Programme Director

Comrade Mag Pahad,

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

Comrades and friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He could have been speaking of Essop Goolam Pahad.

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

May his soul rest in peace.

I thank you.

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentleman

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

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

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

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

Compatriots,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compatriots,

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compatriots, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because we cannot transition while sitting in the dark!

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

I thank you.

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

Good morning! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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

Good evening, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

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

I thank you.

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

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

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

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

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

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

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

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

Programme Directors;
Thank you NYDA Executive Deputy Chairperson, Karabo Mohale;
The Former Vice President of Gambia, Her Excellency Dr Isatou Touray;
Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in absentia; 
MEC of Economic Development, Limpopo Province, Rodgers Monana;
Mr Themba Khumalo, Principal Advisor: Value Chains, AfCFTA Secretariat;
Traditional Leaders and Senior Government officials;
Statistician General, Risenga Maluleke;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Heads of Missions High Commissioners and Ambassadors;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

We consider it a great privilege to participate in this second NYDA Investment Roundtable discussion, which is being held under the theme, "Unlocking investments for human capital for an inclusive economy." 

This theme is derived from this year's Youth Month theme, which is "Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future."

In today's rapidly evolving and extremely competitive global economy, we believe that investing in our youth is the key to a prosperous and sustainable future.

As a country, we need to pool the knowledge and resources of businesses, government, and civil society in order to unlock the full potential of our young people and create a sustainable and equitable economy.

In this regard, we are pleased that this Investment Roundtable has been successful in bringing key stakeholders on board to make deliberate commitments to contributing to young people's development through various investment channels. 

As we gather here and discuss over the next few days, it is crucial that we keep in mind our goals, which are as follows: 

•    To present pathways of market accessibility through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
•    To advance the growth and development of SMME's through financial and non-financial support;
•    To increase capital investment towards youth development programmes; and
•    To create a platform to identify possible market linkages between young people and potential investors. 

These objectives are significant because they set the foundation of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is a strategy for ensuring the future prosperity of South Africans in accordance with the Constitution.

The NDP places an emphasis on the significance of inclusive growth by accelerating the rate at which young people are included in opportunities for employment and enterprise development. The following is an outline of what the NDP calls for:

•    Improving education and skill development, starting with improved basic education and early childhood development.
•    Strengthening competition laws to address unequal ownership and control, which maintains high barriers of entry and hinders the expansion of critical job-creating markets.
•    Increasing private-sector participation in public-dominated industries and building effective regulatory authorities to curb monopolies.
•    Providing support and incentives for labour-intensive sectors, including agriculture, agro-processing and tourism.

As a country, we are going through the most difficult period in the history of our democracy. 

We are faced with challenges ranging from an ongoing energy crisis to high unemployment rates, dwindling investor confidence and an economy that is not growing rapidly enough to meet our development goals. 

According to Stats SA, the youth unemployment rate reached 62.1 percent in the first quarter of 2023; nearly two-thirds of young people are not engaged in any form of viable employment; this is a ticking time bomb, and this imminent crisis requires immediate and unwavering attention from all of us.  

As a country, we need young people to take the lead in driving economic growth and employment. On our end, we have created a favourable environment to support youth to become successful entrepreneurs with flourishing businesses. 

We are committed to help in drawing more young people into the economy; firstly by addressing the mismatch between the skills needed by the economy and those possessed by young people. 

If, as a nation, we do not make a concerted effort to invest in the growth of our human capital, and train our young people to acquire more marketable skills, we will not be able to create a nation that is competitive relative to the rest of the world.

We need to make sure that young people get the kind of education and training they need to adapt quickly to the workplace of the future. 
We urge business leaders to work with the Government to develop skill-based initiatives that can meet the urgent needs of the economy.

Government cannot do this alone, as Government is not an employment creator, but rather ensures that there is an enabling environment for the private sector and other actors to create employment. 

We should all be expanding initiatives that provide work experience for young people; and offer support, finance and market opportunities for young entrepreneurs. 

Regarding the grants we provide, we must ensure that they are attached to long-term economic outcomes, such as employment, sustained growth, and skill development.

In light of this, we are pleased to announce the following achievements regarding the NYDA Grant Programme for the 2022/23 fiscal year:

•    2320 youth and youth-owned enterprises funded,
•    34209 youth and-youth owned enterprises supported with non-financial development interventions, 
•    6796 jobs created and sustained through supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises.

In addition, the National Youth Development Agency and the University of Sao Paulo have organised an Agricultural Summer School.

The "Tropical Bio-based Production Systems" Summer School seeks to provide an overview of the technologies, economics, and environmental scenario of Brazilian agriculture, forestry, and livestock farming through lectures and field trips. The University of Sao Paulo in Brazil hosts the School annually.

The NYDA will provide funding for four youths to attend the Summer School in Brazil. Upon their return, they will be expected to enrich South Africa with the skills they would have gained in Brazil.

We wish to congratulate the four participants that will be traveling to Brazil at the end of July. They are:

•    Ms Ntokozo Happy Msiza, 29-year-old PhD candidate in Animal Science at North West University. 
•    Mr Welcome Ntokozo Sifisosami Zondo, 26-year-old PhD candidate in Agriculture candidate from the University of Mpumalanga.
•    Ms Mmapula Lesailane, 27-year-old (Cum Laude) genetics graduate from University of Stellenbosch, working  in Tzaneen, and 
•    Mr Ramatolo Tlotleng, 33, an Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences student at Tshwane University of Technology. 

We are indeed working towards economic transformation for young people. This is also evident through the 2020 Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

This intervention aims to realise rapid gains by linking more young people to new and existing opportunities and to create 2 million jobs for young people in the course of a decade.

Among other things, the PYEI brings together a wide range of partners, and breaks down silos between government departments, among the different levels of government, and between government and the private sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Speaking of partnership, it is important that as a country we continue to value our partnership as signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)

This groundbreaking agreement paves the way for young people in South Africa to engage different markets on the African Continent, but also provides opportunities for the exposure and development of human capital. 

It is thus important to invest in the building of capacity and support young people to trade on the Continent, but more so to provide accessible financial support. 

There needs to be diversified financial instruments that speak directly to the needs of young people, and we need to make the processes to access them less cumbersome.

Young people in rural communities should not be excluded because of the challenges they face. They should be supported and their talents and business acumen harnessed.

Addressing the challenges of rural communities is a big step towards creating an equitable society. The Spatial Economic Activity Data SA reveals that economic activities vary across the region with the largest cities lagging behind job creation compared to small towns since the 2013/14 tax year. 

It is therefore upon us at this NYDA Investment Roundtable to explore more investment opportunities in rural and peri-urban areas, in order to more equitably spread economic opportunity for our young people.  

By promoting competition and attracting private capital, states will be able to develop transportation networks, bolster internet connectivity, and surf the wave of digitisation sweeping across Africa.

The implementation of the AfCFTA must be supported by appropriate national policies and support programmes. This can play a pivotal role in making trade opportunities accessible to young people in both rural and urban areas. This will help countries to reduce the inequality gap.

Youth entrepreneurs can capitalise on trade agreements and frontier technologies to tackle systemic social issues, addressing societal needs and challenges globally, regardless of development level.

As young people are generally among the earliest adopters of new technologies, they are poised to take advantage of innovations in this area to drive the impact of social entrepreneurship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One other critical thing that we must also take into consideration is the mental health of our youth. To have young people who are engaged in economic activity, we need to ensure that their mental health is a top priority, and the National Youth Policy 2030 accordingly places a priority on the mental health of young people.

This also means that we must invest in resources such as therapy and support groups, making mental health care more accessible to all, and breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking care.

We must also accelerate the implementation of the NYP with regard to changing lives and dealing with the hardships that the youth experience due to unemployment and economic hardship.

Since the dawn of democracy, our government has embarked on reforms to drive transformation and inclusivity for young people, particularly through what started as the National Youth Commission (NYC) established on 16 June 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela. 

This was followed by the establishment of the Umsobomvu Youth Fund in 2001 to create entrepreneurship and job creation opportunities in response to the unemployment and economic challenges, which young people faced. 

The Umsobomvu Youth Fund was one of the largest investments the Government made to address the country’s youth unemployment challenges. 

Following the 2009 merger of these institutions to become the National Youth Development Agency or NYDA, it is your responsibility to ensure that both public and private sectors play a transformative role in bringing young people into the mainstream economy.

To further strengthen service delivery, promote nation-building, foster social cohesion, and assist the youth in acquiring occupational skills necessary to access sustainable livelihood opportunities, our Government has also established the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP), the largest service programme of its kind in South Africa. 

As we mark 20 years since the NYSP inception, we must reflect on how far we have come in our mission to instil a sense of national pride and pride in one's neighbourhood, teach young people life skills, and encourage community service that is based on volunteering.

The significance that the National Youth Service plays in reversing the adverse effects of youth unemployment and apathy was demonstrated by its inclusion in the State of the Nation Address, with the declaration that the revitalised National Youth Service will create a further 36,000 opportunities through non-profit and community-based organisations.

In the 2022/23 financial year, the following achievements have since been highlighted:

•    12172 young people who participated in NYS Expanded volunteer projects.
•    7247 young people who participated in the CWP Programmes. 
•    46320 young people who have secured paid service opportunities. 
•    34425 young people who have completed service activities.
•    7546 young people who transitioned out of the National Youth Service to other opportunities.

As I conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have highlighted a number of different programmes because our Government is quite good at developing new regulations and programmes. 

What we are lacking is the ability to put our plans into action. 

We have to develop a discipline of getting things done.

Now, more than ever, our reputation depends on our persistent dedication to the efficient and successful implementation of policy. 

If we accomplish this, we will unquestionably alter our culture and establish a more equitable economic system for the benefit of our young people, which in turn will benefit the entire nation.

We wish you fruitful discussions during your Round Table discussions today.

I thank you.

Our Premier of Gauteng, Ntate Panyaza Lesufi 
His Grace Comforter F L G Modise; Ntate wa Rona, kere Khotso, Morena. Happy Fathers to you and all the Fathers. 
Mme Warona Mme Masechaba, Mme MmaModise
Priest MK Mohlala, Chair of Council 
Priest AJ Wessie, Chair of EXCO 
Priest Makwana, Secretary of EXCO 
Leaders of all structures of the Church, Baholo BaPhaphama, Baholo BaboMme Difate, (lena ke Ngwana wa lona, motswadi waka ene ele Sefate), Baholo BaboMme Dinaledi, Baholo BaYout (Badisa) our special celebrants the new graduates and of course the old who are encouraging the Comforters vision. 
Deputy Minister, Pinky Kekana 
All the Priests and Members of the Congregation;
Friends,
Sechaba sa Modimo, Re a ledumedisa!

Ke tšea e le tokelo go ba mo le lena gape ge re kgobokana mo mobung wo o mokgethwa. (I consider it a privilege to be here with you once more as we gather in this holy ground). 

As in the Psalm of David, I was overjoyed to receive an invitation to be present at eSilo, because there is no greater place to be than in the house of the Lord. We are in the midst of Holiness.

This is where I belong; IPHC is my spiritual home and has been for decades; as I said that my mother was a devoted member of this congregation, and it will remain my home.

Allow me, your Grace, to begin by thanking you for allowing us together with my wife Humile, Premier Lesufi, and Deputy Minister Kekana and the team from my office to come and worship with you during this special day as you mark 30th Annual IPHC Graduations and Thanksgiving ceremony. 

This annual graduation ceremony takes place during the significant month on our calendar, as we commemorate the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. This is the month in which we honour the spirit of courage, and the spirit of love for freedom and peace.

Because of them we have an education system in which everyone, regardless of ethnicity, social background, or gender, has access to quality education and subsequently economic opportunities.

Their sacrifice were not in vain. Today we are pleased that young people like you, the Graduates that we are honouring today, continue to value education as did His Grace our Comforter Ntate FS Modise. 

We indeed want to commend the IPHC for designating this month as a memorial in honouring the youth of 1976. 

Let us not forget His Grace Ntate F S Modise’s words, "ka moso, e tla re he re re ngwana wa kereke ye ha a rutega e be at least a nale Matric... ke yona a better future ya rona..."

To honour his Grace, we must now surpass matriculation and aim for higher. Like the graduates of today I urge you to go on to acquire more skills and knowledge so that you can contribute to the growth and development of our nation. 

As government we will continue to avail more funding for young people to enrol in colleges and universities.

We are committed to working with the Church so that together we can proceed and create opportunities for the youth. 
 
Do not let anyone or the difficulties that you're facing right now discourage you. As 1 Timothy 4:12 states, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity”. 

Just like when we stood together and were determined to fight against the apartheid government, we must likewise, continue to work towards finding solution to our societal problems. Among the many issues that our youth face, we need to address the following:

·      Poverty and unemployment, 
·      The quality of school education;
·      Crime, including women and child abuse;
·      Drug and substance abuse;
·      Corruption which undermines state legitimacy and service delivery; 
·      Housing and the persistent problem of backyard dwelling within our communities; and 
·      Teenage pregnancy and high HIV infection among young people.

These issues cannot be solved by one group or community. Instead, it takes a collective effort from all members of society, including religious communities
 
As Government, we are the first to admit that while we have made significant strides to change the country for the better, there are also areas which need to be improved upon.  

We, therefore, urge the church as a moral and social leader to collaborate with us to address these and other societal challenges.  

Fellow worshippers, let us use this thanksgiving ceremony an opportunity to re-dedicate and recommit ourselves to peace, human solidarity, and the values of a non-racial, non-sexist, free, democratic, and prosperous society, united in its diversity, as enshrined in our Constitution. 

As Government, we remain committed to the spirit of Ubuntu, which underlies our democracy and is embedded in our Constitution, whereby we dedicate ourselves as a nation to among others; 

·      Respect the worth of all individuals, irrespective of social origin, race, gender, age, status or class.
·      Fight against the physical and emotional harassment of women that results in gender-based violence and other forms of abuse. 
·      Eradicate the abuse of children brought about by social ills such as malnutrition, child labour, drug trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
·      Care for all who are weak and disadvantaged: the poor, the aged, and all those unable to care for themselves. 
·      Overcome discrimination on the basis of status, custom, culture, and tradition.

Our Comforter

We all have the responsibility as government and churches to help in restoring progressive values.

We will consolidate partnership with you and across society to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that our nation achieves the moral values of a caring society. 

Let us all work together to create a more cohesive and united society where love and mutual respect prevail. 

By promoting understanding, compassion, and collective action, we can create a better world for all members of society (Ka go tšwetša pele kwešišo, kwelobohloko, le tiro ya kopanelo, re ka hlola lefase le le kaone go maloko ka moka a setšhaba).

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we congratulate this year’s graduates for their achievements and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. 

Thank you to the entire congregation for invite us to worship. 

Lebitso lemodimo alebokwe 

Khotso Morena wa Barena. 
 
Ke a leboga

Programme Director;
Acting Premier of the Free State, Mr Ketso Makume and Members of the Executive Council
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, 
Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present
Speaker of the National Assembly Honourable Mme Mapisa Nqakula and Deputy Speaker Ntate Lechisa Tsenoli
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ntate Amos Masondo
Ms Asanda Luwaca; Chairperson of the NYDA, and the leadership of the NYDA
The Mayor of Mangaung, and Councillors present
Our Young people gathered here today as well as around the country;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps 
Director General, Senior and all officials of government 
The CEO of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Ms Kasthuri Soni;
The CEO of the Youth Employment Service, Mr Ravi Naidoo;
Leaders of all youth formations; 
Young people of South Africa,
Dumelang! Molweni!  Avuxeni! Ndi Matsheloni!
 
It is an honour for me to speak at this National Youth Day Commemoration hosted by the Free State as we mark the 47th anniversary of the June 16th uprising.
This is a significant event in our nation's calendar because it allows us to pay tribute to the young men and women whose lives were cut short at the hands of the inhumane apartheid regime.
 
June is also International Pride Month, we want to reiterate that the Constitution of the Republic outlaws all unfair discrimination based on sex, gender or sexual orientation, whether committed by the government or by a private party. 
 
For this reason, the government strongly believes that the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) are human rights. 
 
We will continue to defend and advance the rights of the LGBTQIA+ Community including ensuring that they are part of the mainstream economy.
 
People of South Africa, the youth of 1976 laid their lives for a purpose. They were driven by a resolve to bring down apartheid in favour of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous South Africa.
 
We stand on the shoulders of giants. Hence without fear or favour, we remain grateful to the youth of 1976 for their contribution to the social and political transformation of our nation.
 
Their undying spirit and commitment to ending apartheid helped pave the way for a more equitable education system in South Africa. 

Because of them, the youth in schools are not compelled to acquire an inferior education in the language that has been imposed upon them.
 
In honour of that generation, we have developed a system that is conducive to learning, and as a result, many students are now able to choose the career of their choice. 
 
Young people now have the prospect of going to higher education training institutions, which are also supported by the state. 
 
Moreover, the youth of 1976 fought for their political freedom; now, we must fight for economic freedom; thus, the theme for this year is "Accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a sustainable future."
 
We are aware that economic independence is only attainable if we work together. Today's youth must draw inspiration from the youth of the past, who also demonstrated the magnitude and power of young people when they are united to combat social injustices.
 
As Peter Abrahams once observed, “You can't walk alone…Each man is bedded in his people, their history, their culture, and their values”.
 
That is true; thus, in the Constitution, we have committed to acknowledging past injustices, honour those who have suffered for justice and freedom in our country, respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
 
Today is the day we remember where we came from as a nation and recommit ourselves to never returning to the South Africa of the past. Together with the youth of this country, we are steaming ahead to build the country of our dreams.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
As the majority of our population is comprised of youth, it is incumbent upon all sectors of society to collaborate in equipping the youth with the skills necessary for development and our collective prosperity.
 
If we fail to do so, we would have failed South Africa's future, as young people represent the future, and it is our responsibility to secure it.
 
As we work with the private sector, toward an inclusive economy that employs young people, we recognize that the path to an inclusive economy has not been simple, but like the youth of 1976, we are motivated by their undying spirit.
 
We remain focused and determined to ensure that the youth have access to socioeconomic opportunities. 
 
Minister Dlamini-Zuma briefed me about the work we are doing to invest in youth that is being exhibited at the Opportunities Expo. She informed me that we are investing in real-time education, funding and mentorship opportunities that young people are now accessing. What was impressive was that the initiatives at the expo were led by the youth. 
 
People of South Africa 
 
As a government, we have placed the education and training of our young people at the top of our agenda. We believe that education is one of the most crucial enabling factors for attaining economic emancipation.
 
Over the years, we have invested hugely toward a transformed education system. We will continue to invest in the development of an inclusive education system in which children from low-income and working-class families also have access to quality education from the foundation phase and at higher education levels. 
 
We have been investing in the modernisation of the delivery of education in our country. This includes ensuring that curriculum content is responsive to the rising demand of skilled labour, high-speed internet access, and that educational delivery methods are now innovative.
 
We have seen the educational outcomes, particularly the improvement in output demonstrated by the province of Free State, which has held the top position for the longest time in terms of matric results. 
 
Programme Director 
 
We congratulate the Free State Province and urge the remaining provinces to adopt the province's perpetual drive by investing equally in the education of our children so that our country can be globally competitive.
 
As part of exciting new disciplines in schools, the Department of Basic Education system has introduced robotics and coding subjects at the foundation phase of learning. 
 
This will improve reading for meaning and understanding of concepts at an early phase and thereby give young children a strong foundation for the future.
 
The Department of Basic Education is also introducing the Three-Stream Education system to ensure that not only academically oriented students benefit from education, but that learners can also choose the vocational or occupational stream that suits their needs. 
 
In addition to Technical Mathematics, Technical Science, and Marine Sciences, the sector is introducing 13 new vocational disciplines. This is part of the Government's aim to guarantee that schools not only encourage academic accomplishment but also vocational and occupational skills for young people.
 
Furthermore, to expedite the delivery of pertinent and acceptable skills, our Government remains committed to providing essential resources and infrastructure from the earliest levels of basic education to the tertiary level.
 
To guarantee that learners have access to the latest equipment, Government has recapitalized 540 of the potential 1 050 technical schools. 
 
These investments and curriculum revisions are bound to open new doors for the youth. We urge the youth to take advantage of these previously unavailable disciplines. 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
We remain concerned that the economy is not expanding at a rate that permits the economic development of a large number of people, especially the youth. 
 
It is for this reason that we are committing to accelerating Youth Economic Emancipation for a sustainable future.
 
In addition to existing government programmes of supporting entrepreneurs, through the NYDA Grant Programme, we are providing young entrepreneurs with access to both financial and non-financial business development support to enable them to establish or grow their businesses. 
 
The programme focuses on youth entrepreneurs who are at intentional, promising and new stages of enterprise development. 
 
For example in the recent past the programme has achieved the following:
 
·      2 320 youth and youth-owned enterprises funded through financial interventions.
·      34 209 youth-owned enterprises supported with non-financial development interventions. 
·      6 796 jobs created and sustained through supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises.
 
Together with the NYDA, we will expand our entrepreneurial support programme to reach as many young entrepreneurs as possible. 
Furthermore, under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the Government has launched several youth development and empowerment initiatives to assist young people in entering the workforce.
 
The Presidential Employment Stimulus remains a crucial Government intervention to generate employment and livelihood opportunities, particularly at a time when the economy as a whole is not producing jobs at the required rate.
 
The Presidential Employment Stimulus builds on the many years of success of public employment programmes such as the Community Works Programme and the Expanded Public Works Programme. 
 
During the prior fiscal year, the stimulus enabled the creation of nearly 650 000 new jobs and thereby creating sources of income for the youth. These opportunities were made available in numerous industries, including agriculture and across several other fields.
 
Of the people involved in the programme, 83 percent are youth. This brings the total number of participants in the Presidential Employment Stimulus since its launch in 2020 to over 1.2 million people.
 
More than 3.9 million young people have enrolled on the National Pathway Management Network, also known as SAYouth.mobi. This network provides a platform for young people to access learning and earning opportunities that are both all-inclusive and free of charge for data usage. 
 
Close to 350 000 young people have secured earning opportunities through the platform, with 68 percent of these being young women.
 
14 000 Technical and Vocational learners have secured workplace experience opportunities through the support of the Sector Education and Training Authorities in the Department of Higher Education and Training.
 
35 000 young people have secured non-financial support from the Department of Small Business Development and the National Youth Development Agency and close to 5 000 have received financial support to start and scale up their enterprises.
 
We are moving forward with this youth stimulation initiative because we are well aware that no nation can prosper if its youth are not engaged in community service activities that promote social cohesion.
 
In this regard, we have successfully revitalised the National Youth Service programme and now run one of the world's largest National Youth Service programmes with 47 000 participants working across sectors such as Early Childhood Development, Sport, Arts and Culture, Nutrition and Digital Mapping. 
 
More importantly, we are seeing 30 percent of these participants entering into longer forms of employment and enterprises.
 
The Youth Employment Service, known as YES, is one of these. It is a partnership between Government and the private sector to address high youth unemployment. 
 
To date, YES has placed over 100 000 South Africans between the ages of 18 and 29 in local businesses for a year of work experience.
 
Through YES, a total of R6 billion has been injected into the economy, enabling participants to support their families. Nearly two-thirds of participants come from households reliant on social grants, and 40 percent are employed upon completion of the programme. 
 
This is a practical example of social compacting at work to respond to youth unemployment and to give young people the necessary experience to get ahead. 
 
Our initiatives, strategies, and programmes are geared toward providing a hand-up, as opposed to a handout.
 
We believe that when we give the youth a hand-up, you enable them to see something inside themselves that they did not previously see. 
 
The goal is to make sure that young people see a chance that didn't exist before and know that they can do more than they thought they could before.
 
We believe in the youth of our country. Hence we will fight hard for the development and growth of our youth. We urge the private sector to continue to work with us in providing opportunities for the youth. 
 
If there is one thing that industry and the private sector must do, it is to hold action labs solely focused on improving the implementation of programs aimed at assisting young people.

In this sense, I mean that, of the ten growth sectors of the economy, we require the private sector to set targets for the number of employment and support for the youth, which we will measure and monitor in the action labs.
 
This work will be led together with the NYDA and the existing social and private sector partners. 
 
In the next six months, we will need regular reports on the action labs agreed on interventions so that by the time we are in 2024 we can report practical results in this regard.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
To keep young people active and engaged in our society, we must tap into their creative potential and expand the range of options accessible to them.
 
As you are all aware, young people are yearning for socioeconomic chances, and South Africa will only grow stronger if we continue to provide opportunities to our youth.
 
As I mentioned, earlier this morning, while on a walkabout at the Youth Opportunities Expo interacting with Young People, I was encouraged to see the various opportunities available to our youth.
 
In addition, we honour young people who have reached significant milestones in their respective fields through the annual Trail Blazer Programme, which was introduced in 2017 and seeks to highlight, celebrate, and profile young people who are doing extraordinary work.
 
South Africans consider this group of young people to be exemplary, and they join other Trailblazers who have been honoured in the past.
 
Alongside the measures put in place today, we are harnessing the capacity and resources of the state to respond to the immediate and future needs of young people.
 
Our country needs young people like yourselves.
 
Young people who will heed the call for betterment and development.
 
Young people who will innovate and collaborate for a better South Africa.
 
Young people who will address, without fear or favour, the challenges of gender-based violence.
 
Young people who are patriotic and are unashamed of being of service to South Africa and her people.
 
In conclusion, I would like to extend my best wishes to the South African National Netball Team, as Cape Town will host the tournament for the first time in Africa next month.
 
To the very end, we will be with you. Like the youth of 76, maintain the never die spirit and attitude and keep the trophy in our continent. This is your moment! I wish you all a happy Youth Day and a fruitful youth month.
 

Thank you.