Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters relating to traditional and Khoi-San leaders, will on Saturday, 14 October 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Tshivhase Day Celebration in honour of His Majesty Malilausumbwa Rampisi “Phiriphiri” Frans Tshivhase of the VhaVenda nation.  

The Tshivhase Day Celebration will be held at the Prince Thikhathali Stadium, Tshikombani village, Nzhelele, in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. 

The event will be held under the theme:  “Celebrating the life and times of Mailausumbwa Rasimphi “Phiriphiri” Frans Tshivhase’s contribution to the struggle for a free, just and democratic South Africa”.

His Majesty Mailausumbwa Frans Rasimphi Tshivhase was born in 1900 in Mukumbani, in the former Transvaal, and took over the reins as the Paramount Chief of the Tshivhase people in April 1930.

During his days of activism, he played a significant role in the struggle for freedom and democracy and was resolute in his opposition to the expropriation of the land of his subjects and persuasive in his defence of the rights of his people. 

During his reign, His Majesty Mailausumbwa Tshivhase refused to live side by side with impoverished subjects, and he waged a monumental struggle to defend the inheritance of his people.

In recognition of the heroic role he played, former President Thabo Mbeki on behalf of Government and the people of South Africa awarded the Order of Luthuli in Bronze to His Majesty Mailausumbwa Tshivhase in June 2004. The Order of Luthuli recognises contributions to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice, or peace and conflict resolution. 

It was founded in 2003, making His Majesty Mailausumbwa Tshivhase among the first South Africans ever to be so recognised in 2004. 

Deputy President Mashatile joins the celebrations in view of its potential to further contribute towards building unity and social cohesion amongst various communities in Limpopo.  

The Deputy President has further emphasised the fact that “the institution of traditional leadership occupies an important place in our communities and it contributes towards the restoration of the moral fibre of our society. It further plays a significant role in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in the rural areas”.

In this regard, Government remains committed to continue working together with the Traditional and Khoi-San leadership in the fight against poverty, landllessness, and other social ills that afflict communities under traditional authorities.

Upon his arrival at the Tshikombani Village, the Deputy President will pay a courtesy call on His Majesty Mailausumbwa MPK Tshivhase and also meet with senior traditional leaders in the area, to provide an update on progress achieved by government in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the leadership of the National and Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo Province, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior Government officials.

Date: Saturday, 14 October 2023
Time: 09h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Prince Thikhathali Stadium, Tshikombani village, Nzhelele, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
 
Media Programme

• 08h00 – Arrival and accreditation of members of the media at the Tshivhase Nature Reserve 
• 09h00 – Courtesy Call by Deputy President Mashatile to His Majesty Mailausumbwa MPK Tshivhase  
• 09h30 – Deputy President’s engagement with the Senior Traditional Leadership
• 10h00 – 13h00 - Main event at the Prince Thikhathali Stadium
 
For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshamano Makhadi on 082 223 0621

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Family Representatives of our beloved late Comrade, friend, and Colleague Ronnie Mamoepa;
Cabinet Minister here present;
ANC Secretary General, Cde. Fikile Mbalula;
ANC Treasurer-General, Cde. Gwen Ramokgopa;
Senior Management of Freedom Park;
Members of the Media,
Ladies Gentlemen;

I am here to honour my friend, comrade, and someone I have worked with for many years, Ronald "Ronnie" Mamoepa.

Allow me to share anecdotes and fond memories with Ronnie. Prior to that, I would like to thank you our Sister, Audrey and your children for agreeing that we share in the collective memory of Ronnie.

Where we are today represents Ronnie in his totality. Ronnie and a great number of other people from our generation, both those who have already passed away and those who are still with us, have committed our lives to serving the people.

When it was not fashionable, Ronnie from the dusty streets of Pheli, joined the movement to fight for freedom. We are indeed today almost 30 years into freedom and democracy and this is because of the sacrifices and contributions of Ronnie and his generation.  
 
The youth at the time never stood on the side; they, like Ronnie, opposed the apartheid tyranny. Following the slogan of SAYCO, "Victory is Certain - Freedom or Death," he understood that his future and that of his offspring and generations depended on him.

Ronnie is a hero of our struggle!

He is worthy of being commemorated forever.

He was part of a group of people who helped build the ANC in Gauteng, and because of his skills and capacity to communicate effectively, he was able to transcend into government to become one of the best communicators. 

As a matter of fact, it is because of people like Ronnie and Thabo Masebe that today we have the best communication machinery for the government through the Government Communications and Information System.

For them to be memorialised, GCIS, the National School of Government, and Institutions of learning need to add to the curriculum that talks about political communication and institutionalising research to learn their legacy.

In this regard, we take this opportunity to thank the senior management of Freedom Park for hosting this important gathering to commemorate the life and times of Ronnie Mamoepa through the establishment of the foundation.

This commemorative event takes place under the theme, "Re-committing to the legacy of Ronnie Mamoepa through social activism” a clarion call for all our citizens to emulate the undying spirit of selflessness, dedication and humanity (Ubuntu) that Ronnie championed.    

Ronnie, "the griot," was one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a seasoned government communicator, and a dedicated public servant.
 
Fellow Compatriots, we are happy that this afternoon, as part of commemorating the life and time of Ronnie Mamoepa, we observe the wreath-laying the ceremony at Hall of Name at Freedom Park, immortalising the name and legacy of this outstanding stalwart amongst the esteemed heroes and heroines who contributed to the liberation struggle, such as Chris Hani, Ruth First, Zachariah Keodirelang "ZK" Matthews, Goven Mbeki, Lilian Ngoyi, Charlotte Maxeke and many others.

We are also pleased that the work of the foundation we are launching is based on the principles that Cde. Ronnie upheld throughout his active life, including addressing socio-economic challenges by promoting equal opportunity in education, the arts, culture, and heritage, and most importantly, freedom of expression.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ronnie was a man of exceptional courage, unwavering determination, and deep compassion. He was a relentless advocate for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.

His commitment to social change and his passion for justice were infectious, inspiring all those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Today, as we lay this wreath, we are reminded of the profound impact Ronnie had on the lives of so many.

He boldly spoke out against injustice, stood up against discrimination, and fought for a better, more inclusive society.

His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for those who continue to carry on his work. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we must never lose sight of our shared responsibility to create more equitable and just communities.

Ronnie's dedication to the progress of our society was not without sacrifice. He faced countless obstacles, overcame numerous challenges, and endured personal hardship. But through it all, he remained steadfast in his convictions, never backing down from the fight for what he believed in.

Most importantly, he was a tireless leader who lived according to the values of our Constitution.

On this important occasion, we should perhaps ask ourselves this question: How would Ronnie have responded to the current social-political challenges facing our country?

With regard to the movement he really cherished and loved so dearly, will he be pleased with the current political paradigm?

The Ronnie we know will be concerned about the plight of our people.  He would be advocating for unity and accountability.

He would be asking questions about how far we are in dealing with the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequalities.   

It is, therefore, pleasing that together, as government, business, and civil society, through this foundation, we are beginning to envision a better future for our country.

In this regard, we commend the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) for honouring this fallen hero and exemplary citizen of our country, by renaming their Press Room – "The Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre".

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since we are all citizens of the same nation, we have an obligation to collaborate in order to solve the issues we face and establish the kind of nation we want for ourselves.

We need to invest all our efforts and energies in deepening our constitutional values to truly achieve a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society. 

Let us intensify our efforts to bring about a global order in which justice and equality are prioritised above all.

Let us recommit to combating corruption in all of its manifestations across the entire social fabric, including the public and private sectors.

Let us continue to work in harmony to make South Africa a country where people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic standing, enjoy complete human freedom and prosperity.

Let us also be motivated to continue his work and carry the torch to advocate for meaningful change in our communities.

We should all take inspiration from his life and work for a future where everyone's opinion matters, everyone is appreciated, and every life is treated with dignity.

As I conclude, to our Sister Audrey and the children, as well as the rest of the Mamoepa family, please know that you remain in our thoughts.

We will also ensure that the legacy of our brother, friend and Comrade, Ronnie lives on!!!

Thank you.

Our Chief Mourner, Limpopo Premier Stanley Chupu Mathabatha;
The Bereaved Families of Mathabatha and Moshoeshoe; 
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive present;
Members of the NEC of the ANC and Leaders and Representatives of other Political Parties present;
Capricorn District Mayor and all Mayors and Councilors present;
Our Esteemed Traditional Leaders;
Leaders of Faith-Based Organisations;
Fellow Mourners, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Kgotsong! Bagaetsho Re a le dumelisa ka le bitso la Ntate!

We are gathered here this morning not only to pledge solidarity with our Chief Mourner and Leader of our Government and people, Limpopo Premier Stanley Chubu Mathabatha in this hour of darkness.

We are also here, on behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, to pay our last respects to a daughter of the soil, Mme Matlotlo Margaret Mathabatha, a liberation fighter in her own right, who spent most of her adult life dedicated to the socio-economic development of her people in the many leadership roles that she has played before and after the attainment of freedom and democracy in South Africa.

Premier Chupu and Comrade Maggie Mathabatha met and cemented their relationship in the trenches of our liberation struggle to free South Africa from the yoke of racial oppression, violent land dispossession and deliberate underdevelopment of the province and country they called home. Theirs was a bond formed in revolution.

Individually and collectively, both Mme Maggie and Premier Mathabatha took up arms, under the auspices of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the military wing of the then banned African National Congress, against an oppressor apartheid regime, which had been declared a crime against humanity by the United Nations.

In particular, Mme Maggie Mathabatha was relentless and undaunted, joining the progressive Trade Union Movement at a time when Workers Rights were not recognised as Human Rights by apartheid South Africa and the capitalist class.

In the 1980’s she lent her voice and energies to the workers struggle waged by the Commercial and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (CAWUSA), of which she was a member and a leader, affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU. 

Cde Maggie took to heart as well as lived and led workers through the slogan: “An Injury to One is an Injury to All”. Many among us here would testify to Mme Maggie’s heroics at the shop floor, where she was a constant pain in the neck of employers in the private sector, especially at Eastgate Mall in the present day Ekurhuleni.

Mme Maggie was to later leave the retail sector, following a protracted strike which saw many workers lose their jobs.

However, she was never lost to the quest to build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa for she took this struggle to the next level, becoming instrumental in the founding and ultimate formation of the South African Democratic Teachers Union or SADTU, especially in the then Pretoria, Witwatersrand and Vaal or PWV region, now Gauteng Province. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Those of you who knew Mme Maggie would attest to the fact that she had a lifelong passion for education. It was that passion that drove her to develop herself mentally, intellectually and educationally. Thus she enrolled at the University of the Western Cape, affectionately known as Bush University among the Comrades, where she later obtained her first higher qualification, a Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1991. 

In the following year 1992, Mme Maggie again took the expansion of her intellectual horizon further, enrolling at the University of Limpopo, then called the University of the North, where she obtained a University Education Diploma, UED.

But she was not done! She went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Development from the University of Limpopo’s Business School, EDUPARK in 2011.

Mme Maggie continued to be a shining light to both students and educators alike, providing a good example to her people in the manner in which she carried herself and how she imparted knowledge to those who sought it. 

It was the same compassion and dedication she exuded into her professional work first as a teacher in various schools, then as a dedicated public servant and finally as an esteemed Member of the Diplomatic Corps, representing South Africa in Ukraine, where she served as Madam De-charge in the South African Embassy until she returned to South Africa, together with her husband in 2013 when he was appointed as the Premier of Limpopo Province.

Fellow Mourners, 

As we bid farewell to our sister, mother and grandmother to some and a comrade, friend and colleague to many of us here, we would like to thank the Moshoeshoe and Mathabatha families for giving their daughter to the service of the people of Gauteng where Mme Maggie grew up, the people of Limpopo where she led the revolution and the people of South Africa as a whole in the struggle to defeat apartheid and build a better life for all. 

Your loss is our loss and the country is bereft of a dedicated care-giver and nurturer of a generation of our people. 

We have no option but to pick the baton and continue on a journey you started and led, for our people to be completely and finally liberated from the clutches of poverty, unemployment and inequality. For the workers to have their rights recognised as human rights and for all South Africans to enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy.

And finally, for our people to live in communities where they receive basic services such as water and electricity, housing, education and primary health. 
 
We once again wish to express our deepest condolences to Premier Chupu Mathabatha, the Mathabatha and Moshoeshoe families, the Limpopo Provincial Government, Comrades in the Tripartite ANC/COSATU/SACP Alliance, friends and former Colleagues of Mme Maggie Mathabatha.

May her soul rest in eternal peace!

Robala ka Kgotso Pebetse ka Sereto! 

I thank you!

Programme Director

Comrade Mag Pahad,

Comrades Govan and Amina Pahad,
Comrades Aziz Pahad, 
Prof Angina Parekh
Former President Thabo Mbeki,

Comrades and friends.

Today we woke up to the sad news of the passing of a tried-and-tested cadre and leader of the people of South Africa, Comrade Essop Goolam Pahad.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Cde Essop and his family. It was impossible and most painful to reconcile his frail state with the energetic, assertive, and forthright Comrade Essop I have known throughout the decades of struggle.

Personally, I first encountered Comrade Essop through the archives of the liberation movement, in which he, and his contemporaries feature in photographs on the margins of the 1956 Treason Trial armed with placards and posters outside the court with the unequivocal message: "Hands off our leaders!"

We thus accepted him as our leader because we knew that he grew up at the collective knee of the generation of Oliver Tambo, Yusuf Dadoo, "NT" Naicker, Reggie September, Joe Slovo, Helen Joseph, and other outstanding liberators.

An active member of the Congress Youth Movement, he was one of the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress volunteers who produced and distributed ANC pamphlets and posters in the three years after the 1960 banning of the movement. For his activities against the apartheid regime, he was banned for five years and left the country for exile in December 1964.

His maturity into full membership and leadership of the ANC and the South African Communist Party spoke to the importance of political organisation as a school and teacher in society. He also trained in uMkhonto we Sizwe in Angola.

He represented the SACP on the editorial Council for the World Marxist Review from 1975 – 1985. He was thus one of the leading cadres of our movement and did much to advance the international pillar of our struggle.

Comrade Essop internalised the Marxist adage: "To leave error unrefuted is to encourage intellectual immorality." He was a robust intellectual who always sought the best possible decisions in the organisation’s, the national and ultimately humanity’s interest.

He said about his period in exile: "When you’re in exile, there are times when the light at the end of the tunnel is very dim. You always felt that you were very far away from home."

To underscore his interest in the free and democratic exchange of ideas, he also said: "You had a great amount of time to read, to study, to discuss, to debate, and to get involved in all of these discussions not only with your own comrades but also with many other people. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to meet representatives of communist parties from all over the world."

This was an all-around public intellectual whose political consciousness was shaped under the aegis of the Congress Movement.

In 1994, he became one of the cadres the ANC deployed into the first democratic parliament, which gave us hope about the future of democratic South Africa. When he left public service in 1994, Comrade Essop established The Thinker, a quarterly journal for discussion, which added to the diversity of opinion in our media and public discourse spaces.

This is yet another of his numerous notable and unerasable contributions to the betterment of our society.

Our movement and society is challenged to construct an environment in which, though they do not become clones, young people become as dependable as Essop’s generation. In this way, the democratisation project does not lose its way.

Essop Pahad has left a void. In his lifetime of struggle, he traversed the world to ensure that our struggle delivered victory to the ordinary masses of our people. We who remain are obliged to spare no effort to ensure that we stay the course.

The words of Nikolai Ostrovsky come to mind: "Man's dearest possession is life. It is given to him but once, and he must live it so as to feel no torturing regrets for wasted years, never know the burning shame of a mean and petty past; so live that, dying, he might say: all my life, all my strength were given to the finest cause in all the world ── the fight for the Liberation of Mankind"

He could have been speaking of Essop Goolam Pahad.

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we convey our sincerest condolences to the Pahad family, friends and comrades. 

May his soul rest in peace.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
The President of the Black Business Council, Mr. Elias Monage;
CEO of the Black Business Council, Mr. Kganki Matabane;
The collective leadership of the Black Business Council;
Ministers here present;
Representatives of the business community;
Distinguished Guests;

It is a great honour to be here tonight as we honour and celebrate black excellence and, most importantly, to be part of the conversation about accelerating the participation of black South Africans in the mainstream economy.

Today is the last day of the month dedicated to commemorating 1976 and celebrating the youth of our country. So we honoured the invitation to join Alex FM at Alex High School this morning. I also visited Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator earlier today, a partnership between government and business to absorb greater numbers of our youth into the economy through employment and entrepreneurship. 

What impressed me was how the youth remain positive and remain hopeful about the future. We want to assure the youth that we are going to continue to work hard together with them to build a sustainable future. We also want to urge many of you, as business people, to return to your schools and communities to invest resources for the growth and development of the future of the youth.

Ladies and Gentleman

The Black Business Council's decision to honour black business leaders in this manner is truly commendable, as we recognize that our nation is an intricate web of multiple interests. 

By celebrating black excellence, we prove that it is possible to not just survive but thrive while facing significant obstacles.

These awards are also taking place as we mark 20 years of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy framework.

Since its implementation over 20 years ago, there has been significant progress made in advancing economic transformation and empowering the historically disadvantaged.

Compatriots,

According to statistics, the number of black-owned companies in South Africa has increased dramatically, proving that through our joint efforts we ARE changing the look of this economy. 

As of 2021, it was estimated that approximately 2.5 million black-owned businesses employed millions of individuals across the country.

Black-owned companies have made significant advances in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, services, and technology. 

Black business is also claiming an increasing share of contribution to GDP growth, a trend we must accelerate. 

Recent figures show that black-owned businesses account for a growing amount of the country's GDP, with estimates ranging from 28 percent to 35 percent.

Nevertheless, there is still more work to be done. In order to see positive results from this policy, its execution must be strengthened and streamlined. We must work together as social partners to ensure its success.

Compatriots,

We must also address the issue of B-BBEE compliance reporting by companies. According to the 2021 National Status and Trends on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Transformation Report, the B-BBEE Commission's B-BBEE Portal submissions have decreased from 5,818 in 2019 to 1,475 in 2022 due to low compliance levels.

As Government, we are continuing to review and refine the BBBEE policy with a focus of making it more inclusive, transparent, and impactful.

The goal is to create more social and economic equity and make sure that all people have equal opportunities to take part in the economy of the country.

We are affirm that this is the correct policy to pursue.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Besides the B-BBEE policy framework, we have implemented various initiatives to support black businesses.

A key lever for us is the use of policy, legislation, and regulation to promote black economic empowerment. This includes the implementation of preferential procurement, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and employment equity, among others. 

We have also established institutions and programs to support black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) provides business development services, mentorship, and access to finance.

Additionally, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) offers funding and support to black-owned businesses, helping them overcome financial barriers and achieve sustainable growth.

Furthermore, the government has launched programs to enhance skills and entrepreneurship development among black youth.

These initiatives include the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Entrepreneurship Development Program, which provide training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for young black entrepreneurs.

Moreover, we believe that women's empowerment is central to the global development agenda and is a stepping stone to gender equality.

In this regard, we are deeply concerned that only a small percentage of board members in JSE-listed companies are female, while a significant proportion of JSE-listed companies have no female board representation at all!

It is equally concerning that women are experiencing higher levels of unemployment, while those who are employed generally earn 19 to 37 percent less than their male counterparts. 

Compatriots, 

We must all confront this reality together as a nation. It is our responsibility as government and private sector to create a conducive environment for equal participation in the economy for both women and young people.

As government, we have created a number of initiatives to promote women's economic participation. Government initiatives such as the Women Empowerment Fund and the National Empowerment Fund, to name two, are designed to increase funding for black women to enter the world of business.

For instance, in 2021, we introduced the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Strategy, which aims to ensure that women participate actively in the Energy Sector.

We also have the SheTradeZA Hub, which assists women entrepreneurs in increasing their international competitiveness and connecting to local, regional, and international markets.

We encourage women with an aptitude for business to take advantage of the many entrepreneurial opportunities that are available, whether in agriculture, energy, or any other sector.

All of these initiatives, along with others, demonstrate our commitment to empowerment and the creation of an inclusive economy. However, we cannot accomplish this on our own.

We require institutions such as the BBC to collaborate with us and place an emphasis on promoting inclusive economic development through public-private partnerships and targeted investment in sectors including agriculture, industrial, and infrastructure.

Regarding the Black Industrialist Programme and the framework of our Industrial Policy, our collective efforts must concentrate on two primary objectives:
• One, facilitating Black Industrialists' entry into strategic and targeted industrial value chains so that they can contribute to growth, investment, exports, and employment, and 
• Two, providing Black Industrialists with a variety of pathways and instruments to increase their participation in the national economy.

The Departments of Trade, Industry, and Competition and Small Business Development will continue to lead the way in opening up business opportunities to enable black firms to thrive and participate fully in the economy through the Black Industrialist Programme.

We should celebrate the program's success, which has resulted in the development of around a thousand Black Industrialists. Many of them now run successful businesses that employ a growing number of our citizens. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are well aware that the current state of the global economy has made it more difficult for us to fulfil our commitment to the development of an inclusive and equitable economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has disrupted production, trade, and investment globally, including the African continent. The War in Ukraine has increased oil and food prices, heightening global tensions, and embroiled us in geopolitical contestations between major powers, with obvious dangers for our economy.

We are also facing challenges, from persistent power outages, to weak growth, the scourge of corruption, and unemployment.

To combat these, our government has rolled out a number of interventions. Among these are the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, Operation Vulindlela – which is specifically designed to remove obstacles in your path and streamline our own processes – and the Just Energy Transition Plan, our energy security and green economy transition strategy. 

We are responding to the immediate crisis of load shedding through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and a range of other measures and reforms aimed at stabilizing the electricity supply and building for the future.

Moreover, the electricity minister has been appointed and is working towards resolving the issue of load shedding by the end of the year.

The minister has been engaging with various stakeholders, including businesses, to find a long-lasting solution to the energy crisis.

The Energy Action Plan is underway and aims to reduce stages of load shedding by increasing the number of power plants, including renewable energy projects.

We are fully committed to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. But that transition will occur at the appropriate pace for our needs, it will balance economic development and preservation of jobs, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It will also take into account our current energy shortages. 

Because we cannot transition while sitting in the dark!

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

To address the unemployment challenge, we are implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) to kick-start our economy after the devastation of Covid-19.  

The Jobs Fund has invested R9 billion in job creation initiatives and R13 billion in matched funding to support 294 000 jobs, internships, and training for nearly 293 000 job seekers. However, there is a recognition that more needs to be done.

To expedite the reform agenda and address bureaucratic red tape, the government has established Operation Vulindlela.

This initiative has made significant progress in a short time by promoting collaboration and coordination across government.

Some of its achievements include paving the way for private investment in electricity generation, clearing the backlog of water use licenses, ending delays in the auction of high-demand spectrum, facilitating private sector participation in container terminals, reviewing the work visa system, and adopting a new National Rail Policy. These efforts aim to attract investment, improve efficiency, and modernise various sectors of the economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must also ensure that we take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade, which holds the potential to inject $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy and help lift between 50 and 100 million people out of poverty by 2035.

We will work with you to ensure that you participate meaningfully in the economy of our continent.

To achieve this goal, we are making it easier for third parties to utilise the freight rail network. We hope that this will encourage more investment, lower transportation costs, and make the sector more competitive.

Some of these measures include allowing private companies to operate container terminals and invest in port infrastructure as part of a policy shift toward greater efficiency.

In the end, we want to make sure that state-owned firms like Transnet can operate profitably and fulfil their commitments without ongoing and burdensome government assistance.

These are some of the initiatives that we believe will transform our economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We view the Black Business Council as a vital partner that can guide us as we resolve our deficiencies and help us streamline existing policies and programs so that they align with our empowerment goals.

We must collaborate to resolve any challenges that confront us. In the near future, the country's economic trajectory will be largely determined by its capacity to navigate obstacles, implement reforms, and draw strength from all the social partners.

Together, we must establish a meaningful social compact to reconstruct our nation and our economy, and to ensure that no individual and no community is left behind.

I thank you.

Programme directors, Prof MT Mogale, Executive Dean: College of Economic and Management Sciences, Prof P Segalo, Chairperson of Unisa Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, and Dr G James, Deputy Director of Community Engagement,
His Excellency Dr TM Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of South Africa,
Mr J Maboa, Chairperson of the University Council and other members of the University Council present,
Prof P LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa and other Members of the University Executive and Extended Management present, 
Our Minister, Dr BE Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, 
Mrs M Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Human Settlements,
Mr Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation,
Ms L Ntshalintshali, MEC: Social Development of Mpumalanga and other public representatives who may be present here today,
Your Excellencies: Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing various countries in South Africa,
Senior officials from various government departments and state agencies,
Senior Prince NS Mampuru, Senior Prince Bapedi ba Mamone and other traditional leaders present,
Ms AM Miller, United Nations Women Multi-Country Representative United Nations Women and other members of the United Nations and SAWID present,
Dignitaries from Provincial, and Local Governments,
Representatives from other universities in the Higher Education sector,
Business Communities, Ecclesiastical Communities, representatives from various Political Parties, and various Research Institutions present,
Members of the Unisa National Students Representative Council and other Unisa Student Structures,
Members and leaders of various political parties and organs of civil society,
Representatives from various media houses,
Representatives from various Unisa forums and organised Labour,
Retirees, alumni, and other members of the University community present,
Friends of the University of South Africa attending this occasion virtually,
Our esteemed artists present here today:
Ms Simphiwe Dana, Singer, and Songwriter,
Ms Ami Faku, Singer,
The 150-Year Birthday Celebration Choir,
Djembe Drummers, Creative Arts Performance,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning! 

We consider it a great honour to be able to participate in the celebration of this extraordinary achievement of UNISA reaching the milestone of 150 years.

On this day in 1873, the University of South Africa was established, marking the beginning of a journey that led us all here today. 

It is no coincidence that 82 years later, on the same day, the Freedom Charter was adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown, Soweto.

The Freedom Charter instructs us to ensure the free exchange of ideas, the encouragement of cultural expression, and free, compulsory, universal, and equal education for all children.

UNISA adhered to this instruction, and over time, it has transformed into an institution of higher education that is committed to quality and universal education, accessible to all Africans.

As we commemorate the 150th year of UNISA, the largest and oldest institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, we should reflect on how UNISA has contributed to shaping Africa's intellectual future by asking difficult questions about UNISA's future contribution to a better Africa and the World.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

In our view, UNISA is an example of accessible education; by offering distance learning programs, you have touched many people who would not otherwise be able to visit your campuses across the continent. 

This includes establishing centers in other nations, such as Ethiopia, which hosts the African Union's headquarters. 

Currently, UNISA has one of the highest enrolments rates of any African country, offering free education to improve life chances for underprivileged children.

Since the year 2000, there has been a 35 percent increase in the number of adults who have completed their tertiary education, while enrolment in higher education institutions has more than doubled.

This was also made possible by the educational funding scheme, such as the NSFAS which we have set up to help South African students to further their education at public TVET colleges and universities. 

As a Government guided by the Freedom Charter, education is our highest priority. 

In this regard, the education sector receives the largest percentage of government spending (5% of GDP), with 21% of non-interest allocations being set aside for basic and higher education respectively.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are happy that UNISA has also played a significant role to broaden access to education since its founding in 1873.

We are also pleased that this institution has been able to adjust to changes consistent with the current generation, also known as "digital natives". 

It is a cause for celebration that your institution has been a pioneer and a driving force behind the transformation of education. 

We strongly recommend that you maintain your pioneering position in encouraging other organizations to embrace and rapidly adopt the use of technology, as you did during the COVID pandemic. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your commitment to remaining flexible in the face of societal shifts is evinced in the breadth and depth of your institution's degree, diploma, and certificate programs. 

Today, we commend the University for having six academic colleges and over 350,000 students, making it one of the world's most diverse universities.

One of UNISA's greatest assets is its dedication to making education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds across the African continent. 

By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods, the university has overcome geographical barriers and expanded access to higher education for individuals who might not have had it otherwise, due to the socio-economic circumstances. 

This inclusiveness has been instrumental in cultivating a diverse population of leaders, ensuring that African voices and perspectives are represented in influential and decision-making positions all over the world.

In essence, UNISA has been instrumental in transforming education by advocating for change, innovation and equity, and using technology to transform the way we learn.

As you continue to shape and reclaim Africa's intellectual futures, as the government we will continue to partner with you so that we can contribute immensely to an improved education system towards the National Development Plan 2030, thus the Sustainable Development Goals more so of equitable and equal education in the fight against poverty and women's emancipation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is no doubt that this institution has always been committed to excellence in education and research, and we must continue to aspire for this as we move into the future and establish new objectives for the next 150 years.

As we set new goals we must work together to resolve existential challenges such as;

1.    Continued lack of access to quality education: 
2.    Inequality in education: 
3.    High dropout rates: 
4.    Poor literacy and numeracy skills: 
5.    Lack of funding for higher education: 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Therefore, as we look ahead to the next 150 years, we will continue to invest in the resolution of the aforementioned issues, as well as in the improvement of the delivery of quality education, in order to construct education cities, generate much-needed economic skills, and guarantee our nation's globally competitiveness.

To create a prosperous nation that can compete globally, we must first invest in the development of our human capital by providing opportunities for our youth to acquire marketable skills.

In this regard, we expect universities and colleges to develop programs focusing on practical skills that can be immediately used in the economy.

Moreover, in order for teachers to effectively educate the students of today, who will work in the near future with systems that are operated and continually expanding as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they must be taught how to use the most advanced teaching software.

In this regard, we applaud, the institution’s College of Education (CEDU), which boasts the highest teacher registration and qualifications with more than 100 000 registered undergraduate students. 

We are comforted by the fact that some of CEDU's educational initiatives to empower teachers include a focus on their qualification improvement through aligned academic and professional programmes and engagement with districts of the Department of Basic Education to enable teachers to further their education. 

We also encourage teachers, to be part of various Engaged Scholarship (ES) projects and register for Short Learning Programmes (SLP) to advance their skills.

As a government, we are committed to improving the quality of education. We have further, introduced a new curriculum that focuses on giving students practical and relevant skills that they need in the twenty-first century. 

As an esteemed institution of higher education, UNISA has continuously prioritised African leadership and development in its mission and vision. 

Throughout its 150 years of history, the university has been a key driver in developing the next generation of African leaders and stimulating socio-economic advancement on the continent.

Recognising Africa's unique challenges and abundant opportunities, UNISA has actively worked to equip individuals with the information, skills, and mind-set necessary to lead and drive intellectualism. 

This university has played a critical role in establishing African leadership and development agendas through its unique curriculum, research projects, and community participation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the new curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship and encourages critical thinking, innovative technologies and creative problem-solving skills. 

These are all key skills required for South Africa to develop a highly-skilled and dynamic workforce for its growing economy.

While we acknowledge the strides that have been made towards transforming education in South Africa, the task ahead is still considerable. 

We must continue to work towards closing the education gap and ensuring that every child has the same opportunities. The transformation of education is a vital part of our country's development. 

We must continue to work together to give every child the chance to fulfil their potential and become active and healthy citizens who contribute to the growth of our nation.

As we celebrate the 150 milestones, let us remember the thousands of students and staff who have contributed to making UNISA the great institution it is today. 

Your commitment to diversity and inclusion has made education accessible to people of all backgrounds, removing barriers and empowering individuals to pursue their goals.

As I conclude let me say, together, you have shaped the identity, values, and mission of the university. This could not have been done by one person. This is partnership in practice that we see today.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead and commit ourselves to building a more inclusive, just, and equitable society.

Let me conclude by extending our congratulations to UNISA on its 150th anniversary and best wishes for its future. 

Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 13 October 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the South African Automotive Week taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng Province.

This year’s SA Auto Week is taking place  under the theme “Reimagining The Future Together - Driving an industry of the future, today”. 

The event is attended by automotive industry leaders from around the world, as well as from African nations interested in advancing and expanding their domestic auto sectors. 

The South African Government has played a pivotal role in fostering a favourable policy and regulatory environment that has supported growth, transformation, and innovation within the automotive industry. 

In 2022, the automotive sector contributed a remarkable 21,7% to the value addition in manufacturing output and made an overall contribution of 4,9% to the nation's GDP.

The Government's active participation in this significant event on the automotive calendar sends a clear message to potential investors that South Africa is open for business. It underscores the Government's unwavering support for the automotive industry, demonstrating its commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector and creating jobs.

The Deputy President will be supported by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Lisa Mangcu, and captains of the automotive industry in South Africa.

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

Date: Friday, 13 October 2023
Time: 08h00
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Members of the media covering the event are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms Tshiamo Selomo (The Presidency) on 066 118 1505 or Mr Leo Kok (Panthera Media) on 082 327 2763.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 19 October 2023, at the invitation of ACTOM, attend and deliver the keynote address at its 120 years celebration scheduled to take place at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, Gauteng Province.

ACTOM is a South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners. It offers market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.

The celebration is expected to highlight ACTOM’s contribution to the country’s Energy, Mining and Industry sectors, since its inception in 1903. It is also an opportunity to emphasise the role of local manufacturers in collaborating with Government towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy. 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Thursday, 19 October 2023
Time: 08h00am
Venue: Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, 1 Fairway Avenue, Linksfield

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to confirm their attendance with Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505, by Wednesday 18 October at 12h00. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors, Alexander Leibner, Fifi Peters and Terryanne Chebet; 
Dr. Rakesh Wahi, and Mrs Solani Wahi host and founder of the AABLAS;
Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Ambassadors from Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda & the Central African Republic; 
Prof Benedict Oramah, Chair & President of the Afrexim Bank; 
Dr. John Nkengasong, Former Director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Current US Global Aids Coordinator at the US Department of State; 
Dr. James Mwangi, Chairman and CEO of Equity Bank; 
Mohamed Dewji; CEO of the MeTL Group; 
Mr Geoff Qhena, Chairman of Exxaro Resources & Telkom;
Dr. Reuel Khoza, Chair of the PIC, our veteran and distinguished business leader;
Deputy Minister of COGTA, Parks Tau
The MD of ABNGroup Ms Roberta is Naicker;
Business leaders, CEOs, members of Boards and associations;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good evening, 

At times, as a people, we choose to disregard the wonderful things that are taking place all around us and instead concentrate on the negatives.

In my humble opinion, despite the difficulties that we are experiencing as a nation and a continent, there are several things for which we ought to express gratitude and appreciation.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Wahi and his team for hosting the 11th edition of the All Africa Business Leadership Awards. These awards pay a special tribute to the business leaders who make a difference, in their respective companies, industries, and communities across the continent. 

As Dr. Wahi once said, “These are ordinary men and women that have taken extraordinary decisions in the face of challenges, adversity as well as opportunities to not only bring glory to their organisations and the people that they lead but also act as an inspiration for future business leaders”.

Today, on the occasion of the 11th edition, we will witness the awarding of extraordinary leaders, conscious of the fact that our continent is by no means an easily terrain to navigate. 

Therefore, regardless of whether you take home an award, we consider you a winner simply for being nominated! 

We urge you to never give up, and continue to contribute to the betterment of the industry you are in and the community you serve. Your extraordinary dedication to improving Africa's economic development is greatly appreciated. 

We believe that the programmes and initiatives you have implemented as individuals and companies have resulted in a substantial increase in investments, employment creation, and an overall improvement in living standards, most importantly fostering unity on our continent.

This is the night of our continent's stars who have been instrumental in shining a light on the continent.

We are here to celebrate African excellence in leadership, business, and society broadly. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been 60 years since the founders of this continent met in Addis Ababa, to establish the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. This year we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the AU under the theme, “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to bring greater prosperity to the continent”. 

The success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) hinges on the continent's ability to improve and invest in its infrastructure in the areas such as electricity generation, transportation, as well as freight and logistics distribution.

We are of the firm belief that investing in infrastructure is crucial to unlocking the potential for Africa to experience a growth at faster rates but more important to ensure inclusive diversification. 

This is because Africa's trade integration has been hampered for decades by the ageing infrastructure, and too many regulations which require reforms. 

In this regard, we welcome the launch by The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), a suite of five digital platforms providing critical services to support and promote African trade and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Ladies and gentlemen, we must surely invest in infrastructure because it is a critical driver of success across Africa. It makes a substantial contribution to human development and poverty alleviation.

As Africa, we are on the right path of development and towards one African market. As it stands, the AfCFTA agreement has effectively created the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. 

The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion. 

It has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and 68 million Africans from moderate poverty. 

The creation of the vast AfCFTA regional market is a major opportunity to help African countries diversify their exports, accelerate growth, and attract foreign direct investment. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Africa is brimming with opportunities, and we have what it takes to be great. We must dig into our continent's riches and turn difficulties into possibilities. 

Africa has a lot of natural resources, which is good news for building value chains. Agriculture and the extraction industries are important parts of value chains at the national, regional, and worldwide levels. 

Africa has 60 percent world’s uncultivated arable land. It makes up 13 percent of the world's oil. At least half of the world's diamond riches are also in Africa. Cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese, uranium, and rare earth metals, which are important for clean energy and the future, are mostly found in Africa. 

For example, the Democratic Republic of the Congo produces 58 percent of the world's cobalt, which is used to make electronics, and South Africa produced 69.6 percent of the world's platinum.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I said at the start, it is easy to criticize and forget about all the opportunities and achievements we have made on the continent. The AABLAs are a reminder and an acknowledgement of the good work we are doing on the continent.

In this regard, we applaud Dr. Wahi for the AABLAs, because this initiative, continues to tell the African story of struggle and success, imagination, and taking responsibility for our growth and development. 

As South African, we will continue to support this effort of recognising leaders in business, government, and any other field that advances Africa's economy.

I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of the Alumni and the nominees and winners for the 11th edition. 

We believe through your sweat and success others are going to be inspired to follow in your footsteps.

I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, will on Tuesday, 24 October 2023, participate and speak at the “Xivijo”, convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Ilanga Estate in Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, in the Free State Province.      
 
“Xivijo” is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the Traditional leadership.

The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo will take place under the theme: “Promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with government and the private sector”. The theme emphasises the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.
 
The Xivijo, which will be attended by representatives of the National, Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, CONTRALESA, ROLESA, National Khoi-San Council, Government as well as private sector representatives, aims to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.
 
Established by the President, the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session present progress reports on work carried out by various work-streams led by Cabinet ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.  
 
This will include progress achieved in:
 
• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.
• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to Traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.
• Promoting unity, social cohesion and nation building in rural communities.
• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.
 
Government is committed to work together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country, and it is also dedicated to strengthen the significant role they play in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Premier of the Free State Province, Mr Mxolisi Dukwana, as well as senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 24 October 2023
Time: 09h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State
 
Media Programme
 
• 08h00 - Arrival and accreditation of members of the media
• 09h00 - Meet and greet session with the Kings
• 09h30 - Welcoming Remarks by the Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Morena Neo Mopeli
• 09h45 - Purpose of the Xivijo by Chairperson of the NHTKL, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo
• 09h55 - Premier of the Free State Province Mr Mxolisi Dukwana
• 10h15 - Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile
• 10h40 - Reflections on the Deputy President’s remarks by Deputy Minister for COGTA Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Khanya Ngwenya on 081 049 4128

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria