The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, and Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth And Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, will today brief the media as part of the release of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) Q3 2025/26 Report. 

The briefing will present progress made in advancing youth employment, provide an overview of programme outcomes, and highlight partnerships driving digital and economic opportunities for young people.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the briefing as follows:

Date: Wednesday 11 February 2025
Time: 14h00 - 16h00
Venue: Edunova, 1 Ndabeni Street, Langa, Cape Town

The programme will include opening remarks by the Deputy Minister Mhlauli, a presentation on the PYEI Q3 results, an overview of Edunova and the Innovation Fund, testimonies from youth participants, a media Q&A session, and a tour of the Edunova facilities.

The briefing will also highlight the ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative, a collaborative programme designed to empower young people, particularly young women, through digital skills development, micro-enterprise support, and sustainable economic participation.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindiswa
Chikunga,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr. Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency, Mr.
Ndumiso Kubheka,
Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Dr. Sunshine Myende,
Panellists and delegates,
Young South Africans,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon, and thank you for the warm welcome to this annual youth dialogue on the eve of the State of the Nation address, which is always a highlight for the President.

The President is unable to attend this year due to pressing issues as he is preparing for the State of the Nation Address. I however want to assure that immediately after this session I will be joining him to look at the final touch up on his speech and ensure that the issues that will be emerging from this gathering form part of his address to the nation.

This is primarily the President believes that young people, are our nation’s beating pulse, our present and our future.

The are not passive observers of the national mood - you set its tone and pace, you surface new ideas, and you turn what matters to you into conversations, debates and movements.

It is from you, the youth, that we come to appreciate what this country sounds like, what its many currents, and the lived experiences of our people are.

For anyone seeking to read the pulse of South Africa, one need only be in gatherings such as this one, so it is a real privilege to be here on behalf of the President. It is for this reason why the President in his absence asked that I come and engage, listen, and to learn from you, because you are the future. Together we want to resolve issues on the economy, on education, on healthcare as well as on climate change and any other issue that you consider necessary.

This is a year of particular significance for us as a nation, as we mark 50 years since the Soweto uprising. In 1976 the youth took to the streets, demanding that their voices be heard and refusing to accept a future that would exclude and marginalise them.

As today’s generation of young people, you are infused with the same moral clarity and sense of purpose.

Your instincts for success, for dignity and for taking up opportunity are hard-wired. They are “locked-in”, to use your Gen Z phrase.

A future in which democracy truly delivers for all is the struggle of your time and your generational mission. In striving to fulfil your goals, you are the worthy inheritors of the mantle of the 1976 generation.

Allow me to thank the National Youth Development Agency for convening this dialogue.

For the past 17 years the NYDA has been at the forefront of our efforts as government to connect young people to livelihoods, skills training and economic opportunities. The NYDA has facilitated a range of interventions to support youth entrepreneurship and also lent its support to the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and others.

On behalf of President Ramaphosa, I look forward to hearing more from the young South Africans on today’s panel who are the beneficiaries of the NYDA’s work.

As has been the case in the past, the valuable insights gleaned from this engagement have enriched the State of the Nation address and given us valuable food for thought.

I keep my words brief because I would like this to be a real exchange of views.

I am here with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayor of Cape Town, Councillors, Officials from all spheres of government not only to share with you what we as government are doing but to plan with you the future of our country.

Thank you once more for welcoming me and I look forward to our discussion today.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s ongoing support to diplomatic and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is in line with South Africa’s long stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations. 

In a telephone call held today, 10 February 2026, President Ramaphosa received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin on the situation in Ukraine and on Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution. 

On the bilateral relationship, President Ramaphosa welcomed the engagements with Russia aimed at advancing the development of a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework within the Russia-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.  

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in key international fora such as BRICS and the G20.

President Ramaphosa and President Putin pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In this regard, teams from both sides will continue their engagements towards the finalisation of this process. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Mr Zulu,
Honourable Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Honourable MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Elzabe Rockman,
District Mayor, Cllr Conny Msibi, and other Councillors,
Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Ntate Morena Neo Mopeli,
Leaders of Communal Property Associations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.

It is an honour to join the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders gathered here today for this important engagement with land reform beneficiaries. Programmes such as this are not ceremonial. They are about restoring dignity, strengthening ownership, and ensuring that land reform translates into real economic participation for our people.

The handover of title deeds represents far more than a legal process. It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future.

Government is clear that land reform must not only transfer land, but must also support sustainable use of that land. Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development.

This work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. 

One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership. This work ensures that more South Africans are able to participate meaningfully in the economy and build intergenerational wealth. 

Today’s engagement therefore forms part of a much larger national effort to unlock opportunity, restore dignity, and build a capable, responsive state that works for its people.

We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency. Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice.

To the beneficiaries present today: the land you receive is a foundation for progress. Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations.

Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development, and shared prosperity.

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will release the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) Q3 2025/26 report. 

The release will present progress made in advancing youth employment, provide an overview of programme outcomes, and highlight partnerships driving digital and economic opportunities for young people.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the briefing as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: Edunova, 1 Ndabeni Street, Langa, Cape Town

The programme will include opening remarks by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, a presentation on the PYEI Q3 results, an overview of Edunova and the Innovation Fund, testimonies from youth participants, a media Q&A session, and a tour of the Edunova facilities.

The briefing will also highlight the ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative, a collaborative programme designed to empower young people, particularly young women, through digital skills development, micro-enterprise support, and sustainable economic participation.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Dipak Patel as Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission.

Mr Patel’s designation as Deputy Chairperson forms part of strengthening the Commission’s work on climate finance, investment mobilisation and the delivery of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives.

President Ramaphosa, who chairs the Commission, appointed members of the inaugural Presidential Climate Commission in December 2020.

The Commission is an independent, statutory, multi-stakeholder body that oversees and facilitates South Africa’s just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

President Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Patel as Deputy Chairperson for a tenure from 2026 to 2030 in terms of Section 10 (8) of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024).

Mr Patel is an experienced professional with expertise in production management, process engineering, climate finance, and investment banking, and has strong networks across the business and public sectors.

He previously served as a Senior Advisor: Climate Finance and Innovation to the Presidential Climate Commission.

Earlier this year, President Ramaphosa announced the appointment of 25 new commissioners.

The President thanks Mr Patel for availing himself for this role and wishes him and fellow commissioners well in their critical national undertaking.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility in the Western Cape.

Drakenstein Correctional Facility, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, holds profound historical significance as the place from which Nelson Mandela walked to freedom on 10 February 1990.

That historic walk marked a decisive turning point in South Africa’s journey towards democracy, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first democratically elected President in 1994.

On 11 February, President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to the Madiba House, which housed Nelson Mandela during the final years of his imprisonment.

The President will thereafter officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, the first of its kind, reaffirming South Africa’s leadership role in advancing human rights, humane correctional practices, and the protection of the dignity and rights of offenders.

The year 2026 marks 11 years since the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) and 16 years since the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules).

These international instruments provide practical standards that call for the humanisation of correctional systems, recognition of inherent human dignity, and the advancement of justice anchored in humanity.

The establishment of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy reflects South Africa’s continued commitment to embedding these principles within correctional training and practice.

The country will work closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, to ensure their effective implementation.

President Ramaphosa will officially open the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Drakenstein Correctional Facility, Western Cape

Members of the media are invited to rsvp to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za / 079 898 4621 and Mocheta Monama on Mocheta.Monama@dcs.gov.za by Monday, 09 February 2026 at 17h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, attend and deliver the keynote address at the SAYEC 4th Annual Mining Indaba Business Dialogue under the theme: “Unlocking South Africa’s Critical Minerals Advantage: Driving Investment and Value Addition for a Competitive Future”. 

The Mining Indaba Business Dialogue is SAYEC’s flagship convening platform and forms part of engagements aligned to the Mining Indaba programme, placing young people at the centre of discussions on ownership, enterprise participation, and long-term sector transformation.

The Dialogue will bring together Government, industry leaders, investors, and young people to engage on South Africa’s mining, oil, and gas sectors as key enablers of industrialisation, beneficiation, investment mobilisation and inclusive economic growth.

Deputy President Mashatile will deliver a keynote address focusing on energy security, critical minerals beneficiation as well as inclusive ownership in advancing a resilient and competitive industrial economy.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Time: 18h00 (media to arrive at 17h00)
Venue: Southern Sun, Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town, Western Cape Province

Media wishing to attend and cover the event must please RSVP by sending: full name, ID number & media house before 14h00 on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 to info@sayec.co.za or 081 413 5999 or contact Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) 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 on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, engage in a youth roundtable as part of a series of ongoing consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address. 

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), an agency of the Ministry in the Presidency, is hosting the Presidential Youth Roundtable engagement at the Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 

The Presidential Youth Roundtable is an interactive session where young South Africans will have a direct and open exchange with President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the National Executive.

President Ramaphosa will engage with youth on their perspectives, challenges, and ideas for the nation's future. 

Participating Ministers’ engagement with youth will precede the Presidential Youth Roundtable. 

The President will be accompanied by several Ministers to participate in the discussions and address issues within their respective mandates.

The Presidential Youth Roundtable Engagement will take place as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 11h00 (Media to arrive by 10h00 for set-up)
Venue: Khayelitsha CBD Hall (Thusong), Cape Town

Members of the media who wish to cover the engagement are requested to send their details to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za and Tabudi Madisha on Tabudi.Madisha@NYDA.GOV.ZA by Monday, 9 February 2026 at midday, 12h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria