Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, in his capacity as the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, today met with various political parties represented in Parliament. The purpose of the meeting was to initiate discussions regarding the upcoming National Dialogue on Coalition Governments.

This dialogue, scheduled to take place in July, is a direct response to questions raised in Parliament, regarding the need to establish stability within coalition governments in the absence of a legislative framework.

In his response to the parliamentary question, Deputy President Mashatile committed to convening a national dialogue aimed at developing a framework for coalition governments. This framework will serve as a foundation for crafting appropriate legislation at a later stage. Despite the diverse views held by the political parties, there was unanimous agreement on the necessity for a national framework that ensures coalition governments remain responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa.

At present, more than 60 municipalities are governed by coalitions. Some of these coalition governments have encountered difficulties in upholding governance principles and providing essential services to the people. The forthcoming national dialogue aims to bring together all stakeholders under a cohesive approach, ensuring that governments can continue to serve communities effectively.

Deputy President Mashatile thanked all the parties for the positive outcome of the meeting, wherein the parties agreed to fully participate at the national dialogue.

"We appreciate the positive manner in which the political parties have engaged with us as Government so that we can reach an agreement and commit ourselves to serving South Africans collectively. When we enter into co-governing arrangements, we must always remember that we are working toward a common goal: the realisation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous nation. We can be prosperous if we work together," he said.

The political parties further agreed that the general principles previously articulated by the Deputy President, such as putting people first, a commitment to ending poverty, ethical governance, building an inclusive economy, and fostering social cohesion, should form the basis of a framework on coalitions.

The National Dialogue on Coalitions will take place on 27 July 2023, and will include all spheres of government and parties represented in Parliament. This inclusive forum will facilitate meaningful conversations and contribute to the development of a robust framework that ensures effective coalition governance in South Africa.

For more information on the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments kindly contact Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Matshepo@Presidency.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President of the New Development Bank, Ms. Dilma Rousseff;
Deputy Ministers;
Ambassador of South Africa to China, Dr Siyabonga Cwele;
Executive of Huawei;
Ladies and Gentlemen;  

I would like to extend my gratitude to Ms. Dilma Rousseff, the President of the New Development Bank, for hosting us here in your Shanghai office.

In line with our aspirations as the BRICS countries, the New Development Bank has emerged as a platform for promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by developing nations. 

Similarly, South Africa has made significant progress in recent years, but we recognise that there is still much work to be done. We are aware of the need to address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment that continue to plague our society.

In this light, we see the New Development Bank as an important partner in our quest for sustainable development. We appreciate the Bank's commitment to green and inclusive financing, which is consistent with our goal of a sustainable and equitable South Africa. We believe that by focusing on renewable energy, infrastructure development, and job creation, we can build a society that benefits all of its members.

Madam President, we would like to welcome the NDB’s support for infrastructure investment in South Africa. In this regard, we take note of USD 5.6 billion of loans extended to our country over the last 8 years. 

In the project pipeline, we welcome the Bank’s intended support to Transnet to address the infrastructure backlogs in freight rail. The Transnet project is extremely critical to ensure a globally competitive freight system that enables sustained growth and diversification of the country's economy.

However, a key concern of the South African Government is the slow disbursements of the approved projects for South Africa. We have noted the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 loan agreement was signed during the BRICS Summit in South Africa. We would like to encourage the Bank to move speedily with the disbursement to implement this project. This project is very critical in the supply of bulk water to support the economic hub of Gauteng region. 

We also welcome the USD 3 Billion pledged by the NDB announced during the BRICS Summit to support the financing of South Africa’s energy transition over the next five years. South Africa is currently engaging with multiple partners to modernise and transform the energy sector. NDB participation in the sector will be very important. The Government has undertaken key reforms over the past five years, particularly those related to private sector participation in the generation of electricity. Opportunities in the renewable energy sector exist and in extension of transmission lines.

South Africa noted the launch of the ZAR 10 Billion Bond Issuance Programme in 2023, and welcome the first issuance conducted by the Bank in our market in August 2023. 

The issuance will enable the NDB to provide local currency lending to South African clients, particularly non-sovereign clients (private sector). This is very important given the rise in borrowing costs of hard currency markets.

The bank can now provide local currency pricing for both sovereign and non-sovereign loans.

We are pleased that the Bank is in line with its General Strategy aiming to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its founding member countries.

In helping to address the infrastructure financing gap in member countries, NDB is committed to playing a catalytic role in mobilising resources from diversified funding sources, particularly from the private sector.

Given the shrinking government resources, the South African government is seeking innovative funding models that could crowd in the private sector and the Multilateral Development Banks to finance infrastructure projects. 

The Minister of Finance is engaging with the NDB African Regional Centre for technical assistance in designing innovative funding models and institutional arrangements that could accelerate infrastructure investments in the country. 

We are further looking at the NDB to provide solutions regarding de-risking infrastructure projects through its financial instruments to attract private capital in our infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, we commend the Bank for establishing the Project Preparation Fund which will assist member countries to increase the pipeline of bankable infrastructure projects.

South Africa wants to commend the efforts of the President of the NDB for her extensive outreach to potential members to join the NDB. The membership expansion to diversify the Bank’s concentration and mobilise new capital to strengthen the financial position of the Bank. 

South Africa remains committed to reaching out to the identified African countries, to consider their membership to the NDB. We have already received positive feedback from Namibia and notified the Bank’s management to start formal engagements with the country.

We are hoping to see many countries joining the Bank in 2024.

South Africa is looking forward to hosting the NDB Annual Meetings in 2024 in partnership with the NDB, 

Lastly, South Africa wishes to underscore that we, as members of the Bank, must do everything possible to preserve the integrity and financial sustainability of the Bank.
 
South Africa is committed to working hand in hand with the Bank and its member countries to achieve sustainable development and create a better future for our people. 

Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, will on Tuesday, 04 July 2023, pay an oversight visit to the Ehlanzeni District Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province.
 
The IMC’s role is to oversee the implementation of the Government’s land reform programme and interventions, as well as build on the successes and lessons learnt to date in the implementation of the social transformation agenda, aimed at creating jobs, economic growth and investment facilitation in the province and the country. 
 
During the visit, the Deputy President will receive a progress report on Government’s coordinated response in fast-tracking land reform and agricultural support in the Ehlanzeni District. 
 
The visit will provide a platform to inform policy-making by identifying key enablers to improve the performance of the Government’s service delivery agenda.
 
The programme of the visit is as follows:
 
10h00: Briefing by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government on efforts undertaken in fast-tracking land reform and other strategic catalytic projects
 
11h00: Oversight Visit to the Laughing Waterfall Farming Projects in Nkomazi, Ehlanzeni District Municipality

12h00: Media door stop at the Laughing Waterfall Farming Projects

14h00: Engagement with farmers who are farming on state-lease farms and communal areas, Paradise Creek Lodge
 
Members of the media covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance for accreditation purposes with Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 (The Presidency) and Ms Zanele Shabangu on 072 089 9556 (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) by Monday, 03 July 2023 at 14h00.
 

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

Deputy-Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini;
Deputy-Minister Nomalungelo Gina;
Deputy-Minister Nokuzola Capa;
Ambassador of South Africa to China, Dr Siyabonga Cwele;
SA Consul-General in Shanghai, Phuti Tsipa;
Chairperson of the Shanghai CCPIT T, Mr  Zhao;
CEOs, Managing Directors and Heads of Organisations; 
Distinguished Businesspeople;
The South African Community at Large; 
Ladies and Gentlemen 

It is my pleasure to be meeting with you this evening during the hosting of the 6th China International Import Expo. I have been here in China since the 2nd of November to participate in the 8th South Africa - China Binational Commission. 

The BNC reviewed the progress made in implementing the commitments that our two governments had made at the 7th Bi-National Commission in 2019.

The BNC acknowledged the continuous increase in the total volume of bilateral trade from R544 billion in 2021 to R614 billion in 2022. However, as South Africa we are concerned about the growing trade deficit in China’s favour (R155 billion in 2022, up from R49 billion in 2021). 

We believe that we need to address the structure of trade, to improve market access and broaden South Africa's export trade basket to China through more value-added goods. 

As the first step towards restructuring trade, we are pleased that the BNC agreed to support the establishment of the South Africa-China Chamber of Commerce based in Beijing. The Chamber will be a first for Africa and will contribute towards increased visibility of South African business in China, and illustrates our commitment to building sustainable and long-term economic relations. 

Once the South African Chamber of Commerce is established, it should also function as China’s entry into the opportunities represented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
South Africa and China regularly adopt common positions in the BRICS bloc. You will recall at the 15th BRICS Summit that South Africa hosted, our two countries agreed to expand the membership to other countries for greater global influence and impact. 

We are also working on improving our visa system, this include making sure that systems and languages work together so that businesspeople can easily apply for and register for business visas.

In addition to refining application requirements to expedite the process of obtaining a work visa, the reforms would decentralise the adjudication of visa applications to foreign missions. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We continue to make significant strides in our bilateral relations and have elevated our relations to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which enables collaboration across political, socio-economic and technical areas of co-operation.

I therefore invite you to take a tour of our Pavilions at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

Here you will witness a wide range of value-added products in the diverse sectors of Creative Industries, Medical Equipment; Clothing and Textiles; Cosmetics; Metals; Mining and Engineering Services; Manufacturing; Aerospace and Defence Technologies. 

We are confident that businesspeople who participate in the multi-sectoral expo will not only find markets for their products through the business-to-business meetings that the CIIE has organised, but they will also identify opportunities for joint trade and investment ventures. 

We firmly believe that our co-operation will pave the way for increased trade and investment linkages between our two countries. It is the private sector that can translate all of our efforts into tangible technical, financial and human resource investments. 

We thank the business community for your continued commitment in growing the trade and economic relationship. This is a sign of more than 25 year of bonds of friendship between South Africa and People’s Republic of China.

I am grateful to our two Deputy Ministers, Ambassador Cwele, Consul-General Tsipa and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade for arranging this important engagement with the South African business community that is based here in Shanghai.  

I thank you

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has become aware of an unfortunate incident involving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who are attached to his protection detail and civilians, which occurred in Johannesburg over the weekend.

The Deputy President abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has promised a thorough investigation of the incident and articulated the conduct expected of police officers very well.

“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” he said. The Deputy President fully endorses these sentiments.

The Deputy President appeals to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to complete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary. The Deputy President has full confidence in the SAPS under the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and the command of General Masemola to do the right thing in this regard. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde - 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga on July 4, 2023, to conduct a Land Reform Outreach. 

The Deputy President was accompanied by Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, Premier of Mpumalanga Province; Mr. Sihle Zikalala, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI); Mr. Mcebisi Skwatsha, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD); Ms Paulina Shiba, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs; Mr. Mandla Ndhlovu, MEC for DPWI; Mr. Mandla Msibi, MEC for COGTA; Ms Sasekani Manzini ,MEC for Health; Mr Bonakele Majuba, MEC for Education; Ms Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, MEC for Social Development; Ms Thandi Shongwe, MEC for Culture, Sport, and Recreation; Ms Mpumi Hlophe, MEC for Finance; Mr. Vusi Shongwe, MEC for Community Safety and Liaison; Inkosi M Shongwe Chief of the Matsamo Traditional Council; Inkosi Yende Deputy Chairperson of House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San Leaders; Cllr J Sidell Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District Municipality; Cllr P Magagula Executive Mayor of Nkomazi Local Municipality; and Mr. M Mampuru Director- General of Mpumalanga Province.

The Deputy President visit three farms in the Ehlanzeni District, including the Laughing Waterfall Farm and Projects, Tomahawk Farm and Automated Packhouse, Nala Farm, and Hydro and Electric Pump Station.

While at the first farm, which falls under the Matsamo Communal Property Association (CPA), there was a showcase of Government’s success in its response to accelerating the country’s land reform programme. 

The CPA has, so far, been supported by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development with a grant amounting to R33 508 660 to maintain and increase production.

The second stop was Tomahawk Farm. This farm is Joint Venture between the Matsamo CPA and its strategic partner (Tomahawk), and it produces commodities for a variety of markets. 

The Deputy President advanced to view the Nala Farm initiative, which also operates as a Joint Venture to produce sugarcane and other commodities.

The last farm visit was to the Hydro and Electric Pump Station, which generates electricity for the majority of Matsamo CPA farm operations. 

The final phase of the program included interaction with Matsamo-area farmers. During this engagement, farmers had an opportunity to outline some of the challenges and achievements that they have encountered while running the CPAs and Joint Ventures.

Farmers indicated the need for the Government’s assistance in terms of complying with regulations, inability to service debts, damaged roads and electricity supply.

Outlining successes, farmers highlighted Government’s supply of five bags of fertilizer per hectare, 193 people being permanently employed through CPA, 39 bursaries awarded to beneficiaries, renovation of offices and provision of irrigation systems.

In his response to issues raised by farmers, the Deputy President, quoting the Freedom Charter, said “The state shall help the peasants with implements, seed, tractors, and dams to save the soil and assist the tillers”. 

The Deputy President further emphasised the importance of the Provincial Government to continue providing the necessary assistance to claimants so that they are well-equipped to run successful farms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Premier LI Qiang, Head of Government Business, and responsible for the economy
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Leaders and CEOs of Businesses;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good Morning, 

It gives me great pleasure to be addressing this esteemed audience during this 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE). 

Our participation at CIIE 2023 is taking place on the back of three significant events. 

The first is the recent BRICS Summit which South Africa hosted. At this summit, our two countries, together with the other founding BRICS partners, agreed to expand the membership for greater global influence and impact. 

The second is the Procurement Mission led by Minister WANG Wentao of MOFCOM, which resulted in purchase agreements for South Africa products of approximately USD2.2 billion. 

The third event is the Bi-National Commission (BNC) held on the 3rd November 2023; which the Vice President Han Zheng and I co-chaired. 

I am pleased to share that our two governments will continue to explore various avenues of strengthening and deepening our long-standing economic, trade and people to people relations. 

By advancing more South African value added products from a Top 10 category to an exponential Top 100 products, we are confident that we making progress on our bilateral trade.

Against this backdrop, we commend the Chinese government’s efforts to continuously host the China International Import Expo (CIIE), thereby opening this market to the world, and to Africa in particular. 

This unique platform provides companies around the world the opportunities to showcase the products and services; to expand their network; to conclude trade deals whilst at the same time; learning about the culture of doing business with Chinese enterprises and getting first-hand information on compliance and adherence to Chinese protocols. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

South Africa has optimised the space accorded to us at the Country Pavillion for Trade and Investment where 25 South African entities that comprise Provincial Trade & Investment Agencies, Export Councils and other Manufactures have been supported to exhibit at this premier location.
   
We have also secured additional space at The Enterprise and Business Fair. A further 11 business enterprises are showcasing the best of South Africa’s agricultural Produce as well as Agro-processing products. 

Last but not least, Standard Bank of South Africa (SBSA) in partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is also showcasing some of their clients. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you to come with us to come and explore the best of South Africa’s products and services.
 
We have a wide array of value-added products in the diverse sectors of Creative Industries, Medical Equipment; Clothing & Textiles; Cosmetics; Metals; Mining and Engineering Services; Manufacturing as well as Aerospace & Defence Technologies. 

We are confident that the group of businesspeople that we have supported  to participate in the multi-sectoral expo will not only find markets for their products through the business-to-business meetings that the CIIE are organisers, but they will also identify opportunities for joint trade and investment ventures.

I would also like to invite you to take a tour of our Pavilions in Hall 5,2 and Hall 2,2 at your leisure to engage the different business people that have joined us. I promise that you will not be disappointed at the quality and variety of what will be on offer. 

I look forward to a successful show and wish all participating companies every success. 

Thank you

President of Public Affairs and Communication, Mr JEFF Wang;
CEO of Huawei South Africa, Mr WILL Meng;
Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa, Mr KIAN Chan;
Ambasssor Dr Siyabonga Cwele;
Deputy Ministers;
Consul General, Ms Phuti Tsipa;
Executives of Huawei;
Senior Government Officials;
Ladies and gentlemen,

1. I would like to express my appreciation to Huawei for graciously hosting us on this occasion, and for your steadfast dedication to fostering innovation and collaborative efforts. 

2. In this regard, let me commend you for launching the Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was officially opened by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa in July this year. 

3. The recently launched Innovation Centre promotes and facilitates collaborative innovation in the ICT sector among Huawei's South African partners, application developers, and SMMEs. 

4. The establishment of the Centre will facilitate the advancement of South Africa and the broader African continent in transitioning to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This is also aligned to the outcomes of the recent South Africa-China Bi-National Commission that I co-chaired with Vice President HAN Zheng in Beijing this past Friday.

5. Amongst others, South Africa and China are considering the establishment of Mega Focus Schools, funded by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

6. It is envisaged that these schools will offer specialist education in identified fields linked to economic growth areas of South Africa. They are meant to be schools of excellence, at the forefront of curriculum development and best practice, with the highest concentration of quality human and material resources and equipment, utilised optimally to benefit the learners and the education system.

7. The South African government actively promotes and endorses these endeavours as they are aligned with our policy of building digital technologies for the benefit of economic development. 

8. Therefore, we appreciate the strong alliance between South Africa and Huawei because it has cultivated an environment of mutual growth and progress, instilling in me a sense of assurance that our relationship will continue to flourish for the development of our countries.

9. As we embark on this new era of technological advancements, it is essential for countries and organisations to work collectively and harness the power of innovation to address some of the most pressing global challenges. 

10. It is our strong conviction that the cooperation between our nations will serve as a catalyst in advancing our shared objectives of poverty reduction and job creation, as outlined in our National Developmental Goals.

11. South Africa is enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with Huawei and learning from the technological advancements that have revolutionised societies.  

12. Huawei is positioned at the vanguard of this revolutionary technological landscape, which is undergoing an unprecedented rate of change from artificial intelligence to fifth-generation (5G) networks.

13. As a country with rich cultural heritage and a diverse economy, we are eager to embrace these technological advancements and integrate them into our nation's development agenda. 

14. Our government is committed to creating an enabling environment for the digital economy to thrive, one that encourages investment, promotes innovation, and places cybersecurity at the forefront.

15. We recognise the significance of a digital ecosystem that is inclusive and provides benefits to all citizens, especially those living in underserved and rural regions. Through a collaborative partnership with Huawei, it is possible to ensure that all South Africans have equal access to the opportunities that the digital revolution presents by bridging the digital divide.

16. Furthermore, I am happy that Huawei and South Africa are both enthusiastic about engaging in collaborative endeavours encompassing research and development, capacity building, and skills development. 

17. South Africa is dedicated to ensuring that its citizens have the skills required to effectively engage in the digital economy and take advantage of developing technology.

18. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Huawei for their ongoing commitment and cooperation. 

19. We are excited to deepen our partnership with Huawei and contribute to the shared vision of a digitally connected and prosperous future.

I thank you

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has, in his capacity as Acting President, declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 as a mark of honour for the late struggle stalwart and former Minister in The Presidency, Dr Essop Goolam Pahad, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Dr Pahad will be laid to rest in the Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg, at 14h00 today, Thursday, 6 July 2023, in a ceremony in which ceremonial honours will be provided by the South African Police Service.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the eulogy in his capacity as Acting President. President Ramaphosa is currently undertaking a State Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Paying tribute earlier to the late former Minister, President Ramaphosa said: “We mourn the passing of a veteran of our struggle, 65 years after he took his first revolutionary step of becoming a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress.

“Security crackdowns, banning and exile shaped Essop Pahad’s contribution over decades to our struggle and, as Parliamentary Counsellor to President Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency, to the early design and impact of our democratic state.

“Essop Pahad was a thinker and strategist who brought his understanding of the human condition, injustice and inequality at the national and international level to bear on our transition to democracy and in introducing a democratic, non-aligned and activist South Africa to the global community.

“He served our nation with pride, principle, pragmatism, and a charm that lived comfortably alongside a tongue that could lash severely at the right provocation.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,;
His Majesties present;
The Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo;
All Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders;
Our host, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and other members of the Provincial Executive Council who are here today;
Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers; ​
Mayors present here today;
Director-Generals;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dumelang! Avuxeni! NdiMatsheloni! Sanibonani! Molweni! Lotjhani! Goeie more! Good morning! ​

Esteemed traditional leaders, we would like to express our gratitude for your presence and participation in today's gathering.
 
Let me also extend my gratitude to the Premier for graciously receiving us within the confines of your illustrious province, cultural opulence, resplendent fauna, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, and celestial heavens that radiate with brilliance.

I extend my utmost gratitude to you, esteemed Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, for graciously allocating precious moments from your demanding schedules to engage in this programme.

We are greatly inspired by your unwavering commitment to overcoming the complex developmental challenges that traditional communities face; thus, the theme of today's gathering is "Promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities through collaboration with Government and private sector”.

As the underlying theme of our discussion suggests, it is important for all of us, as individuals and as a collective, to come together and collaborate in order to achieve a future that is not only prosperous, but is also united in diversity and anchored on the prospects of a greater South African nation that has, at its core, the interests of improving and nurturing the lives of those in our rural communities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As part of Government's commitment towards resolving issues faced by Traditional Leaders across the nation, the President established the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) in 2020, which has been focusing on consolidating all existing efforts and unblocking issues that impede the resolution of matters raised by Traditional Leaders.

Since its inception, the IMTT has held a number of meetings in various provinces in order to discuss and implement numerous urgent solutions to some of the identified problems. From March to October 2023, I have also held various engagements with traditional leaders in 7 of the 9 provinces, where province-specific issues were raised.

During these consultations, we learnt a lot about the efforts of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to empower and develop their communities. As Government, we also committed to play our part in supporting this institution of Traditional Leadership, for the advancement of all our people.

A dialogue with the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders also took place in March this year. During the engagements, the different Ministers and convenors of the various work streams provided progress reports on all issues they are dealing with.

While I welcome the reports presented, I am also expecting to see more concerted efforts from Ministers and their respective Departments in convening Traditional Leaders and facilitating interventions agreed upon in our platforms. Providing support for Traditional Authorities and rural communities is of paramount importance and I will be looking forward to resolutions on how we will strengthen efforts beyond this conference.

In the fast evolving and globalised world we live in, it is paramount that we find ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices in order to strike a delicate balance that preserves our cultural heritage, while also propelling us forward.

The fact that society continues to evolve should not negate the knowledge systems of the past that have significantly contributed to where we are today. We must preserve our history and knowledge systems, such that these may also shape the future that we imagine, a future that is both inclusive and progressive.  

The South African government remains committed to protecting the rights of traditional authorities and their communities. We have confidence in the process that has seen various stakeholders, including communities thrive to bridge the gap between rural and urban, in terms of development, service delivery and overall well-being.

However, we also recognise the challenges that our traditional communities face in this rapidly changing world. Some of the societal challenges that exist include; limited access to information and communication technology services in rural communities, gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse, unemployment, HIV/AIDS & TB and inadequate access to water and electricity. Whilst we know that these challenges generally affect all South Africans, we are aware that rural communities are disproportionately affected, and we are committed to addressing these ills with that informed bias.

As Government we have over the years made efforts to bridging the gap in the area of providing access to piped water over the period of 1996-2022, the percentage of households with no access to piped water therefore decreasing from 19,7% to 8,7%. This is a significant milestone and has improved the lives of our communities, especially women and girls in rural areas.

We recognise that challenges still exist in the various areas of service delivery, however we are working together as guided by the District Development Model to close these gaps and fast-track development in rural areas.

However, we must collaborate to address these issues, as well as in dealing with inequality, poverty, and lack of access to land. I am strongly persuaded that traditional leadership structures, as strategic institutions located in the rural areas, have a role to play in resolving these challenges, and making sure that no one is left behind.

We must commend the work that is done by the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development in supporting young people within various Traditional Authorities across the country with regard to agricultural enterprises, through the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme.  

Through the Department of Traditional Affairs, we are also resolving the issue of remuneration and allowances for Traditional Leaders through the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-bearers and the final review will be completed by end of November 2023. We are committed to ensuring that Traditional Leaders are supported in order to perform their duties as expected by their communities.

I sincerely urge all leaders here, that in the process of addressing our own challenges as Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, we must not relent from protecting and defending our children, youth, and women who are most vulnerable to societal ills.

Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge the marginalisation of individuals residing in rural areas from global connectivity and information exchange, mostly stemming from the limited accessibility to information and communication technology (ICT) services within rural communities.

We must work towards closing these technological gaps, and we can achieve this if we strategically allocate investments towards the infrastructure networks in rural regions. This will enable individuals to attain essential amenities including water and sanitation facilities, reliable electricity supply, as well as well-maintained road networks that establish connectivity between their residences, workplaces, educational establishments, and healthcare facilities.

Technological expansion also provides us with the possibility to also merge our knowledge systems and wisdom with knowledge and information that is relevant and needed in the present day to take society forward. I am aware that when it comes to leading communities, Traditional Leaders largely rely on historic knowledge and wisdom from the ancestors, as well the experience acquired from leading the people for generations.

In order to mould communities that are prosperous, stable, socially cohesive and relevant to the demands of the modern day, I believe, that we must as Traditional Leaders acquire new abilities. We need to equip ourselves with skills and training that will make us understand the dictates of the modern society.

In this regard, Government stands ready to provide training where necessary, in order to capacitate our institutions and to enable Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to fulfil their mandate. We are already capacitating Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders by providing training to Traditional Leaders across all provinces on gender-based violence and femicide, through the Department of Social Development, and training on the art of facilitation, which is provided through the National School of Government.

With regard to advancing land ownership, consultations with various organisations including traditional authorities, civil society, experts and the private sector have been conducted to advance land ownership, tenure rights, and socio-economic development in rural communities. The Draft Communal Land Bill and policy are being developed for further input and will be processed through government structures and Cabinet for public comments in the 2024/25 financial year.

Moreover, a number of rural infrastructure projects were delivered in the nine provinces. These projects included construction and rehabilitation of Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) focusing on animal welfare, farming facilities, improved road and bulk infrastructure, and the overall development of pre-schools, community halls, and Agri-Parks.

As part of Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and Ilima/Letsema, the Solidarity Fund provided production inputs, mechanisation, infrastructure, and training to 36,692 farmers. This among other things highlighting the progress that we can make towards economic inclusion through social compacting for development.

Regarding the promotion of safety, unity, social cohesion and nation building in rural communities. The concept of Traditional Policing was introduced in three provinces – Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mpumalanga – to promote unity, social cohesion, and nation building in rural communities.  

As part of the broader strategy to increase capacity of the police and deal with unemployment in the rural areas. Some of the reserves from the Traditional Policing initiative were employed as police officers and are currently undergoing training in different South African Police Service Training Academies across the country.

Baetapele ba Africa borwa,

These are just highlights of progress made thus far. You will have the opportunity to receive a more comprehensive and detailed progress report as the work streams present their reports today.

We look forward to frank, honest, and robust engagement on the work that is being done. We must acknowledge the progress that has been made, and where progress is not satisfactory, we must be firm in our criticism, but as leaders also put our heads together to unlock whatever blockages or obstacles that exist.

It is not enough for us to convene under an attractive and carefully designed theme if we are not willing to implement the proposed solutions.

The late professor, Theodore Levitt once said, “Ideas are useless unless used. The proof of their value is in their implementation. Until then, they are in limbo”. I personally echo these sentiments and propose that as we re-convene today, we evaluate the resolutions derived from previous meetings and examine the reasons for their non-implementation.

I want us to focus more on implementation. Since assuming office, I have been emphasising on the need for diligence and urgency in executing our policies and strategic objectives.

As leaders, we have the power to transform livelihoods. Our communities also have a widespread expectation that our presence as leaders would result in the realisation of their goals, desires, and aspirations.

It is therefore the responsibility of leaders to identify and unlock potential in the areas of the economy that hold the promise of creating opportunities for the people to earn a living.

Your leadership as Traditional and Khoi-San leaders is also crucial to the building of a cohesive, united, and successful society that is democratic in form and is free of racism, sexism and any kind of prejudice.

As Government, we remain committed to swiftly addressing any issues confronting Traditional and Khoi-San leaders. We will continue to support initiatives that benefit our indigenous communities. We will also continue to provide sufficient funding for education, healthcare, and social services so that no one falls behind.

Similarly, we call upon the private sector to actively engage with our traditional communities through investing in local businesses and projects. Through initiatives such as skills development programs, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship, we can collectively unlock the entrepreneurial spirit that resides within our traditional communities.

In conclusion, as we work towards the promotion of development and social cohesion in our traditional communities, let us remember that this journey requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. Let us recognise the immense potential that lies within our traditional communities, waiting to be unleashed.

Together, we can create a future where traditional and modern ways of being thrive side by side, where development and social cohesion go hand in hand. And most importantly where the unity of our diversity can be enhanced.

Thank you.