Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 09 May 2023, undertake a service delivery oversight visit to Jagersfontein, Kopanong Municipality in the Xhariep District, Free State Province.
 
The Deputy President will provide feedback to the community of Jagersfontein on the resolution of service delivery challenges in the municipality, with specific focus on the efficient and equitable supply of water, and the resettlement of community members who were affected by the disaster which occurred when a Jagersfontein Development Project dam wall burst on the 11th of September 2022.

During his oral reply to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Deputy President Mashatile made a commitment to visit the community of Jagersfontein as part of a series of outreach visits aimed at improving service delivery and addressing challenges faced by some municipalities.

In this regard, the visit will provide a platform for the Deputy President to assess progress made by Government working together with all relevant stakeholders such as Bloem Water and others in restoring water and wastewater infrastructure in the area.

The programme led by the Deputy President will include an engagement with investors in areas of the Xhariep District Municipality and, in particular, the affected community members who were displaced by the dam collapse.  

Deputy President Mashatile will also visit the Jagersfontein Water Treatment Works and conduct a walkabout to the land parcels identified for resettlement, including show houses built through the Jagersfontein Development Project.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Ministers, the Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, Members of the Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 09 May 2023
Time: 08h00 (media to arrive at 07h30)
Venue: Jagersfontein, Kopanong Municipality, Free Sate

Media Programme

• 08H30 - Photo Opportunity

Arrival of the Deputy President at Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 09H30 - Engagement between Government and Jagersfontein Development Project - Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 10H30 - Engagement with investors in key strategic areas of Xhariep District Municipality - Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 11H40 - Visit to the land parcels identified for resettlement and show houses, and the Jagersfontein Water Treatment Works
 
• 12H40 - Engagement with community members who have been affected by the slurry dam breakdown and representatives of the Jagersfontein community - Jagersfontein Community Hall
 
For more information and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile will on Friday, 12 May 2023, host his counterpart Her Excellency Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia for an Official Visit to South Africa.  

The objective of the Official Visit to South Africa is to strengthen political relations and define a roadmap for mutually beneficial economic as well as social relations and multilateral cooperation between the two countries. 

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Colombia were formally established in April 1994, with Colombia opening its Embassy in Pretoria during 1995. Since the establishment of the South African Embassy in Venezuela in 1998, the South African residential Ambassador in Venezuela is accredited as the non-residential Ambassador of South Africa to Colombia. 

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Colombia are cordial and the shared values of democracy, peace, sustainable development and multilateralism provide a basis for the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries. Cooperation with Colombia is also in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objective of the South-South Cooperation.   

Colombia is the 5th largest economy in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Colombia is also the 6th largest trade partner of South Africa in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. There is a steady growth of Colombian investors in the food, beverages and confectionery industries and South African investments in Colombia in mining and agribusiness. 

The focus areas for discussions between the two governments will include trade, investment, and technical cooperation (in agribusiness, mining and energy, environment, science and innovation, tourism, and transport) as well as cooperation in higher education; sport, arts and culture, and exchanges on regional and multilateral issues. 

Vice President Márquez will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Culture; Deputy Minister of Tourism; Senior Government Officials; Parliamentarians; Business, Chambers of Commerce, and Industry of Colombia and some of the country’s Artists.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Friday, 12 May 2023
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Sefako M Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse (off Dumbarton Road), Pretoria
Dress Code: Formal/Smart Casual/Traditional

Members of the media covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 by 11 May 2023 at 16h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 18 and Friday, 19 May 2023, lead a two-day oversight visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Province in both the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and uMgungundlovu District Municipality to engage with various stakeholders in sectors such as education and training, agriculture, commerce and industry, amongst others.

On 18 May 2023, the Deputy President will lead an outreach programme to different sites in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and uMgungundlovu District Municipality, as part of assisting in the roll-out of the District Development Model DDM, through effective coordination of the different spheres of Government with the aim of improving the functioning of municipalities and addressing the challenges facing communities.  

In this regard, the Deputy President will visit the Ntshongweni Catalytic Project site, where a smart city is being constructed between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, alongside the N3 road and the Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistic and industrial corridor.
 
The project highlights the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s partnerships with various stakeholders in the implementation of programmes that support local community members to obtain critical work skills. It is envisaged that the project will revitalise and increase economic activity in the area, contributing about R15 billion worth of investments in the next 10 – 15 years.  
 
Deputy President Mashatile will then visit the Cedara College of Agriculture to showcase the collaborative activities and programmes such as production of cannabis, seeds and seedlings, animal feed, livestock breeding, and indigenous chicken production, amongst others; jointly with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Agricultural Research and Training Institutes.  
 
During his visit to Cedara College, the Deputy President will engage with young and emerging farmers on the Government initiatives and programmes to provide support to the sector.
 
On the second day of his visit to KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile will chair the Human Resource Development Council meeting, which will be hosted at the uMgungundlovu TVET College, Plessislaer Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
 
The College has managed to build partnerships with Government departments, municipalities, non-governmental organisations and private sector companies, to deliver on its mandate, which includes among other programmes the placement of students for work-integrated-learning.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande; Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza; Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Noxolo Kiviet; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela; Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube; Gauteng Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi; North West Premier Mr Bushy Maape; members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council; Municipal Mayors and senior Government officials.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Venue: Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
 
Media Programme

• 10h30 - Deputy President visits the Ntshongweni Phase 1A Project, uMgugundlovu District
 
• 12h30 - Site visit to Camperdown Smart City Project
 
• 13h45 - Visit to Cedara College of Agriculture
 
• 15h00 - Interactive session between Government and Young farmers
 
Date: Friday, 19 May 2023
Venue: uMgugundlovu TVET College, Plessislaer Campus

Media Programme

• 07h30 - Walkabout at the uMgugundlovu TVET College Plessislaer Campus

• 08h55 - Deputy President delivers opening remarks at the Human Resource Development Council meeting 

• 09h20 - Signing of the three (3) Social Compacts

• 12h30 - Media Briefing on outcomes of the HRDC meeting

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On 19 May 2023, Deputy President Paul Mashatile held a dialogue with business leaders, hosted by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The engagement focused on the role of Government and business in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing our country. 

The session was attended by CEOs and senior executives, as well as business associations, including Business Unity South Africa, Business Leadership South Africa and the Black Business Council, amongst others. The dialogue focused on issues affecting and hindering the private sector’s ability to play a meaningful role in working with government to create a conducive environment for economic prosperity.
                                                                                                             
The event provided the Deputy President an opportunity to speak to the major deliverables of his portfolio, policy reforms as well as steps being taken to enhance investor confidence, which touches on energy security, the economy, social compacting, crime, corruption, foreign direct investment and international relations and trade.

The captains of industry raised issues of concern affecting their constituents, particularly those relating to their ability to operate efficiently. They urged Government to work with a greater sense of urgency in attending to the current energy crisis, crime and corruption, and processing of applications relating to statutory obligations hindering their ability to conduct business effectively. 

Leila Fourie, JSE Group CEO, said: “Business, and society at large, is dealing with challenges on several fronts, most obviously energy security and the deteriorating reliability of the logistics system. Collaboration, mobilisation of capital and execution is required to rebuild business and investor confidence. The JSE, as a conduit for capital, can play an important convening role in solving for many of these challenges.”

Deputy President Mashatile emphasised Government’s commitment to working with the private sector to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the country. The Deputy President informed business leaders in attendance that a comprehensive social compact between the two partners would go a long way towards putting South Africa on the right track. It was agreed that such a meeting between Government and the business community should be convened in the next six months. 

Deputy President Mashatile welcomed these resolutions as a progressive step forward:

“As a means of moving forward, engagement with the JSE-listed companies will be institutionalised for future engagement and as a platform to expedite the implementation of the commitments made,” he said.  

To this end, a follow-up meeting with Western Cape-based JSE-listed companies will be scheduled for the near future.

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 / Vukani@presidency.gov.za and Pheliswa Mayekiso on 084 486 0502 / PheliswaM@jse.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 26 and Saturday, 27 May 2023, undertake a two-day oversight visit to the Eastern Cape Province in both the O.R. Tambo District and Buffalo City Metro municipalities, as part of efforts to improve the functioning of municipalities and providing solutions to challenges facing communities through the District Development Model (DDM).  
 
As part of his delegated functions, Deputy President Mashatile is assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model, a flagship mechanism adopted by Government to drive effective coordination of different spheres of Government for impactful service delivery.  
 
On the 26th of May, the Deputy President and delegation will be in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, at Lusikisiki in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. He will provide feedback to the communities on the implementation of the District Development Model since its launch in 2019, focusing on progress achieved to improve service delivery, reduce crime, and fight gender-based violence in the area.

The Deputy President will also engage with the Local Business Forum, with the aim to strengthen partnership between Government and the private sector to further unlock economic opportunities in areas such as eco-tourism, the oceans economy, agriculture, oil and gas development, and mining, among others.

On the 27th of May, the Deputy President and delegation will proceed to the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality to engage with business representatives, small-scale farmers and farm workers.
 
The engagement with the farming community will take place at the Ncera Macadamia Farming Initiative, which produces and sells macadamia nuts on the open market. The visit to the Macadamia project by Deputy President Mashatile will highlight the importance of this initiative in building sustainable socio-economic development opportunities for the surrounding communities, through multi-stakeholder partnerships, since 2005.
 
The Deputy President will then pay a courtesy call on the Rharhabe Kingdom, to further engage with Eastern Cape Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, where he is expected to provide feedback on the implementation of commitments made through the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu; Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Boitumelo Moloi; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, Mr Oscar Mabuyane; Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council; Municipal Mayors and senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Friday, 26 May 2023
Venue: O.R. Tambo District Municipality, Lusikisiki, Ingquza Hill Local Municipality

Media Programme

09h00 - 11h00: Engagement with the Local Business Forum
Venue: Lusikisiki Health Resource Centre

11h15 - 11h45 Visit to Lusikisiki Village Clinic (National Health Insurance facility)

12h30 - 13h00: Visit to Hombe White Door Centre of Hope

13h45 - 16h30: Community Engagement on Government response in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide
Venue: Zalu Sports-ground

(For more information and accreditation please contact Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993 or Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635)
 
Date: Saturday, 27 May 2023
Venue: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, East London

Media Programme

07h00 – 09h00: Engagement with the Local Business Forum
Venue: East London International Convention Centre

10h30 – 12h30: Courtesy call on the Rharhabe Kingdom
Venue: Mngqesha Great Place

14h00 -17h00 Visit to Ncera Macadamia Farm
Venue: Imidushane Great Place

For more information and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505
 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 25 May 2023 respond to Oral Questions in the National Assembly. This is in line with a constitutional mandate for members of Cabinet to account to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and performance.

The questions asked to the Deputy President relate to progress on the land reform programme, stabilising coalition governments, and his role as the President’s envoy on South Sudan, among others.

The Deputy President is expected to reassure Parliament of Government’s commitment to the land reform process to ensure economic growth and inclusion while guaranteeing food security. 

On the question of stabilising coalition governments, the Deputy President will remind members of the framework for coalitions that has been drafted by the South African Local Government Association to guide political parties on structuring their coalitions for improved service delivery.

The Deputy President had also committed to the National Council of Provinces that he would convene a dialogue to deliberate on a consensus on how to better manage coalition governments so that they are responsive to the needs of communities.

In his capacity as the Special Envoy on South Sudan, Deputy President Mashatile will outline South Africa’s plans to assist parties to the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan with the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan.

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 / Vukani@presidency.gov.za. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, Saturday, 27 May 2023, concluded his oversight visit to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, as part of efforts to fast-track the implementation of the District Development Model. 

Deputy President Mashatile's delegation to the Buffalo City Metro included the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, Mr Oscar Mabuyane; Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu; Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi; Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Boitumelo Moloi; Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council; the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Princess Faku; and senior Government officials.
 
During his visit to Buffalo City Metro, the Deputy President engaged with the Local Business Forum, in the context of strengthening partnership with the private sector to further unlock economic opportunities in sectors such as eco-tourism, oceans economy, agriculture, oil and gas, automotive and construction, among others. 

The engagement with the business sector provided the opportunity for the province to unpack on Catalytic Projects developed at the District level to unlock economic and employment opportunities in various sectors. 

Buffalo City Metro currently hosts Mercedes Benz factory and together with various East London Special Economic Zones which hosts a number of investors require a functional port to export goods to the international markets. 

In this regard, the City is engaged in efforts to optimise the functionality of the rail corridor to ensure that the cost of doing business in the province is minimised. The provincial road network infrastructure is tremendously improving through ongoing cooperation with stakeholders such as SANRAL. 

Local businesses, including Small Medium Enterprises also derive dedicated packages from SANRAL's road infrastructure development projects. 

While Government is siezed with efforts to find lasting solutions to the energy crisis in our country, the City requires assistance in unlocking opportunities for electricity generation to cushion industries against ongoing electricity interruptions.

Deputy President Mashatile then paid a courtesy call on King Vululwandle of the AmaRharhabe Nation at Mnqesha Great Place, to provide updates on progress achieved in addressing issues raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. 

The visit to the AmaRharhabe Traditional Council was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between Government and Traditional Leadership. 

On conclusion of his visit to the Buffalo City Metro, Deputy President Mashatile and delegation proceeded to Imidushane Great Place, Ncera village, to engage with Macadamia Project Management together with members of the surrounding communities. 

The Macadamia project initiative started in 2005 and it produces and sells nuts on the open market. Currently there are structural and financial challenges facing the smooth running of the project, which affects livelihoods of employees. 

Deputy President Mashatile was apprised on efforts led by the Provincial Government in bringing stability to the Macadamia project. 

“Through this important consultation I have agreed with Premier Oscar Mabuyane to work together with the project management team, with aim to find possible solutions to address the challenges facing Macadamia Farm,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Deputy President also received an update of  developmental priorities led by Government in addressing service delivery issues affecting the surrounding communities of Ncera. 

Deputy President Mashatile was pleased by progress achieved in the provision of water services to the community and mandated the Provincial Government to fast-track other outstanding issues such as roads infrastructure and provision of recreational facilities.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 June 2023, brief Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the Oral Replies session, on efforts led by government to accelerate land reform and provision of agricultural support, Parliament, Cape Town.

Government has made a commitment to embark on a land reform strategy that will ensure economic growth and inclusion, in all sectors of the economy, particularly in the entire agriculture and agro-processing value chain, and ultimately ensure sustainable food security.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will in this regard, outline a number of programmes that government has put in place to address both financial and technical support to emerging farmers as part of fast-tracking the land reform process.
 
In line with his role as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, a multi-stakeholder body that creates an enabling environment to improve the human resource development in South Africa, Deputy President Mashatile will apprise members, on strategic interventions to respond to skills challenges of the country.
 
Further, in view of government commitment and efforts to promoting universal access to basic services such as provision of clean water, sanitation, sustainable energy, refuse collection and other essential services, the Deputy President will update the NCOP on measures to be implemented by government in ensuring that communities derive adequate access to dependable and high-quality services, through the District Development Model.

Following his recent visit to Jagersfontein, in the Kopang Municipality in the Free State Province, to receive first-hand experience regarding the challenges brought by the Jagersfontein Development dam disaster, the Deputy President will then brief the Members on government efforts to finding lasting solutions to address issues of resettlement of displaced communities and the identified service delivery challenges.  

Deputy President Mashatile will also brief Members of the NCOP on measures adopted by government to address concerns around weakening of state capacity in key departments and state-owned entities, owing to corruption and maladministration in some circumstances. These will include efforts put forward by government to focus on strengthening leadership, skills development and professionalisation of the public service, amongst others.

The Oral Reply Session by Deputy President Mashatile in the NCOP is scheduled as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 13 June 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chambers, Old Assembly Building, Parliament, Cape Town

Media enquiries: Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251

For comments: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 / Vukani@presidency.gov.za. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 16 June 2023, lead the National Youth Day Commemoration in Mangaung, Bloemfontein in the Free State Province, under the theme: “Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a sustainable future”.  This Youth Day commemoration will feature an Opportunities Expo with real time education, funding and mentorship opportunities that young people can access. 

The commemoration is aimed at effecting positive youth development efforts from local, provincial and national levels in South Africa.

The National Youth Day Commemoration is a public holiday and the day in which the country reflects on the massacre of school children during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. It is a day when South Africa as a whole celebrates the role of young people in shaping the country's history and future. 

Each year since 1994, June 16 recognises the struggles of the youth of 1976 and celebrate the impact they brought in the liberation of the country.

The event will also celebrate South Africa as the host nation for the Netball World Cup series, which has a significant youth participation in the tournament. South Africa is the first country on the African continent to host the world sporting showpiece. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Acting Free State Premier Ketso Makume and NYDA Chairperson, Ms Asanda Luwaca as well as a delegation of senior government officials and key youth stakeholders.

Members of the media are invited to cover the commemoration as follows:
Date: Friday, 16 June 2023
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Mangaung, Free State

Members of the media covering the commemoration are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Mr Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or Ms Zimasa Velaphi (DSAC) on 072 172 8925 or Ms Lwaphesheya Khoza (NYDA) on 081 766 2440.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will now address the National Youth Day Commemoration, taking place at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, virtually. Extreme weather conditions made it impossible for the air transportation of the Deputy President to the venue.

To view the Deputy President’s keynote address, click here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83415727409?pwd=TXBiZzJubDNEZS9uTG1HdmZzWXdHUT09 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria