Programme Director,
Co-Chairs of the World Science Forum 2022 Steering Committee,
Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, 
Prof Tamás Freund, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,
Ministers of partner countries of the World Science Forum,
Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps,
Leadership of the World Science Forum partner organisations,
Delegates to the 2022 World Science Forum,

It is a great privilege to address you at the start of this historic event, the first World Science Forum to be hosted in Africa.

I extend the warmest of South African welcomes to all delegates – to our international guests who have travelled to Cape Town and to all those who are following proceedings online.

Today more than ever, science is called upon to assist humanity in responding to the key challenges of our time, including disease, climate change and food insecurity.

We therefore need to ensure that this Forum will not only be a platform for vibrant discussion, but will also lead to concrete actions harnessing science as an instrument for social justice.

The theme for the Forum – Science for Social Justice – should guide our deliberations.

This theme expresses our conviction that inequality within and between countries is neither just nor sustainable.

This event will inspire concerted global action for science to challenge and address inequality, injustice, poverty, environmental destruction and marginalisation.

By hosting this Forum, South Africa is demonstrating its strong commitment to international cooperation in science.

Science progresses when nations work together.

As this is the first World Science Forum to take place in Africa, we hope that it will contribute to advancing the African agenda for science, affirming the crucial contributions Africa has to make in enriching global science.

We have all the ingredients required for success.

Firstly, we have the rich, diverse and complementary expertise of Forum participants.

Secondly, we have access to significant collective resources, including cooperation instruments, which can be mobilised for investment in science for social justice.

Thirdly, we have our collective will and determination to ensure science makes a difference by informing policy that will creating a more just and equal world.

I look forward to following the progress of the Forum over the coming days and to the Declaration you will adopt on Friday.

I hope that it will set out a focused and concerted action plan for partnership to put science at the service of society.

In this regard, I want to challenge the Forum to critically consider the following five key questions set for the Forum’s debates and to respond with firm proposals.

Firstly, what role should science play in protecting and enhancing human dignity and in fighting poverty, unemployment and inequality?

For example, the inequality in access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a gross violation of human rights and contributed to further loss of life.

The global scientific community demonstrated the value of cooperation in responding with unprecedented urgency to produce COVID-19 vaccines.

Yet, the benefits of that extraordinary scientific work did not benefit all of humanity equally.

This experience has informed South Africa’s development of a national vaccine manufacturing programme, which includes a partnership with the World Health Organisation through hosting the mRNA technology transfer hub here in Cape Town.

This is part of a broader effort by African countries to produce the vaccines and other pharmaceuticals that the continent’s people need.

My second question is, what role should science play to enable a just climate transition, minimising the social and economic impact, and securing the livelihoods of those most vulnerable to climate change?

Innovation and green technologies must be at the forefront of our response to this challenge and must enable developing economies to exploit new growth opportunities.

This is part of the motivation for South Africa’s significant investment in developing a hydrogen economy, which will be presented at this Forum.

I am delighted that the African Academy of Sciences has embraced the energy innovation challenge.

My third question is, how can we ensure the contribution of African science is recognised as a global resource that is part of the global responses to global challenges?

It is fitting that the World Science Forum coincides with a special ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the global Square Kilometer Array radio telescope hosted in South Africa.

The SKA is just one example of African-led science excellence on the global stage.

We should also recall how the importance of investment in African science as a global resource was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many African scientists played a leading role in the fight against the virus.

The work in genomic surveillance, for example, contributed significantly to the international understanding of the mutation of the virus.

My fourth question is, what role can science play in reinforcing multilateralism and global solidarity, which is under threat in the face of rising geopolitical tension?

If science is a universal language that does not tolerate discrimination, then we need much more science in diplomacy.

Knowledge is a global good that we must employ to bring nations closer together.

My fifth and final question, is how do we transform the nature of the scientific enterprise, making science more reflective of the society we want?

We must ensure greater transparency and sharing in the scientific enterprise.

We need to make Open Science a reality and maintain an uncompromising position on research integrity and ethics.

The use of science for social justice requires committed international cooperation.

This World Science Forum could, therefore, not come at a more appropriate time.

I want to thank the World Science Forum partners for entrusting South Africa with this responsibility.

I congratulate Minister Nzimande and Professor Freund on the Steering Committee’s success in compiling a relevant and thought-provoking programme.

My appreciation goes to all who contributed to the Forum’s organisation.

I want to assure President Katalin Novák, as the esteemed Patron of the World Science Forum, of our support and commitment to continue working with the WSF partnership to ensure the proud legacy of this World Science Forum will endure beyond Cape Town.

I would like to conclude with the words of former President Nelson Mandela, who said:

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

What matters is not the fact that we have participated in the World Science Forum here in Cape Town, but rather what we will do as a consequence to improve the lives of others, making our world a more just one.

I am confident that this World Science Forum will contribute to the difference that humanity seeks and needs.

I thank you.

Co-Programme Directors, 
Our host, Premier of the Free State Province, Ms Sefora Ntombela,
SANAC IMC Members, 
Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro, Cllr Mxolisi Siyonzana,
Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum, Ms Steve Letsike,
Deputy Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Dr Tshegofatso Gopane,
MECs present, 
Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Morena Neo Mopeli,
President of COSATU, Ms Zingiswa Losi,  
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II, 
UNAIDS Country Director, Ms Eva Kiwango, 
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we join the world to commemorate World AIDS Day.
 
This day provides an opportunity for communities to unite in the fight against HIV, AIDS, and STIs. We also stand to support those living with HIV, and remember those who have passed on as a result of AIDS-related illnesses.
 
Today, we also take stock of the progress that we have made as a country in the fight to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as set by UNAIDS.
 
The official theme for this year is "Equalise and Integrate to End AIDS,"reflecting the gravity of the epidemic's impact on marginalised communities.
 
This theme is a wake-up call to deal with the inequalities that make it harder for the country to eradicate AIDS.
 
These inequalities include poverty, exclusion, and inadequate access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as transgender people and sex workers, which were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In contrast to early predictions, the pandemic has not been a major equalizer. Even while we are dealing with the same pandemic, its effects have tended not to be equally felt, afflicting more severely those who were already on the margins of society and their livelihoods.
 
Low-income households that are situated in the poorest and most marginalised areas of our cities, small towns, and rural villages constitute the majority of those affected.
 
As the world economy recovers from the unprecedented pandemic, communities are counting the social and economic damage caused by the lockdowns put in place to stop the virus from spreading. Inadvertently, these lockdowns have hurt the country's HIV treatment programme.
 
The issue of equalization, as per this year’s theme, is critical because we understand that the burden of HIV and AIDS falls mostly on the most vulnerable communities.
 
So, as a Government, our main goal is to make sure that all parts of a person's health care work together in a single system so that everyone always gets the best care possible. If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for primary health care to be at the centre of all health systems. 
 
We must equalise and integrate our services to speed up HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
 
Just like the concerted and urgent effort that we put out in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a country, we should fight HIV/AIDS and ensure that we reverse the impact that the pandemic had on our HIV prevention and treatment services.
 
Together as multisectoral role-players in the country’s HIV response, we must integrate our efforts to improve coordination, synergy, and inclusivity in order to restore the time lost in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB in the past two years.
 
We must work together to provide equitable and high-quality healthcare services.

NSP 2023-2028 development is progressing

Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
In order to make up for the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put in place catch-up plans for HIV and TB so that services and care can be better integrated.
 
There has also been the process of developing the new National Strategic Plan for 2023–2028, which places people and communities at the centre of the country's efforts to overcome inequities in the response to HIV, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as to end AIDS. Substantial progress has been made in this regard through the collaboration of all sectors and partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
 
The draft plan has been published for public comment, and we are set to launch the new Plan during the commemoration of World TB Day on March 24, 2023. This will be the last national strategic plan ahead of Agenda 2030 to end AIDS as a public health threat.
 
This Plan is, therefore, critical for us as a country, and its implementation will require the alignment of all national, provincial, and district municipality entities.
 
In the interim, the continued implementation of the catch-up plans remains important for helping the country reach the new 95-95-95 targets by December 2025.
 
Obstacles in the HIV/AIDS battle

Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
As of 2021, 85 percent of people living with HIV knew their HIV status, 88 percent of those who knew about their condition were getting treatment, and 92 percent of those who were getting treatment had their virus under control.
 
The Free State province has done exceptionally well in terms of testing, having already surpassed the 94 percent threshold. 
 
The overall population served by the public and private sectors in the province is now at 94 percent of people who are living with HIV knowing their status; 86 percent of those who know their status are on antiretroviral treatment; and 92 percent of those who are on treatment are virally suppressed.
 
But it is concerning that three of the province's districts don't meet the goal of increasing the number of people who know their status and get treatment.
 
Furthermore, results from the districts of Xhariep and Lejweleputswa demonstrate that people with HIV and on treatment fare poorly on the target of being virally suppressed.
 
This is very concerning, and we must urgently intervene to create a balance among the targets in order to achieve zero new infections by 2030. This includes ensuring that services are brought closer to the people and that our health facilities are adequately resourced with medicine and related necessities.
 
Despite the fact that the country's HIV prevalence has remained stable at 13.5 percent over the last five years, the number of people living with HIV continues to rise every year as the country's population grows.
 
The path that our country has taken, as well as our contribution to the mission of achieving the objective of zero AIDS-related deaths, zero new infections, and zero prejudice, has been a difficult one.
 
Again in 2021, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State provinces had the highest HIV prevalence rates at 18.3 percent, 15.9 percent, and 14.8 percent, respectively, while the Western Cape had the lowest at 8.3 percent, followed by the Northern Cape at 10 percent.
 
According to research, the majority of our epidemic burden falls on black Africans, with crucial and vulnerable populations being disproportionately excluded from accessing health care. We must never relent in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
 
Vulnerable Groups and HIV/AIDS

Our concerted effort now needs to address the alarming and substantial increase in our nation's youth population, which continues to experience high rates of new HIV infections.

This is a critical issue if we are to stem the tide of rising HIV infections.
 
These new HIV infections occur in young people aged between 15 and 24, and according to research done through the Thembisa 4.3 model, in 2019, there were roughly 14 000 new infections in young males and 55 000 in young women.
 
In light of these numbers, we need to keep working together across all sectors to raise awareness and improve our messages about prevention and sticking to treatment.
 
In this context, we applaud SANAC for the development and launch of the South African National Youth HIV Prevention Strategy in June 2022 as a three-year Youth HIV Prevention Campaign.
 
This is a key part of targeting young people, particularly adolescent girls, who are most vulnerable to new infections.
 
The strategy will focus on the integration of key health and social services, youth development programmes, social and behaviour change communication, and mobilisation for increased access to and improved quality of health products and services.
 
The ultimate goal of the campaign is to reduce by 40 percent the number of young South Africans who get HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This is especially true for young women.
 
Similarly, our targeted social behaviour change programme, such as "You Only Live Once," aims to provide a secure and supportive environment in which young people can safely engage in conversations about HIV prevention.
 
Additionally, in the same vein as targeted interventions, we have established the National Sensitization Training Initiative, which aims to reduce stigma and prejudice against HIV-positive and TB-risk people. 
 
Because HIV is more common in key and vulnerable communities than in other communities, this programme was made to make it easier for them to get justice and redress while building an environment that protects their legal and human rights.
 
To sustain our efforts towards ending AIDS, it is critical that we unite as AIDS Council structures, from the provincial to the ward level, in support of these initiatives and programmes.
 
In this regard, we urge Premiers, Mayors, and Councillors to play their part in the AIDS response and to work with all social partners. We can only meet our targets if we work side by side with civil society, development partners, Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, traditional health practitioners, organised labour, and business.
 
However, each of us must step up and be counted in the fight against the HIV epidemic, because while we may not all be infected, we are all affected.

Progress in the fight against HIV

Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
As a Government, we are still working hard to reduce the effects of the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemics, and we have made a lot of progress so far.
 
You may remember that in the past, someone close to you died from an AIDS-related disease every week and in every community.
 
Those days are long gone and should never return.
 
There have been many scientific advances in how HIV is treated, and we now know a lot more about the virus and how to treat it.
 
Scientists are also hopeful about the benefits of treatment as a preventive measure and the progress being made toward ultimately finding a cure and a vaccine.
 
We are pleased that, in South Africa, the Government continues to be the principal funder of the country's comprehensive response, contributing around 80 percent of the resources to the battle against HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.
 
Today, we can celebrate the fact that South Africa has the world's largest HIV treatment programme, with over 5.7 million individuals on life-saving antiretroviral treatment.
 
Our antiretroviral treatment programme has resulted in increased life expectancy and low rates of HIV transmission from mother-to-child, which is one of the greater successes in our response efforts to save lives.
 
This means that millions of South Africans who previously had little chance of having a stable quality of life can now live longer and contribute to building the South Africa of our dreams.
 
We could not have done it without the collaboration and support of our global partners.
 
To this end, we appreciate the contribution of the global campaigns under UNAIDS that mobilised all of us in political leadership, civil society, and the private sector into coherent action that has breathed life into our collective response.
 
Indeed, tackling disparities and bridging the treatment gap necessitates a multi-sectoral approach centred on the impacted populations.
 
Children living with HIV

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We must mobilise as communities to confront the inadequacies in child care. So far, insufficient progress has been achieved to meet the 90 percent target among children living with HIV, which now stands at 57 percent.
 
As a country, we agree with the Global Alliance's goal of eradicating AIDS among children by 2030.
 
We are committed to closing the treatment gap and making it easier for HIV-positive women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to stay on treatment.
 
In this respect, the introduction of more palatable antiretrovirals for children in South Africa is another milestone for children living with HIV, as it increases treatment adherence and retention.
 
Also, we are still committed to defending our ideas about human rights and getting rid of the social and structural barriers that make it hard for people to get health care.
 
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

Ladies and Gentlemen,  

As we observe World AIDS Day, we also observe the 16 days of activism of no violence against women and children.
 
During this period, we raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and children, termed as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
 
Gender-based violence and femicide are regarded as the second pandemic after HIV in settings with high HIV prevalence, and intimate partner violence increases the risk of HIV acquisition.
 
Apart from being a social and structural driver of HIV, gender-based violence, and femicide, they remain a pervasive public health concern and a global human rights violation that transcends cultural and economic boundaries.
 
It threatens the health and social well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
 
Gender inequities that have been normalised by social and patriarchal norms fuel gender-based violence, reinforcing male dominance over women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
 
It is wrong that one in four teenage girls and young women have been abused physically or sexually by a close friend or partner at least once in their lives.
 
There is a connection between gender-based violence and HIV, and we must collectively address this linkage. It is critical that our efforts to fight HIV include interventions to eliminate gender-based violence and femicide in our communities.
 
In this regard, through the second Presidential Summit on Gender-based Violence and Femicide that took place in November, we have come out with commitments that will address the interlinkages between HIV and gender-based violence. These include the following:
 
Development of a national implementation plan that addresses these dual epidemics by building on the 2021 "South African Inter-linkage Framework on GBVF and HIV, TB, and STIs NSP";
 
The SANAC Secretariat and the Department of Health will work to include obstetric violence, including forced sterilisation, as a type of gender-based violence; and
 
Commit resources to programmes that are focused on addressing harmful social and traditional norms.
 
In response to the intersectionality of HIV and gender-based violence, SANAC is working with the Department of Social Development to build comprehensive community support networks to raise awareness on these issues, manage and support survivors of gender-based violence, and prevent secondary victimisation.
 
To end this epidemic, we must all work together to strengthen our prevention efforts by utilising every available option.
 
We urge Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and communities to take the lead in fighting the second pandemic and the dual epidemics of HIV and TB. 
 
The success of the "Policy in Action" activities that were held yesterday in and around Mangaung, including interactions with workers focusing on the law and human rights of those living with HIV and AIDS in the workplace and interactions with those living with disabilities regarding their sexual rights, offers hope and inspiration.
 
In women-focused dialogues on the significance of accessibility and high-quality sexual and reproductive health rights, young women and adolescent girls took centre stage. Through sectoral activities, the important role that sports, the arts, and culture play in combating HIV among young people was also highlighted.
 
Ladies and Gentleman, 
 
For us to end the dual epidemics, communities must stop stigmatising and discriminating against those infected by HIV/AIDS and TB.
 
Former President Nelson Mandela said: "Many people suffering from AIDS who are not killed by the disease itself are killed by the stigma surrounding everybody who has HIV and AIDS."
 
Stigma and prejudice can be as traumatic as the illness itself, leading to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, and a lack of care and support.
 
The impact of this consequently discourages HIV testing, disclosure, prevention, and seeking treatment and care.
 
We urge all community leaders to mobilise members of their communities to alter society's attitudes and norms, some of which are the consequence of our upbringing and socialisation.
 
Furthermore, effective working relationships between community leaders and political leaders are required.
 
Political leadership and commitment from our premiers, mayors, and councillors are paramount to ensuring that AIDS councils are fully functional and adequately resourced.
 
As a Government, we are determined to work even harder to mobilise all sectors in order to strengthen our collective response to the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
 
Working together in unity, we will eliminate HIV as a public health threat.
 
Thank you.

Programme Director,
Director General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Robert Nkuna,
Director General of the Government Communication and Information Services, Ms Phumla Williams,
Acting NPC Secretary, Dr Kefiloe Masiteng,
NPC Commissioners,
Members of the DPME Executive Committee,
DPME Sector Monitors,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning and welcome to this roundtable discussion on the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) bi-annual monitoring reports that were produced by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and subsequently approved by Cabinet earlier this month.

The reports are aligned to the seven priorities of this 6th Administration and are critical for the development of the country and ultimate reduction of poverty, unemployment and inequality as envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. The seven priorities focus on the capacity of the state; economy and infrastructure; education and health; social wage; spatial transformation, environmental affairs, local government and basic services; social cohesion and safer communities and lastly, a better Africa and the world.

Over the past few months, we have undertaken a journey to reposition the DPME as an effective assurance provider on the performance of the state, working with others such as the Auditor General of South Africa. It is important that the state develops internal, robust institutional capabilities to plan, monitor and evaluate its own work.

In this regard, the DPME translated the priorities of Government into a five-year programme of action known as the MTSF 2019-2024. The MTSF disaggregates these priorities into clear indicators and targets and link them to the NDP’s developmental outcomes.

The DPME has also built-in an Integrated Monitoring Framework to trace the implementation of the MTSF and uses this instrument to produce progress reports biannually, at mid-year and at the end of the year of the Administration for consideration by Cabinet. Besides leading the development of the MTSF, the DPME also undertakes the assessment of the Annual Performance Plans of the Departments and regularly appear before different portfolio committees to report on the plans of Government.

Cabinet approved the bi-annual performance progress reports for the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022. In addition to capturing the bi-annual performance progress, the reports also provide a review of the priorities of the MTSF 2019 - 2024.

The reports provide an analysis of the key indicators of the seven adopted priorities of Government using data collected from the departmental reports, data from Statistics South Africa and reports from academia.

In the main, the current report shows that despite the various emergent disruptive circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and North West provinces, the July 2021 unrests, conflict in Ukraine, Government is steadily making inroads towards the attainment of the MTSF 2019 – 2024 targets.

Priority 1: Building a Capable, Ethical and Developmental State

Since the advent of the democratic breakthrough in 1994, Government has made strides to create a capable, ethical developmental State, and that task continues to this day. A capable State is characterised by strong strategic leadership which ensures integration, prioritization and effective use of resources in a responsive, ethical and citizen focused approach.

Our commitment to a people centered development State was evident in the way that we dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic. Led by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, Government mobilized a cross section of South African stakeholders to lend a helping hand in the fight against the pandemic. We continue with this trajectory of fostering consensus in the way we have engaged stakeholders in the reforms of the troubled energy industry and in the implementation of the ERRP as well as the relentless efforts against the scourge of GBVF.

We once again welcome the Cabinet’s approval of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Service. The framework is, among other, introduced to ensure that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority and to mediate the political and administrative interface as conceptualised in the National Development Plan (NDP).

In an effort to deal with corruption and reinforce ethical values, Government developed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) which sets out a comprehensive programme of action to address both the preventative and reactive dimensions of the fight against corruption. The implementation of the NACS led to the appointment of the independent National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC).

The fight against corruption was also bolstered by the release of the State Capture Commission (SCC) Report which spells out clear recommendations for implementations by the three arms of the state and society as a whole. Government has already put together an action plan which was tabled in parliament by the President to respond to the recommendations of the Commission.

We are aware that corruption undermines all efforts to develop the country and improve the living conditions of the citizens. To this effect, the President has instructed all law enforcement agencies to act without fear, favour and prejudice, and prosecute all alleged perpetrators. We therefore appreciate the ongoing progress made in investigations, arrests, prosecutions as well as recouping monies which were fleeced from the state by individuals, including local and international companies. Going forward, Government will continue to reprioritise the review of the clusters to ensure integrated planning and coordination of programmes within and between the spheres.

As part of strengthening the developmental State, we will increase the reforms of State-owned companies to ensure that they are stable and deliver on their mandates without further bailouts. We have also recognised the need for a policy and legislative system that enables speedy turn arounds so that we can attend to immediate concerns in the economy and society. This will happen within the context of the implementation of the DDM which has taken off as almost all Districts have their One Plans which are currently being evaluated to ensure that all spheres participate effectively.

Priority 2: Economic transformation and Job Creation

The South African economy has started to show signs of recovery with real GDP reaching pre-pandemic levels in quarter 1 of 2022. Notwithstanding the prevailing challenges such as the flood disasters, COVID-19 and unrests, a total of 648 000 jobs were created between the first quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2022.

However, Government remains concerned about the high levels of unemployment in the country. Hence there is renewed focus on the National Employment Policy to assess appropriate procedures and reforms that should be undertaken to ensure that investments lead to sustainable growth and decent jobs. Apart from the labour market regulation, Government has upscaled its public employment programmes to create work opportunities, particularly for the youth through the implementation of phase four of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) which has created almost 3 million work opportunities, as well as the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) which created a total of a total of 857 833 opportunities by the end of January 2022.

To accelerate economic growth and development, the 6th Administration remains steadfast on its bid to support the development of sectors with greater potential to create growth and job opportunities through the implementation of infrastructure development and science innovation as critical conditions for reindustrialisation. Importantly, all our interventions including the work that we are doing in the Just Energy Transition should be inclusive by enabling SMMEs and empowerment companies to participate in the emerging opportunities right from the beginning.

As we open new opportunities in the green economy, we will continue to attend to some of the emerging burning platforms especially in the electricity and the transport industries.

In particular, Transnet is emerging as another challenge following on what happened in the electricity industry. South Africa’s rail and port infrastructure has been in decline for a range of reasons including underinvestment and the vandalism of infrastructure. Given the limited budgets, Government has to find new efficient ways to maximise the use of the current resources.

Government’s procurement is one of the quick wins that can stimulate inclusive economic development. Over the past few months, our reports have emphasised the need for the Competition Commission to review the procurement laws and the associated regulations to the affirmative. This matter is receiving attention and will be expedited so that more SMMEs and empowerment companies can enter the economy. Linked to this, Government has taken note of the findings of the Competition Commission which indicates that almost all the key sectors of the economy are characterised by barriers to entry. We have to attend to this, and all departments are required to identify mechanisms to remove barriers to entry in their respective industries.

Digital Transformation remains another pillar of a modern economy. Government will accelerate the implementation of digitisation of Government services which include the uptake and usage of new technologies by all spheres. As The Presidency, we will assist the departments that are involved in digitisation to work together in a collaborative way.

Priority 3: Basic Education, Skills and Health

Our efforts to build an inclusive economy and create jobs, requires that we constantly build the capabilities of the citizens and provide access to quality education and health services. Government has made great strides to move towards universal access to education.

While we have made significant strides to improve access to education, we are still concerned about quality which includes the fact that many young people are opting for Maths Literacy as opposed to Mathematics. We are also concerned about the levels of output due to the rate of dropouts at the basic and PSET levels. Our report also indicates that some of the learners take longer to complete their PSET qualifications.

We however welcome the introduction of new subjects such as robotics, coding, new technical subjects and focus schools. Government recognises the need to upscale connectivity at our schools and create a conducive environment for learners to embrace technological innovations. This is being considered as part of the SA Connect programme.

With regard to Health, Government has committed in the MTSF 2019-2024 to progressively achieve universal health coverage for all South Africans through the creation of an enabling legal framework for the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) namely, the NHI Bill 2020. The Bill aims to improve the total life expectancy of South Africans through programmes that are aimed at curbing the impact of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Subsequent to the completion of public hearings on the NHI Bill 2020 and its classifications as a desirable Bill by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, we are pleased that the Bill is receiving attention at the National Assembly. We welcome the robust engagements in Parliament and believe that the process will lead to legislation that advances universal healthcare for the citizenry.

Overall, we are pleased about the improvement in the life expectancy of both men and women in South Africa. It is important to note that improved life expectancy is a product not only of the interventions of the health sector, but of other social determinants of health, such as interventions to address poverty, unemployment and severe acute malnutrition, as well as provision of clean water and proper sanitation, proper housing and basic education.

Priority 4: Social Wage

Government is investing significantly to improve social wage and protection and deal with poverty and inequality. Over the medium term, Government has dedicated 59.2% of the consolidated non-interest spending to health, education, housing, social protection, transport, employment and local amenities. While we have made strides in the provision of the social wage to protect the most vulnerable in society, it is important that we place more emphasis on achieving sustainable economic growth to particularly deal with youth unemployment. The answers to our social challenges lay in economic growth and development.

Going forward government will prioritise the development of a national integrated social information protection system which will enhance universal social security coverage.

Priority 5: Spatial Integration, Rural Economy, Environmental Management and Climate Change, Human Settlements and basic services

The MTSF places Spatial transformation at the centre of Government’s approach to sustainable human settlement, provision of basic services, environmental management, and rural development.

Over the years, Government has prioritised spatial reform and transformation leading to the adoption of the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF) in 2022. The NSDF is a tool that Government is going to use to ensure coherence in spatial planning across the three spheres, contributing also to disaster management.

The spatial transformation programme is also imbedded in the human settlements sector as it seeks to provide the majority of South African access to adequate housing in better living environments and a more equitable and functional residential property market. The DPME has observed that our country has demonstrated progressive growth in the provision of basic service delivery, but continues to face difficulties particularly with regard to deteriorating infrastructure due to neglect of asset maintenance. The quest to build Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTNs) is gaining momentum and as a result it is operational eight cities, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, George, Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay and Rustenburg – albeit Rustenburg is in its pilot phase.

We are however concerned about the unprecedented cost of infrastructure in areas such as Rustenburg where about R3.3 billion was spent but there is no bus on the road.

There is an urgent need to improve the rail infrastructure and services for use by both passengers and goods thereby reducing congestion on the roads which lead to a huge cost of maintenance. This is receiving attention in line of a raft of policy instruments being introduced by the Government.

Priority 6: Social Cohesion

The report reminds us that the growth and development of the country requires that we continue to unite as a nation and collectively channel our energies towards the set priorities. Our Constitution has set a clear vision for us to build a non-sexist, non-racial and prosperous society.

Government has intensified its Constitutional awareness campaign to rally the nation behind this vision. Learners are introduced earlier to the values of the Constitution and many have shown to be familiar with the constitutional rights. The Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill was developed to address prejudices and racial conduct that undermines the social cohesion project.

The MTSF also directs us to address social ills which have a potential to divide us as a nation and undermine our transformation agenda. We call on all stakeholders to work with Government in dealing with the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The high rate of GBVF affects the full participation of women and deprives the nation of the benefits of an inclusive active nation. Government has introduced a number of interventions to deal with GBVF and advance women empowerment, including the passing of crucial legislation.

Priority 7: Building a Better Africa and Better World

On the international front, South Africa will continue to prioritise regional integration and multilateralism in an environment that is shaped by constant changing geo-politics and economics. In this regard, more work needs to be done to operationalise the Continental Free Trade Agreement so that we can realise tangible outcomes and benefits for all African countries. Cabinet also accepted the recommendation of paying attention to economic developments in the region as a way to ensure shared benefits and security. In this regard, we will continue to assess the extent to which current SADC Plans enable growth and development across the region. On multilateralism, South Africa will continue to call and work for a just and equitable global order where conflicts are resolved through persuasion and negotiations.

We will also make use of our G20 Chairpersonship to advance our progressive agenda for a just and equitable world, especially for developing countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Director General of DPME and his team for the starling work in monitoring the work of Government and refocusing all Government institutions to the key developmental priorities. The DPME continues to live up to its vision to be the leaders and catalysts for improved developmental outcomes.

We have taken a decision to publish all reports that are produced by the DPME in the interest of transparency and accountability. These reports will not only assist Government  to improve its performance, but will also rally stakeholders to identify areas of collaboration and contribute in improving outcomes.

I thank you!

Programme Director, 
Director General of the GCIS, Ms Phumla Williams 
Distinguished Guests, 
Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is a great honour to welcome you to this SADC Media Awards Dinner which serves to launch next year’s 2023 SADC Media Awards Competition. We are proud to host you today as we celebrate members of the media and the stellar work they do across the region. It is my hope that our engagement will not only set the tone for the build up to this illustrious competition but also explore how we can work together to uplift our region. 

The SADC Media Awards are much more than just a competition which boasts an impressive annual cash prize. It is a powerful tool which on an annual basis has been driving the narrative of a new Africa; one of unlimited potential and a renewed hope for a better future. This platform has over the years provided space for critical reflection on the media environment in SADC and the continent at large. 

Programme Director, 

The manner in which we portray our region becomes ever more important given the social and economic challenges it faces. Southern Africa has not escaped the trail of devastation left by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with the recent downturn in advanced economies, tighter financial conditions and volatile commodity prices, the social and economic gains we have made as a region over the years have been undermined. 

The only solution we have as Southern African states is the deeper integration of our economies in order to reverse the challenges we are experiencing, reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of life for the people of our region. Advancing regional integration by opening up markets and promoting increased trade and investment will support socio-economic development. Equally important, greater cooperation among SADC countries will allow our citizens to enjoy peace and stability. 

There is no better way to foster regional integration than the sharing of our own good news stories that positively contribute towards regional integration. We have the important task of communicating in the languages that our people speak and in a manner they understand. 

We must as regional nations set our own agenda. There is room for media and African governments in the region to work together towards a sustained developmental agenda. We have a duty to inform the people of the region about the economic integration of Africa through the Agenda 2063. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 represents a collective effort and an opportunity for Africa to regain its power to determine its own destiny. Agenda 2063 calls for an Africa driven and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena. 

It is also our responsibility to tell the region that we are open for business. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we continue to improve the ease of doing business in the continent and encourage African countries to trade amongst each other. The AfCFTA agreement is a game changer for development ambitions in Africa as it creates a single continental market for goods and services in Africa. It has more than 1.2 billion people with a total GDP of more than $3 trillion. 

Through this agreement, some of the issues that stifle intra-African trade such as high transport costs, cumbersome customs and many others are being addressed. Currently, the continent is moving with speed to implement the integrated high-speed train network, the African passport and free movement of people, and is working on the establishment of a single African air-transport market, exploring outer-space. The agreement also champions the education of our people to close the digital divide and elevate our youth to compete with their global peers. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The benefits of belonging to a shared community in Southern Africa means that the lives of many people in the region can be changed for the better. The SADC vision is one of a common future, within a regional community that will ensure economic well-being, improvement of the standard of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice, peace and security for the peoples of Southern Africa. 

This shared vision is anchored on common values, principles and historical, and cultural affinities that exist amongst the people of Southern Africa. Since its establishment, SADC has achieved a number of milestones aimed at advancing both political and economic freedom but we need to build on these gains going forward. 

We can do so by drawing all people in the region to participate in the social and economic programmes taking place in the region. Through media we can disseminate information that empowers and changes lives. The media are essential partners who can ensure that citizens of the region have access to information. The stories generated by media contribute to our development by allowing citizens of our region to make better decisions or take advantage of opportunities. Above all, fair and objective media coverage is key in ensuring confidence and hope for a better future for citizens of our region. 

Together we can ensure that the public are well informed by making sure that they have access to vital information. We must work to narrow the information gap by ensuring access to information. The role of the media and communication has never been more important. 

Massive changes are occurring in the media landscape and the shift to new technologies and forms of communication are providing challenges to how we communicate. The media landscape is more fractured than it has ever been and threats of fake news and misinformation are the order of the day. It also remains true that the relationship between government and the media in any democracy is always marked by healthy tensions. 

The government of South Africa is committed to build a constructive relationship with the media through forthright and robust engagement. We strongly believe that the media play a crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. Media are also a key player in advancing the dialogue of national unity and social cohesion. Access to information is the life-blood of our project of reconstruction, development and building a cohesive society. 

It is through continuous dialogue on a range of national issues around our key priorities of safety, health, education, employment and rural development that we can advance our democracy. Constructing a united and prosperous society is not just the responsibility of government; we need everyone to help us build a better tomorrow and as the media, you are vital in this regard. 

Media are part of our nation’s oversight to ensure all South Africans and government are held to account. They also play an important role in ensuring that we all live up to our constitutional responsibilities. We do not just need a free media but we want and need a quality media. We seek reporting that is credible and honest and informative. We encourage comment and analysis that challenges us and provides fresh insight into our world and the challenges we face.  

A free media is an integral part of our democracy and government is committed to press freedom. We value our regular interactions with the media formations such as the South African National Editors Forum, the Press Club and the Press Gallery. These robust government engagements with media secure our democratic principles in this dynamic environment. We will continue all efforts to strengthen our relations and cement the importance of a free media in our nation. 

In conclusion, 

I am pleased to say that the SADC Media Awards point to the fact that together we can change the course of our region. These SADC Media Awards were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional co-operation and integration in the region. 

The 2023 SADC Media Awards competition will be judged in the four categories namely; Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism. These awards as always are open to journalists from the SADC Member States and entries close on 28 February 2023. 

The themes of the entries to be submitted for the competition must be on issues and activities promoting Regional Integration in the SADC region such as infrastructure, economy, water, culture, sports as well as agriculture. We invite prospective entrants to submit their entries accompanied by proof of their nationality to the National Adjudication Committee (NAC) in their respective Member States. 

To all those journalists who entered the competition last year, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and if 2022 was not your winning year, maybe 20223 will be. To our winner this year, Mr Sandile Ndlovu, I express my sincere congratulations on your achievement. To our runners up, Ms Melinda Shaw and Ms Zinhle Makhosazane Mugabe, receive my congratulations as well. You have done our country proud and shown the spirit needed to take our region forward by your active participation. 

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the National Adjudication Committee of the Awards, all of whom have busy professional lives in the high-pressured media industry in South Africa, but who continue to volunteer their valuable time to adjudicate our South African Chapter and play our role in the regional round. I also express my thanks to the GCIS team who serve so diligently as the Secretariat to the NAC and the awards process. Your contribution is a critical success factor in the overall value these awards contribute to our regional media landscape. 

I invite you to share news of these awards far and wide. I am convinced that the 2023 awards can see us rise to even greater heights as we share our stories of hope with the world. 

Thank You.

Ngibingelela Mphatsi luhlelo;
Umndeni wonke netihlobo tonkhe ta babe Thomas Sibhakuza Shongwe, BoMtimandze!
Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule,
Apostle Mxolisi Lephoko nabaholi bonke betenkolo;
Bahlali baka ka Magugu;
Ngiyanibingelela nonkhe kulobuhlungu lobukhulu kangaka kulelilanga lanamuhla.
 
We meet under a deep cloud of pain, darkness, and despair for one of our own limbs has left our collective body.
 
We have no words to begin to describe the unfortunate early demise of this wonderful son of the Place of the Rising Sun that has reverberated throughout the length and breadth of our country, whilst equally sending shockwaves to all those who watch closely the state of our country and beautiful nation.
 
As leaders, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of the South African Police Service, including Warrant Officer Thomas Sibhakuza Shongwe, whose remains we are laying to rest today.
 
As police officers are an important part of our communities, we don't always thank them for the personal, family, and societal sacrifices they make when we see them every day as they do their job to prevent and fight anything that could threaten our safety and security. 
 
Therefore, on behalf of all South Africans, the executive arm of the state and entirety of government, we extend our most sincere condolences to the loved ones of the South African Police Service officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
 
Fellow Mourners,
 
Today, our hearts go out to Warrant Officer Shongwe's family, friends and neighbors who that November 20, 2022 had no idea it would be the last time they would see their son, father, spouse, relative and neighbor alive.
 
Our hearts are indeed wounded and our souls scarred as we mourn the closing of this well lived chapter in the remarkable life of a man who devoted himself to his family, the Pentecost Church, and community of ka-Magugu to the very last end of his life.
 
It is distressing to watch a life so vibrant and full of promise cut short in an unexpected and unimagined manner.
 
As the Office of Deputy President and all colleagues who worked closely with him in his entire journey of dedicated service, we are numb and in a state of unexplainable devastation.
 
Since we first started working together in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, we have had the opportunity to get to know Warrant Officer Shongwe and gain some insight into the kind of person he was.
 
Whether they were young or old, he treated everyone with the same reverence and respect.
 
Although he did not talk much, whenever he did, it was like a treasure trove of knowledge being poured out. Because of his disciplined approach to work and his work ethic, his colleagues gave him the nickname Malume.
 
If you inquire about Warrant Officer Shongwe, you will find that a good number of people can vouch for his availability as a source of sensible guidance and counsel. If you do this, you will discover something interesting.
 
One of the many outstanding attributes that he possessed that we admired in the office was the fact that, when he was not working, he basically never went anywhere other than home to be with his family.
 
He exemplified everything that it means to be a loving and loyal member of his family.
 
Who among us would still not feel heartbroken, abandoned, and crushed after losing not only a spouse, parent, and brother, but also a friend in the same person and a breadwinner for the entire family?
 
Who among us would just not feel bereft, and shattered?
 
We are not in a position to claim that we understand how you are feeling because we are aware that what we are going through as his work colleagues is nothing in comparison to what you are going through as a parent, spouse, child, or member of a family. As a result, we are unable to claim that we know the emotions that you are experiencing.
 
As individuals who have worked with Warrant Officer Shongwe-uMalume, we struggled mightily to hold back our emotions from the very centre of our being when we realised that an essential component of who we are had been snatched from us forever.
 
We are finding it difficult to accept that we won't ever again hear the echo of his silent laughter as we prepare to travel across our country from one community, ward, village, and town to another, for government intervention and response in our efforts to build the South Africa of our dreams that is based on equity and justice, a South Africa that does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of social standing.
 
We will never have the pleasure of seeing his face light up with a grin when we talk about soccer, especially when his favourite team, the Kaizer Chiefs, has won.
 
We will miss him for his taste in gospel music. He would sing along to ApoZion-type gospel. The music will comfort us when days are tough and would lift our spirits and moods.
 
If he was not playing music, you would find him reading; some colleagues called him a bookworm.
 
His life was a lesson to us, and his contribution to our team has provided us with memories worthy of being treasured for as long as we live and breathe.
 
It was the essence of his being that moved every one of us. His politeness and his love for the people will make us miss him even more.
 
If everyone in South Africa could just embrace Malume's mindset, the country would be a lot better, and we strongly encourage other members to do the same.
 
When an official possesses the demeanour and high moral character of Warrant Officer Shongwe, it is impossible to corrupt them.
 
Fellow Mourners,
 
Warrant Officer Shongwe's calm manner was matched only by his devotion to duty. He was also courteous, timely, and disciplined, yet he was a very perceptive person.
 
After beginning his career with the organisation as a student constable in 1991, Warrant Officer Shongwe achieved a total of 31 years of continuous service, dedication, and sacrifice.
 
For the duration of his service, he was attached to the Protection Security Services Division, where he served as an in-transit VIP protector.
 
From 1994 to 2018, he was responsible for rendering protection services to the office of the Premier in this province, Mpumalanga.
 
Later, Warrant Officer Shongwe was moved to the Presidential Protection Services. From 2018 until now, he has worked as a close protector for the Deputy President and his team.
 
In all of the years that we have worked together, he has never been the subject of a formal complaint or investigation into a possible violation of the code of conduct.
 
Malume was truly the finest son of Mpumalanga and our country.
It was only natural for him to move up in the ranks and join the Presidential Protection Services.
 
This is a special unit of the South African Police Service that is trained and dedicated to protecting the daily lives of our presidents, deputy presidents, former presidents, former deputy presidents, and visiting heads of state.
 
Without men and women like him who are willing to put their lives on the line for those they serve, particularly heads of state, the repercussions may be incomprehensible.
 
It is possible that our country could experience long-term negative political and societal ramifications as a consequence.
 
Regrettably, there are not many men and women of character in the world like him, and we owe it to these individuals to appreciate and honour them while they are still alive.
 
Sadly, his life was taken away from us in the most sudden, never-imagined, and extremely horrific manner.
 
Nina bo Mtimandze, site lapha kuto thfwalisana lobuhlungu lenibuvako bokushiywa ngu babe wekhaya. Your pain is our pain. Your sorrow is our sorrow. We share collectively in your loss!
 
Indeed, it is painful to lose someone so important to you. Even if the passage of time makes the agony less intense, we will never forget uMalume.
 
The time that he spent in this world was a blessing, especially to those of us who interacted with him almost every day.
 
We would like to extend our condolences to his wife and children one more time at this difficult time.
 
Psalm 34:18 has an uplifting verse that we would like to quote to you as a way to strengthen your spirits. To paraphrase what is written in the Bible, "The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
 
We believe that our Creator grants you the fortitude to continue walking through this journey even when it is covered by the darkest cloud possible, knowing that it will one day diffuse.
 
We also take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to the injured members of the Presidential Protection Service that were travelling with Malume on that fateful day.
 
It is our solemn faith that he will pull through and rejoin our team, which has grown into a wonderful family of servants of the people of our country in their determined march towards a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa.
 
In their honour, we shall neither abandon nor sacrifice at the altar of convenience the fight for the freedom, democracy, and economic emancipation of all South Africans. 
 
We will do this so that every child who is born into our society will have the opportunity to aspire to greatness and work just as diligently and with as much honour as Warrant Officer Thomas Sibhakuza Shongwe.
 
Permit me to restate the South African Police Service's statement: "The SAPS flag does not move because of the wind; it moves because of the last breath of every officer who died protecting it."
 
May the soul of this giant rest in eternal peace!
 
Ngiyabonga!

Programme Director,
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Patricia De Lille,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde,
Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul,
Mr Till Mansmann, the Innovation Commissioner for Green Hydrogen at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany,
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural South Africa Green Hydrogen Summit. 

This summit builds on a foundation laid by the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of 2021, which highlighted South Africa’s potential as a global exporter of green energy. 

This Green Hydrogen Summit is taking place soon after the conclusion of the UN Climate Change Conference – or COP 27 – at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. 

These gatherings of world leaders are becoming ever more important and urgent given the devastation caused by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather occurrences.

Low- and middle-income countries are most affected by these weather events, but are least equipped to adapt to the effects of climate change. 

We therefore welcome the commitment at COP 27 to establish a fund to address climate damage suffered by developing economies. 

South Africa used the platform of COP 27 to elaborate on our just green transition.

We recently released for public comment a Just Energy Transition Investment Plan as the basis for our pathway towards a low-carbon and climate resilient society. 

According to the Plan, South Africa will need approximately $98 billion over the next five years to enable a just transition and achieve our ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Green hydrogen is identified in the Investment Plan as one of the four ‘big frontiers’ of a just energy transition, indicating that it has huge growth and investment potential. 

Globally, the demand for green hydrogen and green hydrogen-based products, such as ammonia and synthetic jet fuels, is rising significantly. 

This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to link its mineral endowment with its renewable energy endowment to drive industrialisation.

At the same, it will create jobs, attract investment, bring development to rural provinces and support a just transition from fossil fuels. 

This Summit is an opportunity to tell the South African story in this rapidly growing sector. 

South Africa is not new to the green hydrogen conversation.

The Department of Science and Innovation has been leading research and innovation in green hydrogen in South Africa since 2007 through Hydrogen South Africa. 

This was motivated in part by the potential impact that the transition away from the internal combustion engine to battery electric vehicles would have on the country’s platinum mining industry.

Together, South Africa and Zimbabwe hold over 90 per cent of the world’s known platinum group metal reserves. 

Since 30 to 40 per cent of the supply goes into the production of catalytic converters for internal combustion vehicles, the initial focus of the research was on hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles as an alternative market to the internal combustion engine vehicle. 

South Africa has existing and future potential to produce green hydrogen.

It is estimated that South Africa has the potential to produce 6 to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives a year by 2050. 

To do so would require between 140 and 300 gigawatts of renewable energy. 

The focus would be on green hydrogen exports, electrolyser and fuel cell production, and the manufacture of green steel, sustainable aviation fuel, ammonia, fertilizers and renewable energy components. 

South Africa is an investment destination of choice.

The country has proven itself as a gateway to a dynamic continent with great prospects. 

Africa is growing its output, is rapidly urbanising and has a young population. 

South Africa leads the continent in advanced manufacturing, science and technology.

This country is a favourable, reliable and stable place to conduct business. 

We are driving regulatory and legislative reform to make our economy more competitive, to attract more investment and to create more jobs.

South Africa has many inherent advantages that make it internationally competitive in the production of green hydrogen. 

These include a world class endowment of both onshore wind and solar irradiation. 

South Africa has a supportive legislative environment and experience in the deployment of renewable energy with the largest installed capacity of wind and solar power projects on the African continent.

Companies like Sasol and PetroSA have expertise in the production of syn¬thetic fuels like diesel, petrol and kerosene, as well as a range of chemical products. 

South Africa already produces 2.4 million tons of grey hydrogen for domestic consumption. 

Last year at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium, we began to profile the remarkable work that a number of large and emerging South African companies were doing in the green hydrogen sector. 

These include the Boegoebaai Port and Rail project. 

The project has been under development for over two decades and was gazetted as a Strategic Integrated Project in 2020. 

Sasol and the Northern Cape provincial government have made significant progress on the master plan for a green hydrogen special economic zone, which aims to support 40 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2050. 

This would require approximately 80 gigawatts of renewable energy, which is almost double South Africa’s current installed electricity generation capacity. 

Transnet has issued a request for proposals for the development of the port and rail project, which could see the port developed by 2028. 

The Prieska Power Reserve Project, which is being led by Mahlako a Phala, a black women owned renewable energy developer, has made major progress over the last year. 

It has received most of the required environmental approvals and its water use licence and has brought in the Industrial Development Corporation as an equity partner. 

Another initiative is the development of a Hydrogen Valley that would link the three hydrogen hubs of Mogalakwena in Limpopo, Johannesburg and the Durban - Richards Bay hub.

This initiative is being led by the Department of Science and Innovation and supported by Anglo American, Bambili Energy and Engie. 

Nine catalytic projects have been identified as part of this initiative, including the successful demonstration by Anglo American in May 2022 of the world’s first, largest mine haul truck to run on hydrogen and fuel cells. 

The potential for South Africa to emerge as a significant player in the green hydrogen value chain is immense. 

We look forward to welcoming more of the firms in the green hydrogen value chain and associated technologies into our market. 

We hope to see these international firms partnering with South African firms as we increase our renewable energy footprint, green hydrogen manufacturing capability and local production of value added products.

South Africa is determined to become a world leader in green hydrogen.

We are determined to make full use of our substantial endowments to meet the challenges of climate change and to achieve a just transition that benefits all our people.

I wish you well in your deliberations.

I thank you.

Programme Director, 
Police Minister,
Cabinet colleagues,
Shongwe family,
Government officials at various levels,
Fellow mourners,

On behalf of the Government and the People of South Africa, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Shongwe family, the Deputy President and South African Police Service (SAPS) at large. 

On Sunday, the Presidential Protection Services (PPS) members were on duty with Deputy President His Excellency David Mabuza when a car accident occurred.

The accident instantly claimed the life of 56-year-old Warrant Officer Thomas Shongwe. 

The accident occurred in Middelburg, Mpumalanga province.

Two members of the PPS who were in one of the vehicles sustained mild to serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for critical medical attention.

The Warrant Officer, who sustained mild injuries, has since been discharged while the Captain is still in critical condition in the hospital.

As we know, 56-year-old Warrant Officer Thomas Shongwe was confirmed dead on the scene, and today, we gather to honour him. 

Programme director, it is indeed sad that history has conspired to have me today speaking about officer Shongwe, a friend to many, to some a colleague and to us a dedicated officer of the law in the past tense. 

Thus, it is neither an honour nor a privilege for me to speak at this memorial service. 

For me, the death of Warrant Officer Shongwe is still surreal. 

Yet he has indeed shuffled off this mortal coil.

Born and bred in Nelspruit, 56-year-old Shongwe is survived by his wife and three children.

Today we bid a reluctant and sad farewell to one of his generation’s finest law enforcement officers, Warrant Officer Shongwe. 

We must thank the Shongwe family for lending us their finest son to serve our homeland. 

We are grief-stricken and shaken to the core by the untimely passing of Warrant Officer Shongwe four years before his hard-earned retirement was due. 

Our grief and tears must not be mistaken for fear of death or the enemy. 

We are people of faith. 

We do not fear death. 

Faith has taught us to overcome death, for we will rise in glory at the end of the times. 

What we fear most is to live petty mundane lives with no purpose, without impact and without a bigger social cause that seeks to empower and serve others, not our egoist self. 

Warrant Officer lived a life of purpose, a life dedicated to service to his homeland.

As a nation and a people, we are reeling from excruciating pain. 

A dedicated officer nearing retirement died in the line of duty serving his country; in particular, the Presidency as part of the Presidential Protection Services is no more. 

Sadly every day, we wake up to the news that yet another brave soldier, servant of the people, family member, friend, comrade and patriot has fallen in the road carnage.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), estimated road deaths in South Africa claim over 14 000 lives yearly. 

Due to road deaths, we are burying some of our finest patriots, police officers, tried and tested cadres, leaders of various sectors, and our dearest family members.

As I stand before you, the words of the Holy Bible ring in my head. 

In Psalm 34:18, the Holy Bible says, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

In Matthew 5, verse 4: God says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” 

In other words, God promises us His mercy and compassion in our darkest hours like today.  

For, He promised never to forsake us, even if we are knee-deep in sin. 

In honesty, salvation is for all who have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. 

Programme Director, today is neither the time nor the place to apportion blame. 

Let us accept that our Officer Shongwe has slipped to the next world. 

Like a line in a haunting Alice Walker poem, today we proclaim sorrowfully: Goodnight, Warrant Officer; we will see you in the morning. 

Despite the gruesome nature of the accident, I am confident that Warrant Officer Shongwe’s soul is at peace. 

He suffers no more. 

The only legacy we can carry forward in the memory of Officer Shongwe is to know and understand that road safety is everybody’s responsibility, including protection officers.

It is cold comfort that he died instantly and thus suffered less, and now he is at rest and in a better place. 

He is at peace and already “seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Today we mourn the tragic loss of a life that made policing fashionable and serving others routine. 

From what I hear from Shongwe’s colleagues, he was a great man, an officer with an unblemished record, truly a man of integrity. 

For the duration of his service, he was attached to the protection security services division, where he served as an in-transit VIP protector. 

From 1994 to 2018, he rendered protection services to the office of the premier in Mpumalanga before being transferred to the presidential protection services component, where he served as a close protector for our Deputy President. 

He believed in the power of the Police to protect others at the risk of his life. 

Policing is one of the most important functions undertaken by every sovereign government, including ours. 

For the state machinery, the Police is an inevitable organ that would ensure the maintenance of law and order and the first link in the criminal justice system.

Warrant Officer Shongwe served the Blue line with honour. 

It is important to emphasise this point; the mission of the South African Police Service, of which Warrant Officer Shongwe was a valuable member, is to: prevent and combat anything that may threaten the safety and security of any community.

Furthermore, Police must investigate any crimes that threaten the safety and security of any community, ensure offenders are brought to justice, and participate in efforts to address the root causes of crime.

In other words, Warrant Officer Shongwe and his colleagues are our first line of defence against malcontents, gangs and terrorists. 

We salute Warrant Office Shongwe for his absolute dedication to the honourable duty of policing. 

Therefore, he died in the line of duty, doing what he loved the most, serving others, not himself. 

Like a true soldier, he died with his boots on. 

Warrant Officer Shongwe gave a new meaning to the word gentleman as a person. 

He was a gentleman in the proper English sense of the word. 

He exuded calmness and gentleness despite his finest training in the use of weapons and the gruelling nature of policing. 

He was indeed one of a kind. 

We are indeed poorer without him. 

However, the Shongwe family must take solace in that your loss is shared across the length and breadth of our beautiful land.  

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has described Warrant Officer Shongwe as a quiet, punctual, committed and disciplined member who served his country with distinction.

General Masemola decried the loss of Officer Shongwe, describing it as a great loss to the organisation (SAPS) and the community at large. 

Shongwe was no ordinary police officer but a protection officer who looked after someone of a statue of a Deputy President of the Republic. 

It is a position of trust fraught with danger. 

He excelled, becoming more than an officer to the Deputy President but part of his family. 

He spent more hours at work than with his own family. 

He lived and breathed policing and close protection. 

Officer Shongwe had 31 years of uninterrupted service, joining the Police in 1991 as a student constable. 

He was an incorruptible and loyal servant of the people.

In the true meaning of the Biblical parables, “he (Officer Shongwe) was always clothed with strength and dignity”.

Today, we reluctantly say he has run his race.

To all friends, comrades and family, we say, ‘Death, be not proud.’ 

As John Donne insisted many centuries ago that death is a feeble enemy, ‘One short sleep past, we wake eternally / And death shall be no more.’

Rest easy, officer; we will see you in the morning. 

I thank you.

The Right Honourable Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for International Trade,
Minister Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,
Mr Andrew Selous, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for South Africa,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Thank you all for taking the time to engage with us on the opportunities for greater commercial and economic partnerships between the United Kingdom and South Africa.
 
Most of the firms represented here today will have a fairly detailed knowledge of South Africa, its challenges and its enormous opportunities.
 
Many of you are actively invested in our economy, some for many decades.
 
You will know the attractions of South Africa.
 
These include market access.
 
Aside from the size of the domestic market, South Africa has free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and European Union.
 
We have preferential access to the United States market, through the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act, or AGOA.
 
Over the past four years, we have been putting in place an African Continental Free Trade Area that will connect 55 national economies and more than 1.3 billion people.
 
The legal instruments have been completed and countries and customs unions are now finalising their tariff offers, with the intention that trade would commence next year.
 
A number of UK companies have attended the annual South Africa Investment Conferences that we have held since 2018 and made significant new investment commitments.
 
Bilateral trade is at its highest yet, with goods and services worth £10.7 billion being traded between the United Kingdom and South Africa in the 12 months ending in June this year.
 
Exports from South Africa to the UK are estimated to support 134,000 South African jobs.
 
The UK is the largest foreign investor in South Africa, and several South African companies have a presence here in the UK.
 
It is our intention and our ambition to substantially increase the value and diversify the composition of both trade and investment.
 
While there are many attractions and huge potential for investors in South Africa, there a number of constraints on economic growth and social development.
 
For more than a decade, South Africa has been confronted with a shortage of electricity.
 
We have taken urgent steps to remedy this dire situation by significantly and rapidly increasing the construction of new generating capacity.
 
We have accelerated the procurement of renewable energy and have removed many of the regulatory hurdles to greater private investment in embedded generation.
 
We are working closely with the power utility, Eskom, to improve the performance of their fleet of power stations.
 
We are undertaking far-reaching reforms to improve the capacity and competitiveness of railways and ports, to open up our telecommunications industry and to improve the supply and pricing of water.
 
We have established mechanisms like the Infrastructure Fund to leverage funding from various sources, including the private sector, for substantial infrastructure investment.
 
We have taken decisive measures to tackle crime and corruption.
 
Our law enforcement agencies are being rebuilt and are being provided with the resources needed to prosecute those responsible for the criminal capture of state institutions.
 
We are strengthening the ability of our police and other security services to respond to economic crimes, such as extortion and damage to infrastructure.
 
It is important for the South African government to understand the issues, concerns and expectations of British companies and business leaders.
 
We are therefore keen to hear from you on what we can do to encourage you to increase your investment in South Africa.
 
In which sectors do you see greatest potential for collaboration?
 
What partnerships are you exploring where you may need our help?
 
If you are involved in the South African market, what has been your experience of doing business there?
 
I look forward to a useful discussion that will take forward our efforts to strengthen the economic ties between our two countries.
 
I thank you.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nicholas Lyons,
Your Royal Highnesses,
High Commissioner and Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address you this evening at the conclusion of our State Visit to the United Kingdom. 

This visit takes place at a key moment for our countries and for the international community.
 
The global economy is still recovering from the blows inflicted by the most severe pandemic in more than a century. 

Many lives have been lost, many livelihoods have been destroyed and many families have endured great hardship. 

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our economies and in the global trading and investment systems. 

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on food and fuel prices has led to further economic turmoil and hardship, particularly for the poor and vulnerable. 

The effects of climate change are being felt across the world, signalling in terms that are clear and compelling that existing models of production and consumption are not sustainable.

At this moment in human history, with its manifold challenges, there is both a need and an opportunity to think and act differently.

This is the context in which the United Kingdom and South Africa should together be exploring new opportunities.

South Africa is a key destination for investment.

Our country is the gateway to a dynamic continent that is expanding its production, that is rapidly urbanising and that has a young population. 

South Africa is a leading mining economy, with proven capabilities in advanced manufacturing, science and technology. 

South Africa has sophisticated financial systems and Africa’s deepest capital market, where the rule of law is strong and there is firm protection of contracts and property rights. 

South Africa hosts many leading multinational corporations.

Our own companies are active in many global markets. 

We look to a new partnership between British capital and technology and South African opportunity and industrial capacity.

Firstly, we seek a new partnership on investment. 

The United Kingdom is the largest provider of capital to South African businesses. 

In 2020, the stock of foreign direct investment from the United Kingdom into South Africa was larger than any other country.

Four years ago, we embarked on an ambitious investment drive to attract some £60 billion in new investment in the South African economy over a five year period. 

We have already reached £55 billion in investment commitments, of which £6.5 billion has come from UK investors. 

We will be hosting the 5th South Africa Investment Conference in April next year. 

We look forward to welcoming many British companies to this important event to explore investment opportunities, joint ventures and industrial partnerships. 

Secondly, we seek a new partnership on climate change and green industry.

While climate change imposes costs on businesses, it also provides new opportunities. 

For South Africa, this opportunity lies in the effort to build a greener base to manufacturing and energy generation. 

There is potential for significant partnerships on electric vehicle production, on green hydrogen and on green steel production. 

Already we have built a large renewable energy generation sector and are rapidly growing it as a response to our energy challenges. 

We see a new partnership that will enable funding, know-how and technical support mobilised on a vast scale to help South Africa achieve a just transition from a carbon-intensive economy to industrialisation driven by renewable energy. 

Thirdly, we seek a new partnership on science, innovation and technology. 

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare Africa’s vulnerability with respect to the supply of medicines, medical equipment and vaccines. 

We used all the ingenuity of South African manufacturers to create production capacity for medical-grade face masks, hand sanitisers, COVID test kits and ventilators. 

Our excellent genome sequencing capacity was used to detect new variants of COVID-19. 

Given the strong research and innovation record of British companies, the new partnership can improve collaboration and unlock joint funding and investment in developing Africa’s medical supply hub. 

Fourthly, we seek a new partnership in trade in goods and services.

In 2021, bilateral trade between South Africa and Britain was valued at £17,000 a minute. 

That means that in the time it took the English football team to score their first three goals on Monday, our trade grew by about £200,000.

While a large part of South Africa’s exports is still in minerals, there has been a significant increase in manufacturing exports, using South African industrial capabilities to meet the needs of British businesses and consumers. 

In the new partnership, we are keen to increase the volume and diversify the composition of trade so that we sell more manufacturing products to UK markets.

Trade in services is also important. 

South Africa is a large supplier of global business services, with call centres in our big cities providing round-the-clock services to the customers of businesses in the UK. 

We are looking to significantly expand tourism between our countries.

South Africa receives more visitors from Britain than from any other country outside of Southern Africa.

Visitors are attracted by the beauty of our landscape and wildlife, our long and rugged coastline, our music and culture, and the energy of our urban areas. 

The relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa has changed much over the course of our history.

This visit proves the strength and endurance of the ties between us.

As this State Visit draws to a close, we are certain of a new era of partnership between the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Now, I propose a toast to the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation.

I thank you.

The Minister in The Presidency will lead the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) on a media roundtable discussion on the bi-annual performance progress reports on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, at 10h00.

The DPME has a responsibility to monitor the performance of Government against the set priorities in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and produce bi-annual progress reports for consideration by Cabinet.

Cabinet approved the biannual performance progress reports for the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022. In addition to capturing the biannual performance progress, the reports also provide a mid-term review of the priorities of the 2019-2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework.

The reports are compiled according to the five clusters, Justice, Crime Prevention and Security; Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development; Social Protection, Community and Human Development; Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development, and International Cooperation, Trade and Security.

The reports provide an analysis of the key indicators of the seven adopted priorities of Government using data collected from the departmental reports, statistics from Statistics South Africa and reports from the academia. The information is analysed against the National Development Plan: Vision 2030.

Members of the media are invited to join the roundtable discussion as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2022
Time: 9h00
Venue: GCIS Auditorium, 1035 Frances Baard and Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria (Members of the media may also join discussion virtually through the following link: https://gcis.zoom.us/j/91672151090?pwd=cHZPSFE2MXJ1N1FqVW1HTVFGUi9DZz09)

For confirmations, please contact Ms Prudence Motswatswe on 066 273 7502 or PrudenceM@dpme.gov.za.


Media enquiries: Ms Nonceba Mhlauli on 072 623 3462 or Nonceba@dpme.gov.za

Issued by: The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Pretoria