The Office of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, in partnership with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, invites members of the media to attend and cover the Youth Symposium taking place from 13 to 15 June 2025 at St Peter’s Methodist Church in Scenery Park, East London.

As part of Youth Month commemorations, the symposium seeks to inspire, educate, and empower young people through access to information, support services, and opportunities in education, career development, and community leadership. The Deputy Minister will engage directly with youth, stakeholders, and institutions on programmes supporting youth empowerment.

Confirmed exhibitors and participants include:
The Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, NSFAS, Department of Labour, Department of Home Affairs, Walter Sisulu University, TVET colleges, Border Management Authority, SANCA, Masithethe Social Workers, NPA, BCMM Fire and Disaster Services, Environmental Health, the Human Rights and Missing Persons Unit, and more.

Local high schools including Uviwe Senior Secondary School, Lumko Senior Secondary School, and Greenpoint High School will also be participating.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, 13 June 2025
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: St Peter’s Methodist Church, Scenery Park, East London

Members of the media are invited to cover this important Youth Month event and engage with government and partner institutions supporting youth development and service delivery.

RSVP: Mandisa Mbele, Email: MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za, Mobile: 082 580 2213

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 12 June 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly, on wide-ranging issues related to agricultural support, addressing water shortages in the country and intensified efforts in the country's comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will apprise Members of Parliament on Government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in the rural areas.

Following the withdrawal of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States government, the Deputy President will reassure the members that Government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme and the withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the anti-retrovirals.

As the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, the Deputy President will emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks. 

The Deputy President will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of South Africa's democratic constitutional order.

Details of the National Assembly sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria