Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 05 December 2023, deliver the Annual Address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town. This is the last sitting of the NCOP for the year 2023.

The theme of this year’s programme is " The Indispensable Urgency – Accelerating the provision of social services, safety, and the advancement of economic reforms for economic recovery in the interest of the people”.

The Deputy President will, among other things, reflect on efforts undertaken to coordinate all spheres of Government in order to accelerate service delivery, economic transformation and beneficiation.

Details of the NCOP sittings are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 5 December 2023
Time: 14h00
Platform: Parliamentary channel on DStv 408. Live streaming links to be shared.

For more information please contact Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Honorable Mayor of Chenzhou and your delegation,
Hon Members of the Embassy of Republic of Zambia,
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry: Mr Chipoka Mule,
Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development: Mr Charles Milupi,
United Party for Development: Deputy Secretary General: Ms Getrude Mulumemui Imenda,
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet – FED: Mr Siazongo Davie Siakalenge,
Director Generals, and all delegations of Zambia,
Programme Director,
Distinguished guests,
All protocol observed,

On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, and the African continent itself, I am honoured to address this esteemed gathering today. South Africa has a long and persistent relationship with the People’s Republic of China. Some of our founding fathers, who stood in the treason trial with Nelson Mandela, such as Cde Walter Sisulu’s 1953 visit to China seems to have had the most pronounced effect on his political sensibility and historical consciousness.

From these experiences, it is clear to me that tremendous changes were being brought in this vast country and all was made possible by the  Chairman  Mao Tse-Tung Government, and Cde Andrew Mlangeni underwent their military training here in China in the early 1960’s. 

It’s no accident that we are here with the Zambian colleagues. President Kenneth Kaunda was the first president who played a pivotal role in the liberation of Africa from colonialism and apartheid.He opened Zambia to be our second home during the hardest time, we appreciate the initiative, and we once again meet in this liberated country that cares about its people.

We have just come out of the 55th Conference of the ruling party in South Africa. Our resolution on international relations was clear and unambiguous, it says: “The centrality of the ruling party’s international relations in advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) is directed by its historical mandate of the principle of the Freedom Charter that “There shall be peace and Friendship”.

Since its formation, the ruling party’s political, economic, and ideological ethos has been progressive Internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and continental solidarity. Our historical mission is to contribute to the building of a better Africa and better world that is humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free. Africa and its development remain the central objective of the ruling party’s international perspective and policy, with the African Renaissance remaining a key policy objective.”

Africa has made progress in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment over the past few decades. There is much to be proud of on how far we have come as African women in terms of political, social and economic development and working towards sustainable development on the continent. However as African women, we have not been able to do this all our own, but through collaborative partnerships such as the China-Africa Initiative.

For this, as representatives of all women on the African Continent, we must thank His Excellence President Xi Jinping, President of China, for the fortitude, foresight and visionary role he played in November 2021 during the Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa collaboration, on the 65th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Africa.

He was and still is a trailblazer, when he formally announced under his “Nine Programmes” for practical cooperation between China and Africa, the establishment of a China-Africa Women’s Forum. This indeed expressed how important women’s advancement and empowerment is for sustainable development to both China and Africa.  

The achievement of women’s empowerment and gender equality on the African continent is not without its challenges. African women continue to face, on a daily basis, persisting inequalities and inequities, growing unemployment, food scarcity and hunger, increasing poverty levels, violence against women and girls, negative impacts of conflict and strife, and lack of access to financial inclusion, land, educational opportunities, and health.

Furthermore African women continue to experience the negative impact of climate change and natural disasters. Having said that much still needs to be done in addressing these challenges on the continent, and the China-Africa Women’s Forum is indeed a platform to look at how we can further collaborate in this regard.

China is Africa’s biggest trading partner, and demands for products in China offers Africa an opportunity to be suppliers to this demand. Joint initiatives of pooling resources in this regard will help grow all businesses, provide the necessary skills and training required for this, and open markets and export trade opportunities. 

We note and appreciate that we are in the space of the local government that has exceedingly been doing well in the space of tourism and investment. As Chenzhou City held a successful promotion event for tourism and investment in the Greater Bay Area. This was an important measure for Chenzhou City to deepen economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation with the Greater Bay Area, as well as a key prelude to hosting the Second Hunan Tourism Development Conference.

Our partnership and commitment to further learn from these initiatives, will strengthen relationships and open extensive communication that may lead to the MOU between Chenzhou and South Africa.

Programme Director, I want to conclude by saying Honourable Mayor once again thank you for the opportunity to address this esteemed gathering and  the strides that Chenzhou and China have contributed in promoting tourism and investment will also enable us in South Africa  with the District Development Model to learn from this initiative.

I look forward to a strong collaboration between of China and Africa, in working together, pooling our resources and expertise, for comprehensive development and empowerment. 

I thank you!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 March 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit and Expo – Localisation Dinner, scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. 

The Localisation Dinner is organised by Proudly South African, an organisation that drives creative strategies to influence local procurement in the public and private sectors, to increase local production and to influence consumers to buy local in order to stimulate growth in our economy and create the much needed jobs.

This engagement is preceded by Proudly South African Buy Local Summit and Expo which commenced on Monday, March 27, and Tuesday, March 28, at the Sandton Convention Centre and offering an informative, jam-packed programme under the theme “Growing the Economy and Creating Jobs through Localisation”. 

The event brings together captains of the industry in various economic sectors and also features more than 200 high-quality home-grown goods and service providers who are showcasing various products including, amongst others, pharmaceutical and health products; furniture and electronics; food and drink products; as well as jewellery and textiles.

Deputy President Mashatile will highlight the critical importance of stimulating our local procurement for growth in our economy, creating jobs, broadening markets and creating numerous opportunities for business expansion.

Government, working together with business and labour, is committed to develop and implement plans to attract investment in different sectors of our economy and to drive up productivity and create employment opportunities. 
 
The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and senior government officials. 
  
The event is scheduled as follows: 
Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023 
Time: 18:00 
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
 

Media queries: 
The Presidency – Sam Bopape: matome@presidency.gov.za / 082 318 5251
ProudlySA - Dambisa Maqoga: dambisa@proudlysa.co.za/ 073 666 8270 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Honorable Chairperson,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
All Chairpersons,
Honorable Members,

Honorable Chairperson, it gives me great pleasure to present here today, because this opportunity gives our Department an opportunity to solicit support of Provinces in the implementation of programmes such as the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP: GBVF), the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF) and the sanitary dignity project which is critical to keep young girls at schools.

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” Nelson Mandela.

 Young women and women with disabilities will never be free as long as this rage against them continues. Our mandate is clearly informed by the National Strategic plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. 

In order to ensure that the NSP on GBVF is a living document, the Department commenced the process of monitoring the integration of the NSP on GBVF from 2021/2022 financial year.

To date, the Department has reviewed the integration of the NSP on GBVF Priorities in the provincial departments’ Annual Performance Plans (APP) in North West, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The Department also reviewed District Development Plans for some of the Municipalities in North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape and the Western Cape. 

The Department is in the process of providing feedback to the Municipalities through their Integrated Governmental Relations structures and special feedback sessions, in order to give guidance on the integration of NSP on GBVF priorities to the plans. This exercise enables Municipalities to identify their leadership role in the fight against gender-based violence in line with their mandate and budget as such. 

Councillor Induction Programme on NSP on GBVF and Gender Responsive, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Audit Framework

Working with SALGA the Department was involved in the induction programme of Councillors with the main objective of sharing information on the role of local political leadership in leading the fight against GBVF through the localisation of the NSP on GBVF. The role of the political leadership on the localisation of the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF) was also covered during the sessions. 

Rapid Response Teams in Six Provinces

As a result working with SALGA and COGTA, we have established Rapid Response Teams in 6 provinces, that is, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. The function of these structures is to lead, coordinate and monitor the multi-stakeholder efforts within the Municipality to fight gender-based violence and ensure accountability. It is also to ensure that victims are provided with the coordinated support from all the stakeholders (including departments and Civil Society Organisations) whenever there is an incident of gender-based violence. 

We are in the process of building the capacity of these Rapid Response Teams in order to ensure that they effectively execute their function in leading the fight against gender-based violence and femicide. Ditebogo Enterprise and Development, will in partnership with Afrika Tikkun, place 43 unemployed graduates at the municipalities where there are Rapid Response Teams. 

Another project that the Department has been implementing in partnership with the provinces is the 100-Day Challenge in alignment with the NSP on GBVF, in this case each district had a specific focus based on the pillars. For example, the Frances Baard District Municipality aimed to reduce sexual offenses, while the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality focused on evidence-informed programs, safety audits, and actions to reduce GBVF.

In Mangaung, the goal was to reduce the maintenance case backlog by 75% within 100 days and increase the finalization rate of maintenance cases from 51% to 75%. Greater Tzaneen aimed to increase the reporting of rape cases by 80%, with a particular emphasis on rural areas. Lejweleputswa focused on increasing the referral of new Gender Based Violence cases reported by 300% to enhance response, care, support, and healing.

In Limpopo and Mpumalanga aimed to increase engagements on Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Sexual Harassment at Exxaro within 100 days and initiated a campaign to secure 10,000 pledges. These challenges fostered collaboration, innovation, and disciplined execution, leading to tangible impact in addressing Gender Based Violence.

We currently making follow-up in the Western Cape on serious case of GBV raised during District Development Model Presidential Imbizo at Drakenstein Municipality and at OR Tambo at Lusikisiki. We don’t leave any stone unturned on GBVF this time around. However, GBVF will not end until we all take responsibility to prevent it and report to law enforcements where it arises.

Disability: Advocacy and Mainstreaming

Persons with disabilities are the most affected by lack of access to quality education, economy inclusion, health and transport facilities, therefore it can be said that majority of them leave in poverty despite the social grants, because disability on its own is costly. Poverty, specifically, is not a single factor but rather is characterized by multiple physical and psychological effects. 

While they experience many challenges, there are positive developments that are worth celebrating, we welcome the approval by parliament on two important legislative mandates on the ratification of the AU Protocol on Disability which is due to be deposited to the African Union and the Constitutional amendment of South African Sign language as the 12th Official language of South Africa, as the Minister has already indicated.

Despite the Constitutional guarantee for equal access to opportunities in education, employment and health for all, including persons with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, persons with disabilities remain disadvantaged amongst South Africa’s poor and undereducated.  

In response to this challenge, the department hosted, a National Summit on Access to Education for Persons with Disabilities in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, followed by a National Economic Summit on and for persons with disabilities to identify, gaps and challenges and limiting barriers to access into the mainstream economy by persons with disabilities. The summit sought to further maximise the active participation of persons with disabilities in all economic initiatives, interventions and opportunities created by government and private sector as employees and entrepreneurs. This year we will be hosting in collaboration with the Department of Transport, a National Summit on Access to Transport for Persons with Disabilities.
 
The data collected by the DPSA on employment of persons with disabilities in the public service show that only 1% on employment of persons with disabilities and therefore deliberate and concerted efforts should be made to reach the 7% target by 2023 in line with the National Development Plan.
 
The department has identified a number of barriers that limit access to employment of persons with disabilities. One of the barriers identified was the perception regarding provision of reasonable accommodation and to that end the department conducted a research on the cost of disability and also on the elements and economic costs for households with children with disabilities and adults with physical disabilities. 
 
The department has further developed a capacity building training program which is been delivered through the National School of Government to capacitate public servants on disability inclusion. We urge and encourage Provincial departments and local government to enrol public servants to capacitate them to become fully effective when delivering services to persons with disabilities.

We have conducted awareness and capacity-building workshops across three spheres of government for persons with disabilities. The framework of the workshop was based on raising awareness, access and reasonable accommodation. The plans for mainstreaming inclusive approach on disabled people in programs of service delivery.

Gender-Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework

The department in collaboration with SALGA conducted Capacity Building for Councillors on the above-mentioned framework during induction five out of nine provinces were in attendance. We are satisfied with the progress as we were able to train the urban and rural councillors and the workshops will still continue.

The most strategic intervention on the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF), is taking place today where the DWYPD together with the DPME, National Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and the EU are hosting a Special FOSAD meeting to workshop Directors General on Gender Responsive Budgeting. This will have far lasting impact because when the National Treasury instructs all spheres of government, including municipalities to implement the Gender Responsive Budgeting, they will or risk losing their budget.

Further, the Department met with the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa to ensure that this framework is part of the annual audits.

We will continue to monitor and evaluate the socio-economic empowerment and development of Women Youth and Person with Disabilities throughout 2023/24. We maintain as this department that “There can be no greater gift than that of giving ones time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return” - Nelson Mandela!

I thank you!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 01 April 2023, at the invitation of the Masjidul-Quds Institute, witness the breaking of the fast in Ramadhaan, or the IFTAAR, at the Gatesville Mosque in Cape Town.

This is in line with the Deputy President’s delegated function of promoting social cohesion initiatives and nation-building across all sectors of South African society.

Muslims in South Africa and across the world are currently observing a month-long period of fasting which occurs in their Holy Month of Ramadhaan (according to the Islamic calendar). They fast from dawn till dusk, and this involves abstaining from food, drink, and marital intimacies during the day. At the end of the day (dusk), they break their fast also known as Ifar, an occasion that usually brings families and members of the Muslim community together. 

The breaking of the fast during Ramadhaan is an important occasion in the Muslim calendar and signifies the end of an intense period of worship and devotion during Ramadhaan that produces the necessary warmth in humankind and expressions of human solidarity.

The historical Masjidul-Quds Mosque in Gatesville is one of the largest in South Africa, which hosts a special Inter-Faith IFTAAR every year to spread the message of unity in diversity among leading South Africans. Among the many world-renowned dignitaries who have graced this much revered event, was the beloved late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Details of the IFTAAR are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 01 April 2023
Time: 16h00 (Media to arrive at 15h00)
Venue: Masjidul-Quds Mosque, Gatesville in Cape Town

Media enquiries: Bongani Majola (The Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or Faizal E Royker (Masjidul-Quds Institute) on 083 661 1664.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

We have learned with shock, the sad news of the passing of Percy Mthimkhulu and wish to convey sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mthimkhulu family on the passing of Percy. 

I have worked with Percy for more than 20 years as my speechwriter and at times, my Spokesperson. Percy was a wonderful and resourceful mandarin.  

Percy distinguished himself from his peers by his unwavering commitment by always going beyond the call of duty. He possessed great wit and was immensely talented in his craft. 

Percy was definitely one of the most prolific speechwriters in both the ANC and government. His ability to use words creatively to tell a story was exceptional. 

He captured audiences and provoked conversations through the many speeches and documents he authored throughout his career. 

His most recent and most memorable outstanding contribution was the drafting of South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan; and the South African Tourism Recovery Plan.

We are grateful to the Mthimkhulu family for lending us their son over the years. His legacy lives on. 

May his daughter Tatyana, sister Jabu, the entire Mthimkhulu family and friends be comforted as we all try to come to terms with this monumental loss. 

May God grant his soul eternal rest! 

Paul Shipokosa Mashatile 
Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, pay a visit to the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng to engage local government and monitor progress on the implementation of the commitments made during the Presidential Imbizo of August 2022, by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile is informed by his delegated responsibility of implementing rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots. The Deputy President’s intervention will also be coupled with the coordination of the different spheres of government, to improve the functioning of municipalities under the banner of the District Development Model. 

The aim of the visit is to provide feedback to the residents of the municipality as well as showcase the progress achieved since the Presidential Imbizo.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister Angie Motshekga, who is the District Development Model Champion in the Sedibeng District Municipality; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Administration, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng; Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Obed Bapela, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Administration, Mr Parks Tau, Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo and Ms Judith Tshabalala.

The Programme of the visit is as follows:
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
10h00: Oversight Visit to the Vereeniging Intermodal Taxi Facility (Taxido)

11h00: Oversight Visit to Leeuwkuil Waste Water Treatment Works

11h30: Oversight Visit to the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market

12h00: Oversight Visit to the Vaal River City Interchange

Members of the media who are interested in covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance with Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat 082 6799473

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile was sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on 7 March 2023. Following that, a transitional period took place involving a handover process, particularly on the delegated responsibilities that the Deputy President would inherit from his predecessor as delegated by the President.

The delegations are:

•  Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, in terms of section 91(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

•  Leading Government effort to fast-track land reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support

•  Implement rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots

•  Assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government, which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns

•  Leading the South African National AIDS Council and the country’s integrated response to the challenges facing HIV and AIDS

•  Special envoy on South Sudan and leading peace missions on the continent as required.

•  Leading the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.

•  Promoting social cohesion initiatives with particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans.

•  Chairing the Governance, state capacity, and Institutional development as well as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cabinet Committees

To achieve these objectives, the Office of the Deputy President supports the Deputy President in his Constitutional responsibility of assisting the President in the execution of the functions of Government. A well-capacitated office with technical skills to achieve the objectives of Government will ensure that the Deputy President is able to effectively fulfil his mandate.

To this end, the Office of the Deputy President wishes to announce key appointments as such:

In terms of the administration of the Office of the Deputy President, Mr Mduduzi Mbada, former Acting Director-General at the Gauteng Provincial Government, will Head the Office of the Deputy President supported by Chief Directors, Ms Melene Rossouw: Personal Support and Advisory Services, Mr Vukani Mde: Spokesperson and Communication, and Ms Lerato Ntsangani: Strategy and Special Projects as retained.

Further, the following individuals will form the advisory team of the Deputy President:

•  Mr Keith Khoza, former Head of Communication in the African National Congress as Political Advisor

•  Mr Mukoni Ratshitanga, former Presidential Spokesperson as International Relations Advisor

•  Dr Tshilidzi Ratshitanga, Specialist on cities and former government Communicator as Strategy and Spatial Transformation Advisor

Deputy President Mashatile has retained two advisors who were advising former Deputy President David Mabuza, namely; Mr Madala Masuku, who will advise the Deputy President on Service Delivery and District Development Model, and Mr Thulani Mdakane, who will advise on Land Reform and Social Cohesion.

All appointments are subject to Public Service and Administration processes.

Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Honorable Chairperson,
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee,
Honorable Members,

When the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 with its expansive Bill of Rights was promulgated, women in South Africa were so happy because they thought it will save them from their nemesis, Gender Based Violence and Femicide, however, violence against women and children continues unabated. 

In November 2022, we convened the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The resolutions of the summit were adopted to respond to the key game changer question: “What more can be done to enforce accountability, accelerate and amplify efforts”? 

The Summit resolutions are a call to action that we are taking forward as government. A key takeaway emerging from the Presidential Summit was the need for whole-of-society approach. Indeed, we need communities to join and help us eradicate this pandemic. The Pandemic Plan will form part of the district development one plan and will be informed by our context; the National Strategic Plan and the Presidential Summit Resolutions. 

The scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide continues to plague the country despite progress made in driving the national response. 

As the Minister indicated that President declared GBVF as a second pandemic in 2020 in the midst of COVID pandemic. We are developing the National Pandemic Plan that will seek to treat the scourge with the magnitude and vigour equivalent to that of a national disaster. It will add to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in its focus on critical areas requiring urgent attention.

This measure will demonstrate the political will in tackling the scourge; and a whole-of-society approach in turning the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide tide at national, provincial and local municipality levels. 

A holistic consultative approach will be taken in line with the linkages to health and social ills such as teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDs, substance abuse, harmful cultural practices and the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. 

The criminal justice cluster will be consulted first on all quick wins, medium to short term interventions identified in enforcing accountability, and acceleration in implementing the resolutions that relate to protection, safety and justice.  The proposed national plan once tabled at the criminal justice cluster, will be tabled at the forum of South African Forum of the Director Generals (FOSAD).

In institutionalizing the National Strategic Plan, the Department will ensure that the plan serves on the agenda of the President’s Coordinating Committee. This will ensure that the inter-governmental aspect is elevated, and services are strengthened at the municipal level, as gender based violence and femicide happens at a local level.

Honourable members,

During the 2020/21 FY, the DWYPD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) around 6 priority areas identified. A steering committee was established which produced the following achievements:

Priority 1- Access/acquisition of Land

• 37% (Hectares Allocated to Women) against set target of 50%

Priority 3 - Rural Enterprise & Cooperative Development

• Total: 91 Coops - 334  member trained (155 Women, 131 Youth & 2 Persons with Disabilities)

Priority 4 – Skills Development

• A total of 969 new students enrolled at Agricultural Colleges. 760 are black and more than 50% female.

Honorable Chairperson,

The South African Law Reform Commission of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is due to publish the Discussion Paper on the Disability Rights Bill. Once published, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will rollout wide consultations with the disability sector, the legal fraternity and the academia. 

We are pleased to also announce that the Protocol on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa is due to be deposited at the African Union. The Department will ensure domestication of the AU protocol.

To take the work forward following the National Assembly approval that South African Sign Language become the 12th official language in South Africa. South African Sign language is offered as a subject in the school curriculum in South Africa.

The Department, PanSALB and the Deaf Community and other stakeholders will continue to work together to realise the aspects and the processes of the South African Sign Language Charter. Responsible stakeholders will in line with the charter implement measures to ensure South African Sign Language is made available to citizenry to effect accessible communication for persons who are deaf.

The Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities hosted the Economic Summit for Persons with Disabilities with objective to dismantle the barriers limiting access and participation of persons with disabilities in the mainstream economy.

The Summit identified stakeholders and assigned responsibilities to departments to fast track disability inclusion in the economic activities which includes ensuring that persons with disabilities are part of the economic value chain as employees and entrepreneurs and are supported accordingly.

It is a sad reality that some individuals and communities within our country still believe in harmful superstitions and myths surrounding albinism. Persons with Albinism remain targets of femicide, kidnappings and atrocities .The Department in partnership with the Task Force on Albinism will develop a program to advocate, educate and create awareness around the prevention of discrimination and violence against persons with Albinism.

The Department will continue to monitor compliance with national and international obligations for the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will work on this in partnership with relevant stakeholders, particularly the National Home Builders Registration Council and Department of Public Works, amongst other stakeholders. 

The Impact of Climate change on Persons with disabilities and their inclusion in Climate change action, adaptation and Mitigation strategies. 

The Department will collaborate with various partners including the United Nations partnership on the rights of persons with disabilities, the International Disability Alliance, University of Johannesburg, the university of Ghana and York University on research and recommendations on Climate change effects on persons with disabilities. 

A status report on the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities and how they should be included in climate change action will be developed by the Department.

Research will be conducted on Access to Education support and services for children and young people with disabilities. The research will serve as an evidential basis to mobilise the public and private sectors to provide resources and assistive devices to special and mainstream schools that have learners with disabilities.

Honourable Members, 

I am pleased to announce that the Department commissioned a formative evaluation study on the implementation of the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation framework, the findings of the evaluation pointed to more government departments that are implementing the framework. We acknowledge that more work still needs to be done to ensure that the priorities of women, youth and persons with disabilities are mainstreamed in plans of departments.  

Our Monitoring as reported in Cabinet in 2022, shows that of the 16 National departments that responded to the self-assessment monitoring, 8 departments were rated at over 50% level of implementation of the framework and this is a welcomed improvement. One of the challenges is the response rate by the department and Cabinet has recommended that all national departments, provincial departments and their entities must comply with the reporting requirements of DWYPD.

We continue to localize of the GRPBMEA framework, in 2022, we presented the framework at the provincial Portfolio Based Councilors Inductions in six provinces. We are collaborating with the Department of Corporative Government (DCOG) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) with the first priority being to conduct the gender, youth and disability responsiveness analysis of the Integrated Development Plans and One Plans of the District Development Model in 2023/24. 

In conclusion, Honourable Chairperson,

We must remain grounded and loyal to the mandate of improving the livelihood of the most vulnerable in society. 

We all have a role to play. 

Malibongwe!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend tomorrow’s sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to respond to oral questions posed by the members of various political parties represented in Parliament. 

The questions that have been asked relate to the resolution of municipal debt to Eskom and water entities, Government’s response to illegal electricity connections, sabotage of critical economic infrastructure, and shortages in the availability of animal vaccines, among others. 

The Deputy President will therefore reiterate measures that Government has taken thus far to resolve municipal debt to Eskom as well as update the NCOP on developments since he answered questions on the issue in the National Assembly on 23 March 2023.
 
He will also apprise Parliament of Government’s commitment to implementing measures to protect infrastructure critical to the delivery of water, electricity, sanitation, and other public services.

Furthermore, the Deputy President will update Parliament on measures to secure South Africa’s timeous removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. 

Details of the NCOP sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 20 April 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde - 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria