Programme Director;
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa;
SALGA President, Cllr. Bheke Charles Stofile;
SALGA Deputy Presidents present;
Members of the SALGA National Executive Committee;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

To begin, let me take this opportunity to thank you for inviting me to address you today at this important National Executive Committee Lekgotla.

I consider this Lekgotla an important platform to improve intergovernmental integration for service delivery, an aspect that is in line with my delegated responsibilities.  

Amongst other things, President Cyril Ramaphosa has delegated me to assist him in the implementation of the rapid response intervention on service delivery and in the roll out of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective coordination.  

As representatives of various sectors, we have a shared responsibility to collaborate and work together towards the common goal of serving our communities effectively and efficiently.

Since the formation of organised local government in 1996, SALGA has been able to support, and lobby for its member municipalities to receive targeted grant funding from the national fiscus, and also to implement strategies that will assist municipalities to improve service delivery in local communities.

SALGA, in particular, has an entrenched responsibility to represent organised local government at various levels of Government, including its representation in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

In this regard, SALGA has been influential in the passing of critical legislation that is intended to improve service delivery at local government level. These include the Electoral Laws Amendment Act of 2021 and the Municipal systems Amendment Act, to mention a few.

Now, as we move towards 30 years of SALGA’s existence, we are aware that the journey you have travelled has not been easy. However, you have made significant contributions to the improvement of the lives of our communities at the coalface of government. 

SALGA has effectively advocated for the sector in numerous intergovernmental forums. Over the years, SALGA has made significant contributions to the legislative framework that provides members with support in a variety of areas. 

This includes areas such as water management, transport management, electricity, disaster and waste management, safety and security, local government funding, and international relations. SALGA has also been committed to the transformation agenda with women occupying key leadership positions.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa establishes local government as a distinct field of governance within a framework of cooperative governance, where the three spheres being distinctive, yet interconnected and mutually dependent.

Given that local government comprises 257 municipalities, effective engagement in intergovernmental relations necessitates that local government operates collectively. 

In other words, this necessitates that SALGA be at the centre of this coordination. Local government can act collectively only through organised local government structures, as recognised and entrenched in the Constitution and other enabling legislation.

Therefore, as SALGA, you are expected to play this representative role as the voice of local government across a number of intergovernmental structures.

Intergovernmental integration is critical for promoting collaboration, coordination, and communication across different levels of Government. Through coordinating our efforts and resources, we can solve the complex difficulties that our communities face and, ultimately, provide better services to our residents.

Together, we can streamline processes, and leverage each other's strengths to achieve greater impact. It is through this collaborative approach that we can unlock innovative solutions and drive sustainable development across our nation.

Compatriots,

As we engage in conversation during various sessions of this Lekgotla, we must do so frankly in order for us to be able to come up with strategic direction that will improve service delivery in our municipalities.

We are all aware that the local government sector continues to grapple with a multiplicity of challenges.

These challenges include weaknesses in service delivery planning; failing municipal infrastructure; and the increasing pressure on local government finances. 

Furthermore, issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment can only be effectively addressed through collaborative efforts by government across all levels.  

After the 2021 Local Government elections, we have witnessed an increase in municipalities with hung councils. This has forced many municipal councils to be governed through coalitions. However, in practice, coalition governments have been unstable and are often terminated before the end of their term of office.

Instability in local government coalitions has contributed to severe inefficiencies and service delivery challenges. Coalition arrangements have compromised the ability of municipalities to adopt policies, pass budgets, adopt by-laws, and make senior management appointments.

This has resulted in the development of a Framework for Coalitions in Local Government by SALGA. We have since used this framework as part of our source documents, amongst other, to develop a discussion document during the National Dialogue on Coalition governments I convened in August 2023 at the University of the Western Cape. 

To this end, with the assistance of the Dullah Omar Institute and MISTRA, we have been able to develop a Coalitions Framework for South Africa. This framework has been handed over to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as a basis for the development of the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024 (Coalitions Bill) by CoGTA which will be submitted for Cabinet approval and introduction to Parliament this year.  

We must all be committed to our clearly defined vision to promote the interests of local government. In doing so, we must appreciate the increased effectiveness and efficiency of SALGA’s support of municipalities in intergovernmental structures, including the NCOP.

We are all now cognisant of the fact that many entities have been unable to pay their bills. It is obvious that a municipality's capacity to pay its bills, including those to Eskom and Water Boards, is directly related to its capacity to collect revenue for the services rendered to households, businesses, and Government departments.

In response to the increasingly complex situation faced by municipalities, we urge SALGA to continue working with Government and other social partners to find suitable solutions to these challenges.  

With regard to payment of water boards, the Minister of COGTA proposed a one-stop solution to resolve the interlinked financial challenges between municipalities, water boards, and other stakeholders. This approach would involve streamlining the payment system through the National Treasury. Under this model, funds owed by Government departments to municipalities would be directly routed through the Treasury, which would then allocate payments to water boards and other creditors like Eskom.

As Government we understand that addressing the innate issues plaguing municipal finances is not only essential for improving service delivery and infrastructure, but also for restoring public trust in local governance. 

We therefore encourage municipalities to explore new models to effectively collect revenue, thus ensuring their financial sustainability. In this regard, we encourage municipalities to enter into that space by bringing in the IPPs and buying from them. 

However, as we are focusing on finding new revenue streams, SALGA should work with us to address the core issue of leadership and financial discipline in local government. 

In doing so, it is important that we consider strengthening municipal public accounts committees to ensure oversight powers on procurement processes, expenditures and compliance with financial regulations.  

I believe that our municipalities can be fixed. We just need more concerted efforts in the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework which applies to the National, Provincial, Local Government, and SOEs. The Framework focus on accelerating service delivery, addressing poor performance and skills gap in the public service.

Professionalisation is critical to ensuring that Government is capable of delivering essential services to its citizens. 

As SALGA, you should work with National Government in the local sphere as the driver of professionalisation. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must prioritise the speed of execution, which includes enhancing coordination across Government.

As Government, we are harmonising planning and budgeting as part of adopting the District Development Model, which is based on One Plan-One Vision, to obtain the best results in developing a better life for everyone.  

The Water Task Team is seized with addressing the issue of water supply challenges in various parts of the country. 

As you would know, we are implementing a Public-Private Partnership model in water supply with the National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that we resolve the current water crisis facing a number of communities. 

Therefore, the successful implementation of the District Development Model lies in the speed of execution as our modus operandi, which should be adopted across the three spheres of Government.  

Consequently, as we gather here today, we must ensure that we sharpen and crystallise a common understanding of the three overarching policy priorities of the 7th Administration. We must equally develop a common appreciation of a monitoring and evaluation framework in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act.

Regarding the issue of land, I want to point out that the ownership of land is one of the most important mechanisms to achieve the objectives of economic inclusion, food security, social cohesion, inclusive spatial patterns, and rural development. 

Because of this, we need to move quickly to find solutions to the unequal and unfair patterns of land ownership that exist in our country. The resolution of this issue is not only a matter of social fairness, but it will also assist us in addressing other issues, such as instances of illegal land invasions and occupation. 

The enforcement of by-laws to address land invasions must be combined with measures for spatial transformation to reverse economic apartheid. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me remind you that, last year in August 2024, we discussed the plan to launch a clean city campaign at the Three Line Whip Meeting. I implore you to come up with a plan and approach for how we can start this programme.

We must establish a committee that will evaluate cities' cleanliness every year and give out prizes in collaboration with COGTA and SALGA. 

Let me conclude by restating that it is important that SALGA and all three spheres of Government collaborate in order to find solutions to service delivery challenges. On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address, an important message to the nation about where we have come and most importantly where we are going. 

As we deliberate on the key issues at hand today, let us keep in mind the importance of this address and the impact that it will have on the day to day activities of local government. 

I believe that this Lekgotla will have robust discussions that will advance our collective aspirations in a way that is united in purpose.

Let us harness the power of intergovernmental integration to build a more responsive, effective, and inclusive system of governance that truly serves the needs of our people.

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 05 February 2025, as part of his delegated responsibility of promoting social cohesion and nation-building initiatives in the country, deliver a keynote address during the launch of the 2024 Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) Research, which will take place at the Villa Calatrava in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.
 
The SASCI research was conducted collaboratively by the Constructor University, Bremen, Germany and enabled by Telkom SA. It measures key indicators such as political, economic and social factors in order to offer a comprehensive overview of the nation’s cohesion as well as highlight areas of strength and identifying challenges that need to be addressed with regards to social cohesion.
 
The Index launch event, which is a partnership between Telkom and the Inclusive Society Institute, is expected to bring together key stakeholders, including Government officials, thought leaders, academics and media, to discuss the findings and explore actionable solutions for building a more unified and inclusive South Africa.
 
Key amongst the findings of the research is that, unlike patterns observed in other countries, South Africa's wealthier provinces show lower social-cohesion levels compared to rural areas, which demonstrate stronger cohesion than urban centres. Furthermore, the research reveals that racial and linguistic diversity contribute positively to social cohesion.
 
The research also points out that provincial variations remain significant, with the Limpopo Province leading in social cohesion by 56.5 points, whereas KwaZulu-Natal recorded the lowest score at 49.6 points. 

Notably, identification with pride of being a South African was the highest scoring dimension of 72.2 points.
 
As a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, Deputy President Mashatile said "the research is appreciated as it highlights the fact that social cohesion is dependent on our society's ability to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Moreover, social cohesion is critical because it represents the level of social integration and inclusion within communities and society, as well as the extent to which individuals and groups demonstrate mutual solidarity, all of which must compel us to work more towards achieving our goal of a socially cohesive South Africa."
 
Details of the launch are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 05 February 2025
Time: 16h30 (media to arrive at 16h00)
Venue: Villa Calatrava, 35 Canterbury Drive, Bishopscourt, Cape Town
 
Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP to Ms Carmenita Adonis-Dudley on adonisCN@telkom.co.za or 081 432 1811.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow on Tuesday, 04 February 2025, attend and address the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Executive Committee Lekgotla in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.

The Deputy President will reflect on the Medium Term Development Plan of the 7th Administration, as it affects local government, as the coalface of service delivery. 

Deputy President Mashatile is tasked by the President to ensure a successful roll-out of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective coordination of the different spheres of government, with the aim of improving the functioning of municipalities and addressing service delivery challenges.

Details of the address are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 04 February 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Southern Sun Newlands, Cape Town

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African Government has not confiscated any land.

The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution. South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.  

We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters. 

The US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for South Africa. With the exception of PEPFAR Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme, there is no other  funding that is received by South Africa from the United States.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Mr Gwede Mantashe will represent President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Invest in African Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town tomorrow, Monday, 3 February, following a change in the President’s schedule.

Minister Mantashe will lead the government delegation and deliver the keynote address on behalf of President Ramaphosa.

The Presidency has communicated this change to the Indaba organisers and President Ramaphosa has expressed his best wishes for the success of this prestigious gathering of mining executives and industry representatives.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this afternoon, 31 January 2025, arrived in Harare, in the Republic of Zimbabwe to participate in the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Summit will be chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Chairperson of SADC.

The Summit follows the outcome of the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika plus the DRC and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which was held on 28 January 2025 and was chaired by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; and Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 03 February 2025, deliver a keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

The Indaba will be held under the theme “Future-proofing African Mining, Today!”, which places the focus on sustainability and economic value for the African mining sector.

The Indaba is the world’s largest gathering of mining’s most influential stakeholders and decision-makers vested in African mining.

The President’s participation will highlight the contribution and continued commitment of the Indaba for stimulating interest into African mining for the sustainable economic development of South Africa and the rest of the African continent.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Monday, 03 February 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme director;
The family of Comrade Vincent Tshabalala;
Our learners and alumni; 
Our sponsors, partners, and donors;
Parents of the beneficiaries of the Trust;
Teachers, principals and members of the School Governing Bodies;
Comrades and friends, 

It is an honour and privilege to address you at this annual bursary award ceremony. This event allows us to appreciate and celebrate students and schools that have made exceptional achievements over the past academic year. 

For over two decades, the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust has recognised and honoured outstanding accomplishments in the Alex community in collaboration with various stakeholders and partners. 

We have been doing this for several years in honour of the late Vincent Tshabalala, who fell in battle on February 9, 1985, not far from here. This means that 2025 will be 40 years since he passed away, a few years before the year South Africa won victory over the battle he lost his life for. 

To honour our brother and comrade, a college was built—deservedly, where he took his last breath. 
This college serves as a memory of Vincent's journey and as a beacon of hope for the Vincents of this generation. 

Comrade Vincent had a deep appreciation for education and a strong desire to see all young people acquire an education of the highest possible standard. He believed that education is the greatest equaliser. 

I believe Vincent would have been pleased with the Class of 2024's performance, which made history in our education system with a record-breaking pass rate of 87.3 per cent.

The continuous improvement in student performance year after year, particularly within Black communities, highlights significant progress in our efforts to dismantle the structures and legacy of apartheid in education. 

Section 29(1) (a) of the South African Constitution states that “everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education”.

Compatriots,

Our theme for 2024 focused on reflecting on partnerships and appreciating the collaboration of friends and comrades. Our programme has been enabled by partnerships of stakeholders and partners – individuals, companies and various foundations. 

It is through the support and collaboration with our partners and sponsors, individuals and companies that to date, we have been able to award 611 bursaries: 348 females and 263 males. 

In 2024 we have awarded 61 students with bursaries. This year, we will provide bursaries to over 52 students, thanks to the support of our donors and partners. 

We have been able to award prizes to 810 grade 10 & 11 learners as a way of encouraging them to not only complete high school but strive for better results. 

Compatriots,

Some of the key partnerships that we have had over the past year include:

VTET School Sports Festival

This partnership with the two Alexandra soccer legends – Sibusiso “Cosmos” Zwane and Maimane Phiri and their foundations enabled us to stage a successful first School Sports Festival with 17 schools participating. This gave both boys and girls an opportunity to display their talent. 

It is befitting that Minerva Secondary – the school Vincent Tshabalala was a learner at - was the winner of both Netball and Boys' soccer. East Bank took home the bragging rights of being Girl's soccer champions. Alexandra High and Sandton View High were the runners-up. 

Through this festival, various stakeholders were mobilised in the community that ensured its success - and all goods and services were procured from the community of Alexandra. 

We are very grateful to the Alexandra Northrand Football Association for ensuring the credibility of the games by providing referees. 

The Alex Basketball, which we have been supporting for more than five years, continues to do us proud, cleaning the slate in the tournaments it participates in.

Career Guidance Workshops

In partnership with young black professionals from the public and private sector, we organised intense career workshops held over three weekends for all Alexandra High School Grade 12 Learners. 

The young professionals availed their time and expertise to share their journeys and guided the learners as they plan to embark on their next phase. There is no greater gift than giving one’s time and energy in service of others without expecting anything in return. 

Thank you to the more than 40 professionals who participated to share and guide the more than 1 200 Grade 12 Class of 2024.

Leadership Development Programme

The leadership programme facilitated in partnership with Upward Bound has to date empowered 180 young leaders in our Alex schools. This investment is aimed at nurturing the leadership potential of our young people. The programme has brought on board more partners including St Stithians, Connect Hub and more young professionals who mentor and support our learners. It also connected us with the African Youth Literature Institute which introduced a program to promote poetry and reading in our schools. 

The year 2024 saw the Trust hosting its first breakfast seminar with leaders in the schools we support, focusing on the role of education in building sustainable communities and growing the economy.

The guest speaker for this event was, the Chancellor of Vaal University of Technology, Prof Zweli Mntambo and other panellists also shared insights on their perspective of where we are as a country, and the work that needs to be done going forward. 

Primary Schools

Three key partnerships were established in support of primary schools:

The Nelson Mandela Foundation on “Making Reading Fun” which involved five primary schools.
Lumohawk has in 2024 benefited 6 out of 13 primary schools which invest in the eye health of our children. 

To date, 5 988 children from six Alexandra primary schools have been screened, with 189 provided with glasses and 10 referred for further treatment.

Friends of the VTET Trust, have also mobilised resources to provide Dignity Packs (toiletry and underwear) for our children.

To date, 3 000 children have benefitted from this initiative. We also do monthly clean-ups of public spaces and support groceries to child and granny-headed households.

We express gratitude to our donors, for their significant contribution. You are playing a crucial role in bridging the education gap by providing support to accessing quality education and growth opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for our children.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we celebrate our learners' achievements today, we also recognise the necessity of collaborating to ensure that all future generations have access to high-quality education. 

We must work together to create an education system that works for everyone and allows every learner to pursue their aspirations. We are firm believers that education empowers people to fulfil their highest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

A new report reveals that, while South Africa’s matriculation pass rate reached a historic 87.3% in 2024, the retention rate for students dropped to 64.5%, signalling serious concerns about school dropouts.

Therefore, as a community, we encourage you to work with us to address factors contributing to the alarming rate of school dropouts. 

We must work together to identify solutions to tackle teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse and addiction, financial difficulties, peer pressure, and academic obstacles, which remain predominant factors contributing to children prematurely leaving school.

Educating a child is a multifaceted process that should involve families, communities, and various support systems in addition to teachers and school principals. We must focus our collective efforts on creating an educational environment that effectively supports a child's learning and development.

I commend the Alexandra community for its contribution to keeping our children in school. As a community, we must persist in offering diverse educational opportunities to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional advancement. 

We will not stray from Vincent Tshabalala's vision of providing financial aid to deserving students so that they get the high-quality education that would allow them to realise their full potential.

Comrades and friends,

I want to sincerely congratulate the students who are receiving recognition for their outstanding performance today. 

This annual bursary award is not only a testament to your achievements but also a symbol of our shared conviction that you have the potential to accomplish greater things in the future.

I implore you to maintain your aspirations as you transition into the subsequent phase of your lives. Set ambitious goals for yourself and strive to achieve greater heights!

Keep in mind that you have the intelligence, talent, and motivation to succeed in any endeavour you choose.

We are proud of your hard work, we love and support you and want only the very best for you. 

Once more, congratulations to all the exceptional learners receiving these awards today.

Thank you; Ngiyabonga; Inkomu!

Programme Director;
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj;
Senior Government officials present here;
Fellow congregants;
Brothers and sisters;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good evening,

It is a great honour and privilege to join, you this evening as we mark a momentous occasion; the opening of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Multi-Cultural Centre and Temple, a beacon of faith, culture, and unity.

Previously, I had the opportunity to visit the centre during its initial development phase, and I am delighted to be a part of its inaugural celebration.

This event is more than just the inauguration of an architectural marvel. It is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to building a South Africa rooted in diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

This historic inauguration embodies our country's constitutional values; freedom of religion, human dignity, and unity in diversity which continue to drive our collective journey towards social cohesion and nation-building.

Your Holiness, Mahant Swami Maharaj, it is also with deep gratitude and reverence that we welcome you back to South Africa. Your participation here today reflects not only the BAPS community's global reach, but also the strong spiritual and cultural bonds that unite us.

I trust your stay since your arrival in our culturally and religiously diverse country has been enjoyable. You have come at a time when we have just celebrated 30 years of democracy in our country, under which freedom of religion has been guaranteed by Section 15 of the Constitution.

South Africa's culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of numerous ethnic groups, traditions, and influences. This rainbow nation's cultural identity reflects its history of diverse interactions, colonial legacies, and the resilience of its people.

Compatriots and friends,

As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences. In a world that is often divided by barriers and boundaries, this centre stands as a beacon of unity and understanding.

BAPS is well known for its commitment to humanitarian service, social upliftment, and cultural preservation. The Temple will serve not only as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for people of all backgrounds.

This centre will serve as a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn from one another, to share their stories, and to celebrate their traditions. It should be a place of dialogue and collaboration, where we can build bridges of understanding and friendship.

I commend the thousands of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. We were encouraged by the spirit of volunteerism in the construction phase. It was an act of kindness and Ubuntu, which emphasise our interdependence: "I am, because you are."

The principles of dharma, seva (service), and unity that BAPS upholds indeed resonates deeply with our national ethos of Ubuntu—the belief in our shared humanity and interconnectedness.

There is a Xhosa language idiom in South Africa that says “Intaka yakha ngoboya benye”, translated as “A bird builds its nest with the feathers of another”, meaning that people need to help each other to achieve their goals, essentially signifying the importance of community, support and collaboration.

As a nation, we shall move forward with the same attitude of solidarity, compassion, respect and dignity towards our collective journey of a harmonious society.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Government, we strive to build a more just and equal society, because we long recognised the indispensable role that faith-based organisations play in strengthening moral and ethical values in our society.

We are dedicated to fostering social cohesion, which involves embracing diversity and working towards a common understanding and a practical plan for positive social transformation.

Our history has taught us that diversity is not a weakness; it is our greatest strength. We know that unity does not mean uniformity. Instead, it means recognising and celebrating the different threads that make up the fabric of our society.

We are steadfast in our dedication to advancing the Bill of Rights, which serves as a cornerstone, protecting the rights of all individuals in our nation, and upholding the democratic principles of human dignity, equality, and freedom.

As we have gathered here today, we should reflect on the role that the Hindu community plays in nation-building. This community has a rich cultural heritage and values and has played a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of our diverse society.

South Africa, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, has been enriched by the contributions of the Hindu community. Your teachings emphasise the values of unity, harmony, compassion, and respect for all beings. These principles have not only guided the lives of individuals but have also played a crucial role in fostering unity among communities irrespective of their backgrounds.

The teachings of love, tolerance, and understanding are inherent in the religion and promote mutual respect and understanding among different communities, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity.

Furthermore, the initiatives in the development of youth and community service activities have been instrumental in uplifting the less fortunate and marginalised sections of society.

Through various charitable endeavours, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, and offering educational opportunities to underprivileged children, you have exemplified the values of compassion and service to humanity.

His Holiness, Mahant Swami Maharaj, since your last visit in 2019, South Africa, like the rest of the world, has faced numerous challenges. Yet, through resilience, compassion, and collective effort, we have emerged stronger as a nation.

On behalf of Government, we wish to invite the BAPS organisation to continue working with us in addressing the remaining challenges such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, violence and crime facing our communities.

As a religious community, you have a crucial role to play in recognising and bolstering the best practices in your community for preventing and eliminating these ills. This is a responsibility that falls squarely on both our shoulders.

We must collaborate our efforts within our communities to reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace, and security, as well as respect for all human rights.

Compatriots,

Speaking of peace, I would like to join President Cyril Ramaphosa in conveying our deepest condolences to families of members of our South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These brave soldiers were dedicated to their mission and committed to contribute to peace and stability in the DRC.

We also call upon His Holiness to pray for peace and stability in the DRC and Africa as a whole.

In conclusion, let us draw inspiration from the Hindu values and principles, as we strive to build united and prosperous communities founded on mutual respect, understanding, love and cooperation.

Let me express my deepest appreciation to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the BAPS community, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Let us all cherish and protect this Temple for future generations, because it serves as a symbol of hope, peace, and humanity.

I thank you.

The Patron of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Friday, 31 January 2025, join the Education Trust as it honours top achieving learners as well as schools and teachers of the Class of 2024.

The Deputy President has been the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust since its foundation in 2004 and currently serves as its Patron. 

The non-profit organisation has provided bursaries to a number of learners and students, some of whom have become notable contributors themselves in the development and growth of the Alexandra community and beyond.

Details of the awards ceremony are as follows:

Date: Friday, 31 January 2025
Time: 12h30
Venue: San Kopano Community Hall, 12th Avenue, Alexandra Township, Johannesburg

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria