Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 15 November 2024, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Knysna Regional 2024 Investment Conference, scheduled to take place at the Knysna Premier Hotel Conference Centre, Garden Route District Municipality, in the Western Cape Province.

The Knysna Regional 2024 Investment Conference is organised through partnership between Government, the private sector as well as the civil society, under the theme: “Investments through Skills and Capacity building in the broader region”.

This initiative, led by partners that include the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, the Garden Route District Municipality, Yona-Yethu initiative, and the Knysna Local Municipality, is aimed at promoting Knysna as an attractive investment destination in the Western Cape and South Africa at large.

The Conference will be attended by delegates from various industries in Tourism, Telecoms, Logistics, Finance, Food and Beverage sectors, amongst others, and will focus on areas such as:

• Economic Development and Opportunities for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s), a critical force in addressing economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment;
• Investment promotion aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign direct investment vital for stimulating the local economy;
• Skills Development and Training;
• Meaningful networking and collaboration opportunities to support SMME growth and investment initiatives; and,
• Highlighting investment in key economic sectors promoting sustainable development and addressing critical economic drivers.

Government continues to champion partnership with the private sector, labour and civil society in tackling some of the most immediate challenges facing the South African economy.

In this regard, Deputy President Mashatile will, amongst other government-led investment drives, update the Conference, on a Government-wide initiative known as Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative led by the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support for economic recovery.

Through this initiative, Government aims to modernise and transform network and infrastructure industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications to improve the living conditions of the people.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr Mimmy Gondwe; Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Ashor Sarupen; Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh; Executive Mayor, Garden Route District Municipality, Ald. Andrew Stroebel; as well as the Executive Mayor, Knysna Local Municipality, Cllr Aubrey Ndoda Tsengwa.

MEDIA PROGRAMME

KNYSNA REGIONAL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

Date: Friday,15 November 2024
Venue: Knysna Premier Hotel

Opening and welcoming of guests by the Executive Mayor of Knysna Local Municipality, Cllr Aubrey Ndoda Tsengwa:
Time: 08h00

Panel Discussion: "Promotion of GRDM and Knysna as an investment destination”:
Time: 09h30

How to navigate through the challenging economic times whilst focusing and remaining steadfast on the collective Local Municipality mandate: ensuring accountable, economical, efficient, equitable, and sustainable management of the Region by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Ashor Sarupen:
Time: 10h30

Panel Discussion: “Introduction of Business Projects in Southern Cape":
Time: 11h40

Occupational programmes that Service SETA supports, fund opportunities, and thoughts on how the Skills Centre change lives of people in Knysna by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr Mimmy Gondwe:
Time: 13h10

Keynote Address by His Excellency, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile,
Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa:
Time: 15h20

Media Interviews and Photo Opportunity:
Time:16h30

For more information and accreditation please contact Mr Sam Bopape (The Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or Ms Nwabisa Pondoyi (Knysna Local Municipality) on 060 998 7085.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 6 November 2024. 

The media briefing will take place as follows: 

Date: Wednesday, 13 November  2024
Time: 11h00  
Venue: GCIS, Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town

Live Streaming details:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA 

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Government Spokesperson, on 083 653 7485

Issued by: Government Communications and Information System
Pretoria

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli welcomes the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2024 released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today. The survey revealed a positive trend in the South African labour force, with a decline in the unemployment rate. 

The official unemployment rate decreased to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 33.5% in the previous quarter. The number of employed people increased by 294 000 to 16.9 million. The number of unemployed people decreased by 373 000 to 8.0 million. 

The results also indicate that the largest increases in employment were observed in Eastern Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000), Northwest (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000). 

Importantly, the total number of unemployed youth (age 15 – 34) decreased by 171 000to 4,8 million, while employed youth recorded an increase of 66 000 to 5,8 million. As a result, youth unemployment rate decreased from 46,6% in the second quarter of 2024 to 45,5% in the third quarter of 2024. 

Community and social services, construction, and trade sectors recorded significant job growth. 

"This marks a significant step forward for our economy. The decline in the unemployment rate is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our government working with all relevant stakeholders. The Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP) and Operation Vulindlela initiated by President Ramaphosa have been instrumental in driving economic growth and job creation. We are pleased to see these efforts yielding positive results,” commented the Deputy Minister. 

Government will continue to monitor the labour market and provide the necessary support to Stats SA to continue releasing reliable statistical data for all. 

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head of Office – 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the progress achieved by stakeholders of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) since the establishment of the working group in April 2024. 

The PeWG is a multi-stakeholder mechanism to address critical service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.

The Working Group operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.

Some of the significant developments include the city’s water and sanitation turnaround plan, including the finalisation of water supply agreements for the Mkhomazi Water Project which is expected to increase water supply to more than 600 million cubic meters per annum when completed in 2032. 

Crucial repairs to address water shortages have been accelerated, including the completion of the KwaXimba bulk water project to increase portable water in the outer-west region, the rehabilitation of the Nagle Aqueducts damaged in the 2022 floods, and replacement of pipelines in the North of eThekwini. 

An additional grant of R189.5 million funding has been unlocked from National Treasury to support the turnaround plan to repair critical water and sanitation infrastructure and reduce non-revenue water. 

Management of effluence compliance has seen a 19% improvement in recent months as a result of critical interventions by uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) in the ten of the largest waste water treatment works in eThekwini. 

Preparation for the summer holiday period is showing positive results, including the reopening of the Hilton Hotel and the renewal of leases by Southern Sun of the Maharani and Elangeni Hotel, paving the way for R1 billion worth of investment.

In recent months, over 22 000 members of law enforcement have been deployed to eThekwini through Operational Shanela which has resulted in over 2 000 arrests and increased police visibility following the successful deployment of over 5 000 members of law enforcement during the election period. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed this progress and appreciated the efforts from both business and labour in supporting the work of the PeWG.  

Whilst acknowledging the progress, President Ramaphosa also noted that challenges still persist including the recently announced water curtailment measures and flooding risks being faced by communities and businesses in the South Durban Basin as a result of the damage to the Umlaas Canal.

The President called on social partners to support the ‘Water Secure eThekwini’ Campaign to reduce per capital water consumption in the city by 8% in the short term.

President Ramaphosa also reflected on the continued closure of some of the city’s beaches, which have been reduced from six beach closures in October to only two in November 2024. The President tasked the city with accelerating its plans to reduce beach closures to zero for the upcoming holiday period. 

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s continued commitment to working with social partners to address challenges and announced the intention to establish an Investment Facilitation Team to support private sector investments into catalytic projects in eThekwini by reducing red tape and fast-tracking approvals.  

President Ramaphosa was supported by Ministers in the Presidency, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Finance, Police, Public Works and Infrastructure, Tourism, Transport, Water and Sanitation.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, tomorrow, 8 November 2024, attend the inauguration of His Excellency President Duma Boko at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

President Boko was elected after his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change successfully won the 13th General elections held on the 30th of October 2024.

The Deputy President is attending the inauguration as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa who following the announcement of President Boko’s victory, congratulated him and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with Botswana, as a valued neighbour, to realise the regional integration agenda in pursuit of Africa’s prosperity. 
 
South Africa and Botswana enjoy strong political, economic, and social relations, which date back to pre-independence in Botswana, during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa. 

South Africa wishes President Duma Boko and the Botswana government well in this democratic transition and looks forward to supporting the country’s efforts toward economic growth and prosperity. 

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 has concluded a productive meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial executive.

The meeting was the second engagement between the national and provincial cabinets following the first session with the provincial government of Limpopo. 

The President welcomed the province’s pledge to align the vision for its term with the strategic priorities adopted by the Government of National Unity, further noting the ongoing progress being made by the province with respect to investment promotion and tourism attraction. 

The meeting agreed to focus more inter-governmental collaboration on disaster management policy, climate resilient infrastructure development and human settlement funding to address the housing backlog created by disasters. 

President Ramaphosa commended the progress that has been achieved by the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the fight against crime, particularly the increasing cooperation between communities and the South African Police Service. 

President Ramaphosa appreciated the province’s ambition towards the resolution of socio-economic challenges facing the province that present opportunities for economic growth and job creation. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Good afternoon. 

I would like to thank the leadership of the provincial government for availing themselves for this meeting with members of the National Executive. 

This is our second engagement, as the National Executive, with a provincial executive council.

Last week, we met with the Limpopo Provincial Government, where we said that the Seventh Democratic Administration is prioritising the alignment of the work of national, provincial and local Government. 

Over the next few months we plan to meet with the leadership of all other provinces.

Cooperative governance is mandated by our Constitution. 

There is an obligation for all spheres of Government to cooperate, collaborate and consult on matters of common interest – all the while respecting the scope of their respective powers and functions. 

There have been notable instances of meaningful collaboration in recent years, often at times of crisis. 

There was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the civil unrest in 2021 and the devastating floods of 2022. 

In all of these instances, we can point to successes. But we can also point to serious shortcomings with respect to inter-governmental coordination. 

There is much that we have to learn from these experiences, and there is much that we need to build on.

Among the lessons we have learnt is that it is critical for there to be open channels of communication between provincial authorities and their counterparts at national Government. 

It is our expectation that this meeting will set in motion a more structured and regular form of cooperation between the national and provincial executives. 

When we launched the District Development Model back in 2019, I said that we wanted to get away from working in silos as Government.

We no longer wanted programmes and projects to be conceptualised far from the realities and conditions on the ground. 

That means that we need to get closer together.

We welcome the pledge of the Government of KwaZulu-Natal to align the vision for its term with the strategic priorities adopted by the Government of National Unity. 

Inclusive economic growth that creates jobs and improves the lives of our people is our overriding priority. 

We note, Premier, the ongoing progress being made by the province with respect to investment promotion and attraction, particularly in the Dube Trade Port and the Richard’s Bay Industrial Development Zone. 

The opening of the King Dinuzulu Innovation Valley at the Dube Trade Port promises to be a game-changer with respect to driving innovation in the IT space. 

We note the progress in the rehabilitation work underway around the Port of Durban since the floods, and more generally, improvements in operations at Durban Container Terminals. 

The Port of Durban is integral to the recovery of the national economy. 

Later today, I will be meeting with the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to receive an overview of the progress it has made over the last six months. 

We all agree on the importance of deepening our collaboration as Government, but also with the business community, labour and other social partners. 

In the aftermath of the 2021 unrest we witnessed the benefits of deeper collaboration first hand. 

We are encouraged that the Provincial Government is working with the respective business chambers to resolve challenges around service delivery, infrastructure development and investment attraction. 

Tourism is one of the mainstays of the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Earlier today, I was at the unveiling ceremony for the statue of King Shaka at the King Shaka International Airport, where I spoke about the potential of this new monument to promote interest in the rich culture and history of the province. 

We need to harness this interest to bring more and more tourists to this province from the rest of the country and around the world.

We are encouraged by the work underway by the province to upgrade existing tourism infrastructure, and towards resolving the longstanding challenges with water quality at some of the beaches around eThekwini. 

In Limpopo last week, I said that one of the aims of this new collaborative approach must be aligning efforts that leverage the respective competitive advantages of the provinces. 

With its world-class attractions, KwaZulu-Natal is perfectly poised to lead a tourism boom supported by the visa reforms being undertaken by national Government. 

KwaZulu-Natal is rich in natural splendour, has vast tracts of arable land, considerable marine resources and a ready and able workforce. These are just some of the Province’s comparative advantages. 

It is up to us to ensure that these endowments are harnessed for economic growth and for development. 

I am accompanied today by several Ministers and Deputy Ministers. 

It is their responsibility to work with the Province to build its economy and meet the needs of its people.

I was most touched by your words, Premier, at your State of the Province, where you committed yourself and your Administration to “the hope and revival that the people of this Province so desperately need”.

Having experienced a series of significant setbacks in recent years, KwaZulu-Natal has proven to be resilient and determined to recover. 

You can be assured of the support of the National Executive every step of the way. 

I thank you.

Wena we Ndlovu!
Wena we Ndlovu!
Bayede!

Programme Director,
His Majesty King MisuZulu ka-Zwelithini,
uNdunankulu ka Zulu, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi,
Ondlunkulu,
Abantwana base Ndlunkulu,
The Mhlongo family,
Ngiyajabula ukuthi uMndeni waka Mhlongo ukhona lana nathi namuhla, 
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Members of Parliament,
MECs
Mayor of the eThekwini Metro, Cllr Cyril Xaba,
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, iNkosi RS Shinga,
Management of the Airports Company South Africa,
Representatives of business,
Representatives of political parties,
Religious leaders present,
Amakhosi,
iZinduna,
Amabutho,
oMama,
iZintombi,
Distinguished guests,

Sanibonani.

Kuyintokozo enkulu ukuba lapha namhlanje.

Today is a historic day for the Zulu people and for all the people of South Africa.

Today we raise the glory of King Shaka ka Senzangakhona, the founder of a great nation. 

He was a warrior king, a unifier and a reformer. 

It is fitting that he has been immortalised in the statue being unveiled here today.

We congratulate the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Transport and the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) for fulfilling their undertaking to erect this memorial in honour of iSilo uShaka.

Last year, more than half a million international tourists visited this province to enjoy KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches, its natural splendour and its wildlife. 

They also came to experience the unique traditions, customs and culture of amaZulu.

Now these visitors will be inspired to learn more about the rich history as well. 

This statue stands as a proud testament to a glorious era in the life of the Zulu nation during the reign of King Shaka, iLembe eleqa amanye ama Lembe ngokukhalipha.

This statue will not only inspire visitors to our country.

It is the greatest source of pride that King Shaka’s life, history and contribution is being retold and reclaimed by the generation born into democracy.

Lesifanekiso seLembe sizogqugquzela intsha kulo onke lase Ningizimu Afrika ukufunda kabanzi ngomlando wayo. Nokuziqheya ngemvelaphi yabo.

Thirty years ago, we cast off the shackles of bondage.

With every step we took, we knew that we were being carried along by the spirits of our forebears, the heroes of the past. 

Long, long before we waged the struggle for our liberation from apartheid rule, there were the great warrior kings and queens who took up the spear of resistance against colonial invaders.

King Shaka’s illustrious history is well-known. He is among those leaders with so great a reputation that it has passed into legend. 

And yet for centuries, those who oppressed the South African people sought to denigrate his name to suit their own ends. 

Bakhuluma amanga ngombuso weSilo bezithethelela ngokweba umhlaba wethu.

During colonial and apartheid rule, we were force-fed the history of the oppressor.

We were taught about Vasco da Gama, Henry Francis Fynn, Sir Harry Smith and Piet Retief. 

Sasicula nakugujwa usuku lokuzalwa kwenkosi nendlovukazi yamaNgisi. Azange sifundiswe ngendlovukazi uNandi, uMthaniya kaSibiya kanye nenkosazane uMkabayi kaJama.

The story of the young King Shaka and how he triumphed over a difficult childhood was not told to inspire young black children. Instead we had to recite poems about John Ross and Dirkie Uys.

Since the advent of democracy, we have worked to restore pride in the history of all the people of this great land.

We have been deliberate about reconstructing and rebuilding what is taught in our schools.

There is no place in a free South Africa for glorifying symbols, names and events built on our people’s pain.

Kungenxa yombuso wethu wentando yeningi ukuthi lapha kulelidolobha, imigwaqo ibizwe ngamaqhawe namaqhawekazi wethu.

Queen Nandi. King Dinuzulu. King Cetshwayo. Helen Joseph. Harry Gwala. Adelaide Tambo. Steve Biko. Anton Lembede.

A statue such as the one we are unveiling today represents not just a great person, but a history, a value system and the aspirations of a people. 

This statue is a testament to unity. 

Since his reign began in the early 1800s, King Shaka used the military and political systems he established to bring his people together. 

He forged alliances, integrated rival clans and reformed social structures to unite amaZulu towards a common identity and a common purpose.

This is an aspiration that transcends generations. It is our responsibility to strive towards this goal no matter how difficult it is or how long it takes. 

Building unity takes courage. 

It takes principled leadership that puts the greater good above narrow self-interest. 

King Shaka gave wise counsel, but also took it. 

He had respect for rival kings, even those with which he waged wars. 

He put the interests of his people first.

Sihlangene lapha njengabamele bonke abantu base Ningizimu Afrika ukuzobungaza inkosi uShaka ngoba uyiqhawe lethu sonke.

Ungomunye wamakhosi kanye nezindlovukazi kulelizwe lethu abalwela umhlaba nehlalakahle yomphakathi.

We will reclaim our history. We will ensure that it is glorified in this generation and into the next. 

Sizowaphakamisela phezulu amaqhawe wethu. Sizobiza imigwaqo namabhilidi ngamagama abo, sibhale izincwadi ngabo, kube nemidlalo yomabonakude ngabo futhi sibe nemifanekiso yabo ukubanika udumo nenhlonipho ebafanele.

We will lift high our heroes. We will name our streets and buildings after them, write books about them, make television shows about them, and erect statues in their honour. 

We do so because these heroes represent our past and reflect our aspirations for the future.

Your Majesty King MisuZulu ka-Zwelithini,

Hlanga lomhlabathi,

Sithokozela ukubakhona kwakho kulomcimbi lapho sikhumbula khona ithongo lethu elikhulu.

This was a project close to the heart of your father, the late King Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu.

We are honoured that we have been able to fulfil his vision. 

King Shaka reshaped his people’s destiny. 

May this statue continue to honour his memory as a beacon of courage, resilience and leadership.

May it serve as an enduring reminder to us all that unity is the bedrock on which nations are built, the lifeblood that sustains them and the key to their progress.

Bayede.

Wena wendlovu.

Hlanga Lomhlabathi.

Ngiyabonga.

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