President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council who will play an important role in guiding the 7th Administration in its pursuit of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and job creation.

President Ramaphosa has set up the Council to ensure greater coherence and consistency in the implementation of economic policy and ensure that government and society in general is better equipped to respond to changing economic circumstances.

Comprising local and international economic thought leaders, the Council advises the President and government more broadly, helping the development and implementation of economic policies that spur inclusive growth. 

The Council is a non-statutory and independent body chaired by the President and brings together prominent economists and technical experts drawn from academia, the private sector, labour, community, think tanks and other constituencies. The members, who will volunteer their time, are appointed for the term of the 7th Administration.

The Council constitutes expertise in international economics; macroeconomics (including fiscal policy and monetary economics); labour economics; economics of education and the economics of poverty and inequality and urban development. Other areas of insights entail microeconomics with a focus on network industries, regulation and competition, trade, energy and climate change. 

The Council serves as a forum for in-depth and structured discussions on emerging global and domestic developments, economic and development policies, and faciltates socialisation and diligent execution thereof. 

This operating model is intended to enhance the work being done to build a capable state, which is another of the 7th Administration’s top three priorities.
Members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council are (in alphabetical order, following the profile of the Deputy Chairperson, Dr Renosi Mokate):

Dr Renosi Mokate (Deputy Chairperson): Dr Mokate served as the first deputy chair of PEAC. Presently, she occupies the position of Executive Chair of Concentric Alliance and Chair of the Government Employees Pension Fund. 

Dr Antonio Andreoni is Professor of Development Economics at the Department of Economics of SOAS University of London and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation (CSST). As co-Director of CSST Antonio focuses on four inter-linked research areas – energy transition, mineral resources, reorganisation of the international supply chain, and construction of new infrastructure.

Prof Haroon Bhorat is Professor of Economics and Director of the Development Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town. His research interests cover labour economics, poverty and income distribution.

Dr Kenneth Creamer is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Economics and Finance at Wits University. His teaching and research focuses on macroeconomics, growth and the just energy transition. Dr Creamer has written various academic papers and popular articles on economic and development policy in South Africa.

Prof Esther Duflo is the Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics in the Department of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In her research, she seeks to understand the economic lives of the poor, with the aim to help design and evaluate social policies. Prof Duflo has received numerous academic honours and prizes including the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (with co-Laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer).

Prof Vusi Gumede is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga. For 11 years, he held various senior government positions before joining academia.

Prof Alan Hirsch is Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at UCT and founding director of the School, 2011 - 2019.

Ms Mamokete Lijane is the Chair at Economic Research South Africa (ERSA) and a Strategist in Global Markets at Standard Bank CIB, with 22 years’ experience as an analyst in financial markets. She has a deep interest in the intersection between public policy, economics, and financial markets.

Ms Trudi Makhaya is the Senior Advisor at the Boston Consulting Group. She served as economic advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa from 2018 to 2023, during which time she also served as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa. Before taking up this role she led Makhaya Advisory, a boutique consulting firm with a focus on helping business navigate economic policy, including competition policy.

Prof Mariana Mazzucato is Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL), where she is Founding Director of the Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP). She is the author of three highly acclaimed books including the newly released Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism. She advises policy makers around the world on innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable growth, including as Chair of the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All. 

Mr Isaah Mhlanga is the Chief Economist and Head of Global Markets Research for Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). He leads a team of economists, analysts and strategists covering macroeconomics, fixed income, currencies, commodities and credit across South Africa and several key African countries to serve the bank and its institutional and corporate clients. 

Mr Kuben Naidoo was until recently a Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee. He is the Head of Corporate Payment Channels at Investec.

Mr Zeph Nhleko is the Chief Economist of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), where he coordinates corporate strategy, knowledge management, research and economics. He began his career as an economist at the South African Reserve Bank.

Prof Dani Rodrik is Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at the Harvard Kennedy School. He has published widely in the areas of economic development, international economics, and political economy. His current research focuses on employment and economic growth, in both developing and advanced economies.

Mr Wandile Sihlobo is the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and the author of Finding Common Ground: Land, Equity, and Agriculture. He is a member of the Council of Statistics of South Africa (Stats SA) and a Commissioner at the International Trade Commission of South Africa (ITAC).

Dr Vera Songwe is a non-resident senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution. She is a former Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. 

Prof Fiona Tregenna holds the DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, and is a Professor of Economics at the University of Johannesburg. Her primary research interest is in issues of structural change, deindustrialisation and industrial development.

Prof Imraan Valodia, an Economist, is Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, and Director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits). His research interests include inequality, gender, competition policy and industrial development, and employment in developing countries. Professor Valodia is a part-time member of the Competition Tribunal in South Africa. He is also a Commissioner of the National Minimum Wage Commission.

Prof Ingrid Woolard is Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University. Prof Woolard’s areas of research interest include the measurement of poverty and inequality, unemployment, social protection and fiscal policy.

President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation to the members of the Council for their willingness to contribute to South Africa’s economic development with their strategic insight and counsel.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has noted the untruthful and libellous video recording by Mr. Martin Nel alleging that R10 billion meant for the Daggafontein Mega Project was defrauded by the so-called “Alex Mafia” during the Deputy President’s tenure as Gauteng Province MEC for Human Settlements.

In his eagerness to spread untruths and thereby tarnish the image of the Deputy President, Mr Nel ignored some pertinent facts about the Daggafontein Mega Project. For starters, it was part of 15 land parcels identified for mega housing projects in 2016 and intended to yield 18 000 units. A developer, Rodesh was appointed as Turnkey Developer.

Secondly, as is common practice, the local government authority – in this instance the City of Ekurhuleni – was responsible for the provision of bulk services. The City appointed an independent service provider for this purpose. The cost of work done was paid for by the City of Ekurhuleni.

However, construction was delayed pending the installation of bulk infrastructure. The Department of Human Settlements nevertheless budgeted funds (which it could not spend due to lack of bulk infrastructure) for several years. Mr. Nel either misunderstood this or did not want the facts to interfere in his attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Deputy President. 

Lastly, those who took the moral stand and risked everything to fight apartheid have lived with a persistent post-apartheid counterattack which casts aspersions on efforts to redress the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, amongst other ways by criminalising political leaders on supposedly moral grounds.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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.