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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 3rd African Union Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity, Pretoria
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Programme Director and former Chair of UN Women, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,
Your Excellency Azali Assoumani, Chair of the African Union and President of the Union of the Comoros,
Your Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia,
Your Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius,
Your Excellency Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic,
Your Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and patron of the African Women Leaders Network,
African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ms Bineta Diop,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Deputy Speaker of Parliament of South Africa, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli,
Representatives of women’s organisations from across the continent,
Representatives of business, academia, interfaith, youth organisations and civil society,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I greet you all and welcome you to South Africa and to this 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity.

We are meeting in the week that the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commences across the globe. 

In this respect, today’s conference is one of many events being organised across the world to draw attention to this terrible scourge.

What makes this conference exceptional is that our focus is on the role of men and boys in bringing about a world free of gender-based violence.

We are here because we know that men and boys must be at the forefront of change. 

We are here because we know there is an alternative to a society, a continent and a world where women are oppressed, discriminated against and their rights suppressed. 

We seek a world in which every African man, woman and child can live in true freedom and equality with their rights respected, upheld and advanced.

We know that such a world is within our reach if we focus on the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

We cannot realise a society free of gender-based violence without critically interrogating the assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism and sexism. 

It is these assumptions that lead young men and boys to believe that women are property, that they are worth less than a man, and that they are deserving of ill-treatment.

This is a conversation that men need to have.

Men are in the main the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. 

At the same time, it is men who have the power to bring about the change we so sorely need.

The unity, self-reliance, self-determination, freedom, progress and prosperity we collectively strive towards under the AU’s Agenda 2063 are being undermined by gender-based violence. 

Such violence is eroding our gains, stunting our continent’s development and leaving more than half of Africa’s population in a state of anxiety and fear.

This conference is about promoting positive masculinity.

It is about challenging traditional stereotypes with being a man. 

It involves redefining the norms and expectations placed on men. 

Positive masculinity encourages men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence and respect for diversity.

Earlier this year I convened the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto in Johannesburg.

I had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men who see themselves as changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.

These young men face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. 

These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to.

These young men, who exhibit or seek to learn positive masculinity, are tired of being seen as the problem, when they want to be part of the solution. 

This is why it is so important that a conference such as this brings us together to look at how we can create more spaces for young men and boys to engage among their peers without fear of judgment.

As South Africa we have a number of initiatives, programmes and dialogues that are elevating  the importance of positive masculinity as part of the fight against gender-based violence.

These programmes are run among athletes and artists, workers and students. They are often implemented in partnership with business, unions and other social partners.

What these programmes show is that while men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men can also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls.

This has been recognised across the African continent.

This conference is now in its third year, the AU Circle of Champions has been established, and work is underway towards an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

This conference is an opportunity to consolidate our political commitment, accelerate our collective efforts and define men’s contribution to ending violence against women and girls. 

As South Africa, and working with our fellow leaders on the continent, we stress the importance of an all-of-society approach that brings together business, labour, government and civil society to promote positive masculinity. 

This enables us to develop a common vision and roadmap, and build structures throughout society. 

We need to step up the prevention agenda. 

The Circle of Champions must continue to inspire high-level leadership in ending violence against women and girls. 

There must be renewed support for the AU Commission in ensuring the Maputo Protocol Scorecard and Index for the realisation of women’s rights is popularised and implemented. 

As we move ahead in negotiating an African Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, we must ensure there is accountability through monitoring and evaluating progress in meeting the commitments of the Kinshasa Declaration. 

Lastly, we have to address structural inequality by broadening women’s access to resources, jobs and opportunities, all the while introducing laws, policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment. 

We have great expectations of this conference. 

We must be creative, innovative and resolute when it comes to the design and implementation of dialogue, safe spaces and other initiatives that enable men and boys to become more involved in this effort.  

Let us learn from each other and share best practice. Let us understand how what works in one context could be adapted to work in another. 

Let us look at how we can fund this work in an economically constrained environment. 

There is one thing on which we agree: positive masculinity can and must be harnessed as a powerful force for good.  

Ending violence against women and girls everywhere is our collective responsibility as society, but when it comes to the participation of men, that onus is even greater. 

We owe it to the women and girls of our continent to be better men, better fathers, better caregivers, better partners and better sons. 

Let us build on the gains of the first two conferences to birth a new Africa that affirms the human dignity, equality and worth of every African woman and girl.  

Let us leave no man and boy behind in this journey. 

Together, as an expanding circle of champions, we will make the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a reality in our beloved Africa. 

I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa welcomes agreement on humanitarian pause in Israel-Palestine conflict
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President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes the announcement by the State of Qatar that a four-day humanitarian pause has been agreed in the conflict in Gaza.

The President commends the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America on mediation efforts that will enable the release of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages, as well as the provision of relief aid to Gaza where an Israeli military incursion remains in place.

President Ramaphosa said: “As a member of the international community that stands for peace, justice and the rule of international law in all parts of the world, South Africa welcomes the agreement reached.

“It is my hope that the achievement of this pause will strengthen efforts to achieve an outright end to the current conflict.

“This pause, which regrettably implies a possible resumption of conflict at some point, must be accompanied by tireless efforts to secure a durable political resolution of the decades-long challenge in the Middle East.

“The people of Palestine, Israel and the nations of the region must work together with the international community to entrench the rights, peace and sustainable development of the Palestinian people as part of the multilaterally endorsed two-state solution.”


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President to officially open Dr Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital, KwaMashu
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 24 November 2023, officially open the Dr Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal Province. 

The newly established 500-bed facility will provide round-the-clock services that will include paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, psychiatry and mental health, anaesthetics and radiology.

Patients will also have access to a burns unit, high care, an intensive care unit and trauma and emergency services.

The hospital will receive referrals from district hospitals.

The new facility, named after Dr Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme, one of the founders of the African National Congress (ANC) who hailed from Indanda.

The hospital will serve more than 1.5 million community members from areas such as Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Phoenix and surrounding areas, and will ease service provision burden on neighbouring healthcare facilities within eThekwini. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: 

Date: Friday, 24 November 2023
Time: 08h00
Venue: Dr Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital (Bridge City, KwaMashu, open space opposite the hospital)

Members of the media wishing to cover this event are requested to RSVP with sibongiseni.mkhize@kznhealth.gov.za on or before 11h00 on Thursday, 23 November 2023. 
 
Collection of media accreditation will be on Thursday, 23 November 2023 between 11h00 and 16h00 at Dr Pixley Ka-Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za or Mdu Ncalane, spokesperson to the KwaZulu-Natal Province MEC - 066 139 9068.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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South Africa to chair BRICS Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East situation in Gaza
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will, as Chair of the BRICS group of nations, convene a BRICS Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation in Gaza on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. 

Leaders of BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China - will join the virtual Extraordinary Meeting with invited BRICS leaders of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. 

President Ramaphosa will deliver opening remarks at the BRICS Extraordinary Meeting, where member and invited states will also deliver country statements on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will participate in the virtual meeting, at the end of which leaders are expected to adopt a Joint Statement on the situation in the Middle East with particular reference to Gaza. 

Parts of the proceedings will be open to media, who are welcome to follow these sessions as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2023 
Time: 14h00 
Platform: PresidencyZA and South Africa Government digital platforms 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President to open new cruise terminal in Durban
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, deliver the keynote address at the inauguration of the Nelson Mandela cruise terminal in Durban.

In 2019, Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) Cruises entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Transnet to design, build and operate a new cruise terminal at the Durban port.

The company’s vision for the terminal was a modern and tech-savvy facility that would provide a seamless experience for guests.

The multi-user terminal has made Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world.

70% of procurement relating to the terminal has been sourced in South Africa. In addition, all consultants and experts are South African, including architects, engineers, attorneys, and the construction company. 

This launch event is a significant showcase of MSC cruises’ firm commitment to the KwaZulu Natal Region and to South Africa as a whole.

The initial investment into the terminal was a total of R 296.7 million and in 2023, a further R30 million investment has been invested for further expansion.

MSC Cruises believes the required expansion of the terminal is a positive indicator of the increased demand for cruising in the country.

The terminal opening will be attended by government and private sector partners, tourism partners, media and MSC cruises executives. 

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Time: 17h00 (Media to arrive)
Venue: Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, Durban 

Members of the media are requested to confirm their attendance with Ms Thango Gombiza on 010 980 0672 or thango.gombiza@msccruises.co.za on or before 21 November 2023 at 12h00 midday. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President to address Education International 10th Africa Regional Conference
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Education International is a global teacher and education workers labour federation with more than 32 million members.

Education International affiliates in South Africa are the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa, the National Teachers’ Union, the Professional Educators Union and the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie.

Hosted by South African Education International member organisations, next week’s conference is themed "Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis." 

The conference takes place between Sunday, 19 November 2023, and Thursday, 23 November 2023. 

In line with the principle of rotation, the Regional Conference is being held in Zone 6 (Southern Africa) with sub-themes: “Guaranteeing Quality Public Education for All During and Beyond Crises”  as well as “Rebuilding our Profession and our Education Systems”.

The conference  seeks to formulate strategies for equitable, inclusive, and high-quality public education; addressing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, conflict, and climate change.

Taking place every four years, EIRAF serves as a platform for reports, policy adoption, and future program approval in accordance with its Constitution. It offers member organisations a vital opportunity for substantive discussions on trade unions, education, the future of education, and other critical regional issues. 

Conference delegates include representatives from global unions and partner organisations.

Discussions during the conference will focus on crucial topics such as making Early Childhood Education for All a reality in Africa, creating safe and healthy schools and education institutions, evidence-based social and policy dialogue, and defending and promoting academic freedom and professional autonomy in Africa.

Details of the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference Opening:

Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Time: 11h00
Venue:  Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg


For media accreditation : Nomusa Cembi on ncembi@sadtu.org.za or 082 719 5157 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President congratulates Auditor-General on UNESCO appointment
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President Cyril Ramaphosa commends Auditor-General of South Africa Ms Tsakani Maluleke on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.

President Ramaphosa appointed Ms Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.

Ms Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.

She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.

Ms Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency.

UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.

President Ramaphosa said, “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa’s governance institutions.”

The President wishes Ms Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President to address Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Education International is a global teacher and education workers labour federation with more than 32 million members.

Education International affiliates in South Africa are the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa, the National Teachers’ Union, the Professional Educators Union and the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie.

Hosted by South African Education International member organisations, next week’s conference is themed "Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis." 

The conference takes place between Sunday, 19 November 2023, and Thursday, 23 November 2023. 

In line with the principle of rotation, the Regional Conference is being held in Zone 6 (Southern Africa) with sub-themes: “Guaranteeing Quality Public Education for All During and Beyond Crises”  as well as “Rebuilding our Profession and our Education Systems”.

The conference  seeks to formulate strategies for equitable, inclusive, and high-quality public education; addressing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, conflict, and climate change.

Taking place every four years, EIRAF serves as a platform for reports, policy adoption, and future program approval in accordance with its Constitution. It offers member organisations a vital opportunity for substantive discussions on trade unions, education, the future of education, and other critical regional issues. 

Conference delegates include representatives from global unions and partner organisations.

Discussions during the conference will focus on crucial topics such as making Early Childhood Education for All a reality in Africa, creating safe and healthy schools and education institutions, evidence-based social and policy dialogue, and defending and promoting academic freedom and professional autonomy in Africa.

Details of the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference Opening:

Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Time: 11:00
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

For media accreditation: Nomusa Cembi on ncembi@sadtu.org.za - 082 719 5157 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to the State of Qatar
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his visit to the State of Qatar. President Ramaphosa travelled to Doha for a State Visit from 14-15 November 2023. The Republic of South Africa and the State of Qatar will in 2024 celebrate the 30th anniversary of Diplomatic relations.

During his visit to Qatar, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral discussion with His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. The meeting deliberated on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world and ways to further strengthen economic ties. 

On bilateral trade, both leaders agreed to expand the scope of economic relations. In this regard, the State of Qatar will soon dispatch a delegation to South Africa that will assess potential investment projects. 

The President and His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani deliberated on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for the international community to support efforts by the State of Qatar to end the devastating onslaught by Israel against the people of Gaza and to find a lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. The President commended Qatar for its forefront position in mediating the release of civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a concerted de-escalation effort.

The President and His Highness also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both South Africa and Qatar expressed related positions on the conflict, which is to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue, and negotiations, preferably facilitated through the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General. President Ramaphosa also briefed His Highness on the African Peace Initiative.

Furthermore, the two Leaders deliberated on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council and the urgent need to make the organ reflective of current geopolitical realities and the pivotal role that Africa and other countries of the Global South can play in global governance, peace and security matters.

Addressing the Qatari and South African business community, President Ramaphosa urged Qatari companies to explore more partnerships with their South African counterparts and invest in developmental projects in South Africa. 

The President enumerated several features that make South Africa an attractive investment destination of choice for Qatari businesses. Key amongst these, is South Africa’s industrialised economy driven by well established companies, the development of greater market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the endowment of vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth and the far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnership between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa.

Three bilateral agreements were signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa and they covered cooperation in the fields of education, the empowerment of women and people with disabilities and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations. 

President Ramaphosa congratulated the State of Qatar for the successful hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, an experience that is shared with South Africa.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Official Opening of the Dr Pixley Ka Seem Memorial Hospital, KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal
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Programme Director, MEC for Health, Ms. Nomagugu Simelane,
Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla,
Premier of KwaZulu/Natal, Ms. Nomusa Dube-Ncube,
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Siboniso Duma,
Members of the family of Dr. Pixley Isaka Ka Seme present here today,
Representatives of the Dr. Pixley Isaka Ka Seme Foundation,
Representatives of political parties,
Traditional leadership present,
Representatives of the interfaith community,
Representatives of civil society organisations
Members of the community,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sanibonani.

It is an honour to be here at this official opening of Dr Pixley Isaka Ka Seme Memorial Hospital.

There can be no more befitting a name for this facility than that of the great Dr. Pixley Isaka Ka Seme, a man who was the moving spirit behind the formation of the African National Congress, the oldest liberation movement in the African continent.

He was a committed Pan-Africanist and a humanist, who famously spoke of a brighter day rising upon Africa; and of an Africa whose sons and daughters who would one day walk in the light of progress, freedom and equality.

Dr. Pixley Ka Seme's life embodied service, fortitude, and commitment to the betterment and upliftment of the human condition.

His was a life lived in the service of others, which is the motto of the healthcare sector.

The opening of this hospital reflects government’s commitment to advancing the call made by the Freedom Charter for free medical care and hospitalisation to be provided for all, and for the health of women and children to be prioritised.

This facility has been built in response to the growing pressing healthcare needs of the approximately 1,5 million residents of Kwa-Mashu, Inanda, Ntuzuma and the surrounding communities in northern Durban.

It will relieve pressure on the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Addington Hospital, and will cater for inpatients at a regional level, with referrals from surrounding district level facilities.

Last month the results of Census 2022 were released by Statistics South Africa.

The data points not just to a growing population, but confirms that the vast majority of South Africans rely on the public sector to meet their healthcare needs.

Another report published this month by Stats SA furthermore points to the growing healthcare burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, cancers and others.

With more people living with non-communicable diseases it is essential that healthcare systems respond accordingly at a primary healthcare level, particularly with regards to regular screening to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

This facility will play a critical role in this regard.

It is pleasing to note that the hospital has an active Primary Health Care outreach programme that is bringing much-needed healthcare services closer to the people.

The commissioning of this hospital was implemented in a phased approach from August 2021.

First radiology was commissioned, followed by optometry and dermatology, and the migration of Internal Medicine from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. In January this year, the Emergency Department commenced with providing services. Currently all emergency cases in the North of eThekwini are taken directly from the scene, from primary healthcare centers, community healthcare centers and district hospitals.

This facility offers an impressive range of services including Critical Care, Dental, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services, Dietetics, Audiology, Social Work and many more.

The hospital also has a strong academic and research component and is one of the centers for postgraduate medical training, as well as providing rotation for final year medical students from the University of KwaZulu/Natal.

This hospital is also the first government hospital in the province to adopt an insourced model in components such as Security, Cleaning, Laundry and Food Services.

With respect to human resources, out of the approved hospital establishment of 1 513, a total of 1 383 posts have already been filled as of end September 2023.

The construction of the facility itself supported job creation and small business development.

I am also told that the building is environmentally friendly and used green building principles in construction, and endeavours to reduce its carbon footprint with energy-saving lighting and rainwater harvesting.

We have no doubt that the Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital will improve the health outcomes of all the communities it serves.

We have no doubt that the people of this community and of this province know that we are government that prioritises the needs of all, but especially of society’s most vulnerable.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Next year we will mark 30 years of democracy. It will be a time to reflect on how far we have come in realising the aspirations of the Freedom Charter, our Constitution with its Bill of Rights, and our National Development Plan.

That we are a country that is able to provide quality healthcare services, free, to the population can certainly be counted as amongst our greatest achievements.

That we are moving ahead with the introduction of National Health Insurance that will further democratise access to healthcare services, is something of which we can be proud.

Our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the experiences of other developing countries, exposed the fragilities of global cooperation in health.

We were confronted with a stark reality of being pushed to the back of the queue when it came to accessing life-saving medical supplies and equipment, and vaccines.

We learned that when it came to the saving of lives some lives were deemed more worth saving than others. We were reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr: when he said: “of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman.”

And yet even amidst that trauma there was a silver lining.

That experience forced us to introspect and to act to strengthen our own health systems so we are better prepared for the health emergencies of the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For Dr. Pixley Isaka Ka Seme and the pioneers of his generation, the gulf of inequality was race-based. Today, under democracy, that divide is one of class, and of socio-economic status.

This hospital stands as a testament to our commitment as a government to ensure that the right to life, the right to quality healthcare, and the right to equality will never be qualified, or determined on the basis of where you live, or how much or little you have.

This world-class facility is for the people of KwaZulu/Natal, and we entrust it to them.

Take care of it. Be proud of it.

Work with us to ensure that all benefit from the services it provides, and do not allow it to be vandalised or misused.

I wish to salute our healthcare professionals at this hospital, in the province and across the country for their efforts to ensure that our people receive quality healthcare, and for helping us to build a single, unified health system.

I congratulate all who have made this milestone possible, names too many to mention. It has been a long journey but we have gotten here.

Let us continue in our efforts to be at the service of the South African people. Let us leave no-one behind.

I thank you.

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 Union Building