Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 07 November 2024, respond to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), relating to several critical issues impacting South Africa's township and rural economies as well as on some of his Delegated Responsibilities.

The Deputy President is expected to provide a critical overview on the work that Government is undertaking to resolve some of the pressing challenges facing the country currently.  

The briefing that Government will provide to the NCOP, through the Deputy President, will include Government's strategies to transform apartheid spatial planning by investing in critical industries such as manufacturing. This is aimed at stimulating job creation and economic growth in townships and rural communities.

Furthermore, in response to a question on what Government is doing to prevent sabotage of the township economy by extortionists, the Deputy President will provide an update on decisive steps taken to combat criminal activities, including the establishment of the Extortion and Kidnapping Task Force Forum in all affected provinces.

In line with the Finance Minister's recent comments, Deputy President Mashatile will emphasise the importance of local government in supporting economic growth and responding to societal demands. 

In outlining the service delivery interventions,  Deputy President Mashatile is expected to speak of how Government is prioritising the strengthening of local municipalities, which are central to creating an enabling environment for economic development.

On land reform, the Deputy President will highlight the Government's commitment to increasing agricultural production and improving food security.

Deputy President Mashatile will further reiterate Government's commitment to working closely with all sectors of society, including the private sector, civil society, and local communities, to address crime and economic challenges.

He will also elaborate on Government's comprehensive approach to ensuring that townships and rural areas remain vibrant, safe, and economically productive.

Details of the session are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 07 November 2024

Time: 14h00

Venue: Old Assembly Building, Parliament, Cape Town

Livestreaming and broadcast: Parliamentary Channel 408 on DSTV.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Tuynhuys, Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 7 November 2024, and Friday, 8 November, undertake a visit to KwaZulu-Natal where he will honour the heritage of King Shaka Zulu, hold discussions with the Provincial Executive Committee, and engage with residents of eThekwini.
 
President Ramaphosa will commence his KwaZulu-Natal visit at 09h00 tomorrow, Thursday, 7 November, with the unveiling of a statue of King Shaka Zulu at King Shaka International Airport, Durban.
 
His Majesty King Misuzulu KwaZwelithini and Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will join the President in officiating this tribute to King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founding father of the Zulu nation, whose leadership and military strategy forged one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southern Africa.
 
The unveiling of this statue aims to honour the King’s legacy and preserve his memory for future generations. The monument will serve as a symbol of unity, strength, and pride for the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the entire nation, celebrating King Shaka's contributions to Zulu history, culture, and identity.
 
The unveiling ceremony will be followed by addresses by the President and King Misuzulu KwaZwelithini at a separate venue in the airport precinct.
 
Later in the day, President Ramaphosa will hold discussions with Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and the Provincial Government Executive.

The President will be accompanied by relevant Ministers and Deputy Ministers in this engagement which is part of a new series of interactions between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improving service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

The provincial leadership will present to the President its five-year programme that will respond to the national priorities of securing inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty and building a capable and ethical state.

The meeting will also discuss interventions to improve service delivery at local government level.

Following his engagement with the Provincial Executive, President Ramaphosa will have a meeting of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group where he will be updated on the work being done to support and accelerate efforts by the eThekwini Municipality to improve service delivery, improve business confidence, and reposition eThekwini as an investment and tourism hotspot.

Established in February 2024, the Working Group represents an intergovernmental collaborative approach to addressing challenges in local government, and includes active participation from all levels of Government, the private sector, State-owned enterprises, organised labour, and civil society. 

On Friday, 8 November, President Ramaphosa and members of national, provincial and local government will hear directly from citizens and organised civil society formations during a Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo under the theme “Leave No One Behind”.

The Imbizo is a platform that allows citizens to make proposals and ventilate problems directly to the leadership who in turn respond to these inputs and set out plans for developing communities and the economy in the area visited by the President.
 
Details of the President’s engagements are as follows:
 
UNVEILING OF KING SHAKA ZULU STATUE
 
Date: Thursday, 07 November 2024
Time:Time: 09h00
Venue:  Domestic Arrival Area, King Shaka International Airport, Durban

Contact: Lindelani Mbatha, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Premier, on 061 499 0774
 
MEETING WITH PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
 
Date: Thursday, 07 November 2024
Time: 14h00 (media to arrive at 13h00)
Venue: Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, Durban

Media will be able to cover opening remarks by the President and the Premier

Contact: Mr Lindelani Mbatha, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Premier, on 061 499 0774
 
PRESIDENTIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL (DDM) IMBIZO

Date: Friday, 08 November 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Umnini Sports Field, Umgababa Municipality, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Contact: Mr Lindelani Mbatha, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Premier, on 061 499 0774

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) has today, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, chaired a successful inaugural meeting of the newly appointed Human Resource Development Council, for the next five year term.  

The newly appointed HRDC members include representatives from government, organised labour, organised business as well as civil society, and its core strategic mandate is to advise government on efforts towards building the requisite skills to meet the labour market demand.

“We look forward to your invaluable contribution and are convinced that your unique talents, abilities and experiences will further assist and reenergise efforts to realise the strategic goals of the HRDC”, said Deputy President Mashatile, in his opening remarks.

The meeting received presentations on the Reconceptualised HRD Strategy and the Master Skills Plan which will anchor policy documents for all human resource development interventions in the country.  

The plan identifies four (4) strategic outcome-oriented goals as follows:

Goal 1: Improving early learning and schooling outcomes. 
Goal 2: Improving the employability of the youth NEETs. 
Goal 3: Improving the responsiveness of the PSET system to skills demands. 
Goal 4: Improving governance, leadership and management in the public sector. 

Furthermore, the meeting received updates on the establishment of the Just Energy Skills Forum which is aimed at contributing to the transformation of the energy landscape in the country, in line with the dictates of climate change.  This follows the commitment made by government to launch the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan 2023-2027 in November 2022, where President Cyril Ramaphosa mandated the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) to engage with various key stakeholders in developing common approaches for South Africa.
  
A key element for the implementation of the JET Skills Portfolio is the establishment of a National Skills Advisory Forum, that is planned to be launched at the 5th HRDC Summit scheduled to take place on 21-22 November 2024.

The 5th HRDC Summit will bring together civil society groups, government, labour and business, to deliberate on critical skills challenges facing the country, and will be held under the theme: “Living and working in a changed world: Developing the emotional, intellectual and technical capabilities to succeed”. 

The key focus of the Summit will be the Reconceptualised HRD Strategy, Master Skills Plan as well as the Launch of the JET National Skills Advisory Forum. 

The summit will also discuss building foundations for learning and skills for a transformed economy as well as building a capable state.

In his concluding remarks, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised the need to embark on a new chapter towards 2029, with a renewed sense of hope and determination to drive the Human Resource Development initiatives to urgently address the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.   

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

At the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow evening, 6 November 2024, attend the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, taking place in South Africa for the first time.

The Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious global prize for the environment in history, despite only being in its fourth year. It was launched by Prince William and the Royal Foundation in 2020. 

Since then, said Deputy President Mashatile, “the significant work that Earthshot has done by scaling ingenious solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the world, such as climate change, waste management, cleaning our air, saving our oceans, and saving and restoring nature is remarkable and aligned with South Africa’s priorities towards climate action, environmental protection and restoration, and cleaning the environment.”

Every year, the Earthshot Prize searches the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair the planet, annually awarding the very best 5 solutions with £1 million to scale their work. The initiative exists to discover, spotlight and help grow innovative solutions that are working to repair and regenerate our planet. 

Last year, Earthshot welcomed its first South African Finalist, ABALOBI, whose technology is making it easier for small fishing communities to monitor fish populations, improve market access, and recognise these communities as stewards for our oceans. 

It is of particular importance that the focus of the Earthshot Prize Awards is on the impact of climate change on Africa and the innovative solutions found on the African Continent to mitigate the impact of climate change and environmental degradation. 

Deputy President Mashatile said that “it is an honour to welcome the Prince of Wales to South Africa, highlighting the unique relationship the Royal Family has with our country. The Prince of Wales continues to show his steadfast support and commitment to campaigning for the environment and advocating for the protection of our planet. These prestigious Awards play a critical role in supporting and celebrating small enterprises that make a huge difference."

The Deputy President will attend the Earthshot Prize Awards as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
Time: 18h30 (Arrival and Green Carpet Media opportunity)
Venue: The Earthshot Prize Dome (next to Greenpoint Stadium)

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 05 November 2024, receive a courtesy call from the Prince of Wales, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) at Genadendal, Official Residence of the President in Cape Town.

The Prince of Wales is in South Africa to host the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, on 6 November 2024. The Earthshot Prize is a remarkable initiative that shines a light on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the creative solutions people and communities across the globe generate.

South Africa is pleased to be the host country for this year’s awards, especially because of the focus this initiative places on the impact climate change and environmental degradation has on the African Continent.

Moreover, the Awards have created local jobs and provided an opportunity for South African artists and designers to showcase their talent.

The President and Prince William will hold discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest.  The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal Family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties.

NOTE TO MEDIA: The Courtesy call will only be a photo opportunity and a pool arrangement is in place for this meeting.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

At the invitation of the Soweto Marathon Trust, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is today Sunday, 3 November 2024, taking part in the African Bank Soweto Marathon 2024, which has an estimated 25 000 participants in various race categories.

The Deputy President will participate in the 10km category, whereas the Soweto Marathon has other categories such as the main marathon (42km) and half marathon (21km). He will later take part in the prize-giving ceremony at the close of the marathon.

Details of the DP’s participation in the marathon are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 3 November 2024
Time: 07h00 (Arrival); 07h30 (Race starts) 09h30 onwards (Prize-giving ceremony)
Venue: Gate 4, NASREC Precinct, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Today, 2 November 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone call with President-Elect Duma Boko and offered his warm congratulations to His Excellency and the government and people of the Republic of Botswana on the success of the recently concluded elections. 

President Ramaphosa once again commended the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition on its success in the election under the leadership of President-Elect Boko. President Ramaphosa welcomed the immediate establishment of transitional plans between the outgoing administration was led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the incoming administration of President Boko. 

 “The success of the elections in our sister nation and the seamless transition that is already underway affirms the demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent.

As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations", said President Ramaphosa.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm congratulations to President-Elect Duma Boko and the government and people of the Republic of Botswana on the success of the recently concluded election in South Africa’s neighbouring nation.

President Ramaphosa commends the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition on its success in the election under the leadership of President-Elect Boko and welcomes outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s stated preparations for a transition that follows 58 years of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party.

President Ramaphosa said: “The success of the election in our sister nation is an important and affirming demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent.

“As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a productive session with the Limpopo Provincial Government Executive Council. The President expressed confidence in the economic growth potential that lies within the Province that can unlock more opportunities for the people of Limpopo. 
 
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on the immediate actions that we can take together as national and provincial governments to bring significant changes to the province of Limpopo that will impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Limpopo remains a fertile ground upon which we can sow South Africa’s growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
 
President Ramaphosa further said there are areas of infrastructure development that will continue to be at the centre of the agenda of his Cabinet, like water provision and roads, until significant progress has been registered and the lives of people of Limpopo are changed for the better.  
 
The meeting agreed on the urgent support from National Departments, in the areas of Energy and Electricity, Land Reform, Water and Sanitation, Transport, COGTA and Public Works and Infrastructure to assist the province accelerate catalytically projects that will deliver sustainable growth. The inter-governmental framework will prioritise projects that require immediate action whilst allowing those that require long-term planning to be mapped accordingly. 
 
President Ramaphosa appreciated the understanding of the residents’ plight and the vision for the province reflected in the presentation delivered by the Premier and the provincial executive. 
 

Media enquiries:

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

 - Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela, Limpopo Provincial Government Spokesperson, on 082 200 5357 / 067 267 2063 or ramakuelan@premier.limpopo.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria