefly outline the conditions that have led to our current situation. The outcome of the 2024 elections resulted in the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU). The GNU is a coalition of 10 political parties out of the 18 political parties in the National Assembly. 

In 2023 I convened a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments in response to the instability in municipalities caused by coalition governments that were not based on principled agreement. The outcome of that national dialogue resulted in the agreement on six principles, which were mainly agreed upon by the parties in the Sixth Parliament, namely:

• Putting the people first by making them the tenants of our value system in the formation of governments. In the spirit of Batho Pele, the measurement of the performance of coalitions must be about what we have done to improve the lives of the people for the better;

• Commitment to combating poverty and deprivation as well as building a growing and inclusive economy, and reporting regularly by providing evidence on poverty reduction, growing the economy, and including the majority in the mainstream economy;

• Contribute towards building a prosperous society in which people have access to land for productive purposes and are meaningfully participating in the economy;

• A commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous society;

• Bound together by the commitment to good governance, with no tolerance for corruption!

• The party that has won the largest votes should be allowed to lead the coalition, and executive positions should be allocated proportional to the votes obtained by the coalition partners; there were varying views on this principle. 

These have found expression in the recently adopted Statement of Intent by the political parties that 
formed the GNU. 

Having convened the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments, one of the critical lessons learnt is that coalition governments mainly collapse over disagreements on the budget, or stay together over budget agreements.

We were therefore not surprised that some in the GNU did not vote for the proposed 2025 Fiscal Framework. Hence, we have been arguing that you cannot be in Government, which you have not supported its budget especially after intense negotiations. When we enter negotiations we must know that we are about finding each other, hence we seek a win-win solution in the interest of taking our country forward. This is the environment that we are operating within; hence, our current macroeconomic and fiscal outlook. 

It is important to recognise that, in contrast to other governments around the world that have collapsed due to fiscal disputes, South Africa successfully navigated the challenges.

The whole budgetary process has, among other factors, underscored that we have a strong democracy that is functioning effectively. Government remains committed to expanding economic growth while improving the quality of life for all citizens. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

The high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality persist despite policy interventions that our Government has introduced since 1994. For this reason, the 7th Administration has redirected its attention and priorities on:

Firstly, reconsider and make a commitment to investing in a growing economy, albeit inclusive growth. 

Secondly, dealing with the cost of living as well as address developmental challenges and leaving no one behind. 

Thirdly, focusing on building a capable, ethical, and developmental state with the capacity to redirect resources towards resolving poverty, unemployment, and inequality challenges. 

The successful realisation of these interconnected outcomes requires a concerted effort on the part of the state, society, and, yes, and capital social compacting. We should collaborate with the aim of constructing the South Africa we desire.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Another important task that requires planning, more importantly fiscal planning, and implementing financial strategies to achieve specific economic goals, is often related to debt management, government spending, and tax policies.

This includes considering factors such as interest rates, economic growth, and structural reforms to ensure a stable and transparent macroeconomic environment. The goal here is to create a sustainable fiscal position that supports economic growth and manages risks effectively. 

In this regard the following are key aspects of Charting Fiscal Pathways:

- Debt Management: focusing on managing government debt levels, including strategies to reduce debt-to-GDP ratios or ensure debt sustainability. 

- Government Spending: this includes decisions about where and how government funds are allocated, prioritising investments in areas like infrastructure or social programmes while balancing fiscal responsibility. 

- Introduction of Tax Policies: that are a key part of fiscal pathways, with governments making decisions on tax rates, structures, and revenue generation strategies to fund government operations. 

- Focusing on Economic Growth: By supporting and promoting economic growth, with policies designed to stimulate demand, increase productivity, and encourage investment. 

- Create a Macroeconomic Environment: toward creating a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment, which can include managing inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates to support overall economic stability. 

- Introduction of Risk Management: Fiscal planning which involves identifying and managing potential risks, such as changes in interest rates, economic shocks, or unforeseen events, and developing contingency plans. For example, the International Monetary Fund has developed models that help countries analyse optimal fiscal paths by considering factors like interest rates and market sensitivity to debt. These models can guide policymakers in making decisions about fiscal adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.

- Introduce Structural Reforms: such as streamlining regulations or improving public sector efficiency, as a key part of fiscal planning to enhance long-term growth and fiscal stability.

However, such requires sound macroeconomic policies and, in our case, requires socio-economic policies that are going to change the economy and ensure that many of our people are involved in the mainstream economy. The reality is that the 1994 protracted outcome resulted in the ANC taking state or political power; however, not the levers of the economy. 

In that, there remains a limited diversification in economic activities which demonstrate lack of structural transformation, wherein the majority are not meaningfully contributing and participating in key growth economic sectors. 

For the first 15 years of the country's democratic rule, the economy grew at a rapid pace. However, over the past decade and a half, the country's economy has been marked by slow growth. 

According to research published by the JSE in 2013, which included 271 listed companies, there is a direct 10% ownership and around 13% of Black ownership through institutional mandated funds. 

The accumulation of these numbers is indicative of a lack of structural reform, which has led to the continuation of ownership patterns that remain in white hands. 

Equally, three decades later, the economy is characterised by high levels of poverty and inequality. This is despite the policy interventions, such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003 (BBBEE). Evidently, without the introduction of critical structural and transformative policies such as BBBEE, the economy will still largely be white and, in particular, white male dominated. 

Therefore, structural transformation, has remained stubbornly elusive. This necessitates continuous intervention, also necessitates the rigorous implementation of policies that are designed to, among other things, cultivate Black industrialists, thereby increasing the participation of Black individuals in the entire value chain of the economy. 

Industrialisation and reindustrialisation are therefore critical for driving and achieving sustainable social, institutional, and political economic changes. The focus on industrialisation and reindustrialisation is predicated on localisation and beneficiation through the designated preferential procurement policy programmes. 

These policy interventions are critical for structural transformation.

Realising structural transformation necessitates a departure from conventional business practices. This business-unusual approach includes the speed of implementation, particularly the beneficiation policy or better-defined value-added processing, because beneficiation involves critical stages of large-scale, capital-intensive activities such as smelting and sophisticated refining plants, as well as labour-intensive processes such as craft jewellery, metal fabrication, and ceramic pottery. 

Evidence exists, ladies and gentlemen, that there will be benefits for the country in implementing this policy intervention, and these include economic value, resource efficiency, and environmental benefits. For instance, China in 2013 introduced the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a global infrastructure. The programme involves investments in various infrastructure projects like roads, railways, ports, and energy pipelines to enhance connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation. 

Therefore, we must learn from China and other nations by focussing on industrialisation and investing in infrastructure, as well as in Special Economic Zones. The creation of economic zones allows us to offer investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors.

And for this, the timing is particularly opportune with the introduction of the Africa Free Continental Trade Agreement. We must equally take advantage of the position we hold in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the fact that we are a gateway to the rest of the continent.

The Free Continental Trade Agreement is expected to boost intra-African trade by over 50% by 2035, boosting economic activity by reducing reliance on raw material exports and promoting value addition.

This agreement strengthens Africa's global trade position, attracting more foreign direct investment into manufacturing and infrastructure and reducing reliance on commodity exports, thereby promoting industrialisation and diverse industries. 

As I conclude, ladies and gentlemen, in these trying times, it is critical that we work together to solve the serious economic concerns before us and strive towards solutions that benefit all sectors of society. Government will continue to cooperate with the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) and to adhere to its advice on equitable revenue distribution and other financial and fiscal matters in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

In light of the FFC’s recommendations, we believe that improving transparency, especially with regard to the management of debt bailouts to state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which have substantially deteriorated South Africa's fiscal situation, will be essential to establishing fiscal confidence. We are committed to improving SOEs governance by extensively reviewing and streamlining their operational methods, a process that is well underway. 

We equally welcome the FFC recommendation of a review and finalisation of the new Local Government White Paper, along with the review of the Local Government Fiscal Framework on how to appropriately finance local government, relative to their functions and their form. 

This was also strongly raised earlier this year when I had the opportunity to engage with the South African Local Government Association's lekgotla in Cape Town. This recommendation has also been endorsed by the Minister of Finance when he delivered the 2025 Budget Speech.

We will never underestimate the FFC recommendations because they serve as a roadmap for us to navigate the economic situation and make sound decisions that will benefit our fiscal health.

I encourage everyone to approach today's conversations with an open mind, a spirit of cooperation, and a commitment to working towards a common goal of prosperity for all. Together, we can chart a fiscal pathway that leads to a more equitable and sustainable future. 

I thank you.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa to host President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on an Official Visit
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 24 April 2025, host the President of Ukraine, His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on an Official Visit to South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The Official Visit to South Africa by President Zelenskyy will be the first by a Head of State from Ukraine, and follows on the visit to Ukraine by President Ramaphosa, as part of the Africa Peace Initiative to Ukraine on 16 June 2023.

The visits provides South Africa and Ukraine with an opportunity to discuss  bilateral relations and expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of Trade, Agriculture and Education. It will also explore areas of cooperation with the objective to support efforts to bring lasting peace.

 

Media Programme of the incoming Official Visit by Ukraine:

08h00: Media arrival and accreditation at the Union Buildings glass doors

11h00: President Ramaphosa receives President Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings

12h00: Closed Session Official Talks by President Ramaphosa and President Zelenskyy 

13h15: Media briefing by President Ramaphosa and President Zelenskyy

The above times are guidelines and are subject to change.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Strictly only media accredited personnel who have applied within the deadline will have access to the Union Buildings. Entry to the Union Buildings is reserved.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile to address Financial and Fiscal Commission 2025 Budget Roundtable
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In his capacity as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee tasked with overseeing the processes around 2025 Budget and Fiscal Framework, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, virtually address a high-level Budget 2025 Roundtable convened by the Financial and Fiscal Commission of South Africa (FFC) in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.

Held under the theme: “Charting Fiscal Pathways: Collaborative Action for Equitable Growth and FFC Recommendation”, the discussion will centre around fiscal planning that is inclusive and in line with Government's priorities of addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. 

In particular, having gone through the first step of passing the 2025 Budget in Parliament with a simple majority, the FFC 2025 Budget Roundtable will now chart the pathway towards the second stage of passing the Division of Revenue Bill, and the Appropriation Bill in May and June, respectively, as determined by the Money Bills and Related Matters Act No.9 of 2009.

The Financial and Fiscal Commission is an independent, objective and impartial constitutional advisory institution which acts as a consultative body that makes recommendations and gives advice to Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, Local Government and other Organs of State on the equitable division of revenue among the three spheres of Government and on any other financial and fiscal matters in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

In this regard, Deputy President Mashatile has said “the budget process and division of revenue must be governed by principles of equity, equality and non-discrimination, where public allocations are fair, just and available to all citizens.”

Details of the virtual address are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
Time: 10h30 (Programme starts at 10h00)
Venue: FFC Offices, 33 Heerengracht Street, Foreshore, Cape Town.

Livestream: @PresidencyZA

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to undertake Working Visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 April 2025, undertake a Working Visit to Maseru, Lesotho, to Co-Chair the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, with His Excellency Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho. 

This South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) follows the Inaugural Session which was held in September 2023 in Pretoria.

The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded.

Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries’ resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all.

South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts.

South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget. 

 Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho, which have created thousands of jobs.

The Bi-National Commission is expected also to reflect on the movement of people between the two states.

This week’s engagement between the two countries will, among other discussions, focus on:

•    Fostering stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries;
•    Deepening economic cooperation; 
•    Reviewing implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural session of the BNC and identifying new priority areas; and
•    Exchanging views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.

The BNC will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting scheduled for 22 April 2025. 

President  Ramaphosa will be accompanied by 15 Ministers.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Pope Francis
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On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Catholics in South Africa and globally on the passing of the Holy Father Pope Francis.

Aged 88, the Pope passed away early today, Monday, 21 April 2025, at his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta.

President Ramaphosa said: “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.

“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.

“His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.

“Following so soon after the celebration of Easter, Pope Francis’ passing will extend this traditional period of prayer and reflection, which will unite the Church and the international community in reflecting on the Holy Father’s life and legacy.”

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile receives courtesy visit from Mr Gao Yunlong
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Thursday, 17 April 2025, received a courtesy visit from His Excellency Mr Gao Yunlong, Vice-Chairman of the 14th National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the Chairman of the  All-China Federation on Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), at the O.R Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria, Gauteng Province. 

Established in 1953, the ACFIC is a mass organisation and chamber of commerce led by the Communist Party of China with non-public economic activities as the principal composition and with unified, economic and non-governmental characteristics. It is also a bridge linking the Party and the government with people in non-public economic activities, an assistant to the government in managing and serving the non-public economy and an important part of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. 

The courtesy visit to the Deputy President forms part of the high-level engagements between South Africa and China, which are key to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing political, trade and investment cooperation.

The Deputy President welcomed the recent elevation of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era, and expressed South Africa's commitment to continuing exchanges of high-level engagements with China.

"Our economic partnership must reflect this elevation. We continue to call on China to work with South Africa in changing the trade structure and diversifying market access for value-added products to close the concerning trade deficit," said the Deputy President. 

Discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation in health, the automotive and energy sectors, which will contribute to local job creation, technology, and skills transfer. transformation, and skills development. 

"It is essential to underscore the significant role that China’s support plays in advancing health cooperation, an area where both sides have made meaningful progress in fostering collaboration. This partnership continues to be a vital aspect of our growing bilateral relations."

With South Africa preparing to host the G20 Summit in November 2025, the Deputy President emphasised the importance of China's role as a global development partner.

"President Xi Jinping's visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit in November of this year will be a momentous occasion for South Africa's Presidency of the G20, under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," said Deputy President Mashatile. 

The Deputy President was supported by the Acting Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President wishes the nation a happy, safe and reflective Easter period
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President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes South Africans a happy and safe Easter, which depends on citizens conducting themselves with tolerance, patience and respect for everyone with whom they come into contact.

President Ramaphosa offers his best wishes for the Easter break to South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations as well as compatriots for whom this will purely be a period of rest and social connection.

President Ramaphosa said: “Easter is a special period for devoted Christians to celebrate their faith and the triumph of life over death, and it is an opportunity for South Africans of all backgrounds enjoy rest and reconnection with family and friends.”

President Ramaphosa urges citizens to take care of themselves and others on the roads and in social situations.

“As we move around our beautiful country, let us reduce speed, buckle up, rest up and leave our phones alone while we’re driving.

“Let’s make sure vehicles are well maintained and that we avoid the need to rush by leaving home or our workplaces early enough.

“This will allow us be patient with other road users and to enjoy the beauty of our landscapes.

“This should also be a period of care and peace in our homes and communities.

“May this be a time of celebration and rejuvenation for the year ahead.”

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa concludes engagement with Eastern Cape Provincial Executive
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 16 April 2025, chaired a meeting between members of the National Executive and the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council.

The meeting was the fifth formal engagement between the National Executive and provincial counterparts. 

Since November last year, President Ramaphosa has led similar engagements in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. 

The President and the National Executive plan to conclude the first round of visits to all the provinces in the next few months. The meetings are part of the commitment by the Government of National Unity to engage with provinces on a more regular and structured basis. 

President Ramaphosa appreciated the existing inter-governmental co-operative framework between the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, local government structures and the national departments.

The President directed that national departments must work with provincial departments, along with the relevant State agencies, to accelerate all catalytic development projects and urgently address all bureaucratic hurdles that hold back vital economic development. These include rural road and water infrastructure projects and work to improve rail and port infrastructure. 

President Ramaphosa expressed concern at the increasing levels of crime in the Province and affirmed the urgent need for additional crime fighting resources and capacity to deal with the scourge of crime impacting communities across the Eastern Cape. 

President Ramaphosa encouraged the provincial leadership to work harder at formulating innovative financing mechanisms for key infrastructure projects, including those to address the housing backlog in the Province. 

 

Media enquiries:

The Presidency: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, on Media@presidency.gov.za 

Eastern Cape Provincial Government: Khuselwa Rantjie, Spokesperson, on 082 728 7476 / khuselwa.rantjie@ecotp.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the meeting between the National Executive and the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
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Programme Director,
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Executive Mayors and members of councils,
Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,

Allow me to begin by thanking you all for being here. 

This is the fifth formal engagement that the National Executive is having with a provincial executive.

Since November last year, we have had engagements in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. 

We hope to conclude our first round of visits to all the provinces in the next few months.

This is part of our commitment as the Government of National Unity to engage with provinces on a more regular and structured basis. 

The purpose of these engagements is to open a new frontier for inter-governmental cooperation.

We hope that these direct engagements will complement the work of bodies like the President’s Coordinating Council, which brings together national, provincial and local Government to discuss common programmes, challenges and tasks.

We want to strengthen the ecosystem of collaboration.

The Government of National Unity has defined a set of strategic priorities for the term of the 7th Administration. These are: driving inclusive growth and creating jobs, tackling poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

We are pleased that the Eastern Cape Provincial Government has aligned its Provincial Development Plan with these priorities. 

Premier,

In your State of the Province Address in February, you identified a number of ‘growth frontiers’ that will be the focus for the Eastern Cape for the coming financial year.

These include agriculture, manufacturing, oceans economy, digital economy and tourism. 

The Province has also spelled out its plan to deal with persistent service delivery challenges.

We look forward to the upcoming presentation, which will outline these priorities in greater detail and provide a roadmap for implementation.

We should locate our engagement on these issues within the District Development Model. 

The District Development Model aims to foster greater coordination, integration and efficiency across all spheres of Government. It is about breaking down the silos that hinder intergovernmental cooperation and working smarter and more efficiently.

A productive outcome of this engagement would be agreement on a concrete, credible and tangible plan for implementation under the Provincial Development Plan and the District Development Model.

The Eastern Cape is one of the most richly endowed provinces in terms of natural splendour, arable land, a lengthy coastline, well-located ports and several universities. 

All of these endowments should be used for economic growth and job creation.

Yet, the Eastern Cape has significant challenges in realising its potential.

There is the legacy of apartheid, the bantustans and the migrant labour system.

Levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment remain extremely high.

There is a significant infrastructure backlog, which affects the provision of water and electricity, health care, education and transport.

This is exacerbated by the growing impact of climate change.

As a consequence of these challenges, the Province’s natural and other endowments are not supporting inclusive growth in an equitable manner. 

Despite progress in many areas, the Province’s growth and development is also significantly hampered by poor governance, mismanagement of public resources, and corruption – particularly at a municipal level. 

The Consolidated General Report of the Auditor-General for 2023-2024 noted that since the end of the previous Provincial Administration’s term, stable leadership has strengthened oversight, increasing the number of departments with clean audits from five to nine.

Submission of good-quality financial statements improved from 62 percent of departments at the start of the Administration to 76 percent in 2023-24 due to proactive support by the Provincial Treasury.

At the same time, the report noted that the Eastern Cape had the highest number of material irregularities of all provinces, which resulted in an estimated financial loss of R197 million. 

Of the 30 material irregularities identified, 13 remained unresolved at the time of reporting.

Not only must we pay attention to how well public funds are managed. We also need to pay attention to how these funds are used. 

According to the Auditor-General, the Education Department did not achieve 80 percent of its targets for public ordinary schools and infrastructure delivery performance indicators.

The Health Department did not achieve 54 percent of its district health services performance indicators.

So, while the Auditor-General’s report shows that the Province is making progress along the path of improved governance and financial management, it also points to areas that need significant improvement.

While there is much that can be learnt from these and other statistics, the true measure of progress are the changes brought about in the lives of the people of this Province.

We must be concerned when we see the collapse of services and the deterioration of infrastructure in our metros, cities and towns.

We must be concerned at the sight of pensioners being forced to cross raging rivers in drums because there are no bridges, or sick patients lying on the floors of hospitals because there are no beds. 

The extent of these and other challenges means that we need to make critical decisions about resource allocation and spending in a difficult economic climate.

We are called upon to drive inclusive growth and job creation within an ever more volatile global economy.

We are called upon to answer the cries of our people for better service delivery, for jobs, for decent healthcare and education, and for protection from crime and gender-based violence. 

I would like today to be a productive engagement that results in sustainable solutions that will uplift our communities and improve the lives of our people. 

By working together, we can confront and overcome the challenges that are holding back this great province from achieving its true potential.

I thank you.

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 Union Building