Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr David Masondo,
Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr. Pravin Gordhan,
Commissioner of SARS, Prof. Edward Kieswetter,
The Auditor-General of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Tsakani Maluleke,
Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Mr. Kuben Naidoo,
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, Mr. Joe Maswanganyi,
Director-General in The Presidency, Ms. Phindile Baleni,
Judge Dennis Davis,
Leadership and staff of the South African Revenue Service,
Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege for me to address you on the SARS silver jubilee. It marks 25 years of success for one of the state’s finest institutions.

At the dawn of democracy in 1994, we consolidated the apartheid government’s Inland Revenue and Customs department with the Inland Revenue and Customs departments of the former homelands. And so, the South African Revenue Service was born in October 1997.

Since its inception, SARS has provided the democratic government with the financial resources to fulfil the promise of freedom, and to create a better life for all.  

We were fortunate at the time to have had visionary and astute leadership that brought together different capabilities, bureaucratic structures and policies to create this most potent symbol of hope.

We welcome today all those who led SARS in its early days.

Bringing together these varying institutional, political, and socio-economic outlooks characterised by the deep divisions of the past, must have been the most significant challenge you faced at the time. 

I want to express my gratitude to all who provided the necessary leadership to this glorious institution of our democracy.

From its inception, SARS has been guided by a strong philosophical orientation of serving a higher purpose, rather than just collecting rands and cents.  

The institution has always understood that it is at the centre of our efforts to improve the lives of society’s most vulnerable.

Beyond its revenue and compliance mandate, SARS was created to have a transformative impact.

This is thanks to the revenue collected by SARS.

During the COVID-19 pandemic government supported businesses in distress with tax relief measures that were well administered by SARS

These measures were intended to prevent factory closures, job losses and ensure that the livelihoods of workers could be safeguarded.

None of these financial interventions would have been possible were it not for the excellent work of the committed employees at SARS.

Since its formation in 1997, SARS has been able to collect over R18 trillion for government to provide to fund various programs that have supported the lives of South Africans.

When one compares the amount of R1.6 trillion collected by end of March 2022 to the R147 billion SARS collected in 1996/1997, one becomes aware of the enormously impressive work that is done by SARS.

This accomplishment is due to the passion, commitment and focus by the staff of SARS to bring to life the higher purpose I referred to earlier.

In the words of the celebrated newspaper journalist, the late Aggrey Klaaste, the employees of SARS are truly nation builders.

I have said on many occasions that we must do more to improve service delivery to our people, to root out corruption and ensure that our economy recovers.

All these matters are being addressed with urgency and purpose, because our people deserve far better.

To the SARS staff, you are our unsung heroes who have continued to carry out your patriotic tasks during the most difficult of times, such as the global financial crisis of 2007/2008, our country’s economic difficulties, the period of State Capture and the COVID-19 pandemic, amongst others.

South Africa owes you a debt of gratitude - Re a leboga, thank you, dankie, siyabonga.  

We are also grateful for the assistance that SARS received in its formative years from others such as the Swedish tax authority, the Australian and Canadian revenue authorities, and many others.

This assistance helped to accelerate the pace of learning for SARS during that early period.

Unfortunately, none of those lessons could not have prepared SARS to protect itself against well-orchestrated capture by self-serving individuals who were not only unbothered by the higher purpose I spoke about but were in fact hostile to it.

In 2018 I instituted the Commission of Inquiry headed by Judge Nugent to investigate the state of a revenue collector that had deteriorated from a world class institution to one in which taxpayers and the public no longer had any trust.

We saw an unfortunate decline in revenue performance in the years 2014 to 2018.

It became clear to us that this important institution of our democracy had been repurposed to serve the interest of corrupt and politically connected persons.

The most damning finding of the Commission of Inquiry was that there was a massive failure of governance and integrity at SARS, facilitated by the deliberate dismantling of tried and tested organisational arrangements.

I undertook to implement all the recommendations that were made by the Nugent Commission of Inquiry. I know that the Ministry of Finance, the National Treasury and SARS have implemented many of the Commission’s recommendations.

The few that are outstanding will continue to receive the attention of my administration and the relevant institutions.

I wish to thank Judge Nugent, his team, including the Evidence Leaders, for doing an excellent job in providing the recommendations that has assisted Commissioner Kieswetter and his team to restore the integrity of SARS, to improve efficiency and to regain public trust among taxpayers, traders and all stakeholders.

For SARS to deliver optimally on its work, it is critical that all taxpayers and traders comply with their legal obligations.

Over the past few years, SARS has been accessing data locally and across the world to help the organisation to detect and act against non-compliant taxpayers and criminal syndicates.

To those compliant taxpayers who meet their legal obligations, I salute you. It is your compliance that enables SARS to fulfil its mandate of collecting all the revenue that is due.

The path of transformation of SARS to what it is today has been a long journey.

The organisation went through many iterations, remodeling and operational shifts, and will continue to do so as a growing and maturing institution.

From the early days of Siyakha, which transformed SARS from an inwardly focused administrative orientation through the first phase of technology modernisation, we now have a SARS that aspires to be a smart, modern institution that is “beyond reproach, trusted and admired”

SARS is an excellent example of a government entity that is efficient and effective.

The encouraging progress of rebuilding SARS is evidence that it is possible to arrest and rebuild ourselves from the deep damage we suffered during state capture. 

I would like to encourage SARS to continue in this vein, and to inspire other government departments and entities to follow suit.

It is crucial that SARS continues to pursue its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.

To Commissioner Kieswetter and to the more than 12 500 SARS staff members, I wish to thank you on behalf of all South Africans for your efforts.

We are all proud of this institution that plays such a pivotal role in the life of our nation.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the South African Revenue Service.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane,
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor,
Co-chairs of the Women Economic Assembly, Dr Futhi Mtoba and Ms Namhla Mniki,
Country Representative of UN Women, Ms Aleta Miller,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Women in business,
Leaders of industries,
Members of the diplomatic community,
Donors, partners and friends,
Delegates,
Guests,
 
Good morning.
 
It is a great honour to address the 2nd Women Economic Assembly.
 
When we convened the first Assembly last year, we were starting out together on a journey not only to improve the lives of South African women but to fundamentally transform our country.
 
The economic empowerment of women is truly transformational with far-reaching benefits for our economy and for our society.
 
This 2nd Women Economic Assembly is about turning our words into action, translating commitments into reality, and turning promises into concrete projects, opportunities and jobs for the women of South Africa.
 
It is essential to understand the context in which this Women Economic Assembly is taking place.
 
Next month we will be convening the 2nd Presidential Summit on Gender-based Violence and Femicide, where we will be taking stock of progress in implementing the National Strategic Plan to end GBV.
 
As we know, women’s economic empowerment is pillar five of the NSP, and the Women Economic Assembly is a key mandate of the plan.
 
Therefore, the outcomes of this year’s Assembly will inform the assessment we need to make on progress in fighting gender-based violence.
 
This Assembly is also taking place as we implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to grow our economy, support livelihoods, create jobs and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
And while the pandemic may be in abeyance, unemployment is not.
 
As Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said yesterday, the pandemic’s devastating impact on lives, jobs and livelihoods lost will continue to be felt for some time to come.
 
And it continues to be women that bear the brunt.
 
We know that more women are unemployed than men.
 
In the second quarter of 2022, 47 per cent of South African women aged between 15 and 64 years were recorded as economically inactive.
 
This means that almost half of the working age women in South Africa are out of labour force compared to 36 per cent of their male counterparts.
 
We know that most African women with jobs are employed in low-skilled, low-paying and insecure jobs.
 
We know that poverty is higher among women.
 
It is therefore critical that this Women Economic Assembly must produce outcomes that uplift, empower and expand women’s access to all levers of the economy.
 
In six months, we will be marking 20 years since the passage of one of the most important pieces of legislation of our democratic history, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act.
 
Black economic empowerment cannot be separated from women’s economic empowerment.
 
We cannot transform racial patterns of ownership of the economy without changing gendered ownership patterns and control.
 
This is what the Women Economic Assembly is all about, to change this.
 
While we have made substantial progress since the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act was passed two decades ago, we must still have much more to do and much further to go.
 
A significant part of the work that lies ahead is to elevate the role and status of women within the economy, in all sectors and at all levels.
 
At yesterday’s panel discussion, Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams spoke about enterprise development being one of those areas in which we are falling seriously short when it comes to women-owned businesses.
 
In some areas, we have been going backwards, on issues like black management control, on skills development, and on giving more opportunities to black women by broadening procurement.
 
For this reason, as government we introduced the target of 40 per cent of public sector procurement for women-owned businesses.
 
That is why the Women Economic Assembly was convened for the first time last year.
 
It was convened to explore collaborative partnerships that will make 40 per cent preferential procurement from women-owned businesses a reality in both the public and private sectors.
 
This year’s aim is to activate public and private sector supply value chains to advance women’s economic empowerment.
 
There have been reports since yesterday on the status of the pledges and commitments made at the Women Economic Assembly last year.
 
It is pleasing to note the depth of commitment of our partners in the private sector to achieve gender transformation in their industries.
 
At the Gender Lens Investment Summit held in July under the auspices of the Women Economic Assembly, the Industrial Development Corporation committed R9 billion towards gender lens investing and the Public Investment Corporation committed R12.5 billion.
 
As the term implies, ‘gender lens investing’ is an approach that considers gender-based factors across the investment process to advance gender equality and better inform investment decisions.
 
Work is underway to establish a gender collaborative fund to provide earmarked support for women entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses.
 
The automotive sector has also come on board.
 
The Automotive Industry Transformation Fund has committed to allocate 30 per cent of overall spend to advancing gender transformation in the industry.
 
This would total around R1.6 billion over five years.
 
Of 13 transformation businesses supported by the fund in 2022, 8 have been women-owned.
 
The automotive sector has highlighted its commitment towards meaningful capacity building to establish a pipeline of women leaders and owners, including a dealership development programme.
 
This is commendable work.
 
The agriculture sector has been a valued partner, committing to establishing a localised manufacturing infrastructure that will support women-owned businesses and building capacity and skills through training programmes.
 
The Women Economic Assembly encourages a range of sectors to commit to procuring more from women-owned businesses.
 
We expect that more announcements will be made in this regard before this Assembly closes.
 
We have heard presentations on the various value chain opportunities for women-owned businesses in several industries.
 
Indeed, building gender-responsive value chains is critical to a resilient economy because no economy can grow or thrive so long as half the population is excluded from it.
 
Our goal is for more pledges and commitments.
 
At the same time, for sustainability, we have to set and implement targets for gender transformation and the procurement of goods and services.
 
As we look at these targets, we need to also strengthen the ecosystem of support for women-owned businesses.
 
South Africa still has far fewer women entrepreneurs than many other countries.
 
As government, we have trained nearly 6,000 women-owned businesses in essential business skills to qualify in the tender process.
 
Our target is to train 10,000 women-owned businesses.
 
We are committed to using the policy and legislative tools at our disposal, such as employment equity legislation and laws that outlaw discrimination, to improve women’s representation in executive leadership and address the gender pay gap.
 
I am pleased that one of the topics under discussion has been how to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
The AfCFTA is the singular most important opportunity for growth and sustainability in industry for women and young people on the continent.
 
Every effort must be made to ensure that this opportunity is explored and taken advantage of.
 
What we seek to do through the Women Economic Assembly is to provide a platform for ongoing action and to encourage all partners to raise their ambition when it comes to empowering women and women-owned businesses.
 
The number of success stories that have been showcased here shows that we are making a difference where it matters most.
 
This is thanks to the partnerships being forged here between the public and private sectors.
 
Our economy cannot thrive without the full and equal participation of women.
 
That is why the work of the Women Economic Assembly is of critical importance and value.
 
I congratulate the private sector leaders who have taken this agenda seriously.
 
Our approach has been to work in collaboration with you to ensure that your businesses succeed and thrive while at the same time contributing to transformation in our country.
 
It is encouraging to see these excellent results.
 
We hope that this will serve to encourage other sectors to become involved.
 
To women in business present here today, thank you for having faith in our economy.
 
Be encouraged to keep going despite the sometimes difficult environment.
 
It is always the fate of ground breakers to deal with systemic challenges.
 
Yet you are the hope for the coming generations of women business leaders and entrepreneurs, who will benefit from the achievements you have made.
 
I wish to thank all who have been involved in making this year’s Women Economic Assembly a success and congratulate you on a job well done.
 
Let us use this momentum not just to set the tone but to substantially and decisively advance women’s economic empowerment.
 
I thank you.

Programme Director, Ms Tshepang Motsekuoa,
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane,
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Makgabo Mhaule,
Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Mr Fundile Gade,
Inkosi Gazula Nkantolo, 
Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mr Sello Hatang,
Director of Impande South Africa, Mr Brian Liggett,
Principal of Little Flower ECD Centre, Ms Nomangesi Dina,
Social workers and educators,
Members of the community,
Abo Mama nabo Tata be lali 
Molweni kuni nonke.
 
I am honoured and happy to be here with all of you today, to see the new, bright and beautiful structure of Little Flower Early Childhood Development Centre. 
 
Even more heart-warming was seeing the cheerful faces and hearing the happy voices of the young ones that I got to speak with today. 
 
These children and all the children of South Africa are our future leaders.
 
They are the next generation of South Africans, who must be able to live up to their full potential as responsible, capable and outstanding citizens of tomorrow. 
 
We cannot leave any child behind. 
 
Early Childhood Development is a comprehensive approach to the development of a child from birth to seven years of age. 
 
It aims to protect the rights of children to develop their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential. 
 
In South Africa, there are still many children who are not thriving because they begin life at a disadvantage. 
 
This the case in many of our villages here in the Eastern Cape, in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality and around the country.
 
Despite the many challenges ECD centres face, they have a long and proud history.
 
Most of these facilities were started by our grandmothers, aunts, sisters and mothers to meet the needs of the community. 
 
Many started out with very little and have since grown. 
 
Some started as day-care facilities for working parents, but have since become fully fledged ECD centres.
 
They have relied on the support of parents and the community and have kept going despite many difficulties.
 
The growth of ECD centres is a fine example of social entrepreneurship. 
 
In nearly every village, town or city there is an ECD centre that is contributing to job creation and to the development of our children. 
 
These are solid foundations we have sought to build upon.
 
That is why government, in partnership with civil society organisations and donors, is working to address the barriers that ECD centres are facing so that every child has an equal chance at a better life.
 
The construction of the Little Flower ECD Centre is the outcome of such partnerships.
 
This is also a pilot site for a new form of ECD centre construction using alternative building technologies. 
 
The more we are able to move with the times and harness new applications, the more centres like this one can be built, using less resources and with greater speed.
 
Over the past five years, the Department of Social Development has partnered with various stakeholders to build 248 ECD centres around the country.
 
The Department of Social Development also introduced the Vangasali Campaign, which is now spearheaded by the Department of Basic Education. 
 
The campaign helps ECD centres to become formalised and supports ECD workers.
 
As of the 1st of April this year, the ECD function was successfully migrated from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. 
 
This is to link Early Childhood Development to the formal school curriculum.
 
Government is making significant investments in Early Childhood Development. 
 
The National Treasury has allocated an amount of just over R1.2 billion as a conditional grant in this financial year to expand ECD services.
 
This aims to increase the number of children accessing ECD services by subsidising children from indigent families. 
 
It also helps conditionally registered ECD centres to meet the basic requirements needed to be fully registered. 
 
Through subsidy interventions we have been able to support nutrition at the centres, provide for workers to be paid and support the acquisition of learning materials. 
 
Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, around 54,000 Early Childhood Development practitioners have received support to ensure the survival and reopening of ECD centres in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Since 2012, when the South African government declared ECD to be a public good and embarked on an ECD expansion programme, millions of South African children under the age of 6 have benefited. 
 
We remain committed to our goal of universal ECD access by 2030 and are working hard to achieve it.
 
I want to thank all who have made the construction of this centre possible: Impande, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, traditional and community leaders and parents.
 
Little Flower is a centre of which we can all be proud. 
 
It is a fitting tribute to the icons of our liberation struggle who were born and spent their childhood here, foremost among them being Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. 
 
She was a social worker by training and studied paediatric social work. 
 
Giving families and children the necessary support in the early years was one of her passions. 
 
Were she with us today, she would be proud to see this centre and to see the happy faces of our children.
 
Our thanks go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other partners for supporting the Vangasali Campaign.
 
Our gratitude also goes to the Departments of Social Development and Basic Education for their efforts.
 
Early Childhood Development is an area that Dr Motsepe and I have been very passionate about over the years.
 
We will continue to contribute what we can, where we can. 
 
It is the duty of us all to help the children of South Africa to get the best, in order for them to become the best.
 
Let us work together to create conditions in which the life prospects of a child are not hindered by the circumstances of their birth.
 
Let us build on the successes we have made.
 
Let us leave no child behind.
 
Ndiyabulela. I thank you.

Programme Director,
President of SADTU, Cde Magope Maphila,
General Secretary of SADTU, Cde Mugwena Maluleke,
General Secretary of COSATU, Cde Solly Phetoe, 
General Secretary of the SACP, Cde Solly Mapaila, 
All National Office Bearers of SADTU,
Minister of Basic Education, Mme Angie Motshekga,
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande,
Delegates,
Comrades and friends,
 
I am honoured to have been invited to this National General Council of SADTU. 
 
Tomorrow, the 5th of October, we will mark World Teachers’ Day, when we reflect on and celebrate the important role played by teachers throughout the world in advancing human progress.
 
Teachers are responsible for the development of our country’s most valuable resource – our children.
 
More than any mineral or natural asset, more than any product or industry, the children of this country will shape our future and determine our fortunes.
 
That places a great responsibility on teachers to educate and prepare our children well.
 
It also places a great responsibility on the rest of society to support, respect and celebrate our teachers.
 
This NGC takes place at an important time for our country, for our education system and for the teaching profession.
 
While the COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested the capacity of the state and the resilience of our people, it has also required us to craft new ways of doing things and has opened up new pathways to progress.
 
The economic and social impact of the pandemic has been devastating, significantly worsening the country’s employment crisis.
 
To address the challenge of youth unemployment while the economy recovers, we established the Presidential Employment Stimulus to provide work and livelihood opportunities mainly to the unemployed. 
 
This initiative has now reached more than a million participants.
 
More than 60 per cent of these participants are women and more than 80 per cent are young people.

Alongside the creation of these opportunities, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has also been making a difference in several areas of development.
 
One of the most significant areas of impact has been in our schools.
 
In the largest programme supported by the stimulus, over 600,000 young people have been placed as school assistants in over 22,000 schools.
 
The reports we have received from school management, teachers and other stakeholders have said that these school assistants have made a positive contribution to the learning environment in schools. 
 
Not only have these young people been capacitated, empowered and given meaningful work experience, but many of them have also discovered a passion for teaching and aim to study further. 
 
We appreciate SADTU’s continued support for this programme and would appreciate the union’s views on how to improve the reach and impact of this initiative.
 
The education sector is facing a number of challenges. 
 
Incidents of violence, abuse and bullying in our schools are a grave concern.
 
Incidents of racism are greatly distressing and show that there is still resistance among some people to the gains that this democratic order has achieved. 
 
We are concerned about the apparent increase in incidents of violence against teachers and learners, often perpetrated by criminals who come into schools. 
 
We need to work together, across society, to ensure that our schools are safe.
 
This means that SGBs, CPFs, communities, local businesses, unions and the police need to work together to ensure that every single school in the country is a place where educators and learners feel secure and safe.
 
As we work to ensure that schools are suitable places for learning, we need to equip them for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
As we undertake far-reaching reforms to our telecommunications industry and increase our investment in infrastructure, we need to ensure that schools and other educational facilities are the first beneficiaries of ICT infrastructure. 
 
We call on the private sector to work with us to invest in the upgrading, modernisation and expansion of our school infrastructure to benefit all learners, particularly in under-served areas.
 
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, SADTU has a significant role to play in ensuring that its members are ready for new technology and new subjects as part of our shared effort to get our learners ready for this new world. 
 
Teachers need to educate learners about the benefits and risks associated with emerging media and technology. 
 
We understand that the Teacher Union Collaboration that is responsible for equipping our teachers with the skills and capabilities to implement coding and robotics in schools is being well received by teachers.

We commend SADTU for the role it is playing in the training of 32,000 of our teachers in this regard. 
 
As the basic education sector, we need to work collaboratively with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution in our education system. 
 
Our higher education institutions can do much more to prepare educators to teach the new subjects offered as part of the three-stream model. 
 
The education sector is critical to our country’s economic growth and we have to ensure that our educators are fully equipped with the skills and tools that they need.
 
Another significant development is the move of the early childhood development function from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. 
 
This means that the educational development of the child should now be a continuous process from their earliest years to when they are ready and equipped to leave school.
 
If we are to improve reading and numeracy outcomes in later years, we need to invest more in children’s formative years. 
 
As a revolutionary union, SADTU must lead in ensuring that our education system transforms the economy and improves the social conditions of our learners. 
 
That is where the three-stream model adds great value.
 
While our education system must produce doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers and teachers, it must also produce carpenters, welders, boilermakers, mechanics and plumbers. 
 
It must produce IT specialists, coders, programmers and technicians.
 
It must produce entrepreneurs and innovators.
 
These are the skills any growing economy needs. 
 
They are the skills that support industrialisation. 
 
We call on SADTU to help raise awareness about the opportunities provided by vocational training. 
 
We must encourage our learners acquiring these skills to pursue paths of entrepreneurship and self-employment. 
 
Our focus should be on creating opportunities for young people to be absorbed into the labour market. 
 
As we prepare to mark World Teachers’ Day, I once again express our nation’s gratitude to the members of SADTU and all educators for their courage and commitment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Teachers took it upon themselves to ensure that learning went ahead even under the most difficult of circumstances. 
 
And teachers have been working hard, alongside school management, department officials, parents and learners, to make up for the lost time.
 
Let us use this occasion to appreciate and celebrate the dedicated teaching force that we have in this country. 
 
We commend the vital contribution teachers make to our future by nurturing and shaping the minds of the young. 
 
Throughout this difficult period, our teachers have become symbols of resilience and have remained loyal to their calling – to educate the leaders of tomorrow.
 
We remember and pay tribute to all the teachers who succumbed to COVID-19. 
 
In their honour, we must do everything possible to guarantee the safety of teachers and ensure that the teaching and learning environment remains conducive at all times. 
 
In their honour, we must celebrate the excellence and dedication of those teachers who spare absolutely nothing of themselves in the effort to build a new society underpinned by a better life for all. 
 
In acknowledging and celebrating these outstanding patriots who have the responsibility to shape our collective future, we are encouraging them to continue and to never become weary. 
 
We look to the teachers of this country to help develop a citizenry that will be able to both grapple with the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
We look to the educators to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to take informed decisions that promote environmental sustainability, economic development and a just society. 

More than any other sector, it is teachers who are the midwives for a new breed of patriotic citizens who are conscious of their duty to their country and fellow citizens; a new generation that will refuse to engage in crime, corruption and gender-based violence. 
 
As with all the teachers of our country, the members of SADTU carry a great and noble responsibility. 
 
It is a responsibility that you continue to perform with pride, dignity and diligence.
 
I wish you a successful and productive National General Council. 
 
I thank you.

Programme Director, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng,
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura,
Other Premiers present,
President of the South African Local Government Association, Cllr Bheke Stofile,
Kings and Queens,
Members of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,
Executive Mayors, Councillors and municipal officials,
Representatives of SALGA,
Members of civil society, NGOs and community organisations,
Delegates,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good morning. 
 
It is my pleasure to be here at a Local Government Summit that is focused on practical solutions to the challenges our municipalities face.
 
This has been a year of heightened activity by the state around the critical issue of improving the state of local government.
 
This year, I have led four Presidential Izimbizo, in the Free State, North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga,where local governance issues topped the agenda.
 
In August, the South African Human Rights Commission convened a conference on accountability, service delivery and human rights in local government.
 
And most recently, SALGA convened this year’s Council of Mayors.
 
What I said at all of these engagements is that we do not need more diagnosis on the state of local government, because we know what our challenges are.
 
Reports from the Auditor-General and National Treasuryand the State of Local Government reports point to inefficiencies, maladministration, lack of financial controls, poor governance and the like.
 
It is therefore appropriate that these are some of the critical challenges that this Summit is discussing.
 
The Commissions here will be looking at issues of governance, administration and financial management,service delivery, climate change and disasters, and, importantly, local economic development.
 
As the country grapples with poverty, unemployment and inequality, it is vital that we attend to local economic development. 
 
When there is a growing, dynamic economy we have the fiscal space to expand the provision of services that improve our people’s lives. 
 
When there is more investment and business expansion, jobs are created, livelihoods are supported, and the benefits circulate in local area.
 
That is why accelerating economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs must be at the centre of the efforts of all spheres of government.
 
Two weeks ago, I was part of an investment oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal. 
 
We attended the launches of two expansion projects by automotive component manufacturer Hesto Harnesses and paper products company Sappi.
 
Both of these were the fulfillment of commitments made at one of our South Africa Investment Conferences. 
 
These investments are supporting job creation, enterprise development and localisation, and will inject millions of rands into local economies.
 
Over the past two months I have attended similar such launches by the Ford Motor Company, Isuzu, Anglo American, Corobrik, Sandvik, Netflix, Consol Glass and many other companies.
 
These business expansion projects aren’t happening opposite the Union Buildings or next to Parliament.
 
They are being built in our towns and our metros, where our people live and where they are needed most.
 
If we are to harness the momentum of economic recovery that these new investments signal, local government has to be strong, efficient, capable and well-run.
 
When these domestic investors and multinationals are making decisions on where to bring or expand their investments, one of the first factors they consider is whether there is an enabling environment in that locality.
 
They look at whether they can receive the necessary approvals and permits on time.
 
They look at the quality of the provision of water, electricity, sewage and refuse removal. 
 
They look at the quality of the roads and at the quality of the infrastructure they will need to transport products to market. 
 
They analyse whether the environment is safe and secure, and whether they will be able to protect their investments.
 
If they are not satisfied that their needs will be met, they choose to invest somewhere else. 
 
In some cases, companies that are already operating in an area choose to leave.
 
In the process jobs are lost, businesses are forced to close, suppliers lose their clients and the local economy suffers.
 
As we work to promote local economic development, we need to consider the role of the District Development Model. 
 
We need to ensure that this integrated, multidisciplinary approach to government planning and implementation must translate into local economic development that changes lives at a household level.
 
We need to ensure that mayors and councillors are deeply involved in the promotion of local economic development.
 
We should not leave it to consultants to devise our economic development plans and expect that they will be implemented on their own.
 
Mayors and councillors need to drive the process from start to finish.
 
We have spoken about some of the key elements of an ideal municipality, including a vibrant economy, places where tourists want to visit, inter-connected communities and skills and training hubs.
 
Such municipalities provide good access to health, education and recreational facilities.
 
In such an ideal municipality not only are residents able to lead lives of quality and dignity, they are magnets for investment.
 
The task before us at this point is to translate the DDM One Plans into reality. 
 
A credible plan is only as good as its implementation.
 
And even the best plan will not succeed if we do not fix the systemic problems that prevent local government from carrying out its functions.
 
 As I told the SALGA Council of Mayors earlier this month, we have to embark on course correction to advance the principle of people-centered local government.
 
This means focused and committed leadership across all municipalities, with stronger strategic relations with the private sector and other social partners.
 
It means improving the quality and efficiency of local government through better funding, planning and execution.
 
It is about restoring governance, about professionalising municipal administrations and stabilising management and political leadership.
 
It means prioritising fiscal sustainability, sound municipal financial governance and eliminating corruption.
 
Municipalities need to focus on the imperative of revenue collection, to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to fulfil their functions.
 
In addition to the jobs it creates and the communitydevelopment it enables, vibrant local economic activity strengthens the financial position of municipalities.
 
It makes these municipalities less dependent on grants from the national fiscus and empowers them to pursue the interests of residents with greater focus.
 
But if we are to build these ideal municipalities, we need to address the instability within governance structures and processes.
 
The political contestation and infighting that is wreaking havoc in our municipalities must come to an end.
 
We should once and for all end the hijacking of municipal councils and administrations for self-enrichment and personal gain. 
 
Local government should employ people that are able to perform the functions they are responsible for and should carry them out in an accountable, transparent, efficient, effective and responsive manner.
 
In carrying out this mandate, municipalities must receive the requisite support of all other spheres of government, public entities and state institutions.
 
This conference is taking place as COGTA is undertaking a 21-year review of local government. 
 
This review will assist government to learn from the lessons of the past, both in terms of best practice and failures.
 
As we meet to discuss ways to improve governance and administration and solve our service delivery challenges, we must focus on solutions.
 
After more than two decades of democratic local government and nearly three decades of constitutional democracy, the focus must be more on outcomes and less on intent. 
 
We must bridge the divide between policy and implementation, between aspiration and results, by focusing on what must be done.
 
Let this be an opportunity for all of us tasked with the business of local government to emerge from this conference with tangible actions and achievable aims.
 
Let this be an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to improving the living conditions of the people of South Africa through developmental local government.
 
I thank you.

Deputy President David Mabuza,
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura,
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Mr Randall Williams,
Religious and Traditional Leaders,
Our nation’s artists whom we celebrate today,
Distinguished guests,
 
Fellow South Africans, 
 
Dumelang. Sanibonani. Avuxeni. Ndi masiari. Lotshani. Goeie middag. 
 
Heritage Day is always cause for celebration. 
 
It is the day when we appreciate the rich, diverse and common cultural heritage that makes us Proudly South African.
 
It is an opportunity for us to wear the attire that is unique to our respective cultures, to invite friends and family over for a home-cooked traditional meal, to play traditional music and to pay tribute to those who came before us.
 
Just as we celebrate where we have come from, we know that culture continues to evolve, adapt and change. 
 
Just as traditional cultural dress has been adapted into modern fashion, and contemporary music is infused with cultural strains, many South Africans today will be wearing the colours of a national sports team or gathering for a braai. 
 
No matter our race, ethnicity, language or religion, there is no right or wrong way to observe Heritage Day. 
 
What matters most is that we are taking the time to celebrate our South Africanness.
 
Days such as this remind us that unity in diversity is our greatest strength as a nation.
 
At a time when so many parts of the world are being torn apart by division, by ethnicity, language and religion, we can hold our heads high. 
 
Yes, we may have our differences, but when it comes down to it, we are South Africans first and foremost. 
 
We respect one another. Siyahloniphana. Ons respekteer mekaar. Ri a thonifhana. Re a hlomphana.
 
We know that cultural pride and expression is never an excuse for chauvinism, for ideas of ethnic superiority, for tribalism, for xenophobia or for misogyny.
 
This year we are using Heritage Month to celebrate South African indigenous music and in particular the legacy of Solomon Popoli Linda. 
 
We chose this theme to acknowledge the role that indigenous music, especially isicathamiya, played in the lives of our people during the dark days of colonialism and apartheid. 
 
Indigenous music didn’t just entertain and comfort the dispossessed black majority, it also mobilised and united them. 
 
In the township community halls, the marketplaces, the beer halls and the open fields where groups like the Evening Birds led by Solomon Linda performed classics like iMbube were places where important political conversations about the state of our country took place.
 
Because of its ability to bring people together, unite them and encourage discussion, indigenous music helped shape our present reality of a free and democratic society.
 
Our artists used song and dance to transmit messages most effectively in ways that conventional channels could not. 
 
We therefore have a moral responsibility to preserve this music and to protect those who create it. 
 
The tragedy that befell Solomon Linda, the great injustice that was done to him, must never again visit any of our artists.
 
Though he composed and recorded many songs, iMbube was his best known one. 
 
South Africa was still a British colony when difficult circumstances made him sell the rights to the song to a record company. 
 
It is said it was sold for a mere 10 shillings. In today’s currency that is less than one US dollar. It was a robbery.
 
This song has given joy to so many people throughout the world and put millions into the pockets of music producers, but Solomon Linda died impoverished in Soweto in 1962.
 
It has been adapted over the years by many western artists, earning them royalties that Solomon Linda never got in his lifetime. It was only in 2004 that his daughters brought a successful lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company.
 
We would like to believe this was an isolated case but it is not. 
 
We would like to believe that times have changed, and that artists, especially musicians, are no longer being exploited and deceived by those out to make money at their expense. But this still persists. 
 
In the colonial era cultural symbols, artefacts, music, art and literature were brazenly stolen from Africa. 
 
In today’s modern age, this exploitation has taken new forms such as plagiarism, cultural and intellectual property appropriation and copyright theft. 
 
Struggling artists are taken advantage of and strong-armed into giving up their rights and their royalties.
 
That is why we are redoubling our efforts to preserve our heritage and protect our artists. 
 
Through their songs, dance, paintings, storytelling, sculptures and other form of art, artists carry on their shoulders the heavy responsibility to transmit our heritage from one generation to another. 
 
Artists must therefore be paid their dues.
 
In honour of Solomon Linda and his legacy, let us ensure that our artists do not suffer in their lifetimes and are not condemned to dying in poverty.
 
The new Copyright Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly at the beginning of this Heritage Month will go a long way in protecting our artists and towards addressing their concerns about the collection and distribution of royalties.
 
We are determined to use the law where necessary to preserve our cultural heritage. 
 
We also need to defend and preserve our indigenous languages. 
 
Government is supporting several lexicography units at institutions of higher learning in terminology development for African languages. 
 
We have paid specific attention to the Khoi and San languages.
 
Today we have candidates successfully submitting their Masters dissertations and Doctoral theses in African languages, irrespective of the field of study. 
 
This would have been unheard of in the past. 
 
The incremental Introduction of African Languages policy in our schools is having the desired impact, challenging the notion that knowledge of English is enough to progress in our society.
 
We ought always to remind ourselves of the centrality of our heritage to the health of our nation’s soul. 
 
While today we are shining the spotlight on our indigenous music and its legendary creators, our heritage is much more than indigenous music. 
 
Our heritage is also the best version of ourselves that we seek to become.
 
I am referring here to Ubuntu, which speaks to our innate spirit of generosity and human solidarity. 
 
It speaks to our compassion and kindness towards other people, especially those less fortunate, and also to those from foreign lands who have sought refuge here.
 
We are, as South Africans, a friendly and hospitable people and it is inconsistent with our values to be xenophobic. 
 
I am proud that at many workplaces, schools and institutions, our brothers and sisters from other countries have joined the heritage celebrations.
 
As Africans we are one people with a shared history and a common destiny. 
 
Among the most important values that define us as a people is our utmost respect for women and the elderly. 
 
The historical position of women in our traditional communities is a far cry from the present-day toxic notions of masculinity and patriarchal relations of power.
 
In their wisdom our forebears attached great power to positions of women in our family structures, such as Rakgadi, Dado’Bawo, Makhadzi and the like. 
 
There is no part of the heritage of any South African community that permits men to demean women or impose their will on women through violence. 
 
On this day, when we celebrate our heritage, we must look deep within ourselves and return to the positive values of our communities.
 
By restoring the values that we celebrate on Heritage Day, we will put an end to the culture of rape and the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. 
 
We will care for our children as we must and never abuse them. 
 
We will value and cherish the elderly and give them the respect they have earned through many years of hard work and sacrifice. 
 
Parents will once again take responsibility for all children in their community and not look away in the face of their misbehaviour.
 
Some people may ask how can we celebrate our heritage at a time when so many South Africans are facing such great hardship?
 
They may ask how can we celebrate through dance and music and art at a time when our country is being plunged into darkness through load shedding, when so many people have lost their jobs due to the COVID pandemic and when families are struggling with the rising cost of living?
 
Yet, it is a times like this that our heritage becomes even more important.
 
We are a nation with a heritage defined by struggle, by courage, by perseverance, by a determination to overcome even the greatest challenge.
 
And so let us call on this heritage as we confront the difficulties that confront our country today.
 
Let us work together to implement the far-reaching measures that will end load shedding, that will rebuild our economy and that will create jobs.
 
Let us recognise the progress that is being made in transforming our society and draw on the experiences of years gone by to intensify our efforts to address these challenges and build a better life for all our people. 
 
On this Heritage Day, I would like to call on our media, especially radio and TV stations, to play indigenous music and to discharge their broader responsibility towards social cohesion and nation building.
 
Now and in the future, let us enjoy our indigenous music. 
 
Let us fully embrace ourselves and one another.
 
Let us embrace this rich tapestry of history, culture and heritage.
 
For in our heritage lies our strength.
 
To all South Africans, wherever you are, wherever you came from, whatever you believe and whatever language you speak, I wish you a happy Heritage Day.
 
I thank you.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor
 
South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo
 
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Ms Joyce Beatty
 
Spokesperson of the Rainbow Push Coalition, Prof Jonathan Jackson
 
Friends,
 
 
 
We are extremely grateful that our friends in Congressional Black Caucus and
 
the anti-apartheid veterans have accepted this invitation to meet with us.
 
 
 
This meeting brings together the peoples of South Africa and the United States,
 
who were united in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and racial segregation in the US.
 
We cannot express enough South Africa’s gratitude to the anti-apartheid activists for the significant role they played and continue to play in advocating for the recognition of the sovereign equality of nations.
 
The voice of the Congressional Black Caucus is as relevant now as it was at the height of the fight against apartheid, putting pressure on countries in conflict to respect international human rights conventions.
 
The people of Western Sahara and Palestine depend on such support in their fight for self-determination.
 
After our experience of apartheid, we know that self-determination can only be achieved with the support and solidarity of the people of the world.
 
 
 
We remember that the 1986 Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act was a critical
 
contribution towards the end of apartheid.
 
We re-affirm President Nelson Mandela’s statement to Congress in June 1990,
 
when he said:
 
“You have given us the gift and privilege to re-join our people, yourselves and
 
the rest of the international community in the common effort to transform South
 
Africa into a united, democratic and non-racial country.”
 
South Africa remains seized with the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
 
We therefore appreciate the continued efforts of our friends in the United States to overcome the debilitating effects of apartheid and colonialism.
 
 
 
As they have done with such great effect in the past, members of the
 
Congressional Black Caucus can use their influence to promote policies that advance Africa’s development agenda.
 
The Congressional Black Caucus should hold the US government to account for its implementation of the US Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, which acknowledges the role of the African continent in global affairs and seeks a partnership among equals.
 
We are therefore concerned the possible implications for the African Continent if the ‘Countering Malign Russian Activities Bill’ were to become US law.
 
 
 
The law could have the unintended consequence of punishing the continent for efforts to advance development and growth.
 
Both the US and Russia are strategic partners for South Africa. As a sovereign country that pursues an independent foreign policy, the Bill seems to punish those who hold independent views.
 
It is disappointing that this Bill has been crafted at a time when President Biden has sought to engage African countries on the basis of respect for their independence and sovereignty.
 
In the wake of the devastating social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa is working hard to rebuild our economy.
 
We have held four South Africa Investment Conferences to mobilise investments that would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and assist with skills training and capacity building, especially for the youth.
 
We are undertaking far-reaching structural reforms to make our economy more competitive. We are improving the ease of doing business by doing away with red tape and streamlining investment support.
 
We call on the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and anti-apartheid veterans to encourage investment in South Africa and Africa more broadly.
 
The renewal of AGOA is vital to ensure that the progress made over many years to strengthen trade and investment ties between the US and the continent is not lost.
 
We call on you to help us to change the narrative about Africa, which seeks to portray the continent as riven by conflict and which gives a false impression that Africa has nothing to offer the rest of the world.
 
On the contrary, we know that Africa has huge potential for growth and development.
 
The African Continental Free Trade Area will place the economies of Africa on a new trajectory of development and production.
 
The continent’s united response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that Africa has the will and the means to work together to overcome the greatest challenges.
 
It is important that Africa should be allowed the space to choose its own partners and should never again find itself as a battleground for influence among the global powers.
 
Instead, we seek to partner with countries from across the world in pursuit of
 
Africa’s interests.
 
This includes partnerships on issues such as Africa's just energy transition in accordance with global equity and national circumstances and enabled through international support.
 
It includes partnerships to develop Africa’s human capital through education, and innovation. This is vital to ensuring the continent’s future stability, security and prosperity.
 
 
 
For us, this meeting is an important opportunity to reaffirm the ties of friendship and solidarity that have been forged over decades of common struggle for justice.
 
It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared vision for a better Africa and a better world, and to restate our commitment to work together to realise that vision.
 
Thank you again for your attendance and your support.
 
I thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube,
Mayor of the eThekwini Metro Municipality, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda,
Global Board Chairman of Sappi Limited, Sir Nigel Rudd,
Global CEO of Sappi Limited, Mr Steve Binnie,
CEO of Sappi Southern Africa, Mr Alex Thiel,
Representatives of Organised Labour 
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Inkosi Rubert Sifiso Shinga,
Amakhosi and traditional leaders,
Business and community leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good Afternoon,
 
It is a great pleasure to be here at the launch of Sappi’s Project Vulindlela. 
 
It marks the fulfilment of a commitment the company made at the first South Africa Investment Conference in 2018.
 
We convened that first Investment Conference with the aim of raising R1.2 trillion in new investments over five years.
 
Now, four years later, we have achieved more than R1.1 trillion worth of investment commitments.
 
Today, we are seeing just what those commitments mean in reality.
 
Today, we are witnessing far more than a financial investment.
 
We are witnessing an investment in infrastructure, people, innovation, technology and sustainability.
 
It is an investment in community development, in the local economy, in our export capacity and in the industrialisation of our economy.
 
Last week, I attended a launch in Gauteng of an expanded manufacturing facility by Swedish multinational Sandvik. 
 
Earlier today, I was at the opening of an automotive industry components plant run by Hesto Harnesses, a subsidiary of Metair Investments. 
 
There are many other such examples of the impact of our investment drive.
 
They show that our economy is on the road to recovery. 
 
These investments have been made possible thanks to the partnership between government and business to drive growth and industrial development. 
 
The opening of this expansion project is the result of hard work, of persistence, of corporate vision, and, above all, is a testament to the enduring commitment of companies like Sappi to South Africa and its people. 
 
This project supports a number of our national economic priorities. 
 
Firstly, it supports sustainability and moving towards a circular economy. 
 
This facility supports our national carbon reduction goals. 
 
I am told that by using the best available technology, the aim is to halve CO2 fossil fuel emissions, significantly reduce plant CO2 emissions, reduce water consumption and reduce waste to landfill from coal ash by 48 per cent. 
 
It is noteworthy that Sappi continues to use recycled and sustainable wood sources to produce circular and innovative bio-based products. 
 
Secondly, this project contributes to beneficiation. 
 
Through this mill, Sappi is taking a product from South Africa’s soil and producing dissolving pulp.
 
More than that, this mill is producing employment, developing skills and adding economic value to an important raw material.
 
The dissolving pulp contributes to further economic activity through several household, industrial and pharmaceutical applications. 
 
Importantly, it is used by the clothing industry to produce materials such as yarn and textiles, which in turn feeds into our Clothing Textiles Leather and Footwear Masterplans. 
 
Thirdly, this project contributes to rural and enterprise development. 
 
Much of the raw material feedstock that drives this project is sustainably sourced from rural communities. 
 
I am told that since 1995, Sappi has sourced a total of 4 million tons of timber worth R4.2 billion from small growers. 
 
Fourthly, this project contributes to job creation. 
 
The manufacturing sector is one of the key priority industries of the economy and Sappi Limited is supporting both the creation of new jobs and the protection of existing ones by innovating in its business practices. 
 
I am told that the Saiccor plant employs 1,200 staff with 700 contractors. 
 
Indirectly over 51,000 people in KwaZulu-Natal depend on Sappi operations for their livelihood. 
 
As one of the biggest container exporters, Sappi Limited makes an important contribution to the country’s export revenues.
 
The success of many domestic industries in export markets demonstrates our inherent global competitiveness and the huge potential that still exists to grow these industries. 
 
However, to realise that potential, we need to remove the constraints that are hampering the overall competitiveness of our manufacturing industries.
 
We are forging ahead with the measures I announced in July – alongside the fundamental reform of our energy sector – to resolve the long-standing challenge of reliable electricity supply.
 
We have made progress in addressing challenges with our rail and port operations.
 
Several companies have been shortlisted to be considered as partners at the container terminals at the Ports of Durban and Ngqura. 
 
Investments in port and related infrastructure to improve efficiencies will improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in global markets.
 
While foreign direct investment is important for our economy, the greatest demonstration of confidence is when our own companies take that lead. 
 
The realisation of Sappi’s investment here at Umkomaas sends the strongest signal that our home-grown multinationals are taking the lead in investing in our economy.
 
It demonstrates confidence to other potential investors that this is indeed a favourable place to invest in and to do business. 
 
It shows that you are ready and willing to play your part in developing our communities by employing more people and by giving greater opportunities to small businesses.
 
This is what partnership looks like. This is what social compacting looks like.
 
Congratulations once again on this milestone. 
 
I look forward to seeing this project expand and thrive, and to witness its benefits for the people of Umkomaas, the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and the progress of our nation. 
 
I thank you.

Programme Director, 
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube,
Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, His Excellency Mr Maruyama Norio,
Mayor of Ilembe District, Cllr Thobani Shandu,
Mayor of KwaDukuza, Cllr Lindi Nhaca,
Chairperson of Metair Investments Limited, Mr Michael Flemming, 
CEO of Metair Investments Limited, Mr Riaz Haffejee, 
Managing Director of Hesto, Mr William Hilditch,
Board Member of Yazaki, Mr Ito San,
President of Isuzu SA, Mr Billy Tom,
President of Ford Motor Company Africa, Mr Neale Hill,
Staff of Metair Investments and Hesto Harnesses, 
Representatives of labour, 
Amakhosi and community members present, 
Distinguished guests, 
Ladies and gentlemen. 

Good morning. 

It is a great pleasure to be here at the launch of this expansion project at Hesto Harnesses, a subsidiary of Metair Investments Limited. 

The reindustrialisation of South Africa’s economy is a key pillar of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Programme. 

Government has developed several industrial policy measures and is implementing far-reaching reforms to unlock growth opportunities in priority industries.

These include the automotive industry, and extend to areas such as clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, steel and metals fabrication, green industries, the digital economy and network industries like energy and transport. 

Disruptions to global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for companies all over the world to diversify their sources of supply. 

Not only do we need to diversify our manufacturing base.

We also need to improve the competitiveness and dynamism of South African manufacturing.

We need to increase participation in regional and global markets, reduce concentration and achieve effective transformation. 

This investment commitment by both Ford and Metair reflects long-term confidence in South Africa as a key link in the global automotive value chain. 

We need to work together to unlock new business opportunities, transformation and employment creation in South Africa’s component manufacturing landscape, just as we need to promote new investments in technology and skills. 

That is why the localisation rate in the Automotive Production Development Plan is targeted at 60 per cent by 2035. 

We will continue to drive increased localisation as the domestic sector moves into electric and other new energy vehicle assembly platforms. 

I understand that Metair is both supplier and a business partner to the vehicle assemblers, and that the company has been a driving force in achieving localisation targets. 

Through these efforts, the company has secured multiple contracts from Ford South Africa to support their production expansion strategy in South Africa. 

The automotive sector in South Africa is one of the biggest beneficiaries of foreign direct investment in the country. 

Despite all the challenges, 2021 was a significant year for automotive investments. 

According to the National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa, last year seven OEMs invested a total amount of R8.8 billion, the second highest annual figure on record. 

The components sector also invested a significant R5.7 billion last year. 

Our country remains one of the preferred investment destinations in Africa and is an important gateway for markets and other business opportunities throughout the continent. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area will further open opportunities for the development of export markets, the growth of industrial bases and the expansion of regional value chains. 

The South African economy has the potential to achieve a higher growth trajectory through unlocking competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy. 

As government, our role is to create an enabling environment for businesses such as this one to flourish. 

We are hard at work to implement institutional and governance reforms to support a sustained recovery in business and investor confidence. 

Unemployment is one of the greatest challenges in our country. 

It affects the livelihoods of individuals, the well-being of families and the development of society. 

It is therefore significant and most welcome that this facility will create over 4,000 employment opportunities, which will translate into a R30 million monthly spend on salaries and wages being injected into the iLembe District. 

The benefits of this investment will also be felt by maintenance, catering and other service providers that will be contracted to support these operations. 

I am aware of the strong skills development mandate that is being implemented across the Metair stable, including a new multi-million rand bursary and apprentice training programme. 

It is pleasing that there is a strong focus on female candidates, as is the fact that Hesto Harnesses is predominantly a female-driven operation with 70 per cent of employees being female. 

I want to take this opportunity to commend Minister Patel, Premier Dube-Ncube, the Mayors of Illembe and KwaDukuza and iNkosi uDube and their teams for their contribution in making this project come to fruition. 

This project, like many other projects in the automotive sector, was made possible because of the policy certainty created by the Automotive Master Plan and the Automotive Production and Development Programme. 

In this project we have demonstrated that we can build and rebuild together. 

We commend Ford for the confidence demonstrated by this major investment. 

We also laud the partnership between Hesto and Japanese company Yazaki. 

I want to again congratulate the Metair team on the launch of this facility and wish you great success. 

I thank you.

Programme Director, Ms Mahashane Myakayaka,
His Excellency Ambassador Håkan Juholt of the Kingdom of Sweden,
Mr Reinhard Reinartz, President of Mechanical Cutting, Sandvik,
Cllr Fanyana Nkosi, Acting Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality,
Sandvik Directors and staff,
Representatives from business and labour,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning.  
 
It gives me great pleasure to join you at the opening of this facility.  
 
As a company that has been operating in the South African market for more than 70 years, Sandvik has established a firm and reliable presence in this country.
 
Thanks to its substantial regional head office in Kempton Park, it manages operations in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola and Madagascar.
 
This places Sandvik in a perfect position to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
At the third South Africa Investment Conference in November 2020, Sandvik made a commitment to invest R350 million to expand its remanufacturing and warehouse facility here in Kempton Park.  
 
Today we see the product of that investment.
 
In the State of the Nation Address, which I delivered in February this year, I said that government is hard at work to create the conditions that will enable businesses – both big and small – to emerge, to grow, to access new markets, to create new products and to hire more employees.
 
The establishment of this facility is testament to that commitment.
 
We have heard that the Khomanani manufacturing site is one of Sandvik’s biggest and most advanced facilities globally, consolidating operations from five separate sites and accommodating 550 employees.  
 
This will allow Sandvik to shift certain manufacturing duties from elsewhere in the world to this facility.
 
This investment therefore extends beyond the financial.
 
It is an investment in skills, technologies and capabilities.
 
It is an investment in people and productivity.
 
The investment by Sandvik in local manufacturing capacity is an important vote of confidence in South Africa and its mining sector.  
 
With industrialisation and manufacturing being essential pillars of South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, it is gratifying to see this commitment turned into reality here in Gauteng.  
 
Discussions with Sandvik to reopen their manufacturing facility in South Africa began in 2015 at the 9th Session of the South Africa-Sweden Binational Commission in Stockholm.  
 
This stands as testament to the firm relations between our two countries.  
 
It is a relationship that is rooted in solidarity and cooperation, and that continues to find expression in investment, commerce and trade.  
 
I have enjoyed the tour of the facility.  
 
It was good to interact with staff and in particular to see women represented in their numbers in the workforce.  
 
It was also good to hear that localisation is a cornerstone of your operations here.  
 
This supports our aim to build domestic production capacity to supply local and foreign markets, to support broader economic development and to create more jobs.  
 
The expansion of local production will make our economy more inclusive and create more opportunities for new entrants into the industrial sector.  
 
It is five years since Sandvik decided to establish its own local manufacturing facility for the complete production of the new low profile loader, Sandvik LH115L.  
 
I was very pleased to hear that this product is entirely produced in South Africa for the rest of the African market.  
 
Mining has historically been the bedrock of the South African economy and given our vast mineral reserves, mining will continue to play a central role in our economy for many decades to come.  
 
Greater investment in mining, localisation and beneficiation all contribute to extending mine life, to increasing mining exports, to skills development and to the creation of employment.  
 
The mining capital goods industry has developed alongside the mining sector to supply mining and mineral processing equipment to enhance productivity and safety, lower costs and improve efficiencies.  
 
The capital equipment industry is critical to the South African economy.  
 
The focus on capital equipment will contribute to a new age of mechanisation in our mining industry.  
 
Contrary to the view that mechanisation will result in significant job losses in the mining industry, research shows it will instead generate additional employment opportunities.
 
The convergence between the information technology and machinery and equipment industries is the basis for smart manufacturing and smart societies.
 
These are vital constituents of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  
 
The mining machinery and equipment sector also has significant linkages into other parts of the economy.  
 
The companies supplying equipment to the mining industry have important backward linkages to major assembly suppliers, sub-assembly and parts suppliers, specialist component suppliers and raw material suppliers.  
 
A growing local capital goods manufacturing sector will have a positive impact on other sectors of the economy, like agriculture and construction, and further strengthen sectors such as banking, hospitality and tourism.
 
Increasing local production will contribute significantly to the revival of South Africa’s manufacturing industry.  
 
I am quite certain that your customers in the mining sector, some of whom are here today, are as grateful as we are for your continued investment in South Africa.  
 
Our economy, like many across the world, is struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
Yet, through such investments, through the expansion of our productive capacity, through the implementation of far-reaching economic reforms and through our efforts to reduce the cost of business, we are laying a firm foundation for growth and employment.  
 
This local manufacturing facility represents an exciting new chapter in Sandvik’s presence in our country and on our continent.  
 
It underscores your desire to continue to play a part in South Africa’s skills development, knowledge transfer and local manufacturing capabilities.  
 
Allow me to conclude by once again thanking Sandvik for its steadfast commitment to South Africa and its well-founded confidence in the future of African mining.  
 
As the name of this facility beckons, I agree, Ayi Khomanani.    
 
I thank you.