Programme Director;
Acting Premier of the North West Province, Nono Maloi;
Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and other Traditional Leaders;
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo;
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment;
All MECs present;
Mayors present;
Co-Chairperson of SANAC, Ms Steve Letsike;
Members of civil society;
Fellow South Africans;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning! Dumelang!

Let me begin by recognising Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi, to whom we paid a courtesy visit this morning. Our visit to Kgosi Mothibi is an indication of our appreciation of the importance of the Institution of Traditional Leadership, and the contribution of this institution to the betterment of the lives of our communities.

I am glad to be present here this morning as we confront the critical issue of service delivery in our communities. This issue is personally significant to me since it concerns human rights.

Additionally, I have been delegated by the President to assist in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government, which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.

Indeed, we can’t talk about human rights without addressing the issue of basic service delivery. The Bill of Rights, contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, guarantees all South Africans basic human rights and recognises basic services as a human right.

According to Section 7, Sub-section 1, it is unequivocally stated that "The Bill of Rights serves as a fundamental pillar of democracy within the context of South Africa."

The aforementioned statement serves to codify the fundamental entitlements of individuals and communities within our nation, while simultaneously validating the democratic principles of inherent worth, parity, and human dignity.

Section 10 focuses on human dignity. It specifically states that “everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected”. If this is the case, a Councillor, MEC or Minister who fails to provide services to the people neither respects nor protects the dignity of the people. As such, when that happens, the Constitution is contravened. And this should never be allowed.

In this regard, let me commend Premier Maape and Acting Premier Maloi  for their commitment that the Provincial Government should focus on Job Creation & Accelerated Service Delivery – the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention.

The Thuntsa Lerole Intervention is aligned with the DDM which is designed to address problems with service delivery by allowing all spheres of government, from local municipalities to national government, to work together in a more effective and coordinated way.

The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes. Communities will undoubtedly benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaborations directed by the DDM.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take you back a little bit, and shed light on the service delivery promises made by the African National Congress (ANC) led government since the year 1994 to the present day.

As a party that has been in power for almost three decades in South Africa, we have made commitments to improve the lives of the people of South Africa and deliver essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure are provided to all South Africans.
 
However, it is essential to assess whether these promises have been adequately fulfilled. Let us start by looking at housing. As the ANC government we promised to provide adequate housing to millions of households living in informal settlements across the country.

To achieve this, the ANC government has initiated programs such as the Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing policy. While progress has been made, with over 3 million housing opportunities delivered, a significant number of families still live in substandard conditions, awaiting their turn for decent housing. The backlog in housing delivery remains a challenging issue for the government.

Education has always been our top priority for the government. We pledged to improve the quality of education, and achieve universal access and equal opportunities for all.

Notably, government introduced policies such as no-fee schools, increased access to early childhood development programs, and the provision of school meals. Earlier this morning, we visited Rebone Sediba Intermediate School here in Sekhing, to hand over much-needed items as a contribution to the efforts of improving educational outcomes in our schools.

By embracing the increasing role of digital technology in education, we can provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences. E-learning platforms and distance education programs can also be utilized to overcome geographical and social barriers, and reach those who are otherwise excluded from educational and skilling opportunities.

Healthcare has also been a critical focus for our government. The promise to provide accessible and quality healthcare to all South Africans led to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

The aim was to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, would have access to quality healthcare services. 

However, the introduction of the NHI has been slow, and the healthcare system still grapples with issues such as overburdened public hospitals, a shortage of medical staff, and unequal access to quality care.
 
Moreover, improving infrastructure is a key element in accelerating service delivery. We are happy that today, we had the opportunity to open a world class facility at Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre. 

The Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre stands amongst the best in our country, and I would even dare to say, on the African continent.

I am honoured to be part of today’s important gathering in celebrating another milestone in the improvement of service delivery to our people through the official opening of this centre.

As the ANC-led government, we are guided by the principles of “Batho Pele”, putting people first, in our efforts of providing quality services to the citizens of our country.

The people of Ba-Ga Mothibi are truly experiencing the spirit of “Batho Pele” today. In accordance with the principles of “Batho Pele”, the notion of “Access” has been the guiding principle for the establishment of this new clinic in in this area.

This principle demands that all citizens should have equal access to the services of government to which they are legitimately entitled.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the opening of this clinic is a direct response to the call of the people for the construction of a health facility to improve their access to a health facility that will safeguard the well-being of the community.

It is our major priority to improve access and the quality of health care through the primary health care system. The Primary Health Care approach, which emphasises inter-sectoral collaboration, community participation and equity, has been adopted as the model for the delivery of health services to communities.

Now, we have to acknowledge that for the uninterrupted flow of products, services, and information among our communities, it is necessary to have functional road networks, efficient transportation systems, and reliable communication networks. By prioritising and investing in infrastructure development, we can ensure that services reach the most remote areas of our country in a timely and consistent way.
 
The ANC government is investing not millions or billions, but trillions in the revival and maintenance of our country’s critical infrastructure, as a means to boost economic development and the social mobility of our people. We must protect these investments and ensure that they continue no matter what obstacles are thrown our way.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to note that we have made significant strides in certain areas of service delivery. Access to clean drinking water, for instance, has improved for many communities, and social grants have provided a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens.

However, the overall delivery and implementation of these promises have sometimes fallen short of expectations, with lingering challenges that need urgent attention. Social grants and economic support to our most vulnerable people is a key pillar of our commitment to the people. 

As we have said before today, government would like to apologise for the recent technical glitch that led to grant beneficiaries not receiving their critical grant support on time.

Last, but certainly not least, public safety should be given utmost priority. Timely response to emergencies, effective disaster management, and robust law enforcement are all vital components of a safe and secure community. By adopting modern technologies and employing well-trained personnel, we can drastically improve response times and minimize the damage caused by emergencies.

It is important to recognize that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience; it is about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services, and an equal say in how their community is governed and serviced.

By empowering our communities with faster and more efficient services, we can bridge socioeconomic gaps, reduce inequalities, and ensure a better quality of life for all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Achieving accelerated service delivery requires collective effort. Governments, private sector organizations, and civil society must work together to identify and address the key challenges in service delivery.
 
Collaboration, innovation, and investment in technology and infrastructure are essential to create a robust ecosystem that supports accelerated service delivery.

In conclusion, accelerated service delivery, like the Thuntsha Lerole Programme of this province, is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

In conclusion, accelerated service delivery is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Let us all commit ourselves to this cause and work towards building a society where efficient and timely services are the norm. In the spirit of Thuntsha Lerole! In the spirit of Batho Pele!!!
 
Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, will next month convene a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments. The aim of the dialogue is to lay the foundation for a National Framework on Coalition Governments, which will serve as a guide for effectively managing and navigating coalition governments where they become necessary.

The dialogue will be held under the theme “Working together to build strong and resilient democratic institutions to serve the people”.

The need for such dialogue is informed by the adverse effects that have been observed in certain coalition arrangements at local government, particularly their impact on service delivery and governance. In order to mitigate these negative effects and foster a more productive and harmonious governance approach, it has become necessary to embark on a transformative national conversation.

The National Dialogue will bring together different sectors of society to to work towards crafting a clear and predictable framework for coalition governments in South Africa, to ensure cohesive and effective governance.

Members of the media are invited to attend and report on the proceedings and outcomes of the national dialogue:

Date: 4 – 5 August 2023
Time: 9h00
Venue: University of the Western Cape, Cape Town

Kindly submit details for accreditation as follows:

Name and Surname, Media House, ID Number, Mobile Number to PontshoM@Presidency.gov.za by Tuesday, 1 August 2023.

For more information of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments contact Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Matshepo@Presidency.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George;
Your Excellency, Mme Nosiviwe Maphisa Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly;
Your Excellency, Ntate Lechesa Tsenoli, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;
The Chairperson of the NCOP, Ntate Amos Masondo;
The Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Mme Sylvia Lucas;
Your Excellency, Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa;
Your Excellency, Mme Baleka Mbete, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa;
Your Excellency, Mr Sostenes Cavalcante, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Federal Republic of Brazil;
Your Excellency, Mr Harivanash Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Republic of India;
Your Excellency, Mr Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, of the Peoples Republic of China;
Your Excellency, Dr Hanafy Ali Gebaly, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives
Your Excellency, Mr Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, President of Majles Shoraye Eslaimi of the Islamic Republic of Iran;
Your Excellencies, the Speakers and Honourable Peoples tribunes from fellow BRICS member-states;
Ambassadors
Business leaders,
Esteemed Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I would like to welcome you to the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (PF). It has been a long, challenging and exciting road since the historic inaugural meeting held in the Russian Federation in June 2015. 

Since then, this Forum has grown from strength to strength, reflecting both the hard work of the collective leadership of the BRICS member states and, without doubt, the overwhelming desire amongst the peoples of the world to evolve a just world order which serves not just a few but also and especially the wretched of the earth.

Congratulations to our new partners:  The Argentine Republic, The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, The Islamic Republic of Iran, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and The United Arab Emirates. We trust that you will invigorate this promising intergovernmental organisation.

From 2015 to date, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum has identified many issues which require continuous discussion, refinement and programmatic plans of action, the better to better serve the wretched of the earth. 

The issues range from:
• the sacrosanct role of the United Nations in international affairs and the consolidation of multilateral structures; the reform of the Security Council; and the fairness of the international legal system;
• the transition to a multipolar world and deepening economic globalisation,
• exploring new trade and investment prospects;
• the promotion of international peace and security, shared economic growth, cooperation and mutually beneficial interaction amongst the peoples of the world, undergirded by a continuous dialogue among and between the world’s cultures and civilisations for the cross-pollination of knowledge and perspectives for the benefit of humanity;
• deepening cooperation in a multiplicity of fields, including the promotion of cooperation in research, education, healthcare, environmental protection and sport, with a focus on the youth;
• coordinating our macroeconomic policies, the reform of the international monetary system and the promotion of growth;
• intensifying South-South and North-South dialogue, to;
• the creation of a permanent contact group within the BRICS Parliamentary Forum which helps, among other things, to identify and guide our association on key evolving issues of international political economy and to develop a long-term strategy for the Forum.

These and many additional matters that have served on the agenda of this Forum since the inaugural session in Moscow are about moving the world towards greater social justice — in short, making sure that the wretched of the earth become, “Somebody!” So goes the as the African American parlance.

We recall that the inaugural BRICS Parliamentary Forum took place to the hour of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the world’s premier intergovernmental organisation, the United Nations – our United Nations! The solemnity of the occasion was a stark reminder of the importance of history. Some of our colleagues rightly appealed that we draw appropriate lessons from history.

The quest to be Somebody is innate to every people. This is true for the developing South inasmuch as it is the case for the developed North. For the African continent as with parts of the developing world, the quest to be 

Somebody has been an act of resistance and defiance since at least the advent of the Atlantic Slave Trade. 

In addition to the heroic anti-colonial and apartheid struggles, this led to the 1955 Bandung Conference and the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.

A consistent thread in the NAM’s work has been the promotion  of the political and economic cooperation of developing countries. 

This is how President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania put the matter when he addressed the opening of the preparatory meeting of the NAM in Dar es Salaam on April 13, 1970:
“The fact is that our political independence depends upon the degree of our economic independence, as well as the nature of our economic development depending upon our political independence. These things are interlinked in the modern world; and because of that interdependence, our economic relationships with one another, and individually with the great powers of the world, are matters with which the Non-Aligned conference must be concerned.”

This underscores the importance of BRICS and the cooperation it has sought to promote since its founding.  BRICS is one of the institutions that holds the possibility of taking forward much of the objectives of the NAM and the South Commission which President Nyerere ably led after his voluntary retirement from public office in 1985.

There is no need to regale you with statistics about the global reach of the BRICS in terms of its economy, the combined population of its member states relative to the rest of the world and other interesting information which you know. 

This Forum has the possibility to exert change on a global and unprecedented scale. For starters, BRICS has focused the imagination of the world’s population beyond the citizens of its member states. In and of itself, this is a good thing. 

However, we should not be surprised when this success factor attracts negative responses from some actors in the world despite the fact that BRICS is not opposed to any state parties or groups. 

Instead, we seek a peaceful and just world of equitable resource distribution.

The single most powerful instrument parliamentarians have at their disposal is their command of law-making.  Through coordinated efforts, you can impact positively on more than a quarter of the world’s population by introducing far-reaching progressive legislation and repealing laws that do not improve the lives of the people.

Some lessons from history in this regard might be useful. The 13th-century Egyptian Chief Justice Ibn Khaldun insisted that law should be based on what he called “social solidarity,” which was a statement on the supremacy he placed on social cohesion. Kwame Nkrumah, on the other hand, was adamant that “The teaching of law is totally incomplete if it is not accompanied by a background of economic, social and political science and even politics, science and technology.”

He envisioned a law that is an “expression of the political, economic and social conditions of the people and of their aims for progress,” as opposed to one that is based on “a formalistic yardstick which completely disregards the material content of the law and measures justice or injustice solely by procedural rules.”

As BRICS parliamentarians who seek to change the world for the better, you have the possibility to usher in the social solidarity and development that Chief Justice Khaldun and President Nkrumah strove to achieve.
However, legislative changes alone are neither enough nor sufficient to effect change. You require a capable, civic-minded, and ethical bureaucracy which has the capacity and commitment to drive the existing legislative framework to achieve its ends.

The effervescence of the parliamentary vocation attests to the sociological truism that all societies are heterogeneous theatres in which differently disposed social actors’ battle to shape public affairs in their own image. To the extent that such intercourse will, from time to time, impact upon the institution of BRICS as national, regional and other interests, this Forum should gird its intellectual and political loins for their constructive management and resolution.

Sometimes these may be interests from outside ourselves intent on exhausting us in meaningless but tiresome distractions or otherwise pit us against each other, thus to take us completely off the rails so that we are unable to achieve our strategic objective. 

Fortunately, the collective of BRICS members possess the wisdom to rise above such machinations.

Equally fortunate is that BRICS member states have come together in this rising intergovernmental institution on a shared perspective of development, to which the current global political and economic order continues to respond inadequately.

Whatever difficulties we face in the future, President Nyerere may provide a useful guide. 

“Development,” he said in August 1988, “involves decisions about national and international political priorities and structures. It includes social questions and matters related to education, health human dignity, and security both personal and national. And it means adequate food clothing and shelter for the individual person. 

All these matters are inextricably mixed and are all encompassed in any definition of development which is meaningful to the human beings who are now suffering from lack of it.”

Every country faces these considerations and challenges in its resource allocation and decision-making processes. 

Undoubtedly, this will find expression in your discussions especially as it concerns the four broad thematic areas on your agenda, namely, climate change, energy security and just transition of coal to hydrogen energy, multilateralism, peace and security.

In July 2014, BRICS established the New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement.  

It is increasingly clear that there are varying levels of capacity for project planning and development among member states. 

As with the executive, parliamentarians are challenged to interrogate how this can be overcome. 

One way of addressing this is by identifying the broad range of skills that are required to address effect development at the scale and the pace required to accelerate the impact of BRICS in all the member states.

This speaks to the technocratic capacity to which I referred earlier, and we should, in this regard and in keeping with the tradition of cooperation amongst us, adopt the slogan of the progressive trade union movement: “An injury to one is an injury to all.” 

One suggestion you may want to ponder over is that we should immediately conduct a skills audit relative to the development imperatives of each member state and bring together institutions of higher learning amongst us to respond to the skills challenge.

I would like to commend the BRICS Women's Business Alliance and their efforts in organising the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference.

Malibogwe!

Africa is moving towards a single African market. All 54 countries have signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. We are well on our way to creating the world's largest single-free trade area, with 1.3 billion people and a gross domestic product of $3.4 trillion.

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will improve intra-African trade, the continent’s share and participation in global trade, stimulate and improve the economy as well as contribute to lifting millions of people out of poverty.

The continent's transport networks are largely unsatisfactory. Few roads connect the continent's five regions, and those that do are often in poor condition and under-maintained.

As a continent, we look forward to engaging with our BRICS partners to realise the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and thus create a win-win solution for all.

Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the BRICS-Africa partnership and promote a rules-based approach towards a just global order.

Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 18 August 2023, chair the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) meeting scheduled to take place at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape Province.

The HRDC is a national multi-stakeholder advisory body which includes representatives from Government, labour, the private sector and civil society, led by the Deputy President. Its deliberations are carried over for implementation, through various measures and programmes aimed at achieving the strategic goals of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030.

In line with the Council's decision of strengthening the link and alignment between provincial councils and the HRDC at national level, Deputy President Mashatile recently led the council to KwaZulu-Natal in May this year, with the aim of assessing progress achieved by the province in implementing programmes and initiatives towards the attainment of the HRD Strategy 2030. As part of the resolutions of the 4th HRDC Summit, two social compacts, focused on ‘Building foundations for a transformed economy and society’; and ‘Building skills for a transformed economy and society’, were signed by representatives of relevant social partners.

The third social compact which focuses on ‘Building a developmental/ capable state’, will be signed this coming Friday in Kimberley. Through this HRDC outreach led by the Deputy President, all the relevant partners have rallied behind the vision to invest in education and training, science and technology, geared to address the challenges of critical skills shortages and unemployment.

The meeting on Friday will receive a presentation from the Northern Cape HRDC which was recently relaunched and is chaired by Premier Zamani Saul. The presentation will provide an update on provincial efforts towards building the requisite skills required for economic development.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape Province and senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Friday, 18 August 2023
Time: 07h30
Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall, Sol Plaatje University South Campus, 150 Reservoir Road, New Park, Kimberley

Media Programme

• 07h30 – Media to arrive at the Sol Plaatje University South Campus (Multi-Purpose Hall)
• 08h00 – Photo Opportunity on arrival of the Deputy President and Tour of the skills and training exhibition
• 09h00 – Opening Remarks by Deputy President and HRDC Chairperson
• 09h15 - Signing of the Social Compacts – Building a Capable/Developmental State
• 13h10 - Media Briefing on outcomes of the HRDC meeting

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505

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

Issued by: The Presidency Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as a Special Envoy to South Sudan, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 28 – 31 August 2023. 

Deputy President Mashatile will meet with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice Presidents, Ministers, South Sudan elders, and representatives of relevant organisations.

Other activities of the Deputy President include the laying of a wreath at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum and delivering official remarks at the South African Police Contingent Medal Parade in Juba.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile is aimed at taking stock of the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), to monitor preparations for the national elections, to recommit South Africa’s support for the transition in South Sudan and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

South Africa has a long-standing relationship with South Sudan, which predates its independence in 2011. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, South Africa has been involved in post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan and the wider region. Our country has committed to and supports reconciliation, reconstruction, nation-building, and economic development for the people of South Sudan.  

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor, and hosted by South Africa’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Mr. Mahlodi Muofhe.

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Juba, the Republic of South Sudan, to assess the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Deputy President Mashatile’s visit is an opportunity to continue engaging Parties to the R-ARCSS as well as reaffirm South Africa’s support to the full implementation of all outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS.

He will further call for strengthened commitment by all International Partners and Friends of South Sudan to support the process, including directly resourcing some of the critical mechanisms of the roadmap towards a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period, and humanitarian assistance.

Deputy President Mashatile was received by Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of South Sudan, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, and Adv. Mahlodi Muofhe, the South African Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has concluded a successful working visit to the Republic of South Sudan. The purpose of the visit was to assess the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), discuss challenges to the peace process, and discuss solutions with all stakeholders. A second, but critical objective of the Deputy President’s visit was to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan.

During his visit, the Deputy President, as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, met with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit. President Salva Kiir raised concern regarding the implications that the on-going conflict may have in neighbouring countries and the region at large. He outlined the challenges hindering the implementation of the R-ARCSS and reemphasised the need for South Africa to be more involved in the peace process by assisting the various parties to resolve their disputes. 

Deputy President Mashatile also held talks with four of South Sudan’s five Vice Presidents: Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Dr. James Wani Igga, Mr. Taban Deng Gai and Mr. Hussein Abdelbagi.

In the main, the Vice Presidents acknowledged remaining gaps and challenges to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS including lack of required financial resources, the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on the Government of South Sudan by the United Nations (UN).

Despite this, the Vice Presidents also appreciated that notable milestones had been achieved on the road to lasting peace. A key milestone to the achievement of peace in South Sudan is the holding of the country’s first democratic elections since its independence in 2011. Holding this founding election is a goal whose importance is acknowledged by all the participants in South Sudan’s ongoing national dialogue.  

Additionally, the Deputy President had engagements with various Ministers of state in charge of critical portfolios, such as Humanitarian Affairs; Information, ICT & Postal Services; Justice and Constitutional Affairs; as well as Cabinet Affairs and the High-Level Standing Committee for the Implementation of the R-ARCSS. 

In addition to the South Sudanese stakeholders, Deputy President Mashatile held extensive consultations with regional and global multilateral formations with a role to play in resolving the conflict in the country.

Among these were the African diplomatic corps in Juba, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-East Africa Regional Economic Community (IGAD); Troika- Ambassadors of the USA,  UK and Norway; the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC); and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Deputy President Mashatile commended South Sudan on the progress made thus far and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). 

Additionally, he called on strengthened commitment by the RTGoNU and all other relevant Parties to the R-ARCSS to implement its outstanding provisions, particularly the security arrangements. These include community disarmament, demobilisation of ex-combatants and their re-integration into peaceful civilian life, and the integration of remaining combatant forces into a national force with a single command structure, among others. Failure to find common ground on these and other contentious points will keep South Sudan in limbo, and its economic development as well as the development of its people will be stillborn. 

During his three-day stay the Deputy President also took time to lay a wreath at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in honour of South Sudan’s founding leader, and bestowed medals on the South African Police Service (SAPS) contingent stationed in the country as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission. 

In his last act before departure, the Deputy President paid a courtesy call on two of South Sudan’s Elders and veterans of liberation: Mr Abel Alier Kwai, and Mr Josephu Lagu. Deputy President Mashatile assured both of his and South Africa’s enduring commitment to the peace and reconciliation process in South Sudan. 

In conclusion, Deputy President Mashatile made a call to all Parties to adhere to the revised deadlines of the roadmap to a peaceful and democratic end to the current transitional period and the holding of national elections by December 2024 as envisaged. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Young people of South Africa;
President of the South African Youth Economic Council, Mr Kanakana Mudzanani;
The Executive Chairman of the South African Youth Economic Council, Mr. Bonga Makhanyaa;
Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu;
Captains of industry and leaders of business;

Good Evening,

Let me start by thanking Bonga Makhanya, who has insisted on my need to come and engage with the South African Youth Economic Council.  This has demonstrated that you and your team are focused and determined, which is what the country needs. It needs young people who are patriotic and have a never-die spirit.

I would have been surprised if young people lacked ambition and innovative ideas. I noted two critical ideas and innovations from SAYEC, the Mvelaphanda Centre for Maths, Science and Innovations. I am also aware that through your investment arm, Lotsha Investments, you are working on investing in mining. 

Having been a youth leader myself, I believe in harnessing the energy of the youth because you are the future. Hence, as the ANC-led government, we have put the issue of youth development high on our agenda since 1994.

I am, therefore, grateful for the opportunity to be present tonight as we acknowledge and commend the remarkable work of the exceptional young leaders and reflect upon the theme of "assessing government and private sector policies necessary for mass youth employment and business opportunities in South Africa," which holds great significance.

However there are few immediate issues that you have asked that I address. The first being the issue of energy availability factor. The Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has assured me that power cuts will be drastically reduced by the end of the year. He told me that by December we will be producing 6,000 megawatts of additional power. He is focusing on maintainance hence from time to time we will be affected by loadshedding. 

You have also raised the issue of investing in the mining sector. We agree with you that this is an important sector that we must teach our young people how to run and manage these industries, as they are the future and next generation of industry leaders.

The current state of the mining industry is not very impressive. We presently export raw materials, and we must create opportunities for youth-led manufacturing and industrial endeavours. 

In addition, mining is a costly endeavour, necessitating the creation of more funding opportunities for youth interested in entering the mining industry. I urged the youth to interact with a variety of investors to provide more capital so that the youth can transform their ideas into reality and become producers and not just consumers.

In order to take advantage of existing opportunities, we should also engage in infrastructure initiatives and engineering-related endeavours. Youth must seize opportunities in infrastructure, energy, or any other field in which they are skilled.

Our traditional universities are among the best in the world; they turn out highly skilled graduates who, compared to their peers, have an easier time finding work.

This is why, through HRDC, which I chair, we prioritise training unskilled youth and expanding the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system to guarantee that no young person is left behind.

In addition to equipping the younger generation with essential skills, it is imperative to provide them with the required support in their entrepreneurial endeavours, enabling them to progress from small-scale operations to larger-scale enterprises.

Our objective is to establish a company's environmentally and socially sustainable model with the capacity to generate employment opportunities for a larger number of young individuals.

Government and private sector should work together to develop innovative financing mechanisms, such as venture capital funds and microcredit programs, specifically targeting young entrepreneurs.
Providing financial support at affordable interest rates can enable them to start or expand their businesses, creating jobs for themselves and others.

We need a private sector that will be patriotic, one that will support South Africa's and the government's efforts to develop the people of South Africa by reinvesting capital and resources into productive assets and new industries.

We must create an enabling policy framework encouraging private sector investment in youth-focused industries. We must identify and promote sectors with potential growth and job creation, such as renewable energy, technology, creative arts, and tourism.

We strongly encourage enterprises, particularly young individuals, to actively participate in collaborating with the government in the generation of power and, more significantly, in supporting the enhancement of transmission capabilities. The current initiative undertaken by the government to involve the private sector presents a favourable prospect for businesses. 

In conclusion, we must prioritise the creation of mass youth employment and business opportunities in South Africa. By implementing policies that foster entrepreneurship, enhance vocational training, improve access to finance, and encourage private-sector investment, we can empower our youth and pave the way for a prosperous future.

This theme serves as a compelling call for both the government and private sector to collaborate to evaluate and deliberate on strategies that can expedite the involvement of young individuals in the critical sectors of the economy.

As government, we value the role that youth and youth bodies, including SAYEC, play in moulding our nation's future and propelling its development. 

Your energy, creativity, and determination possess the potential to unlock untapped opportunities within our economy.

However, like other countries globally, we face a critical concern whereby the youth are grappling with the challenges of unemployment or underemployment. Furthermore, some challenges are associated with effectively integrating young people into the economy.

It is worth mentioning that there is also a need for further development of the skills necessary to secure formal employment or establish successful business opportunities specifically tailored for youth.

The government has initiated several youth empowerment initiatives, such as the Youth Employment Service Programme in 2018, as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

The YES programme continues to experience significant growth and success as the country's largest social impact programme for job creation, assisting over 100,000 youth to access work experience.

This is a clear example of how much we can achieve through collaboration towards a common goal.

In addition, YES offers a comprehensive solution for businesses that want to create opportunities and improve their B-BBEE scores but cannot provide relevant work or space within their organisation.

In this case, YES's implementation partners recruit, contract, and manage the youth on behalf of the business for the entire year of work, including training and hosting costs.

These efforts are meant to help young people acquire the occupational skills they need to access income opportunities while shaping them into responsible members of society.

We further have programmes aimed at developing SMMEs, such as the Black Business Supplier Development Programme, which is meant for cost-sharing grants among black-owned small enterprises. This programme has improved the competitiveness and sustainability of small businesses to become part of the mainstream economy and create employment.

As part of supporting the designated groups, such as women, youth, and people with disabilities, we have introduced the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy.

This strategy advances government priorities of speeding up growth and transforming the economy to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods through inclusive growth, especially for entrepreneurs in the informal economy.

We encourage young people with an aptitude for business to grab entrepreneurial opportunities and start enterprises relevant to their skills.

South Africa has a diverse economy with several promising sectors that entrepreneurs can take advantage of. The most significant economic sectors currently driving the economy are manufacturing, retail, financial services, mining, agriculture, tourism, and the green industry.

The green sector offers a range of possibilities for entrepreneurs interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and practices.

Some of the opportunities in the sector are in renewable energy, particularly solar, waste management, including recycling, and sustainable packaging. There are also opportunities to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in South Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, the difficulty does not stem from a deficiency in the availability of programmes or business opportunities. This pertains to our programmes' efficacy, expeditiousness, and widespread implementation. 

In undertaking this task, it will be necessary also to consider and rectify instances of leakages within the public policy framework as they can lead to inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and unintended consequences. 

It is both inspiring and reassuring to see young people who are organised and eager for economic opportunities at SAYEC, and we hope that many young people from all corners of the country will be inspired by these initiatives to launch their own in their communities.

As a government, we remain committed to supporting and developing all young people, from SMMEs run by youth to students, professionals, and unemployed youth.

Consequently, we applaud the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, who have launched a R60 million Youth Enterprise Fund to support youth-owned businesses as part of the Integrated Youth Development Strategy that seeks to promote economic transformation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in Gauteng. We hope that other provinces will follow suit.

As the government, we recognise that the burning question of our time is the issue of youth and women’s participation in the economy. As such, we have, over the years, created specific institutions and departments that will focus on young people and women, such as the Department of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities.

However, more still needs to be done to create an inclusive economy through the participation of young people. We must develop financial institutions that are more accessible to young people, especially those living in peripheral areas.

The Industrial Development Corporation is an excellent example of such an initiative, and it has been one of the key players in the creation of black industrialists in our country.

We can’t discuss funding opportunities and capital spending on youth without discussing skills development. Our Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and local colleges must adapt to the changing demands of skills as we transition to a more digital world.

We can bridge the gap between education and employment by offering practical skills training in sectors with high worker demand. Apprenticeship opportunities, industry partnerships, and vocational school investments can equip our youth with job-ready skills, making them attractive to potential employers.

To young people, I wish to leave you with these words of Frantz Fanon: "Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it."

It is clear that this generation wants to achieve economic freedom, and I believe that together, we will fulfil that mission to realise financial freedom for young people in our lifetime.

Let us work together, government, private sector, and society, to make this vision a reality for South Africa's youth.

I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 07 September 2023, brief members of the National Council of Provinces on a range of issues related to government efforts to implement rapid response interventions in municipalities and plans to tackle crime, amongst others, during oral reply to questions in the NCOP.
 
As part of his delegated responsibilities, Deputy President Mashatile has been leading the implementation of rapid response interventions on service delivery, trouble-shooting service delivery hotpots, and monitoring the implementation of the District Development Model, which is an integrated planning model that Government has adopted to fast-tracking service delivery.
 
Following the successful National Dialogue on Coalitions convened by the Deputy President, which took place on 04-05 August 2023 at the University of the Western Cape, he will also brief members of the NCOP on emerging proposals aimed at stabilising coalitions within municipalities.
 
In light of the persisting levels of violent crime in the country, Deputy President Mashatile will apprise members on Government rapid response plans to tackle crime.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will also update members of the NCOP on our country’s commitment and continued efforts to play a key role for the realisation of peace and stability in the region and the continent.
 
The Oral Question session in the NCOP is scheduled as follows:
 
Date: Thursday, 07 September 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament
 
For more information please contact Sam Bopape on 082 18 5251
 

Comments and Media Enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Our Esteemed Religious and Inter-Faith Leaders here present;
Ministers;
Members of Executive Councils present;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning,
 
It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you to this important engagement between government and inter-faith Leaders, and I am appreciative to witness the strength of inter-faith unity and cooperation.
 
We are gathering here during a month dedicated to celebrating our cultural diversity, in accordance with the democratic values of inclusivity and participation. This is also an opportune time for us as the faith-based sector to reflect on the role we have played in protecting our religious heritage and contributing to shaping the moral compass of our nation.
 
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); recognising the enduring nature of religious and sacred heritage, being able to safeguard its authenticity and integrity, including its unique spiritual importance, and promoting the understanding of our shared history, are the three essential elements for fostering mutual respect and dialogue among communities.

In our South African context, we have seen how the prioritisation of these aspirations as guided by our Constitution has anchored our nation and enabled strategic participation by faith based organisations in efforts to respond to crisis moments such as at the height of the covid-19 pandemic, and in the response to Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
 
Understanding the significance of religion and faith in our nation, it is important for us as inter-faith leaders to come together and discuss the necessary steps to safeguard the significance of religious and sacred sites, as these sites hold immense cultural value, and are crucial to ensuring that our traditions are not eroded over time.

As we all know, our nation thrives in its cultural richness and religious diversity. Our different faiths, beliefs, and traditions are the threads that make up the vibrant tapestry of our society. It is of utmost importance therefore, that we acknowledge, appreciate, and actively encourage the existence and representation of diverse individuals, cultures, and perspectives not just within the confines of our own communities.
 
We also need to work together as one in order to increase our impact on initiatives that promote social cohesion, inter-faith dialogue, and nation-building.
 
Additionally, we must recognize the power of education and inter-faith dialogue in fostering tolerance and understanding. By working hand-in-hand with educational institutions and the government, we can develop comprehensive educational programs that nurture respect and appreciation for religious diversity.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, as inter-faith leaders, I must acknowledge that you have indeed embodied the spirit of our heritage. It is encouraging to witness the fusion of various histories, languages, cultures, and religions in one room. This is why our country is also envied for the peaceful co-existence of various faiths, with none claiming supremacy over the other.
 
Most importantly, we share the same values, which are consistent with the founding values of our Constitution: those of human dignity, of the achievement of equality, of non-racialism and non-sexism; and of the advancement of human rights. You exemplify what it means to unite for a common goal, and as the government, we will continue to work with you to create a society that is both unified and cohesive.

We must continue to strengthen and pave our path of partnership in order to promote social cohesion and contribute to our nation-building project. 
 
Our history demonstrates that, despite the many challenges we face as a nation, we can emerge strong if we embrace our diversity. Today, we enjoy the fruits of our democracy because leaders from diverse backgrounds fought together against the injustices and defended our civil and religious liberties.
 
Who can forget the role played by faith leaders like Beyers Naudé, Desmond Tutu, Peter Storey, Allan Boesak and Dr Martin Luther King Jnr.?

Martin Luther King Jnr. was a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, and his ideas of non-violent resistance to oppression had a great bearing on the liberation struggle here at home. One of the things I remember about him is his seminal speech in 1968, delivered in Memphis, Tennessee, declaring that -
“The nation is sick, trouble is in the land; confusion all around. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough you can see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a way that men, in some strange way, are responding.” 
 
It is specifically the calibre of religious leadership displayed by Martin Luther King Jnr. that has shaped the Civil Rights Movement and their efforts against a dark time, when black men, women, and children were being brutalised for demanding equal treatment. It is indeed, also the same motivation that shaped the activism of religious leaders in South Africa’s fight against apartheid.

Reflecting on this history and also acknowledging the temporal disparities and distinct challenges of our current era, we must draw from the lessons of the past, and use them as a compass for addressing some of the social challenges that exist in our modern culture. Your presence here today, serves as evidence that you have once again heeded the call to collaborate with government, with the shared objective of fostering reconciliation within our nation.
 
Among the many challenges confronting us as a nation, we must address gender-based violence and femicide, poverty, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, child abuse, crime, corruption, teenage pregnancy, and the high rate of HIV infection among young people.

It is disheartening that the women and girls of our country no longer feel safe in their homes, on the streets, in public transport and at their places of work. Many of our people are abusing alcohol and using drugs, which is causing numerous social problems such as unsafe behaviour on our roads, violence, crime, and truancy.
 
Despite the efforts made by government and other stakeholders to fight the HIV epidemic, many of our young people are still engaging in unsafe sex, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancy and further spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The Department of Health and its stakeholders have particularly throughout this year intensified the campaigns and public education especially as it pertains to the management of the virus and containing its spread through adherence to treatment.
 
It is through these kind of programmatic interventions where the faith based community can partner with government to make tangible contributions to addressing some of the social ills in our country.
 
Not a day goes by that we are not confronted by acts of violence and criminality. Worse yet, these acts are being live-streamed, as social media turns citizens into passive bystanders in the humiliation and degradation of others.
 
This is not the South Africa we fought for.

It is not the South Africa for which many people were jailed and lost their lives. It is certainly not the South Africa we want ourselves and future generations to live in.
 
As a nation, we must be concerned about the deterioration of our social and moral fabric. It is therefore important that our partnership be institutionalised in order to effectively address these issues. 
 
Let us renew our strength and apply the same resilience that we did when battling apartheid in order to construct the South Africa that our forefathers envisioned.

To address these difficulties, a collaborative effort involving not only governmental entities, but also active participation of all segments of society, particularly inter-faith communities, is essential. Inter-faith efforts, like community service, can be used to effect societal change. Now, more than ever, we must join forces to counter what has grown to threaten our communities.
 
As government, we are devoted to addressing social ills and in the past 29 years we have made significant progress in improving the lives of South Africans.

From an oppressive state machinery that had scant regard for the lives and living conditions of millions of our people, we now have a democratic state where all enjoy equal rights and equal protection before the law.
 
Today, more than ever before, the vast majority of South Africans, and in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have access to education, to health care and to basic services. 
 
Today, more than ever before, millions of our citizens are protected from abject poverty through progressive policies of redistribution.
 
Today, our churches, our mosques, our synagogues and our temples are pillars of society, doing valuable work in education, in feeding the poor and the needy, and in being a consistent and powerful voice that speaks out against injustices in our country. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, as government, we appreciate the role of faith communities in guiding us when we have strayed from our mission to unite and develop our country.
 
As faith leaders, you have an important role to play in the renewal of our society, and in using your positions and influence to restore basic human values in our society.
 
The men and women of the faith community have never faltered in their willingness to do their part. For the betterment of their congregants, yes, but also for the betterment of communities, and for the country as a whole. It is the excellent work you are already doing in our communities that we want to harness and build upon. 
 
Whether it is in providing education and awareness around alcohol and substance abuse, in offering counselling and support to couples and families, or in mobilising people around anti-crime initiatives, you have been our valued partners as we seek to address these social problems.
 
What we want to do here today is to deepen our partnership and to collectively come up with workable solutions on how we can better address the challenges that our country faces.
 
When we conclude our deliberations today we want to have planted the seeds for a new era of collaboration. It is an era that must be characterised not by words, but by deeds.

Today, we should declare that we take responsibility to establish a movement that will create a South Africa we all want to live in.
 
We will work together in advocating for a society rooted in the values enshrined in our Constitution, that affirm the worth and dignity of every human being.
 
Ours is a relatively young democracy. The tree of liberty was planted by our forebears, and has over the past 29 years of democracy, been watered and nurtured by all of us. 
 
We cannot afford to have its roots wither away through intolerance and disrespect – for ourselves, for each other, and for the worth and dignity of every human being. 
 
We must do all we can to ensure that our democracy remains steady and resilient, that those who come after us will continue to be able to rely on it, to take cover under its shade, and to enjoy its benefits and protection.
 
Let us forge ahead in the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding, for we share a common responsibility and a common goal – to realise a better South Africa for ourselves, for our children, and for generations to come.
 
I thank you.