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Deputy President Mashatile to attend the O.R Tambo Wreath Laying Ceremony
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Sunday 27 October 2024, attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony in honour of the life and legacy of the late struggle stalwart, Oliver Reginald Tambo, scheduled to take place at the Tamboville Cemetery in Wattville.

Oliver Reginald Tambo was a prominent anti-apartheid activist, who played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid.

Hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni, the Wreath Laying Ceremony commemorates O.R Tambo's remarkable contributions to the South Africa's fight for democracy and equality.

Details of the Wreath Laying Ceremony are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 27 October 2024
Time: 07h00
Venue: Tamboville Cemetery in Wattville, Ekurhuleni 

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Eulogy by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the Official Funeral Service of former Minister of Labour Mr Membathisi Shepherd Mdladlana, Western Cape, Cape Town
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Programme Director;
The Mdladlana family;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of Parliament;
Leadership of the African National Congress;
Leadership of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, the Alliance, and the Democratic Movement;
Members of the diplomatic corps;
Religious and community leaders;

Comrades and friends,
I stand before you today with a heavy heart to bid farewell to this great politician, teacher, and activist of our time, Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana, who will be remembered for, among other things, ensuring that the educational system runs effectively.

His passing is another enormous loss for his family, the country, and the democratic movement. To those among us who have sipped from the well of his wisdom and insight, we extend our gratitude to his family for the grace of sharing him with us through both trials and triumphs.
In recent times, we have had to part ways with many of our guiding stars, companions, allies, and cherished souls who have traversed the tumultuous journey to illuminate the way toward our democracy.

They belonged to an illustrious generation of revolutionaries and servant leaders whose contribution to the liberation and development of South Africa remains immeasurable. 

These stalwarts set themselves on a course to liberate South Africa from tyranny.

What brings us solace and profound delight is that unlike many of their comrades, they have tasted the sweetness of freedom in their days. A tale I trust they shall weave upon reaching the other side, recounting to those who were not graced with such fortune to behold it.

Those who have recently departed achieved their mission and fulfilled their personal destinies. Yet their work—our work—is not yet complete.

The South Africa of true equality for all is still to be fully realised.

Just as embers from a fading fire can be used to ignite a new flame, we must take forward the cause to which so many dedicated their lives: the complete liberation of South Africa and her people.

Membathisi Shepherd Mdladlana was one of the leading lights in our struggle for liberation.

A gentle, unassuming disposition masked great reserves of inner strength.
He was the embodiment of resilience.

His life provided a lesson in the true nature of social justice: that one must seek for others what you seek for yourself.

It is little wonder that he was drawn to the labour movement from the earliest days of his career.

He understood that a thriving economy depends on the well-being of its workers. He fought to ensure that South Africa’s workforce received fair treatment and protection under the law.

 During his tenure, he fully implemented the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, one of the most significant pieces of legislation. This Act guaranteed fair working hours, decent wages, and safeguards against exploitation for workers. In tandem with the Labour Relations Act of 1995, these laws strengthened workers' rights and provided a clear framework for resolving labour disputes, which led to a reduction in industrial action and improved labour relations.

As an activist, a unionist, and a leader, Membathisi Mdladlana was able to transcend an unjust system.

He did it not for his own personal gain but for the benefit and improvement of others. He always reiterated the rallying cry that an injury to one is an injury to all.

This call inspired him, strengthened him, and gave him courage.
He was born into a world that sought to define his prospects.


It was a world designed to deny every black child the opportunity to develop and to thrive. Membathisi Mdladlana was just one year old when, in 1953, the apartheid regime passed one of its most damaging laws, the Bantu Education Act.

The drafters of this despicable law were clear on its intent.
The Minister of Native Affairs HF Verwoerd explained the rationale for the law. He said:
“The Bantu must be guided to serve his own community in all respects. There is no place for him in the European community above the level of certain forms of labour.”
This was the world Membathisi Mdladlana was born into, yet he ultimately defied.

He walked by faith rather than sight, as stated in the great book. He hoped and believed that South Africa would one day be free, and certainly it is today.

However, Bantu Education would have a lasting impact on generations of black children.

The man we lay to rest today was at the forefront of that struggle. He received Bantu Education as a child. He experienced its injustices firsthand, growing up in the former Bantustan of the Ciskei.
Membathisi would go on to train as a teacher.

In line with the philosophy of Bantu Education, training for black teachers was of a lower standard than that provided to white teachers.
When he completed his training and found work as a teacher, he entered a system where black teachers earned less, had fewer social benefits, and taught under worse conditions than their white counterparts.
But Membathisi would not surrender to a grim fate.
He chose to fight for change.

He chose to fight for the transformation of education and for the transformation of society.
He was a gifted people’s person.

He began organising teachers in Gugulethu and Crossroads in the late eighties, a time when the various teacher organisations were deeply divided along racial lines.
He was an organiser and leader in the South Western African Teachers Association, the Peninsula African Teachers Association and the Cape African Teachers Union.
He played a key role in the establishment of the South African Democratic Teacher's Union in 1990 and spearheaded the negotiations that resulted in the union's official recognition.

The declaration by SADTU of a national teachers’ strike in 1993 was a pivotal moment in our journey to democracy.

As it has been written, this was the first time a teacher’s organisation assumed centre-stage in the education struggle in pre-democracy South Africa.

It demonstrated the militancy of teachers in pursuit of better conditions of service and a transformed education system with free, quality public education at its core.

With Membathisi at the helm, the union tirelessly campaigned for the rights of female workers, and for them to enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts.

This is a proud legacy that continues to this day.
In its tribute to its founding president, SADTU has spoken of his conviction that teacher struggles should not undermine nor derail their mandate of delivering quality education.

As SADTU has said, he saw teachers as revolutionary professionals with an invaluable role to play in bringing about a more just, inclusive society.

He is known to have often said, “We can teach and strike at the same time.”
We must take heed of his words at a time when our education system still faces a number of challenges and when educators work under difficult conditions.

Taking forward the revolutionary principles of the democratic movement does not mean straying from our greater mandate—to serve the South African people.

In 1994, upon the inauguration of the first democratic parliament, his country called upon him to serve. He responded without hesitation.
Membathisi was part of the drafting committee of the Bill of Rights, the bedrock of our constitutional order.

 As a lifelong champion of human rights, it was fitting to assign him this responsibility.
We have lost one of the architects of the new South Africa.
Membathisi’s life teaches us much.
It teaches about servant leadership.

It teaches about an enduring commitment to public service without regard for personal reward.
Wherever his movement or his government deployed him, he served with diligence and integrity.
He served under four presidents of the democratic dispensation.
This reveals a great deal about his character and the faith and regard people had for him.

He hated injustice and took a stand against it wherever he saw it.

He served as Minister of Labour at a time when we had only just begun implementing laws to protect all workers and their rights.

A former staff member who served under him speaks about weeks spent criss-crossing the country visiting farms, factories, and mines to meet workers.

He convened the first national program for the elimination of silicosis, a deadly lung disease that affects workers in the mining and construction sectors.

During apartheid, black workers received no protection from employers or the state. Those who got ill were simply dismissed and sent home to die.
A democratic government implemented laws to promote workplace health and safety and to offer social support to employees who became ill or injured while on duty.

These are just some of the policies of redress Membathisi was tasked with implementing. As a champion of social justice, he advocated for them tirelessly.

We learn from his life about principled leadership in difficult times. He was a leader when South Africa was undergoing profound political and social change.

His life is a lesson on the importance of building bridges and uniting people.
Today we live in a free country. Yet we still have to navigate complex challenges.

We still have to realise a fully transformed and equal education system.

The unity of the South African people remains our highest aspiration, despite the fluctuations in our national life.

As political parties, we may not always agree on the best road to get there, but we share a common goal.
Achieving that goal—a better South Africa—is only possible through greater collaboration and unity.

As we lay Membathisi to rest, we should be inspired by his legacy.

To the family, we share in your sorrow.

Take comfort in the knowledge that he will be sorely missed as a loyal cadre of the movement, as a dedicated public servant, and as a fine individual, well-liked and much admired.

Let us pay tribute to his spirit by embracing the same unwavering dedication and zeal that he embodied in every moment of his journey. May his spirit find tranquillity, and may the echoes of his legacy illuminate the path for those yet to come.

May it be that we carry with us a new flame—a flame that lights the way to a better South Africa.
We strive for a society where everyone has equal rights, freedom, and opportunities.

In the words of Psalm 23, may goodness and mercy surely follow you.

May you dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I thank you.

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Deputy President Mashatile to attend inaugural meeting with Majesties: Kings, Queens and Principal traditional Leaders
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will this afternoon, 25 October 2024, attend and address the inaugural meeting with Their Majesties - Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders from across the country, taking place in Pretoria.

The three-day engagement follows a meet and greet session with Their Majesties, undertaken by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, as well as Deputy Ministers, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr Namane Dickson Masemola on 30 August 2024. 

The Deputy President was tasked by the President to lead a Task Team dealing with issues raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. He will be supported by Minister Hlabisa and various Ministers and Deputy Ministers who constitute the Task Team on Traditional Leadership, MECs of COGTA, the National and Provincial Chairpersons of the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders as well as senior Government officials.

Government recognises and supports the critical role of traditional leadership institutions in South Africa’s constitutional democracy and in communities, especially in relation to prioritising development in rural and traditional areas. This recognition of Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders is regulated by sec 7 (1)(a) (i) and (ii) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act No. 3 of 2019, (the TKLA).  

Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders have a customary role to play as leaders of traditional communities. In addition, they also have a role in nation building and social cohesion through the promotion of peace, stability and unity within the traditional communities falling under their jurisdiction.

The establishment of a Forum of South African Majesties will ensure continuous interface between Their Majesties and Government, in aid of seamless coordination, particularly on issues of mutual interest and inclusive development. The institution of traditional leadership continues to serve as a reliable and valuable compass of society and the development of the nation.

The engagement will receive progress reports from Government on matters previously raised by Their Majesties, ranging from land reform, rural infrastructure and socio-economic development as well as the preservation of culture and heritage among others.

Members of the media are invited to cover the meeting  and address of the Deputy President as follows:

Date: Friday 25 October 2024
Time: 15h00
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, Arcadia

Media wishing to RSVP should be direct their confirmations to Ms Khanya Ngwenya at 082 619 9280 or KhanyaN@cogta.gov.za

 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 or Mr Legadima Leso on 066 479 9904.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile convenes 2nd meeting of GNU Clearing House Mechanism
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, 24 October 2024, convened the second meeting of the Government of National Unity Clearing House Mechanism, a platform established by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the purposes of resolving policy disagreements and any disputes within the 10-member Government of National Unity (GNU). 

The meeting was attended by representatives of the ten parties that form part of the Government of National Unity. The meeting had invited the Minister in The Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister for Justice, Mr. Andries Nel, as well as a representative from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor to make presentations on matters on the agenda.

The meeting discussed the Terms of Reference of the Clearing House Mechanism and aspects of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA ACT). It also received an update on the preparations for the G20 Summit and on the National Dialogue.

All parties expressed appreciation for the work done by the Secretariat in coordinating the work of the Clearing House. It was agreed that the Secretariat should consolidate the views and enrich the Terms of Reference and that further deliberations must continue with regards to the BELA Act.

Regarding the G20 Meeting to be chaired by South Africa as of the 1st December 2024, Minister Ramokgopa gave an overview of logistical arrangements as well as the substantive agenda outlook which includes the theme, priorities and inputs on the woking groups. 

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism will continue with its engagements as per the mandate of the President, and discuss all matters as they emerge from the ongoing work of Government, including resolving disputes where they arise.

For enquiries related to the GNU Clearing House: Mr Mduduzi Mbada 082 900 1893. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Eulogy by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Special Official Funeral of Dr Tito Mboweni, Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen
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Programme Director,
The Mboweni family,
Former President Thabo Mbeki,
Former Deputy President David Mabuza,
Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Leadership of the African National Congress,
Leadership of the Alliance and the Democratic Movement,
Members of the business community,
Religious and community leaders present,

Comrades and friends,

We are gathered here to bid farewell to one of the most illustrious sons of our motherland South Africa. Our hearts are heavy because of this great loss. But we are also here to celebrate a life well led. A life that is replete with many lessons

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, I convey my deepest sympathies to the family of Tito Titus Mboweni on the loss of their father, brother and uncle.

I convey my sympathies to the leadership and the membership of the African National Congress – a movement he served with integrity, in exile, during the journey to democracy and beyond.

We have lost a respected leader, friend, comrade, teacher, mentor and compatriot.

He was known by many names to many different people:

Comrade Tito, Uncle Tito, Gov8, erstwhile National Breadwinner, unpaid impresario for Lucky Star, The Duke of Magoebaskloof.

He was larger than life because he led such a big life and touched the lives of many people.

He fraternised with heads of states and government such as Presidents and Prime Ministers.

He was on first name terms with central bankers around the world.

He was respected by leading economists, titans of business, labour leaders and ordinary people in our country.

Yet despite his stature and profile, he never lost the common touch. He had a gift to connect to people. He understood them and he had a way to make people feel special and made them have a sense that they mattered. 

Governor 8 could relate to people from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man. He valued character over pedigree. And he was no cynic. He looked for the good in each person – and usually found it. 

Tito taught us that public service is noble and necessary; that one can serve with integrity and hold true to the important values, like faith and family. He strongly believed that it was important to give back to the community and country in which one lived. He recognised that serving others enriched the servant’s soul. To me he was the shining star that shined brightest in a maze of a dark period in the life of our country we called state capture. 

He had already left public service when i knocked on his door asking him if he would return to public service as Minister of Finance. 

I just said Cde Tito your country needs you to do another tour of service. 

He agonised about giving up the material value he was building for himself and his family. But after a while he came through for the people of South Africa and agreed to serve as Minister of Finance. 

Tito was a true patriot.

Memory and truth are great virtues. The memories that people have shared of Cde Tito over the last few days tell us much about his personality and the relationships that he formed.

Some of the finest tributes have come from our nation’s journalists.

We hear of a senior Minister who was always accessible, who pored over every detail in their stories, and who challenged and sparred with them.

We remember how he would dramatically bring a potted Aloe Ferox plant to his Budget speeches to illustrate his approach to fiscal discipline.

Through the Aloe Ferox he sought to illustrate that like our country, the Aloe Ferox survives and thrives when times are tough.

We continue to admire how he always sought to demystify matters of the economy for our citizens.

He insisted that government must communicate with the people on how the economic decisions we take impact their lives.

We will remember his aversion to a flashy lifestyle.

Tito Mboweni wasn’t just incorruptible.

He wasn’t just an avowed enemy of corruption throughout his life in public office.

In time we will look back at those social media posts of Tito defending his infamous brown shoes that had seen better days.

We may then read what was perhaps the deeper, intended meaning:

That when you hold public office, when you are entrusted with leadership, you must be of the people. Not standing above them, not looking down on them.

For Tito, when you hold public office, perception matters.

Tito’s endearing self-deprecation, affability and humility belied an illustrious career.

His remarkable life spans the history of our democratic journey.

He was an activist in the struggle against apartheid.

He played a formative role in the development of the ANC’s economic policy as it prepared to govern.

As the first Minister of Labour of our democratic government, he oversaw the construction of a new labour regime that would reflect the values of a democratic constitution.

During his tenure, groundbreaking labour laws were passed.

He introduced legislation on collective bargaining, basic conditions of employment, labour relations, health and safety, and employment equity that have served our country well over nearly three decades.

These laws fundamentally transformed the labour relations landscape.

They restored dignity to the workers of this country that had been denied them for centuries.

He was the first black governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

He oversaw the modernisation of the Bank.

He introduced inflation targeting and convened the bank’s first monetary policy committee meetings.

To keep the citizenry abreast on economic policy matters, he introduced a televised monetary policy statement.

Later, as Minister of Finance, he undertook one of the most difficult of roles.

It requires someone of mettle.

It requires an ability to take difficult decisions and to withstand extreme pressure.

In a country such as ours, it also requires someone with a keen understanding of the imperatives of development, social transformation and redress.

All of which must at the same time be matched by pragmatism.

He often had to tell his cabinet colleagues that there was no money for their ambitious plans.

As National Breadwinner, it was up to Tito to put things plainly.

As a country, we are better off for his steadfastness and resilience.

He championed economic transformation, just as he championed fiscal discipline and evidence-based policymaking.

Through his leadership, the National Treasury steered our economy through an extremely difficult period.

He became Minister of Finance when the country was emerging from the era of state capture and as the country had to confront a devastating global pandemic.

With him at the helm, the National Treasury set itself on a collaborative course with the rest of government to restore policy and regulatory certainty.

This would culminate in the establishment of Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to speed up the structural reform process.

Since it was established, the reforms driven through Operation Vulindlela have made considerable headway towards resolving challenges in our economy.

What many will remember but perhaps others do not know, is that Tito was instrumental in developing the strategy underpinning the reforms we needed to embark upon in the network industries

His insights and initiatives continue to have a very real, material impact on our economy and on the lives of South Africans.

It is gratifying that Tito got to see the impact of his hard work during his lifetime.

He got to see how the lives and conditions of workers were improved.

He was able to see how safeguarding the independence and mandate of the South African Reserve Bank works. 

He was able to see how reinforcing prudent and transformational fiscal policy is beneficial to a country.

On initiating far-reaching structural reforms.

The Bureau of Economic Research, which Tito often collaborated with, has said it is difficult to think of any other economic policymaker who has left such an enduring legacy.

Tito was particularly popular with the younger generation.

Who, but Uncle Tito, could have a chart-topping rap song titled with his name?

Who, but the Duke of Magoebaskloof, could share tips with 1.5 million followers on the best curry powder to cook a chicken with and impart economic education at the same time?

Our younger generation, many of his social media followers, have a delightful phrase: understanding the assignment.

Loosely deciphered it means knowing what must be done and doing it well. 

Cde Tito and I shared a deep passion for trout fly fishing and would spend time talking about the skill of casting a line to catch a brown trout and compare that to prudent macro-economic policy management. 

I kept fearing that on Budget Day we would bring a dead trout fish to the National Assembly and talk about it.

To the Mboweni family, you are all having to deal with the raw heartache from his death, but we want you to know that we are all feeling the pain together with you. 

Tito’s departure has left a void in our hearts. 

Comrade Tito, you understood the assignment. 

As we bid you farewell my brother, my comrade, my fellow fly fisherman, your legacy is of a successful transformation from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker and politician.

You were a true servant leader, admired and loved by the people.

You delivered on what was required of you. 

You acquitted yourself with dignity and with honour in the ANC, in government and beyond.

You depart this world with that dignity, that honour and that reputation intact.

You did not disgrace or betray your movement or the people of this country.

You were a credit and an asset to both.

This is the most we can hope for as leaders. This is the highest we should aspire to.

Like Tito, we should strive to be true servant leaders.

We should each aspire to do everything that our country asks of us.

Fare well, Mkonto. Rest in eternal peace.

I thank you.

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver eulogy at Special Official Memorial Service honouring former Minister Mdladlana
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Saturday, 26 October 2024, deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Memorial Service honouring former Minister of Labour and High Commisioner to Canada Mr Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana. 

Former Minister of Labour and High Commisioner to Canada, Mr Membathisi Mphumzi Sheperd Mdladlana passed away at the age of 72 on Friday,18 October 2024. 

A teacher by training and a former school principal, Mr Mdladlana became a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994.

Four years later, he was appointed Minister of Labour by President Nelson Mandela and was retained in this role by Presidents Mbeki, Motlanthe and Zuma.

Acting President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour the late former Minister of Labour and High Commissioner.

The former Minister’s family requested a private funeral which took place yesterday, Wednesday, 23 September 2024.

The Special Official Memorial Service will take place as follows: 
Date: Saturday, 26 October 2024
Time: 10:00
Venue: Jakes Gerwel Hall , University of the Western Cape, Cape Town

Media interested in covering the memorial service must please RSVP with Ms Pheliswa Sepati (GCIS) on 082 413 4609 or Mr Khutjo Sebata (Presidency) on 079 898 4621.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the BRICS Summit Outreach and BRICS Plus, on the occasion of the 16th BRICS Heads of State Summit in Kazan, Russia
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Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions, 
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating the Russian Federation and President Putin on chairing a successful BRICS Summit, as well as leading us all on adopting an excellent declaration.

The BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets.

We should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement.

We should use the BRICS platform to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of our peoples.

We welcome the Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening a number of BRICS countries through the various networks aimed at improving the future of BRICS countries’ transport networks and connectivity under the theme ‘Innovation and Digitalisation of Transport’.

This will help us find ways to integrate and deepen our inter-connectedness in new and imaginative ways.

Work has already begun in this regard through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor, which is a multimodal transportation corridor established from St Petersburg to Mumbai.

This corridor is an opportunity for this region to unlock new trade flows and trade routes in an increasingly multipolar world.

On the African continent, the African Continental Free Trade Area will unlock opportunities for trade and investment for local and global businesses.

It will create a number of opportunities that will lead to an integrated and connected continent.

The Single African Air Transport Market is another flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063.

This is an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to support the continent’s economic integration.

For BRICS and friends of BRICS, we need to use these projects to further connect the greater Global South. 

The promotion of greater regional connectivity and trade facilitation can only succeed in an environment of peace and stability. 

Excellencies,

South Africa is concerned about the military aggression by Israel against the people of Gaza, which we have characterised as genocide. This genocide led South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice with a view to stopping the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza. We believe the world cannot sit by and watch the suffering.

The world cannot afford a region-wide escalation of the conflict.

South Africa has been unwavering in advocating for a two state solution that would see an independent Palestinian state along the borders set out in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This would be in line with UN resolutions,  international law and internationally agreed parameters.

We call on the international community and the UN Security Council in particular to address the spiralling conflict.

On our own continent, Sudan enters its second year of horrific conflict and devastation. This is another conflict the world seems to have forgotten about.

The protracted conflicts in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions in Africa persist.

We must find lasting solutions to all these conflicts.

We must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue. 

We must safeguard the ability of states to pursue independent foreign policy. 

We must safeguard the multilateral system, because it is the cornerstone of international relations, and foster an environment of peace and development.

Existing global institutional mechanisms need to be both strengthened and reformed to play a constructive role in international peace and security. 

We cannot allow conflicts to continue in perpetuity. 

We need to find paths to peace. 

In our quest for a more interconnected, just and prosperous world, we have the ability to foster an environment of peace through a focus on sustainable development.

We must continue to support nations and peoples who seek to end the cycle of conflict and choose the path of peace.

I thank you.

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Deputy President Mashatile convenes the second meeting of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 24 October 2024, convene the second meeting of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, a platform established by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the purposes of resolving policy disagreements and any disputes within the 10-member GNU.

All 10 political parties that are signatories to the GNU, namely; African National Congress; Democratic Alliance; Patriotic Alliance; Inkatha Freedom Party; Good Party; Pan Africanist Congress of Azania; Freedom Front Plus; United Democratic Movement; Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi have been invited. 

Issues to be discussed at the second meeting include Terms of Reference of the Clearing House Mechanism, update on the preparations for the G20 Summit, aspects of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act), update on the Preparations for the National Dialogue, as well as a discussion on challenges at Provincial and Local Government level in relation to coalition governments.

Media is hereby invited for a photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting and a media opportunity at the end of the meeting.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 October 2024
Time: 09h00 - 13h00
Venue: Room 26, Tuynhuys, Parliament, Cape Town

Media wishing to cover the meeting must please RSVP with Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the BRICS Summit Open Plenary Session, on the occasion of the 16th BRICS Heads of State Summit, Kazan, Russia
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Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security

Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin,
Excellencies, fellow BRICS Leaders,
Honourable Ministers,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me thank our Chair, President Putin, for hosting us in Kazan for the sixteenth BRICS Summit.

Fifteen years ago, South Africa attended its first BRICS Summit in Sanya, China.

Today, we gather as a group of nine leading emerging countries.

Our historic expansion is a beacon of hope for the global South.

Individually, we are countries of diverse histories, values and strengths.

Together, we demonstrate the benefits of cooperation instead of competition.

As an increasingly influential group, we must ensure the success of this expanded group.

Twenty-five years ago, South Africa’s first democratic President, Nelson Mandela, undertook one of his final state visits to the Russian Federation.

During this visit, President Mandela paid homage to the people of Russia.

He said they “were in the vanguard of that great legion of humanity who shared our struggle against apartheid and therefore also our victory”. 

He said: “This was the solidarity of true internationalism, transcending a vast geographical distance as well as the cultural and social differences between our peoples.”

As the world bears witness to the continued plight of the Palestinian people, South Africa is compelled to emulate that spirit of solidarity. 

As a country, we understand the value of global support for a people’s right to self-determination and statehood.

We are gravely concerned at the further escalation of a conflict that has already caused so much death and destruction.

The International Court of Justice has made it clear that the international community has a duty to prevent genocide by Israel.

The countries of the world have a responsibility not to fund or facilitate Israel’s genocidal actions.

As the UN General Assembly has now resolved, the countries of the world have a responsibility to promote the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

Lasting peace and security will not be achieved until Palestinians have realised their aspirations for statehood, justice and freedom.

Peace and security across the world requires the collective will of the community of nations.

It requires a UN Security Council that is representative and inclusive.

We see from many conflicts raging across the world that the UN Security Council has not fulfilled its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

It does not represent the interests of the global community, and therefore does not have the means to give effect to the global desire for peace.

Just as BRICS has a vital role in shaping a new multipolar world order, so too must it use its voice to advance change.

We found consensus on the reform of the UN Security Council when we met in Johannesburg last year.

Let us build on that foundation to develop an improved consensus that addresses the concerns and aspirations of all BRICS members.

We welcome the report of our National Security Advisors.

As BRICS countries, our security cooperation should continue to enhance mutual trust and build practical cooperation.

It should enable us to address complex security challenges, including terrorism, new technologies such artificial intelligence, cybercrime and instability in various regions.

We meet at a time when multilateralism is under threat.

We see this 16th BRICS Summit as an opportunity to harness our collective strength to build a safer, more prosperous and equitable world.  

It is in this spirit that South Africa will assume the Presidency of the G20 next year under the theme of: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development.”

We will seek to mobilise the countries of the world to take practical steps to resolve global challenges while strengthening international cooperation within a rules-based system.

In an interconnected world, the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations. 

Through solidarity, we seek to advance a unified effort and mutual support among nations.

By advancing equality we seek to ensure fair treatment, opportunities and advancement for all individuals and nations.

Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Over the years, BRICS has emerged as an important voice of the Global South.

The expansion of BRICS is evidence of the growing value of our cooperation.

By working together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all our peoples – and for the global community of nations.

I thank you.

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Acting President Mashatile declares Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour former Minister Mdladlana
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Acting President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour former Minister of Labour and High Commissioner to Canada, Mr Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana.

Acting President Mashatile offers his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Mdladlana who has passed away at the age of 72.

A teacher by training and a former school principal, Mr Mdladlana became a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994.

Four years later, he was appointed Minister of Labour by President Nelson Mandela and was retained in this role by Presidents Mbeki, Motlanthe and Zuma.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 designated by the Acting President will entail ceremonial elements presented by the South African Police Service.

The occasion will take place in Cape Town on Saturday, 26 October 2024. Further details will be communicated in due course.

Acting President Mashatile has declared that the National Flag be flown at half mast around the country from tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 23 October 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 26 October 2024.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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