President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his best wishes to the Christian and Muslim communities as they observe the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan respectively.

“The start of the Lenten period coinciding with the start of Ramadan is a rare occurrence that at the same time is a powerful reminder of the deep commonality of faith traditions,” President Ramaphosa said.

“Though they are observed in different ways, both Lent and Ramadan call on those who observe towards introspection, discipline, humility, generosity and care for society’s most vulnerable – these are values sorely needed in today’s fractured world,” the President said.

During Lent various Christian denominations observe a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving to commemorate Christ’s fasting in the wilderness. 

During Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset; perform special prayers and feed the needy.

The 2022 Census reflects that the majority of South Africans identify as Christian, with many other faith traditions represented across the land. 

South Africa has a rich interfaith tradition forged in struggle and solidarity, and a Constitution that protects freedom of religion without qualification. 

“Every faith has a room here, and no South African will be marginalised or persecuted for their beliefs. The claims of any who would seek to paint a different picture do not withstand scrutiny when measured against the record of our constitutional democracy,” President Ramaphosa said.

“At this time of great spiritual significance for our Christian and Muslim brethren I call on all South Africans to rally in solidarity, and hold fast to the unity that defines us as a people,” the President said.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the National Assembly Debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Nieuwmeester Parking Dome in Cape Town.

President Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 12 February 2026, during a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

The President outlined government’s programme of action for the year ahead, highlighting progress made, key priorities for economic growth and job creation, measures to address the cost of living, strengthen service delivery, combat crime and corruption, and advance South Africa’s role on the continent and globally.

The debate provides Members of Parliament with an opportunity to deliberate on the policy priorities and commitments announced by the President.

President Ramaphosa will reply to the debate on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

The details of the debate are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Venue: Nieuwmeester Parking Dome, Cape Town
Time: 14h00

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Mesdames Speaker and Chairperson of National Council of Provinces
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President, Mashatile
Honourable members,
 
The 2026 State of the Nation Address went beyond recounting our progress and future intentions, it challenged us to act so we rise together, and that we must use strategies that have made us succeeded in the past “to fix what we must”. What made us succeed in the past, is the ability of the President to mobilise business, labour, and civil society to contribute their expertise and part, around a focused plan to resolve specific problems. This is the secret behind the success of the reform programme driven through Operation Vulindlela, colloquially known as OV, since the 6th Administration under the ANC – we cannot expropriate the Operation Vulindlela successes, Operation Vulindlela is an ANC initiative.
 
FIXING WHAT WE MUST
 
Water Crisis

On the water crisis, the President elevated the coordination of interventions to address this crisis to a National Water Crisis Committee that he will chair. The work has already commenced Mr President, the OV team with the Department of Water and Sanitation have started with the assessments towards a Water Action Plan that should be ready by mid-March 2026 and a call for technical capacity as part of mobilizing resources and expertise to support municipalities in crisis is in the works. The current draft Water Action Plan is focused on addressing immediate crisis, propelling reforms in the water sector, and unlocking investments in the municipal water infrastructure.
 
Strengthening the criminal justice system to fight against crime
 
To strengthen the criminal justice system to fight against organised crime, the President directed the State Security Agency to re-vet members of the senior management structures of the SAPS, and vet members of the Metro Police Departments. We have also commenced with work in this regard and to ensure progress, the SSA have indicated that they are prioritising the revetting of police officers and management implicated at the Madlanga Commission and in the metro police departments, they will start at the Ekurhuleni metro police department. Engagements with the SAPS on the revetting process have commenced to ensure full cooperation of affected members, and the revetting will include officers due for promotion into the SAPS sms structures. The SAPS Re-Vetting Plan will be shared with the National Commissioner of Police, the acting Minister of Police and the Joint Standing Committee of Intelligence by end February 2026.
 
Implementing Zondo Commission Recommendations 

The work under way to implement the Madlanga Commission findings is not an exception. We have not only been implementing the Zondo Commission Recommendations Action Plan which was submitted to Parliament, but we have been reporting the progress to Parliament through SCOPA. In March 2026, we will submit our 3rd progress reports to Parliament in March 2026, and the 4th report no later than June 2026. To date, 57% of the Action Plan has been implemented.
 
Streamlining Firearms Licensing Regulations

You have called on us to streamline Firearms Licensing Regulations.The National Conventional Arms Control Committee will in the month of March 2026 consider the Firearms Importation Control Regulations and consult with the Minister of Police, in line with the Firearms Control Act for purposes of streamlining licensing, possession, and trading in firearms and ammunition so that we remove fire power from the hands of criminals and strength the fight against organised crime.
 
In 2024, we made Regulations for coordination of National Intelligence for the first time in the history of our country. In 2025, we started to fully coordinate national intelligence structures through NICOC to ensure implementation of the National Intelligence Priorities to achieve national security and moved to use technology. We secured the G20 through advanced technologies including biometrics, AI and analytics, we are expanding the technology coverage towards the fight against organised crime. 

In terms of the 2019-2024 National Intelligence Priorities, national intelligence structures have identified illegal immigration as a threat to national security and therefore this year, we will strength support to Home Affairs to deal with illegal immigration not only at the ports of entry but support the labour inspectors of the Department of Employment and Labour to curb the employment of undocumented foreign nationals even  through the use of technology. 
 
CONSOLIDATING THE GAINS
 
Honourable Malema was here arguing that we have nothing to show for it. Maybe we need Economics 101, but I am baffled because I also heard Honourable Van Rooyen battling with economic data.
 
Mr President, indeed, our economy has wind in the sails.

This morning, Statistics South Africa released the fourth quarter Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Employment increased by 44 000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 172 000 to 7,8 million during the same quarter. Official unemployment rate decreased by 0,5 of a percentage point from 31,9% in the third quarter of 2025 to 31,4% in the fourth quarter of 2025. We are not there yet, but we are solidly on course.
 
Allow me to explain why budget surpluses are important. The budget surplus assists to ensure that we pay existing debt and thus lower debt, reduces interest repayments, making more money available for infrastructure development and social programmes. It also increases economic confidence which is influences decisions about spending, investing, hiring and saving.
 
Honourable Malema argues we are privatizing the logistics sector, and many others. However, economics teaches us of the need to mobilize the best of the resources and capacity to deliver the much needed economic development and there is nothing wrong with mobilising South Africa private sector and labour. In any event, we are making progress in turning around the performance of Transnet and fixing our logistics system. The volume of goods transported by rail is increasing year on year, and the efficiency of our port terminals has improved.
 
Honourable Malema is looking for designs of the speed rail but there is separation of powers. You are a legislator, Mushavhi, the blueprints will be with the Executive. In any case, we are progressing with passenger rail transport improvements with more commuters taking the train through iStimela-as-Bantu” at a fraction of the cost, impacting their cost of living positively.
 
We make these commitments to act decisively and timeously because we are the the daughters of Sophie De Bruin, we are the granddaughters of the women of the 1956 March in whose footsteps, we tread.
 
As the Presidency, we commit to continue strengthening the coordination of government to effectively deliver on the actions articulated by the President because we are committed to serve with a purpose and we are intentional.
 
We will rise together and I rise to serve.

South Africa joins the international community in mourning the passing of United States human rights activist and anti-apartheid struggle flagbearer the Rev Dr Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Rev Jackson at the age of 84.

On behalf of all South Africans, President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to the Jackson family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the many organisations within the American Civil Rights Movement and in causes elsewhere in the world who were inspired by the Rev Jesse Jackson’s principles and leadership.

President Ramaphosa says the Rev Jesse Jackson’s irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle was a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.

In 2013, the Rev Jesse Jackson was awarded South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver for dedicating his life to challenge societies and governments to recognise that all people are born equal, and that everyone is in equal measure entitled to life, liberty, prosperity and human rights. The award honoured his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid.

President Ramaphosa said: “We are sad to bid farewell to a global moral authority who gave voice to struggles within the United States as well as struggles for fundamental human rights and democracy around the world, including our own.

“Mentored by the equally resolute and charismatic Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Jesse Jackson devoted himself to the cause of justice as a human endeavour without borders.

“In 2026, we reflect with deep appreciation and admiration on Jesse Jackson’s visit to Southern Africa 40 years ago this year to share his support for our liberation struggle with leaders and citizens in Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, the then Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“From Selma in the American South to Soweto in 1979, where he visited following the death of Steve Biko, Jesse Jackson defied the architects of apartheid and executors of brutality to declare that all people are equal and that justice would ultimately triumph over injustice.

“His campaigns for an end to apartheid included disinvestment from the apartheid economy and challenging the support the regime enjoyed in certain circles and institutions internationally.

“We are deeply indebted to the energy, principled clarity and personal risk with which he supported our struggle and campaigned for freedom and equality in other parts of the world.

“I will treasure the opportunity I had to do the 33rd Gandhi Walk with Jesse Jackson in April 2018, where he shared with me his deep commitment to his continuing vision for a better world as well as his special relationship with South Africa.

“He has fought a good fight and run the race which his Baptist ministry inspired him to run. He made the world a better place but he has also influenced us to maintain his good fight in places where injustice and inequality persist.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Excellencies, 
Heads of States, Ministers, 
Invited guests and 
My dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Thank you for your participation in this meeting. We have come to the end of our meeting. 

Firstly, I would like to  thank you once again President Kirr and the delegation of South Sudan, Ministers as well as other officials. 

I would like to thank them for their presence and participation because through their participation they have enlightened us on a number of issues that are germane to what the C5 meeting at the level of Heads of State has been all about. 

As we have come to the end of our meeting, I have no doubt that you would agree that this meeting has been long in the making, but it has been a very constructive and positive meeting. 

We are particularly pleased that we had a number of Heads of State who have participated and made statements in this meeting, statements that have helped to craft the way forward.

It should be said that the Government and the people of South Sudan have been in many ways looking at this Committee (C5) and IGAD and the UN for support and solidarity, on this difficult and complex journey that they have been on towards peace, stability and democracy in their country. 

The valuable interventions that have been made here reaffirm our collective commitment and revive our resolve to work with speed despite the challenges that are faced by the Government and people of South Sudan. 

I want to welcome that we met at Heads of State level to provide a clear direction on the way forward. We have agreed that the Revitalised Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured. We encourage inclusive dialogue in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement.

To this end, we should bring an end to all violence, hostilities and to allow all this and all other electoral processes to take place. It is for this reason that a clear recommendation is being made.

It is for this reason that a clear recommendation is being made, that (i) there should be a ceasefire and all hostilities must be brought to an end, (ii) as recommended by Heads of State, there should be a release of political detainees and this should also include people like the Vice President, Riek Machar who is going through various processes of a legal nature but we would want it to be given consideration by the Government of South Sudan, (iii) that there should be meaningful dialogue that is inclusive, that is thorough and leaving no stakeholder behind, (iv) elections must go on and not be postponed and there should no more postponements and the elections must be held on a free and fair basis including all the people who are eligible to participate in those elections (the citizens of South Sudan), (v) there should be coordination of the efforts and work through IGAD Secretariat as well as C5 and (vi) the Chair of the Commission should work together with three IGAD Heads of State (which is composed of sitting presidents) who will work together with the C5 and will have an oversight role to monitor and support the implementation of this process in South Sudan.

We also agree that the Government of South Sudan needs to agree, identify and implement  minimum standards which should be put in place for people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right to vote and choose their leaders. And that in this process there should be credible and meaningful processes to prepare for the elections as articulated by the Under-Secretary General of the UN.

The inclusive dialogue, meaningful talks amongst all the parties should lead to the unification of forces and ensure that the political processes of preparing for elections do take place. And the requisite funding for electoral bodies are all put in place to ensure that the elections do take place on a credible basis. 

As regional leaders and indeed as continental leaders, we will do our utmost best to assist South Sudan to transition to a peaceful and stable country. However, it is up to the leaders of South Sudan to act in good faith and demonstrate a willingness to undertake an inclusive process that fosters national cohesion, solidarity and reconciliation. That also upholds the rule of law; and ensures a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process.

We have heard a very clearly from President Salva Kiir that from their own point of view they are committed to ensure that the roadmap is adhered, and that they would want us to assist them and support them without undue interference. 

That is something we should comply with and support the people of South Sudan without interference unduly. That is what support should mean. Of course they will be open to counsel, to take advice and to be fully supported.

This we do by recognising that South Sudan is facing challenges and our task is to support. In addressing their challenges, we should be pleased that they are building consensus and will work with all parties on the road going to elections that will be held.

In conclusion, I wish to thank those who participated in the meeting for honouring the invitation to deliberate on how we can better assist and coordinate our efforts in South Sudan on its journey to finding lasting solutions and peace. Consistent and continuous engagement and monitoring by the C5, IGAD and the United Nations and AU is critical throughout this year. There is a lot of hope and goodwill towards our sister country and it is imperative that we act in concert and in assistance of South Sudan. 

I especially appreciate the participation of President Salva Kiir at this meeting. Your contributions my dear President, were most important to us in our effort to chart the way forward. I am confident that I speak on behalf of all those gathered here today as I wish the people of South Sudan well in the lead up to your national elections. 

I thank you.

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government
Your Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan,
Your Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
Your Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,
Your Excellency Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti and Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Your Excellency Workney Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD,
Your Excellency Veronica Nduva, Secetary-General of the East African Community,
Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the AU Ad-hoc High Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit. 

I wish to thank my dear brother, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, for his presence here today. It is a demonstration of the President’s commitment to peace and stability in his country.

This is a landmark event – being convened jointly with the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC).

This Committee has not met at the level of Heads of State since 2018 on the margins of the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. 

This was the same year that the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed. 

Eight years later, implementation of the Revitalised Agreement remains slow. As guarantors of the Revitalised Agreement and as sister countries, we are here to support the peace process in South Sudan, the youngest member of our Union.

We felt it was vital that we expand the meeting to include member states from IGAD and the IGAD Secretariat, considering that they are the primary regional mediator of the Revitalised Agreement. Furthermore the C5 was established to enhance the mediation efforts of IGAD. 

Allow me to acknowledge the critical role played by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since 2011. 

UNMISS has been supporting the peace process, preventing conflict, protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian access. We thank the Secretary-General of the UN for his presence and look forward to his contribution.

Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda are outside of the C5 but are heavily invested in the stability of South Sudan; and it is critical that we coordinate efforts.

This year is a pivotal one for South Sudan, with elections set for December 2026. We welcome 
the government of South Sudan’s stated intention to hold elections and to convene a national dialogue to resolve outstanding issues before elections are held. 

The people of South Sudan yearn to live in a peaceful and prosperous country; and elections alone will not guarantee lasting peace. 

Firstly, a conducive political and security environment is vital. Violence and conflict at any stage will undermine confidence and derail the process. 

Secondly, the political processes such as the national dialogue and legal processes must be genuinely inclusive. 

They must bring together all signatories and stakeholders to the Revitalisation Agreement so that decisions reflect broad ownership, credibility  and legitimacy.

This C5 Plus Summit must send a clear, unified message that calls on all stakeholders to enter into dialogue without delay. 

We wish to encourage measures that will build unity, including all options to facilitate reconciliation. The C5 supports the proposal that the Chairperson of the AU Commission should appoint a former Head of State to mediate amongst the signatory parties to the Revitalisation Agreement – and to facilitate dialogue between President Kiir and Dr Riek Machar.

We stand ready to support mediation, to monitor implementation and to coordinate our efforts. 
A focused, oversight mechanism involving the C5 and IGAD would help track progress and report back to the Heads of State.

Excellencies,

The choices made in the coming months will determine whether South Sudan moves towards durable peace or back into cycles of instability. 

Let us act with urgency, courage and unity. Let us use this Summit to foster a process that delivers inclusive dialogue, free, fair and credible elections and sustainable peace for the people of South Sudan.

I look forward to our discussions.

I thank you.
 

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government
Your Excellency, Mr Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chair of the African Union
Your Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

South Africa appreciates the report on the state of peace and security on our continent, and remains concerned about worsening conditions of conflict, war and instability on our continent. 

South Africa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa as articulated in agenda 2063. 

As we meet here, a number of African countries are currently under suspension from our Union due to Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs), thus reverses democratic gains and development of our continent. 

The slow transition to constitutional order by the suspended countries is of concern. There must be demonstrable and comprehensive political engagement to assist any suspended country to navigate their respective transitions successfully and speedily; and to ensure they do not slide back into conflict.

The situation in Sudan remains of concern to us all. We reiterate our call for all 
warring parties to lay down their arms immediately, allow unfettered humanitarian access and, most importantly, embark on an inclusive national political dialogue as the only way towards a sustainable resolution. 

With respect to the recent political and security developments in South Sudan, the situation is concerning. We call for a ceasefire in all affected states and urge all stakeholders to engage in an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for free, inclusive and credible elections to end the long transition.

South Africa, together with other C5 Members and members of IGAD is hosting a C5 Plus Summit here in Addis Ababa to consolidate South Sudan peace. 

There is a need for pragmatism and for an honest assessment of the minimum conditions required to conduct free, inclusive and credible elections, while acknowledging that certain processes may necessarily extend beyond the lifespan of the Revitalised Agreement for the 

South Africa is concerned about the prevailing security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, despite several mediation and peace processes.

We reiterate that the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be upheld and respected. We condemn the continued capture of territories by the M23/AFC in the Kivu and Ituri provinces. Such unlawful actions must be corrected decisively. 

South Africa has assumed the role of the Regional Oversight Mechanism for the DRC and the Region, and during our tenure we will work with all signatory countries to the Framework to find a durable solution to this protracted conflict.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 14 February 2026, arrived at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ahead of the African Union (AU) Summit. 

The President is leading a high-level South African delegation at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government Session.

The two-day session is scheduled to take place from 14 to 15 February 2026 under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

The AU has designated 2026 as the year of water and sanitation. This is in line with pursuing continental access to sustainable water and reliable sanitation services geared to achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063. 

The theme aligns with addressing critical and interconnected continental crises as well as harnessing key drivers in tackling water insecurity, poor sanitation, and climate change impact.

South Africa will participate in the AU AIP Water Investment Summit which takes place as a side event on the margin of the 39th African Union Summit. The objective of the event is to bring together member states, investors and development financers to share the investment project pipelines that were showcased at the Africa water summit in Cape Town last year which attracted interests from investors and financiers. 

President Ramaphosa will address the African Union Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan, the C5 as chaired by South Africa. The C5 plays an active role as an overseer on the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

The President will also hold several bilateral meeting with other African Heads of State on matters of bilateral mutual interest and continental issues. 
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present,
Leadership of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
Leaders of the business community,
Sponsors,
Government officials,
The golfers who took part in this year’s Challenge,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening

It is a privilege to welcome you to the annual Presidential Golf Challenge Gala Dinner. 

Since its inception in 1999, the Presidential Golf Challenge has become a vehicle to raise funds for charities, and it is tradition for the sitting President to nominate a beneficiary. 

For the past seven years, the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation has been a beneficiary of the Presidential Golf Challenge.

Through this partnership, the PGC has raised more than R23 million for the Foundation, enabling it to impact 19 rural and urban schools and support approximately 9 232 learners.

Over the past eight years the Foundation has built 27 structures at needy schools across the country, including 21 ablution facilities, three classrooms and a feeding scheme kitchen.

We are honoured that our beneficiaries form part of the enduring legacy of the Presidential Golf Challenge.

These projects align directly with the Department of Basic Education’s Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative that is working to replace unsafe pit toilets with appropriate sanitation that meets national norms and standards.

This is an essential step towards creating healthier, safer learning environments.

Many schools in South Africa still operate far beyond the recommended learner-to-toilet ratio. 

The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entity, the Adopt-a-School Foundation are helping to close that gap, thereby restoring dignity and improving daily learning conditions for learners.

The way in which we build matters. 

The Foundation has formally signed the South African Climate Philanthropy Pledge, reaffirming its commitment to finding better, more sustainable climate solutions across its operations.

Climate action has long been part of the Foundation’s approach, and together with its partner entities, the Foundation is increasingly embedding climate resilience into its development programmes.

The infrastructure projects of the CRF and the Adopt-a-School Foundation integrate innovative and climate-responsive designs, including Enviro Loo technology, green building practices, and energy-and water-efficient solutions.

This partnership is vital in rural schools with limited access to water or sewerage systems. These designs also prioritise natural lighting and ventilation, reducing electricity use and improving air quality.

These innovations not only support environmental sustainability but also create healthier, more comfortable spaces for learning, while modelling environmental responsibility within school communities.

Since it was established in 2002 the Adopt-a-School Foundation has adopted 700 schools, created 16 544 work opportunities, assisted 2 684 SMEs and developed approximately 36 094 educators.

Over 1,7 million learners have benefitted from Whole School Development; an approach that addresses leadership, curriculum and educator development, learner well-being and infrastructure development.

It is when one looks back that you realise the importance of these foundations and the critical role they play in society.

That is why the Presidential Gold Challenge is unique.

It is an opportunity to consolidate existing networks and to start new relations between government, its entities and business.

I want to thank our sponsor, MTN, our gold sponsor, SASOL and the sponsors of every hole.

Your contributions are daily making a difference in the lives of thousands of children.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you.

Today on the fairways I saw networking for a good cause in action.

I was also privileged to be in the company of Lubanzi Tselane, a 15-year-old from Bethanie near Brits in North West Province.

I am told he started his golfing career at the age of four with SA Kids Golf. 

Lubanzi has played in all junior age divisions and is competing on both the national and international circuits.

I will definitely follow his progress and perhaps one day I will fly to support him in the final round of the US Masters and when he puts on the green blazer.

In conclusion, I want to thank our hosts, the Atlantic Beach Golf Club, as well as the event organisers and security teams.

Your patience gets tested when arranging an event of this magnitude but today it all came together.

Thank you for your generous support and commitment.

Let me express my appreciation to the participants who purchased four-balls, as your contribution added great value to the success of this occasion.

I thank you.

Deputy President, Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, Chairperson of the Water Task Team, today convened a meeting with Ministers and government officials to assess the water supply challenges across Gauteng following recent disruptions.

The Water Task Team was briefed that electro-mechanical failures at Rand Water pump stations and a major pipe burst in late January temporarily reduced bulk supply. 

Rand Water has since restored full capacity. However, municipal systems — particularly in the City of Johannesburg — remain under pressure due to low reservoir levels, high demand during the heatwave, ageing infrastructure, and water losses averaging 33%.

To accelerate recovery, the following measures are being implemented:
• Controlling system recovery and load shifting;
• Deployment of water tankers to affected areas;
• Technical support to municipalities;

Government expects supply to progressively stabilise over the coming week, subject to reduced demand.

Water security remains a national priority, and the Water Task Team will continue to monitor implementation and enforce compliance where necessary.

A team of Ministers has been on the ground with the leadership of Gauteng and the Municipalities especially Johannesburg where plans are in motion to resolve the water crisis. 

The Deputy President will also visit Johannesburg as part of monitoring the interventions in the next week. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria