Programme Director,
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Regina Mhaule,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi
MECs of Basic Education,
Members of Parliament,
Director-General of Basic Education, Mr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli,
Representatives of School Governing Body associations,
Officials,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Earlier today, South Africans woke to the sad news of the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan. 

He was one of the most principled and courageous freedom fighters that our nation has known.

We extended our condolences to his wife Vanitha, his daughters Anisha and Priyesha, and to his family, friends, colleagues and comrades.

Pravin Gordhan dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom. 

He fought to liberate this country from the shackles of apartheid, from inequality, from poverty and from hunger.

He was driven by a vision of a society in which all people may achieve their full potential and in which all may realise their dreams.

Today, we will witness the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill.

In doing so, we will be affirming the vision of a just and equal society to which Pravin Gordhan dedicated his life.

The signing of this Bill marks an important step towards resolving longstanding challenges in our education system. 

It was President Nelson Mandela who said that it is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education. 

This law is part of our ongoing effort to create such a world.

Since the advent of democracy we have made notable progress in expanding access to education for the children of our country.

However, barriers to access still remain.

In many respects, education outcomes fall short of what our society needs and what the young people of our country deserve.

Our Constitution enshrines the right of all to a basic education. 

It requires that, when advancing this right, consideration be given to equity, practicability and historical redress. 

As a country we are signatory to global treaties that oblige us to advance universal access to education. 

This means that all people should have equal opportunity to access education, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or physical or mental impairment. 

This means that primary education should be free and compulsory. 

Education must be the instrument through which we uplift our nation.

It must be the instrument through which we overcome poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. 

Despite the progress that has been made, there are challenges in basic education that hinder our progress.

We have seen cases of learners being denied admission to schools because of their language policies.

We have had cases of children not being allowed back to school or to sit exams because their parents cannot pay school fees.

We have seen great disparities in norms and standards, in governance and in access to resources.

The Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill seeks to address these challenges.

The Bill is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable. 

The passage of this Bill follows an extensive consultation process that sought to take account of views and suggestions from across society. 

Consultation, engagement and debate are defining features of our democracy.

They enrich the policies that are adopted and the laws that are passed.

The law that we are signing today further opens the doors of learning.

It lays a firm foundation for learning from an early age.

Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, will now be compulsory. 

This will enhance our focus on Early Childhood Development.

It will ensure young children are better prepared for formal schooling. 

The law requires schools to apply the same standards for the admission of learners.

The Bill contains provisions for improving school admissions policies, particularly with respect to vulnerable learners, like the children of undocumented migrants. 

The legislation promotes greater accountability with respect to the role of parents and caregivers in ensuring children attend school consistently. 

Home schooling will now be subject to more effective regulation and oversight. 

To promote inclusivity, the new law guides schools on the development of codes of conduct that take into account respect for religious and cultural beliefs. 

This is important for fostering a more tolerant learning environment – and a more tolerant society. 

As part of advancing diversity and inclusion, the new legislation addresses the issue of language policy. 

Schools have to consider the broader linguistic needs of the communities in which they are situated. 

The law seeks to align the role of the School Governing Body in determining language and admission policies with the responsibility of provincial education departments to ensure the constitutional right to basic education. 

It seeks to ensure uniformity and fairness in educational standards across all schools.

To improve safety in the learning environment, the legislation reinforces the ban on corporal punishment. 

It introduces stronger penalties for those who administer corporal punishment.

The legislation introduces financial and public accountability frameworks for School Governing Bodies. 

It guides the oversight of their activities and work. 

There has been much debate about this Bill. 

Different views have been sharply expressed.

In the last few days, the parties to the Government of National Unity have expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the bill that deal with issues of admission and language.

In the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I have decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months.

This will give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the different views may be accommodated. 

Should the parties not be able to agree on an approach, then we will proceed with the implementation of these parts of the Bill.

In making this decision, I am drawing on a tradition of engagement that goes back many years, including to the drafting of the new Constitution.

At the time of the drafting of the new Constitution, we had to resolve seemingly intractable differences over issues such as the right to strike, language, education and land.

On these matters, we found each other. And I believe we can do so again. 

Whatever our disagreements, we all seek a better, more efficient, more equitable education system that best serves the children of South Africa. 

We all agree on the need for a common framework for collaboration as government, as school governing bodies and as parents. 

For our education system to work for all, we have to work better, smarter and in a more cooperative manner. 

Let all of us work together to ensure that all our children receive good quality education, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances. 

It is our responsibility to create social cohesion and harmony.

Let us take advantage of our diversity to move our country forward. 

Let me take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the process towards the passing of this important law. 

Let us now work together to build the education system that our children need and deserve.

I thank you.
 

Programme Directors, Ms. Rose Tshabalala;

Her Royal Highness, Hosi Dr N’wamitwa II;

Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba;

Executive Mayor of Mopani District Municipality, Mr Pule Shayi;

Executive Mayor of Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Mr. Gerson Molapisane;

Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr. Dickson Masemola;

MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Basikopo Makamu;

MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, Mr. Tony Rachoene;

His Majesty, Mailausumbwa Thovhele Vho-Kennedy Tshivhase;

Ba-Phalaborwa Ba Shai Chieftaincy, Kgoshigadi Shai;

Chairperson of Limpopo Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Hosi Penny Ngove;

President of Contralesa, Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena;

All Traditional Leaders Present;

Vaaki Hinkwavo, Vavasati na Vavanuna;

Avuxeni!!!

As we gather here, our nation is mourning the loss of a leader, Former Minister Mr Pravin Gordhan. Comrade Pravin was a freedom fighter and a leader dedicated to serving our country's people. He played a very important role in the anti-apartheid struggle from the 1980s and has also been instrumental in our nation-building trajectory, including being part of the CODESA negotiations and processes towards ushering in a free and democratic country. Throughout his life, he has made a significant contribution to the public sector, and as we mourn his death, we honour him and pray that his soul Rest In Peace. May we kindly observe a moment of silence in his honour?

Na Khensa.

Va Manana na va Tatana,

Last week on the 6th of September, I was here in Limpopo as part of the work of the water Task team that I lead, at the invitation of Minister Pemmy Majodini. We were pleased to assess the significant progress on the Giyani Water Project. This project, which aims to ensure the timely delivery of reliable water services to under-served areas within the 55 villages located in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, is well on its way to making a positive impact. We are filled with hope and optimism for the future of this important initiative. 

I visited Nandoni Dam and the raw water pump station to witness the water flowing from Nandoni Dam to Giyani via the 40.5km pipeline. Then, I went to the water canal at Xikukwani village, where the raw water from Nandoni is discharged before flowing to Nsami Dam and the water treatment plant. 

I am pleased with the progress but want to see the speed of execution to ensure reliable water services to communities. 

In this regard I have instructed the Minister and technical team of DGs that we must ensure that there are no disruptions on the project and critically ensure that we realise this project in record time. I have also engaged the Minister of Finance to available funding for the Department of Water and Sanitation so that we can complete the project without any challenges. 

I am raising this because I met with the President and Leadership of the New Development Bank in Cape Town a few weeks and they have committed to fund infrastructure projects specially water related infrastructure projects in our country. 

I will assess progress in three months, and there will be consequences if there is no movement! 

Water is Life!

Vho-thovhela! Vho-Ndabezitha!

I am grateful to address you as we celebrate and pay tribute to Her Royal Highness, Hosi Dr N’waMitwa II, a trailblazer among the Vatsonga people and a beacon of female leadership in our country.

Equally significant is that the 16th anniversary of N’waMitwa Day unites vital aspects of our democratic society. It coincides with the conclusion of Women's Month and Heritage Month's observance. It demonstrates our progress in advancing the constitutional values of gender equality and non-sexism in the country. 

Her Royal Highness, Hosi Dr. N'waMitwa II's accession to the throne symbolises resilience and progress in our ongoing journey to realise women's full potential in leadership roles. Her path inspires all, particularly the millions of South African women whose voices and contributions are essential in shaping our nation’s future.

In this regard, Hosi Dr. N'waMitwa, we recognise your impact in advocating for women's rights.  You have been a living example of what you said during your acceptance speech for an honourary doctorate in 2020, when you said: 

“We would stand on the threshold of a new beginning as a country if we shake the foundation of patriarchy and gender-based violence by reconstructing the gender-justice paradigm and expand circles of relations in which women are empowered, affirmed, and celebrated.”

We are proud that you have upended patriarchy by claiming your rightful place on the Valoyi royal throne. You have demonstrated to women that their role extends beyond the norm and they can assume leadership positions in society, performing equally or better than men.

What remains is that we must fight patriarchy and stand together as government and traditional leaders to root out the persistent inequalities and Gender-based Violence (GBV), which continue to erode social cohesion in South Africa.

In the embrace of our cherished traditions, let us not permit the darkness of violence to continue to exist, covered up in the guise of culture. Our African culture does not condone abuse; only wicked people exploit it to mistreat women, children and the vulnerable.

Under no circumstances should we ever permit these wicked elements within our society to exploit culture as a means of justifying the abuse of women and children.

To demonstrate our commitment to the fight against GBV, the government has introduced new laws protecting women and children. On 24 May 2024, we signed the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law. This significant legislation is a crucial step in the protection and safety of women and children from abuse and violence. The new legislation facilitates the establishment of the council, a statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in South Africa.

This multi-sectoral council brings together the expertise of all stakeholders, including civil society, labour, and business, to strengthen national efforts to eliminate gender-based violence. It takes a more inclusive, focused, and well-resourced approach. Therefore, we urge you, as traditional leaders, to be part of this council and support our efforts to eradicate GBV across all sectors of society.

Together, we must protect and defend our children, youth, and women who are vulnerable to discrimination, violence, drug abuse, high suicide rates, prostitution, alcoholism, and other social ills associated with poverty.

Furthermore, we must address rural people's exclusion from communication and information exchange with the rest of the world as a result of limited access to information and communication technology services in rural communities.

In this regard, we have this year launched Phase 2 of SA Connect which is government’s effort to bridge the digital divide by increasing the connection speed to facilitate effective teaching and learning, e-health and access to government services in order to fast track service delivery by government. 

The government is also moving quickly to handle the land issue, which, for many, remains a substantial hurdle. We must share the land equitably among those who work it. 

Establishing community agriculture hubs supported by cooperatives in rural impoverished communities, regardless of whether they operate in the formal or informal sector, is a crucial step towards a comprehensive land reform process. These initiatives assist local people in generating income, ensuring food security and economic growth, thereby reducing inequality and fostering inclusive growth.

Compatriots,

The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity, and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights.

In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, re-humanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations, and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation building.

Therefore, N'waMitwa Day is not just a testament to our rich cultural heritage, but is also a reflection of the strides we have made in breaking barriers to achieve equality, unity, and social cohesion.

Hosi Dr N’wamitwa II, what truly stirs my spirit is your choice to honour this day alongside leaders from varied cultural realms, a testament to the beauty of our rich heritage and the vibrant tapestry of diversity. This is also a reminder of the value that women-leadership offers in embracing difference and prioritising inclusion. We truly honour you for your bold and sterling leadership in this regard.

In this joyful spirit, we must devote ourselves to fostering and conserving our collective memory as a people. Our history is unique, and it has inspired many nations to embrace unity and diversity, demonstrating that difference can be used for progress rather than devastation and separation.

N’waMitwa Day affords us an opportunity to reconnect with our roots, honour our ancestors, and pass on important cultural practices and values to the next generation. 

Standing here witnessing a vibrant tapestry of colourful attire and the rhythm of our traditional dance ignites in me a fervent desire to protect and preserve our rich traditions, customs, and languages.

Hi khutaza n’wina Vatsonga, ku sirhelela ndhavuko lowu wo saseka na ndzhaka ya n’wina. 

Tanihi mfumo, hi hoyozela Hosi Dr. Nwamitwa hi ku tsundzuka siku leri lembe na lembe, tani hi leswi ri tlangaka xiave xa nkoka eku hlayiseni ka ndzhaka ya ndhavuko.

We must also collaborate with the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) to develop community skills and capacities to help identify and protect heritage resources.

Moreover, traditional leaders should facilitate the implementation of development proposals by assisting municipalities in building consensus regarding development. This is a critical in combating poverty and unemployment, as a significant portion of our population lives in rural areas where traditional leadership institutions are prevalent.

Since traditional leaders are closer to the people than municipal entities, they should be an integral part of the stakeholders' efforts to improve the local economy.

As the President has assigned me to promote social cohesion initiatives, with a particular focus on Tradition and Khoi-San Leaders, I pledge to work closely with you to bridge the divide between the government and your subjects. 

In our fight against social ills, we must create a strong social compact that ensures intimate, friendly, cooperative, and peaceful working relationships and devise strategies to develop rural communities. 

We want to partner with you to grow this community through various projects that will keep our youngsters off the streets. Since the first annual N'waMitwa Day in 2009, the Valoyi Traditional Authority has reportedly solicited a number of projects through social compacting, with support from the Department of Tourism and the Department of Arts and Culture.

Examples of these community development projects include the Valoyi Cultural Village, where we are celebrating today, and the adjacent Royal Khalanga Lodge, contributing to the fight against unemployment.

As a government, we want to see the same development in other rural areas. We would also like to see the development of new smart cities in rural areas to create new economic hubs that include retail, mixed-use residential, new lifestyle estates, high-quality office and business parks, and logistics. This dream can become a reality if we work together to create a conducive environment for investment in our communities. 

Vho-thovhela! Vho-Ndabezitha!

The government is concerned about unequal service delivery in our communities. The president has delegated me to assist in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government. This will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.

The District Development Model enables all levels of government to effectively plan, budget, and implement projects and activities. This commitment and teamwork will benefit communities by enabling more integrated service delivery actions. 

I look forward to collaborating with you to accelerate service delivery in your areas by identifying bottlenecks.

Despite challenges, we must appreciate that, since 1994, we have made significant progress in providing essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure.

* The percentage of households with electricity access has increased from 58% in 1996 to 94.7% in 2022.

* Housing conditions have improved, with almost 90% of South Africans staying in formal housing.

* Access to clean drinking water has also improved, with a decrease from 19.7% to 8.7% in 2022.

Fellow Compatriots

As we move forward, we must recognise that pursuing social cohesion is fundamentally about building a compact between the government and the governed. As Hosi Dr N'waMitwa has already laid the groundwork, we must collaborate to create a more equitable and united South Africa towards another 30 years of democracy. 

Let us all recommit to the National Development Plan's goal of ending poverty and reducing inequality by 2030. This requires us to rely on each other's energies, expand an inclusive economy, develop capacities, and foster leadership and collaboration throughout society.

Inkomu.
 

Chair of the African Union, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani,
African Union Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat,
Fellow Heads of State,

The threat of potential pandemics looms large. Scientists have predicted that climate change will likely increase the frequency of outbreaks of pandemic potential. 

When the Mpox epidemic began spreading across several African countries, our CDC Director General convened a meeting of African scientists and international experts.

They advised him to exercise his new authority to declare Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. This is a decision we strongly supported. 

Subsequently, the World Health Organization, realising the global threat of Mpox, has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

We commend the fact that Africa CDC had partnered with the WHO, UNICEF and other partners to develop this Mpox continental preparedness and response plan and to build, for the first time in Africa, one Continental Incident Management Team. 

The outbreak of Mpox is a reminder of the fragility of our health systems and the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to disease control in Africa. 

It is a reminder that our collective strength lies in collaboration, innovation and a commitment to safeguarding the health of our communities.

It is pleasing that the WHO interim Medical Countermeasures Network has established the access and allocation mechanism for Mpox medical countermeasures. These include vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests. 

The interim Medical Countermeasures Network emanated from the Johannesburg Process. 

We remain committed to this process until the Pandemic Accord is in force.

As we tackle Mpox, we need to learn from our experience during COVID-19. 

We need to ensure equitable distribution of medical countermeasures based on transparent criteria and readiness to initiate vaccination. 

We ask Africa CDC to lead the consultation with Member States to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and other medical countermeasures.

We need a finance plan that is evidence-based, with sound forecasting of needs. 

The Africa CDC's mandate on data sharing is the bedrock of global health security.

This will help to ensure that public health threats are detected and shared across borders and with other continental and global stakeholders. 

We are only able to effectively mobilise and direct funds if we are supported by reliable data. 

We call on all African countries to make use of this instrumental system that has been created by our own institution.

We call for the urgent operationalisation of the Africa Epidemic Fund as the primary vehicle for epidemic response financial management.

As with COVID-19, Africa is still struggling to get the Mpox vaccine and treatment. 

We need to manufacture Mpox vaccines in Africa to reduce costs and improve access. 

We must co-develop these medical countermeasures, share intellectual property and ensure technology transfer. 

In this regard, we welcome the agreement between Africa CDC and Bavarian Nordic to transfer the Mpox vaccine technology to African manufacturers. 

With the financial support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness, the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, Afreximbank, the European Union and other partners, we should be able to start vaccine manufacturing by 2025.

In the meantime, we appreciate the support from a number of countries to get vaccines in Africa.

The COVID-19 experience taught us that we need predictable demand and off-take guarantees for the vaccines, medicines and diagnostics manufactured in Africa. 

African countries should therefore buy vaccines and other health products manufactured in Africa to ensure sustainable manufacturing on our continent. 

This can be achieved through the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism.

We must enhance our surveillance systems and strengthen our healthcare delivery and infrastructure.

We must ensure that frontline health workers have the necessary diagnostic tools, vaccines and antiviral treatments.

We need tested public health messages that promote awareness and prevention.

Beyond the targeted vaccination responses to outbreaks, we should explore the feasibility of continuing vaccinations in high-risk populations.

This dual approach will help create a buffer against future outbreaks and protect our most vulnerable communities.

We call on those regions that still sit with strategic stockpiles of vaccines to deploy them to Africa as the most affected area. 

African countries should have adequate regulatory mechanisms, internal distribution, and vaccination capabilities. 

In conclusion, we stand at a critical juncture in our fight against Mpox. 

We remain committed to enhancing our surveillance systems and implementing effective response strategies to control this disease and protect our communities.

We must act now to respond effectively to current outbreaks. We must also continue to build a resilient public health infrastructure that safeguards future generations.

Let us move forward with determination and hope.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Debate and High-Level Week (UNGA79) in New York from 21-24 September 2024.

This annual gathering of world leaders is the most important event on the UN calendar, with Heads of State and Government and Heads of International Organisations discussing global challenges and how to address these challenges in the best interest of humanity. 

This year, the African Group presides over the General Assembly, with Mr Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, elected as President of the 79th Session.

The theme identified by the President of UNGA79 is, "Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere.” 

President Ramaphosa is expected to address the General Assembly on the opening day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024.

Among the issues on which President Ramaphosa will focus on during his engagements in New York include the necessity for the maintenance of international peace and security; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda; climate change and the upcoming COP29 in Baku; financing for development, and health and pandemic preparedness.

President Ramaphosa will take part in the United Nations Secretary-General’s flagship High-Level Summit of the Future (SoTF) on 22 September 2024, which, at its conclusion, is expected to adopt a Pact for the Future (PFTF).

While in New York, President Ramaphosa will also engage business leaders as part of the drive to attract foreign direct investment for South Africa.

Ministers accompanying the President include Mr Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health; Dr Dion George, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, 
My dear sister, Vanitha, 
Dearest Anisha and Priyesha and the extended Gordhan family,
Acting Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo,
Leadership of the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service,
Leadership of the African National Congress,
Leadership of the South African Communist Party, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the broader democratic movement,
Religious and community leaders,
Comrades and friends, 

The poet Rabindranath Tagore said: 

‘We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.’ 

Today we bid farewell to a humble servant of the people, Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan. 

For all his achievements, despite his immense contribution to this country, Pravin was at all times a humble human being and activist. 

It was his humility as a person and as a leader that made him great.

It was his unwavering belief that a political activist must serve no other cause than the cause of freedom that made PG exceptional. 

It is that which makes great all true servant leaders. 

Leaders who accept the responsibility to lead with humility, commitment and courage. They are leaders who also submit themselves to being led. 

These are leaders who speak up when they must, but who also listen to the voices of our people attentively. 

These are Leaders who are magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. 

Such leaders are people who stand up for what is right even at great personal cost to themselves. 

Pravin Gordhan joined the struggle at a young age.

He became active in the Natal Indian Congress and the South African Communist Party.

The origins of his activism, in student and civic politics, was to define his political perspective and attitude.

Even as a Member of Parliament, even as a Minister, at his essence PG remained a grassroots activist.

He was one of those rare people who knew the cost of struggle.

His activism earned him arrests, beatings and detention. 

He knew the perils of underground work. 

As an operative of Operation Vula, he was interrogated, tortured and thrown into solitary confinement.

Yet, whenever called upon, he stepped forward to serve.

Pravin Gordhan is remembered as a key figure in the formation of the United Democratic Front.

He is remembered as a leader in the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress, his political home. 

Pravin became known as a seasoned negotiator and astute tactician. 

He played an important role in our country’s peaceful transition to democracy.

He was one of the architects of our democratic constitution. 

As a pharmacist, as a dedicated revolutionary, he may not have seemed the best choice to lead the South African Revenue Service.

Yet, his intelligence, his enterprise and his diligence made him the perfect person to build one of the most important and effective institutions of our young democracy. 

It was these attributes that made him the right person to be appointed Minister of Finance at a time of great difficulty for the South African and the global economy.

In every task that he was given, in every portfolio he occupied, he was methodical and industrious.

He understood the value of the work he was given.

He understood that efficient revenue collection was essential for the fundamental transformation of our society.

He understood that careful management of public finances was vital for the education of our children and the health of our population.

He knew that if the lives of the poor were ever to be improved, municipalities needed to work – and to work well.

He knew that if unemployed South Africans were to find work, the country’s trains needed to run and its ports needed to function.

He knew that its power stations needed to produce enough electricity to drive a thriving economy.

Always an activist, he did the work that needed to be done.

And as an activist, he stood firm on principle.

During one of the most painful chapters in our democratic history, as the state was being looted by the powerful and connected, he chose to resist.

Using all means at his disposal, he worked to thwart the capture of the state.

Drawing on his substantial moral stature, he refused to be silenced.

He was prepared to confront those who had once been his comrades, whom he had once looked up to as his leaders, but who had abandoned the cause of the people.

As many others looked away, his revolutionary consciousness demanded no less of him than that he speak out.

For him, it was no different to when he joined the struggle against apartheid.

It was a choice between what was right and what was wrong.

It was a choice between standing with the people or standing against the people.

There was never any doubt where Pravin Gordhan would stand.

What gave him strength and encouragement was that he was not alone.

Among his comrades, among activists, among civic leaders, among public servants, among broader society, was a growing movement against state capture.

In ways that history has yet to fully record, he played a pivotal role in giving form and effect to that movement.

This earned him the ire of the enablers of state capture.

It earned him the wrath of those more interested in political expediency than in undoing the great damage that state capture had done. 

Pravin endured vicious personal attacks. 

They were dishonest, condescending and patronising. 

Many were racist, directed at one of the country’s foremost champions of non-racialism

These attacks did nothing to diminish Pravin’s standing among South Africans.

Instead, they exposed the moral bankruptcy of those who chose to target him and his family.

It was shameful then, and it remains shameful now. 

Let it never be that in the robust festival of ideas and vibrant public space that is a hallmark of our democratic order, we stoop to slander and invective. 

Let it never be that in trying to portray ourselves as the liberators that we come to sound like the oppressor. 

It takes a person of true mettle to withstand such an onslaught. 

Pravin Gordhan was such a person. 

I had the privilege of working alongside him for many years – during the struggle against apartheid, at Codesa and in the Constitutional Assembly, in the ANC and in government. 

I will remember him fondly for his collaborative spirit.

I will remember him for his tact, especially when we disagreed. 

I will remember him standing firm on principle.

I will miss his incisive contributions in Cabinet and other meetings.

I will miss our many discussions over many hours, and the telephone conversations late into the night. 

I valued his frankness and forthrightness.

I respected his opinions. And I appreciate that he always afforded me the same courtesy. 

He was my comrade and my colleague, but he was also a friend. 

There are a great many lessons we can draw from his life and from his political activism. 

The most fitting tribute we can pay to him is to reflect on our own actions. 

To consider what we can and should each do to serve our country. 

To reflect on what it means to be an activist. 

To consider if we are prepared to weather the great storms that so often confront acts of courage and integrity.

These are the issues upon which we must indeed all reflect as we bid farewell to this great son of the soil. 

It is in times of difficulty that moral courage is valued most.

It is at times of renewal and rebuilding that activism is most needed

As we strive to rebuild our country, as the Government of National Unity, we will rely on men and women of integrity, honour and courage to support us, to hold us to account, and to help shepherd in a new era for South Africa and its people. 

Pravin Gordhan’s spear has fallen. Let us together pick it up. 

To the Gordhan family, the nation shares in your sorrow at the loss of a husband, a father and a brother. 

It is not lost on any of us that his dedication to our country demanded great personal sacrifice from you. 

To the friends and compatriots of our departed comrade, be comforted in the knowledge that his legacy continues to guide our every effort to build a free, just and equal South Africa. 

I leave you with these words, once more from Rabindranath Tagore. 

“Give me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
And give me the strength to surrender my strength to thy will with love.” 

Comrade Pravin, you were all of these things. 

Yours was a life fruitful in service. 

You bore your sorrows with strength. 

You stood for the poor and never disowned them. 

You would not bend your knee before injustice. 

You would not bend your knee before those who were stealing from the poor.

Where many tried to bring you low with their insults, your feet remained firmly on the high ground. 

And now you have surrendered your strength to the will of the Creator. 

You were a much admired, much respected and much loved comrade, colleague, leader and friend. 

Hamba kahle, Mkhonto. 

Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti. 

Rest in peace, good and faithful servant of the people. 

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paul Mashatile has today written to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Refilwe Maria Tsipane MP, to request a postponement of the session for oral reply to questions that was scheduled for tomorrow, 19 September 2024. The Chairperson has kindly acceded to the Deptuty President’s request.

In line with questions from the NCOP, Deputy President Mashatile was due to brief the Council on the 7th Administration’s plans to improve the performance of municipalities and accelerate service delivery challenges in some municipalities.

The Deputy President’s request was occasioned by two considerations:

· The passing of former minister and stalwart Dr Pravin Gordhan, earlier this week. The funeral of the former minister will be in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, and the Deputy President thought it prudent to allow members and former colleagues of the minister the opportunity to fully pay their respects and to show their support to the Gordhan family at this difficult time.

· In addition, the Deputy President has been advised by his medical team to take a week off his official duties rest and recuperate following the medical incident over the weekend in Tzaneen, Limpopo. While the Deputy President is no longer in any danger and is in high spirits, he is following the medical team’s advice and has withdrawn from scheduled official duties for the current week.

The Deputy President, as he has demonstrated since his appointment to office during the 6th Administration, takes parliamentary oversight extremely seriously and has worked tirelessly during his time in office to boost the national executive’s accountability to the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. As such, the he will work closely with the NCOP Chairperson to find a suitable date for the rescheduling of the session as soon as possible.

The Deputy President looks forward to having an opportunity to apprise Parliament of the Government of National Unity’s efforts to improve municipal governance and service delivery, accelerate the process of land reform and boost South Africa’s agricultural output and food security, as well as the imminent rollout of plans to fight crime and deal with the emergent scourge of criminal extortion and other forms of economic sabotage.

The Office of the Deputy President and the NCOP will communicate the alternative arrangements for the postponed session as soon as they are agreed and finalised.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the statement by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan extending the country's transitional period by another two years. This effectively postpones the national elections initially due to take place on 22 December 2024. 

According to the announcement, the postponement is intended to provide time and space for the implementation of the remaining provisions of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement to the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

President Ramaphosa commends the Parties to the R-ARCSS for arriving at the decision by consensus, which bodes well for the implementation of the remainder of the provisions of the  R-ARCSS.

To this end, President Ramaphosa calls on South Sudanese Parties and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to spare no effort in implementing the outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS and to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that has existed since September 2018. 

President Ramaphosa further calls on the RTGoNU to allocate the necessary resources for the effective functioning of statutory institutions mandated to deliver free and fair elections.

President Ramaphosa similarly calls on the East African bloc and the wider international community to continue to support the Government and people of South Sudan in their search for lasting peace and democracy.  

For its part, South Africa will continue to support South Sudan to realise the ideals for peace, democracy and development. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa today, Tuesday 17 September 2024, met with the leadership of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) to discuss matters related to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

The meeting, which included the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health as well as senior officials of the department, was constructive and forward-looking.Business and government expressed a shared commitment to the underlying objectives of the NHI, namely to achieve universal health coverage for all South Africans and address inequality in the health system.

The President has requested BUSA to put forward specific proposals on the remaining issues of concern as a basis for further engagement. Government remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders in good faith on the process of healthcare reform, and to finding workable solutions that will advance quality and affordable healthcare for all.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za 
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria