President Cyril Ramaphosa is pleased with the recovery of Deputy President Paul Mashatile following a minor surgical procedure. 

The President visited the Deputy President this afternoon and was assured that his Deputy will soon be back at work. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
My colleague, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga,
Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Our Partners - The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute and the family of our icon,
The Chairperson of the South African State Theatre and your colleagues,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good day,

On the onset, allow me to extend the sincere apology of the Deputy President, His Excellency Mr Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, who wanted to join you on this occasion, but circumstances beyond his control left you saddled with just me.

It is a great honour to join you today for this great occasion at the Union Buildings, on the verge of the 70th Anniversary – more aptly a commemoration – of the historic 1956 Anti- pass Laws Woman’s March.

It is fitting that we are gathered here to celebrate the “Portraits of Power” project which forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 125th Graduation Anniversary of Charlotte Makgomo Mannya-Maxeke, a woman of remarkable firsts and enduring influence. A trailblazer in every sense.

As the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901 from Wilberforce University in Ohio, United States of America, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke lit the path for women’s rights and gender equality.

As the only woman who was present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress (ANC) was formed in 1912, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke decidedly asserted the need for women representation in the corridors of power in South Africa.

She went on to become the founding President of two of the most important women-led institutions on the continent, the most popular being the Bantu Women’s League which later evolved into the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s. Through these platforms, she shaped not only the future of women, but the trajectory of our country, our continent and indeed the world. It was the leadership of Mme Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke that eventually led the ANC to include women in its leadership.

She also led some of the earliest organised resistance against injustice, including the first women’s protest and the first anti-pass laws march in this country, in Bloemfontein and Winburg. Her life reminds us that courage, conviction and leadership can alter the course of history.

It is therefore most fitting that we gather here today at the Union Buildings, a place that stands not only as the seat of government of the Republic of South Africa, but as a powerful symbol of our democracy, resilience, and national journey.

This historic site, now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, reflects both our shared past and our collective aspirations for the future. We gather here for an occasion that speaks to legacy, leadership and the enduring power of human expression.

Earlier this year, we gathered in this exact place as we launched the Milestones of Freedom under the theme – Honouring The Past: Delivering the Future, this campaign commemorates significant milestones in South Africa’s struggle for Freedom, with a commitment to deliver on the aspirations of our forebears.

This year, the Milestones of Freedom commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 women’s March, 60th Anniversary of the 1966 District Six forced removals – where communities were destroyed to enforce racial spatial segregation, the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Students Uprising – where young people rose to protest against the forced introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction as part of enforcing the inferior bantu education as a way of keeping black people inferior, and lastly the 30th Anniversary since the adoption of South Africa’s first democratic Constitution.

The 1956 Women’s March would not have been possible, if Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke had not led the mobilisation and organisation of women to fight for their rights.

At the Union Buildings, we don’t just remember the 20,000 strong women of the 1956 women’s March, we have immortalised them. If one stands underneath the reception Dias next to these staircases, you will hear the slogan – Wathinta Bafazi, wathintaiMbokodo and their message is inscribed on these staircases.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we celebrate “Portraits of Power”, an exhibition that honours extraordinary women whose courage, leadership, vision, and talent have shaped our world. We have just listened to their individual stories, and contributions to make the world a better place from their own countries and living by the mantra of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke by accepting that “this work is not for oneself, kill that spirit of self… If you can rise, bring someone with you”.

At a time when the voices of women were often silenced, these women stood firm, speaking truth to power and laying the foundation for generations to come. Their legacies continue to resonate today, reminding us that true leadership is rooted in courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

“Portraits of Power” initiative goes beyond celebration, it is a recognition that women’s contributions transcend borders, cultures, and generations. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and development. They are shaping policies, building communities, and driving progress in ways that are both transformative and enduring.

Therefore, the Presidency will continue to support this initiative and others like it because the story of humanity is incomplete without recognising the invaluable contributions of women across all spheres of life.

Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that the journey toward full equality is not yet complete. There remains work to be done to ensure that women everywhere in the world have equal access to opportunities, resources, and platforms for leadership.

This is where the power of the arts becomes especially important.

Art has the unique ability to preserve our histories, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.

It builds bridges where there are divides.

It fosters dialogue where there is silence.

And it inspires understanding where there is difference.

In this way, “Portraits of Power” serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us.

As South Africa, we remain firmly committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. This commitment is rooted in our Constitution and reflected in our policies, programmes, and partnerships.

We recognise that inclusive leadership is not optional, it is essential for sustainable development, social justice, and lasting peace.

We also recognise that achieving this vision requires collaboration. It requires governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community to work together to create environments where women can thrive, lead, and succeed.

Therefore, let this exhibition be more than a moment of admiration let it be a call to action.

Let us commit to supporting and elevating the voices of women in all spaces. Let us invest in their potential and remove the barriers that hinder their progress. And let us strengthen global partnerships that promote equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.

In doing so, we not only honour the legacy of those who came before us, like Charlotte Maxeke, and all those we are honouring today such as:

- Her Excellency, President Dr. NetumboNandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia,
- Her Excellency, former President Dr Joyce Banda of Malawi,
- Dr Wangari Maathai of Kenya,
- Deolinda Rodrigues of Angola, 
- Josina Machel of Mozambique,
- Her Excellency President Mireya Moscoso of Panama,
- Her Majesty, late Queen Marie of Romania,
- Her Excellency, President Dr Mary Robinsonof Ireland,
- Mum Shirl of Australia,
- Trismila Rentería of Colombia,
- Emilija Pliaterytė of Lithuania,
- Madam Chan Choy Siong of Singapore, and last but not least,
- Sabiha Gökçen of Türkiye.

Through this initiative, we are also paving a way for the celebration of future generations of women leaders.

Programme Director,

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the organisers, the artists and all those who have made this exhibition possible. Especially the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) for initiating this epoch-making project and surely through their efforts, the legacies and stories of women will never be the same again. Your work ensures that these powerful stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

May “Portraits of Power” inspire reflection, spark meaningful dialogue, and remind us all of the extraordinary impact of women in shaping our world.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu;
Executive Mayor of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Cllr Mhlonishwa Masilela;
Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Thomas Ngwenya;
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena;
Community, religious and traditional leaders present with us today;
Citizens of Middelburg and Mpumalanga;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Goeie môre. Good morning. Sanibonani. Dumelang.

Akwande setjhaba sekhethu.

I greet you all as we celebrate this milestone in our quest to ensure quality healthcare services for the people of Mpumalanga.

Today, we are officially opening the King Nyabela Hospital, which will serve more than 240,000 people in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

For more than a hundred years, the old Middelburg Hospital was the only hospital serving this community.

Over the years, it became dilapidated and too expensive to maintain.

So the decision was made to build a new hospital to serve our people.

This hospital was ready for occupation on the 1st of November 2025 and today it is officially open.

All the services that were provided at the Middelburg Hospital have now been relocated here, but the quality of care and the range of services this hospital provides are a huge improvement on the old.

The scale of this facility is impressive.

This is a 220-bed hospital with surgical, medical, paediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal and high-care wards. It has a world-class accident and emergency department and three operating theatres.

The outpatient services are just as impressive.

Beyond regular outpatient services like pharmacy, TB and HIV management, dentistry and eye care, patients will be able to access dietetics and nutrition services, social workers, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical male circumcision, mental health, and dozens of other services.

This is what we mean by comprehensive health care services.

Healthcare is not just about calling for an ambulance when we are sick, about fetching ama-pillies every month at the clinic, or going to the emergency ward if there has been an accident.

Comprehensive health care is about walking alongside our people through every season of their lives.

It is about supporting a mother with antenatal care as she prepares to bring new life into the world, and ensuring she delivers safely and that both mother and baby get the support they need.

It is about helping people to keep and stay healthy, and starting to do so when they are still children.

Comprehensive health care is about providing the necessary care to our elderly when they are still in good health and supporting them when they become frail.

It is about reducing the burden of disease across society.

This means tackling communicable diseases like TB and HIV.

But it also means tackling non-communicable diseases– the so-called silent killers – such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

These are among the top ten diseases here in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

These diseases are claiming lives, straining our public health facilities and weakening the productivity of our nation.

Comprehensive health care is about healing the mind as well as the body.

Stress and mental health issues are affecting lives and communities.

People struggling with mental health issues often feel alone. Many turn to alcohol and substance abuse to try to cope.

The health sector is also shouldering a huge burden as a result of high levels of violence in our society, including the terrible scourge of gender-based violence.

Comprehensive health care is about prevention, early detection and management of all the health issues our people face.

As the World Health Organization reminds us, health is not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental and social well-being.

Healthcare is about giving every man, woman and child the chance to live with dignity.

This is the promise of our Constitution, which declares that everyone has the right of access to health care services and that the state must take reasonable measures within available resources to achieve the realisation of this right.

The opening of this district hospital demonstrates our commitment as Government to give effect to this constitutional right.

A healthy nation is a nation where children learn better and where adults are able to work and provide for their families.

When a nation’s people are healthy, its economy is healthy and all of society prospers.

By contrast, weak health systems lead to higher levels of mortality, especially in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation, poor housing and high unemployment.

What often happens is that people present late at health facilities, when some of these diseases are too advanced to treat.

That is why prevention, detection and monitoring are so critical.

That is why hospitals with the capacity to provide comprehensive services are our priority.

This new health facility is named after King Nyabela kaMahlangu, son of King Mabhoko, one of the most fearless warriors and a unifier of the Ndzundza Ndebele people.

King Nyabela was renowned for fiercely defending ancestral lands against European encroachment and for being relentless in seeking peace.

The Ndzundza Ndebele have a history of resistance and solidarity.

We recall the Mapoch War of 1882 to 1883 when KingNyabela harboured the Pedi King Mampuru II from the Boers.

We recall that it was in Middelburg where King Dinizulu kaCetshwayo kaMpande was exiled in 1910 and where he spent the last years of his life.

We also recall how, in the late 1960s, the then Prince Goodwill Zwelithini was given shelter by the Skosana family here in Mpumalanga amid fears for his safety following the death of his father.

This speaks to the spirit of a people who throughout history have been peacemakers and resolute and brave when called upon to be so.

Today we honour King Nyabela and we honour all the forebears of the Ndzundza Ndebele people.

Let this hospital be a living tribute to their resolve, principle and commitment.

In taking forward their legacies, I call on the community to care for this facility.

It is significant that the community has been actively involved in this project, with over 1,100 work opportunities created, including more than 520 work opportunities for women.

There were challenges during the early construction stages with so-called business forums who disrupted the work. There were also legal challenges with contractors.

We must be clear that acts of intimidation and violence relating to the construction of public infrastructure will not be tolerated.

We cannot stand for the construction of hospitals, clinics, roads, dams or any public infrastructure being disrupted to advance some individuals’ financial interests.

We will continue to improve access to quality services by refurbishing facilities, by building new hospitals and by expanding primary health platforms.

We will continue to promote access to health care information in languages that people understand and through platforms such as radio and television.

We are working to put in place the critical building blocks of the National Health Insurance, or NHI.

At its heart, the NHI is about fulfilling the constitutional right of access to healthcare, without this being dependent on where one lives or one’s ability to pay.

The NHI ensures that all people can access the full range of quality health services they need, where and when they need them without experiencing financial hardship.

For the NHI to be a success, we need a healthcare sector that is properly governed and well led.

We need a skilled workforce, high standards of service delivery and uninterrupted access to the medicines that people need.

To build a health system that meets the needs of all our people requires the involvement, the resources and the capabilities of all sectors of society.

As we open the King Nyabela Hospital, we are determined that all hospitals and clinics that have been commissioned must be completed to budget and on time.

There can be no space for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies or services.

We have done much to tackle corruption in health care.Stolen funds have been recovered. Alleged perpetrators are being prosecuted.

But we need to do more.

We will end the criminal actions of those who steal from the sick and vulnerable, who endanger people’s lives.

To those entrusted with the health of our people, we are counting on you to treat our people with respect and dignity.

While hospitals and clinics are built with bricks and mortar, the heartbeat of our facilities is provided by the health care providers who diligently perform their duties, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

We salute all the healthcare workers at this facility and across our country.

To the community we wish to say, we are a nation that practices ubuntu.

We are a nation of empathy and compassion.

Just as none of us would ever wish to be turned away from a hospital when we need medical attention, we must reject the actions of those who have been breaking the law by trying to prevent foreign nationals from getting medical treatment.

Our Constitution says that everyone living in the country has the right to be treated at a hospital or clinic when they need care, whether they are citizens or non-citizens.

Determining who is in South Africa illegally is the job of law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Let us remember our own past, when many of our people were denied care on account of the colour of our skin.

We do not wish to see it revisited on us or on those who have sought refuge in our country.

Like the great King Nyabela after whom this facility is named, let us open our hearts and have compassion.

All who walk through the doors of this hospital have a right and a hope to be cared for.

With these words I now declare the King Nyabela Hospital officially open.

uNyabela nguGijamphezeni kaMabhoko
Ikhozana lekhethu elahlutha
Layokungena Erholweni
Bayede Ngwenyama!

Asiphile isitjhaba amaNdzundza nabahlezi naso…

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Youth in Action Expo hosted by the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, in Cape Town. 

The Expo will be held under the theme "Connecting Young People to Opportunities: Education, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation," the Youth in Action Expo has become one of South Africa's leading youth empowerment platforms, bringing together government, business, educational institutions and civil society to connect young people with opportunities that support their transition from learning to earning.

Details of the event are as follows:    
Date: Wednesday, 05 August 2026
Time: 09h00    
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 1), Cape Town
   
 
Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbhele, 082 580 2213 / Mandisam@presidency.gov.za   

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria