Programme Director,
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Ms Nomfundo Ntloko,
Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, Cllr Zamokwakhe Nxumalo,
Mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, Cllr Jabulile Mzizi Msiya,
Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Nkosi Sifiso Shinga,
Amakhosi bethu,
Members of the St Paul, Ngunjini and Ndzimankulu-Vierkant communities,
Members of the Lawrence family,
Representatives of the respective Communal Property Associations,
Representatives of Merensky, Singisi Forestry Products and the Singilanga Directorate Trust,
Representatives of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Good afternoon,

Today is a day for celebration. It is the culmination of a long journey. 

The wait has been long, but the day has finally come when the Lawrence family and the communities of St Paul, Ngunjini and Ndzimankulu-Vierkant are handed back their land. 

We know that some of the original claimants are no longer with us. But we are honoured to have their descendants present here today. 

I want to thank you all for having faith in the democratic processes that culminated in your respective claims being successful. 

We salute your resilience and unity as communities in your fight to reclaim what is rightfully yours. 

Today we are gathered not just to give you the title deeds to your ancestral land; we are here to restore the dignity and belonging that was taken from you through a great injustice and suffering. 

This great injustice was most starkly exemplified in 1913 Natives Land Act, which dispossessed black South Africans of their land, their livelihoods and their birthright. 

Millions of people were forced off their farms to make way for white settlement. Their livestock was plundered. 

In his book, Native Life in South Africa, Sol Plaatje describes meeting with the victims of this inhumane, deeply unjust law. 

One person told him: 

“The Baas came to the native tenants with the story that a new law had been passed, under which all my oxen and cows must belong to him, and my family to work for 2 pounds a month, failing which he gave me four days to leave the farm.” 

The systematic dispossession of people’s land, which began way before 1913, was the original sin that has caused suffering for generations. 

It stripped families of their livelihoods. They lost their livestock, their crops and their homes. They were stripped of their dignity, rendered pariahs in the land of their birth. 

Today, we are handing over title deeds for a total of 18, 000 hectares of land. 

Approximately 2 800 beneficiaries are covered under these four claims. 

Five hundred and seventy-one female headed households across these four claims are now owners of their ancestral land. 

This title deeds handover is taking place in the year that we celebrate 30 years since the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was signed into law. 

Our Constitution recognises the right to redress of people who were deprived of their land as a result of past racially discriminatory practices.

Clause 25 of the Bill of Rights directs the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on an equitable basis. 

Among the measures the state may take is the acquisition of land for restitution purposes or redistributing state-owned land. 

The land that has been restituted has been under long-term lease from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to Singisi Forestry Products, for commercial forestry use. 

The land will continue to be maintained and utilised for commercial forestry, but the claimant communities are now the legal owners and will receive rental income from the use of their land. This income is key in improving the living conditions in the communities.

We are pleased to be joined today by representatives from Hans Merensky Holdings, Singisi Forestry Products and the Singilanga Directorate Trust as well as from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation. We wish to thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that the communities having their rights restored. 

This is a fine example not only of positive collaboration in pursuit of our shared national goals, but also of sustainable and ethical business practice. 

This represents the kind of stewardship we expect from responsible companies that recognise that the prosperity and success of their businesses is inseparable from the wellbeing of the communities that sustain them. 

By supporting this restitution journey, companies are investing in the dignity, livelihoods and future of communities. 

This restituted land will now benefit not just the original claimants but also their descendants for generations to come. 

I call on companies – here and elsewhere in the country – to deepen their partnerships with beneficiary communities, and enable them to participate in the commercial value chain, access economic opportunities, and be part of decision-making structures. 

The business community across our country should forge partnerships that help ensure that our land reform and rural economic initiatives bear fruits and improve the lives of our communities. 

Restored land must translate to sustainable development. 

It must be a vehicle for upliftment, for poverty alleviation and for job creation. 

We call on the Communal Property Associations to use the financial benefits from this land restitution to develop their communities and to ensure that this prosperity is shared by all. 

The handover of these title deeds on the eve of Human Rights Day reminds us that achieving our freedom was about far more than rights on paper. 

It was and remains about advancing human dignity and building an economy and society that benefits all. 

Land reform remains central to the promise of our democracy. Correcting historical land ownership injustice is a fundamental part of fulfilling that promise. 

Since 1994, we have worked hard to reverse the painful legacy of land dispossession under colonialism and apartheid. 

We have done this by working within the rule of law to ensure continued productivity of the land, while speeding up the process of redress for those affected. 

To date, government has settled approximately 16,900 land claims across this province, KwaZulu-Natal. 

Within the Harry Gwala District alone we have invested more than R376 million for land acquisition, financial compensation and development grants for communities that have been restituted. 

Government’s land reform programme is designed to ensure that land restitution yields tangible benefits not just for communities but for the country’s economy. 

As such, we continue to incentivise agricultural production and investments back into productive land. 

We continue to strike a balance between the need to accelerate transformation in the agricultural sector with ensuring that we remain a food secure country. 

Maintaining the balance between restorative justice and economic growth is key in our efforts to accelerate land reform.

The land reform process must help us in addressing the challenges the country continues to confront: low growth, high unemployment, poverty and inequality. 

Land reform is essentially aimed at growing the pool of commercial farmers and at the same time creating jobs and growing the economy. We want to ensure that the rural economy remains vibrant and inclusive. 

In support of this we are helping emerging farmers, new-entrant commercial farmers, and land claimants to use the land productively for poverty alleviation, job creation and grow the rural economy. 

It is for this reason that we continue to highlight post transfer support as an essential part of land reform, which the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development will outline in the coming months. 

Our democracy was founded on the promise that the injustices of the past would not define the future. 

The title deeds being handed over today represent legal certainty, economic opportunity and generational security. 

When we return land, we return identity and heritage. Most importantly, we restore hope.

This process has not been without challenges. 

There are some in the community who are frustrated with the pace of land reform. Some people feel that their voices have not been heard or they have been left out. 

Due to administrative hurdles, some properties are still in the process of being transferred.

We are committed to engaging on all these challenges and ensuring that the proper processes are concluded without undue delay.

We remain committed to ensuring that neighbouring villages understand how they can participate in the broader land reform and rural development programme of government.

Across our country, we will accelerate the process of tittle deeds transfer on restituted land and on the land under the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy. 

Over the years, the state has acquired over two million hectares of land in this programme, and we are making a concerted effort to transfer it with title deeds. 

Such transfer is key to boosting rural growth, inclusivity, job creation and addressing poverty. We will outline such steps as we proceed with these important efforts to restore dignity to the people of South Africa. 

Today, the soil of Umzimkhulu bears witness to rebirth and restoration.  

May this returned land continue be a source of dignity, prosperity, and opportunity for you all, and for generations to come. 

I thank you.
 

The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event at Caledon Sports Grounds, Ian Toerin Way, Overberg District, Western Cape Province.

World TB Day is commemorated each year on March 24, to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and profile efforts to eliminate the disease. This day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB. South Africa remains one of the hardest hit countries by TB, which has remained the leading cause of death claiming an estimated 56 000 lives a year, more than half (54%) of which are people living with HIV.

This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is ‘Yes! You and I Can End TB’, a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies, as well as to encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB. 

The 2026 World TB Day commemoration will support the implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan, with a particular focus on amplifying the End TB Campaign, which aims to test 5 million people annually through expanded testing, integrated healthcare services, effective communication, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and increased funding for prevention, treatment, and research.

Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde; SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Mr Solly Nduku; Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Ms Mpumi Zikalala; SANAC CEO, Dr Thembi Xulu, as well as representatives from development partners inclusive of United Nations Agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the commemoration as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Time: 09h00 (please make prior arrangements for OB Vans)
Venue: Caledon Sports Grounds, Ian Toerin Way, Caledon, Western Cape Province (1h 20min from Cape Town)

For media interviews and logistics, please contact: 
1. The Presidency – Sthembiso Sithole Sthembiso@presidency.gov.za or 078 356 4355
2. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini: nelson@sanac.org.za or 078 731 0313
3. Department of Health – Foster Mohale: foster.mohale@health.gov.za or 072 432 3792

Members of the media are kindly requested to RSVP with their full name, designation, media house and ID numbers to Simangaliso Motsepe (SANAC): simangaliso@sanac.org.za by Friday, 20 March 2026.
 

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

Issued jointly by: The Presidency, National Department of Health and the South African National Aids Council
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Saturday, 21 March 2026, participate in the Alex 10K race in Alexandra Township, Gauteng Province. 

The Alex 10K race entered its second year in 2025, following Adreach Group's three-year partnership with Run Alex Athletics Club. This collaboration is aimed not only to revive road running events in Alexandra but to promote local tourism under the theme "Explore Alex on Foot." 

The purpose for the race is to fund grassroots operations for the Run Alex Athletics Club and support the Read Alex Project, a Saturday programme aimed at improving literacy and educational outcomes for local children.

The 2025 event saw the participation numbers increase by 58%, from 1400 starters in 2024 to 2220 starters in 2025. 

Over 3000 participants are expected to partake in this year’s race as they will explore Alexandra’s rich history. 

Details of the race are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Time: 07h00 (Media to arrive at 06:00)
Prize-giving ceremony - 09:30
Venue: Altrec Sports Complex, Alexandra, Gauteng Province 

Members of the media who wish to cover the race should RSVP to Sthembiso Sithole on 078 356 4355.

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, Saturday, 21 March 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Commemoration of Human Rights Day.

The occasion will take place at AR Abass Stadium, Kimberley, Northern Cape Province.

Human Rights Month 2026 is commemorated under the theme: “A Legacy of Courage: Protecting Rights, Preserving Humanity”.

Observed annually on 21 March since the advent of democracy, Human Rights Day marks South Africa's progressive trajectory toward an equal, free, and open democratic society.  

This observance holds particular significance for historically marginalised and subjugated communities, and pays solemn tribute to the activists and supporters who sacrificed their lives or made various contributions to the struggle for freedom.

The national day reaffirms the moral urgency and importance of protecting human dignity and achieving equality in all aspects of our lives.

The theme for 2026 celebrates 30 years since the adoption of South Africa's  Constitution.

The objectives of Human Rights Month are:
•To honour and commemorate the courageous individuals and collective efforts who fought and continue to fight for human rights in South Africa. 
•Reflect on the lasting impact of the liberation struggle, especially the Sharpeville Massacre.
•Create awareness of the human rights enshrined in the Constitution to encourage active protection, promotion, and fulfillment of these rights.
•To reinforce the Constitution as a living document and mandate for ongoing collective responsibility, and courageous action in protecting human rights. 
•To inspire ongoing commitment to overcoming persistent systemic inequalities from apartheid past, towards a just, equitable, and rights-respecting society.

Human Rights Month has been leveraged as a vehicle to foster social cohesion, nation building, national identity, socio-economic development and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all related intolerances.

The President will visit the Re Tlameleng Special Needs School ahead of the formal proceedings, to unveil the 2026 Human Rights Day legacy project that demonstrates government’s commitment to inclusive development and disability empowerment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Human Rights Day as follows :
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Time: 12h00
Venue: AR Abass Stadium, Kimberley, Northern Cape.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Directors,
News24 Editor-in-Chief, Mr Adriaan Basson,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We gather at this summit at a time of hope and promise for South Africa. 

After years of stagnation, our economy has reached a turning point. Growth is improving, investment is expanding and more jobs are being created. 

Our reform agenda has built up significant momentum, enabling growing confidence in our economic trajectory. 

By implementing far-reaching reforms to our electricity sector, we have brought an end to load shedding and are creating an environment for businesses to invest and grow. 

The performance of our rail system and ports is improving, enabling us to increase our exports and our revenues. 

Our national debt has stabilised. We have generated a primary budget surplus for three consecutive years. 

We are on track to spend more than R1 trillion on infrastructure over the next three years, leveraging even more private investment. 

We have brought stability to key state-owned enterprises and restored sound governance, repairing the damage wrought by corruption and state capture. 

Across the world, investors are looking at South Africa with renewed interest, as an emerging market with strong institutions, sound policy and a solid track record of reform. 

The tangible improvements in our economic performance that we are experiencing now are the result of a sustained, multi-year effort to reform our economy and to fix what was broken. 

Most importantly, these improvements are the result of collaboration between government and partners across society, of the recognition that our challenges cannot be resolved by the State on its own.

All of our efforts have been driven by the simple conviction that we can achieve more when we work together.

There is ample evidence for that conviction in South Africa’s history. Indeed, it is what defines us as a nation and as a people.

We confronted the COVID-19 pandemic through partnerships, we overcame our energy crisis through partnerships, and we will also create jobs through partnerships.

We have sought to change the culture of the State: to build a government that is more open, more transparent, more willing to engage, to listen and to collaborate with others.

We have shown that it is possible to overcome even the most complex and difficult challenges through bold, coordinated action. 

This summit brings together South Africans from all walks of life to share ideas and to forge solutions to advance a shared goal: to build a society that works for all its people and in which all people can find work.

One of our greatest strengths as a country is our vibrant media and civil society, engaged businesses and labour movements, and world-class experts and academics at the cutting edge of their fields. 

It is through discourse and debate that we have been able to come up with unique approaches to the challenges that we face, and to show that there is always a way. 

That is why we have embarked on a National Dialogue, to create a platform for South Africans from every part of our society to talk, to reinforce our common values and aspirations, and to chart a way forward for our country.

I therefore applaud and commend News24 for convening this summit in the spirit of our National Dialogue to discuss solutions to the persistent challenge of unemployment. 

Creating jobs is the foremost priority of this government.

Our single greatest challenge is to translate positive economic momentum into jobs for the millions of South Africans who remain unemployed.

A job is more than just an income. It is about dignity, about confidence, about a sense of belonging and an ability to contribute to our community and our society.

The rate of unemployment in our country is unique. It has its roots in apartheid and an economy that was built for only a small part of its population. And it is the result of our inability to fully reverse this legacy of exclusion and to create jobs at scale.

Many young South Africans face the prospect of leaving school without a foothold in the economy, unable to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

That is why we have placed jobs at the heart of our agenda – to give every young person in this country a chance at a better life.

To do this, we need more rapid and inclusive economic growth.

We know that growth creates jobs. When our economy has grown in the past, unemployment has reduced. 

That is why we are focused on implementing economic reforms and creating an environment for businesses to invest. 

Operation Vulindlela, which is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reform, has enabled us to address many of the key binding constraints on our economy. 

It has made progress by focusing on a limited number of priorities with the greatest impact, developing clear, action-oriented plans, and enabling a coordinated approach across government to ensure delivery. 

We are now turning our attention to the water crisis in many of our cities and towns.

Water is critical not only to sustain life, but also to enable economic and social development. 

Without a secure supply of water, companies do not invest and jobs are not created.

Given the extent and complexity of this challenge, I have established a National Water Crisis Committee to oversee systemic reforms to address the dysfunction in many municipalities and to facilitate investment in water infrastructure. 

Where municipalities have demonstrated that they are not able to provide water services, we will use our powers to intervene and ensure that responsibility for water delivery is assigned to someone who can. 

We will confront the water crisis in the same way that we tackled load shedding: by acting with speed and resolve to implement a clear, evidence-based plan.

The reforms that we have embarked on are not easy and they are not complete. 

The changes that people want to see in their lives are, for the most part, yet to materialise.

Yet we can now say with confidence that we are on the right track. 

But growth on its own will not bring the millions of South Africans who are unemployed from the margin into the fold.

As we implement bold structural reforms to lift growth, we are also expanding support for the unemployed to sustain productive livelihoods.

We must continue to strengthen our social protection system to reach all unemployed South Africans with a basic level of support. 

By redesigning the Social Relief of Distress Grant, we will ensure that those receiving the grant have access to a wide range of support to search for work and to sustain a livelihood. 

Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we have created more than 2.5 million opportunities in public and social employment since 2020.

The stimulus has shown that public employment is not only about providing an income to those in need. 

It is also about creating meaningful work that benefits communities while building skills and experience and enabling people to make a way for themselves in the economy.

The stimulus has placed school assistants in thousands of schools and supported the restoration of rivers and wetlands. It has helped community-based organisations employ people to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.

In Bulungula in the Eastern Cape, the Social Employment Fund has created opportunities for 1,000 people to sustain food gardens for schools, ECD centres and the community as a whole.

In Standerton in Mpumalanga, the programme has turned illegal dumping sites into parks and transformed sits of neglect into clean public spaces.

These examples show that there is no shortage of work to be done – only a shortage of jobs.

Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, we are supporting young people to grow their skills and enter the labour market through strong collaboration between government, non-profit organisations and the private sector.

There are now more than 5 million young people registered on SAYouth.mobi, an innovative platform that connects them to opportunities for learning and earning.

We need more companies to use SAYouth to hire young people, making use of the cutting-edge technology which the network has built to set them up for success.

Through a partnership with business, we have established the Youth Employment Service – known as YES – which has provided work experience opportunities to more than 220,000 young people.

I call on all companies to be part of the YES drive, to enable more and more young people to take their first step into the work environment – and to provide them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work.

As part of the effort to ensure that young people are equipped for work, we are reforming the skills development system to link training more closely to demand in the economy. 

We are working to overhaul the SETA system and replace it with a fit-for-purpose system that enables young people to access jobs.

We must build on our strengths as a country to create jobs for the economy of the future. 

We have one of the most sophisticated financial sectors in the world. 

We can position South Africa as a destination for financial services companies to locate their African and emerging market operations. 

We have among the best solar and wind resources in the world. By rolling out renewable energy at scale, we can build a strong platform for growth in a wide range of sectors, from green steel to new energy vehicles. 

We have a thriving agricultural sector, producing high-value crops for the entire world. By expanding our export markets and supporting farmers to grow their production, we can create jobs in every part of our country.

Most importantly, if we are to truly address the unemployment crisis, we must support small businesses and the informal sector. 

That is where we can create jobs at scale. 

We must support businesses with potential to grow through capital, skills and market access, and by creating an enabling regulatory environmen
We are reviewing current legislation to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses and make it easier, not harder, for them to start and grow.

These actions represent a clear, focused strategy to position our economy for growth and to create jobs at scale.

However, for this strategy to work, we need a state that is capable of delivering and a society in which the rule of law is sacrosanct.

We are reforming our criminal justice system to restore public trust and equip law enforcement agencies to deal with organised crime and corruption. 

Pervasive crime breeds fear and mistrust. It has both a devastating human cost and a direct economic impact.

It increases the cost of doing business and discourages businesses from investing. 

That is why rebuilding our criminal justice system is as important for jobs as any employment programme.

We will complete the implementation of our action plan on the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, and undertake the corrective measures that may arise from the work of the Madlanga Commission.

We are focused on strengthening the Hawks, NPA and the SIU to bring perpetrators to justice, to recover stolen funds and to end impunity.

And we are advancing reforms to professionalise our public service and protect it from political interference.

We undertake all of these tasks at a time of great instability and uncertainty in the global economy.

The conflict in the Middle East looks set to exact a heavy toll on the economies of the world, increasing energy costs, disrupting supply chains, raising the cost of living and lowering growth prospects. 

It is therefore essential that we proceed with urgency to drive the reform and transformation of our economy while identifying the measures we need to take to mitigate the effects of the conflict.

There is no doubt that we have wind in our sails. 

It is up to all of us now, as South Africans, as one people with a shared future, to take our country to new heights. 

We call on business, on labour, on civil society, on academics and on citizens to work together to drive this work.

Through this summit, News24 is helping to define a place for the media in this national effort.

We call on the media to be part of informing, empowering and mobilising society to realise the promise of our Constitution and the potential of our people.

It is by creating jobs that we will open the doors of opportunity to all, and build a society that is more equal, more stable and more united.

I look forward to the outcomes of this summit, and I thank each one of you for your commitment to and your love for our beautiful country.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Mr Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, human rights lawyer, former Chief Legal Advisor to President Nelson Mandela and United Nations representative in diverse roles.

President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to Mr Haysom’s family and friends, his former colleagues in The Presidency and government more broadly, as well as his associates on the continent and colleagues in the United Nations. Mr Haysom has passed away at the age of 73.

Mr Haysom served as chief legal and constitutional advisor to President Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

He chaired a committee that negotiated constitutional principles in the Burundi Peace Process under President Mandela.

He was a mediator and advisor in the Sudan Peace Process and served the United Nations in different roles, including as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Somalia, and South Sudan. He also headed the UN Mission in Iraq.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today we mourn a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place.

“I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our Constitution – attributes that underscored his role in peace-making on our continent and in other world regions.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we pay tribute for Fink for his dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people in all the parts of the world where his guidance was deeply respected and sought-after.

“We reflect on the rich breadth of his life of law, scholarship and creativity, which established him as a writer and, in 1987, as South African Playwright of the Year.

“We are obligated to honour his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will host a Youth Services Expo at the Kuruman Town Hall in the Northern Cape on Friday 20 March 2026 aimed at bringing essential government services and opportunities directly to young people in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

The outreach programme will provide young people with access to information on employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and a range of government services. The initiative brings together key stakeholders including government departments, agencies, local mining companies, and private sector partners, all contributing to youth empowerment through exhibitions and programme presentations.

The Deputy Minister will deliver remarks and conduct a walkabout engaging directly with exhibitors and young attendees.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 20 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 13:00 (Exhibitions open from 09:00)
Venue: Kuruman Town Hall, Kuruman, Northern Cape

The programme will include presentations from key institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Department of Employment and Labour, SAPS, SETAs, TVET Colleges, local mining stakeholders, and other organisations supporting youth empowerment initiatives.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 19 March 2026, respond to Oral Questions in the National Assembly as part of Parliament’s oversight and accountability processes.

The session will provide Members of Parliament with an opportunity to engage the Deputy President on key governance priorities, policy matters and service delivery issues. These include Government interventions implemented to ensure uninterrupted and equitable water supply in Gauteng.

The Deputy President will also outline the proposed two-phase review of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Framework, as well as broader Government efforts to strengthen the impact of B-BBEE in driving economic transformation and advancing the District Development Model.

In response to the persistent increase in violent crime, the Deputy President will reiterate the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cabinet Committee's commitment to improving inter-departmental coordination, enhancing intelligence-led policing, and modernising the Criminal Justice System.

The Deputy President will also elaborate on his mandate as the Special Envoy to South Sudan and the country’s contribution towards resolving the ongoing conflict and advancing stability in the region.

Additionally, the Deputy President will brief the Members on the implementation plans that are in place to ensure that South Africa moves decisively from exporting raw minerals to building competitive local industries that create sustainable jobs and broaden ownership.

Details of the National Assembly sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
Time: 14h00 
Venue: Nieuwmeester Dome, Cape Town

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally provided written responses to questions submitted by Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations regarding security matters made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

President Ramaphosa’s submission shows the President’s support for the parliamentary process, including ensuring that the committee receives all necessary information to carry out its mandate effectively.

The President is committed to transparency and welcomes parliamentary oversight over the executive arm of the state, as part of the democratic processes that govern the country.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will respond to Governance Cluster Oral Questions in the National Assembly.

This engagement forms part of Parliament’s oversight role, providing an opportunity for Members of Parliament to pose questions to the Executive on matters relating to governance, service delivery, and the implementation of government programmes.

Members of the media and the public are invited to follow the proceedings live on Parliamentary broadcast platforms.

Details of the engagement are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Time: 15h00
Platform: Live on Parliamentary channels

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria