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Deputy Minister Mhlauli to visit Saldanha for disaster relief efforts
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Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Tuesday visit the community of Saldanha Bay to assess and assist with ongoing disaster relief efforts.

This visit forms part of Government’s coordinated response to recent disasters affecting the area, and will be undertaken in partnership with humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers.

Details of the visit:

Date: Tuesday, 01 July 2025
Time: 15h00 – 16h00
Venue: Middlepos Community Hall, Saldanha Bay

Deputy Minister Mhlauli will engage with affected residents, local leaders, and relief teams to ensure urgent needs are met and to provide support to ongoing recovery efforts.

 

Media RSVP & Enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile takes the Clean Cities and Towns service delivery programme to Free State Province
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Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 01 July 2025, lead the Clean Cities and Towns integrated service delivery programme in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality near Welkom, in the Free State Province.

Launched last month in Gauteng, the Clean Cities and Towns campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban and rural spaces, while encouraging citizens to come together for community cleaning activities throughout townships and villages. 

It is envisaged that the service delivery initiative will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit, volunteerism and pride among residents.

Additionally, the campaign also builds on the Deputy President’s commitments made at the SALGA Lekgotla earlier in the year to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by municipalities as part of a broader service delivery drive by Government within the context of the District Development Model.

As part of his visit to the Matjhabeng Municipality, Deputy President Mashatile will embark on a guided tour of the Renergen Tetra4 Facility. The visit aims to provide him with first-hand insight into the operations of the Helium Gas Plant and its contribution to the local and national economy.

The Deputy President will interact with both workers and management of the facility.

The second leg of the Deputy President’s visit will take place at the Thabong Water Treatment Plant, where he will assess the project's progress toward completion. The plant is vital in improving sanitation services for communities in Thabong East, Thabong Central, Riebeeckstad, and Bronville.

On the last leg of this Integrated Service Delivery and Cleaning campaign, the Deputy President will join members of the community in a number of activities including pitching potholes, road marking and other cleaning services in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Deputy President Mashatile will be joined in the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign by the Premier of Free State Province, Mme Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae; Representatives of Provincial and Local Government; Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Cllr. Veronica Ntakumbana and senior government officials.

Details of the campaign are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 01 July 2025
Time: 09h30 (Media to arrive 09h00)
Venue: Matjhabeng Local Municipality Main Building, Matjhabeng, Free State Province.

Media wishing to cover the service delivery programme must please RSVP with Mr Tshediso Tlali (Matjhabeng Municipality) on 072 133 4424 or Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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South Africa to participate at the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development in Spain
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At the invitation of the President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón of the Government of Spain and United Nations Secretary - General António Guterres, the South African government, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamola will lead South Africa’s participating delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit that is taking place in Seville on 30 June 2025 - 3 July 2025. 

This conference aims to address new and emerging issues in financing for development, including the need to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reform the international financial architecture.

President Ramaphosa has delegated Minister Lamola as the Head of Delegation for the Summit following recent political developments that require close monitoring and management in the country. 

South Africa’s participation at the Summit aligns with its G20 Presidency objectives of solidarity, equality and sustainability in complementing and supporting the Summits’ goals of reshaping the global financial system in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

On the margins of the 4th Financing for Development Summit, South Africa will convene a side event under the theme: “Forging a common agenda to achieve debt sustainability in developing economies”.
 
South Africa seeks to advance through cooperation and collaboration, sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges and to extend debt relief to developing economies which disproportionately affects countries in Africa.  

This event will bring together leading voices from various debt-related initiatives to identify synergies and areas of convergence. It will seek consensus and highlight solutions that enjoy broad support.

South Africa's delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit comprises the Minister in the Presidency for Planning , Monitoring and Evaluation Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo and senior government officials. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the removal of Deputy Minister Whitfield
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On 25 June 2025, I removed Mr Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution.

It is not common practice for the President of the Republic of South Africa to provide reasons either for the appointment or dismissal of Members of the Executive. However, due to several unfortunate statements and outright distortions by a number of people, especially Mr John Steenhuisen and Mr Whitfield himself, it is necessary for me to make a public statement on the circumstances surrounding Mr Whitfield’s removal.

Mr Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President.

His travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration. 

These rules and practices were repeated in Cabinet in March this year by me as President. All international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President. 

This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice.

Prior to the removal of Mr Whitfield, I informed Minister John Steenhuisen as the leader of the Democratic Alliance that I had decided to remove Mr Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister and that I expect him to present to me for approval a replacement for Mr Whitfield from his party as the DA is entitled to a Deputy Minister as agreed.

In that discussion, Mr Steenhuisen informed me that Mr Whitfield had been expecting that he may be dismissed on the grounds that he had undertaken an international trip without the President’s permission. 

This expectation, along with a perfunctory letter of apology that Mr Whitfield wrote to me following his travel to the USA without the required permission, indicated that he was aware that his actions had violated the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive.

During my discussion with Mr Steenhuisen, he asked me if there was precedent for the action that I intended to take in relation to Mr Whitfield. I informed him that there was indeed prior precedent.

I told him that in 1995, President Nelson Mandela dismissed the late Deputy Minister Madikizela-Mandela and that in 2007 President Thabo Mbeki dismissed then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge on the grounds of undertaking international travel without permission. 

Given all these circumstances there is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility. Nor are there any grounds to try link this with matters that have no bearing on the conduct of the former Deputy Minister.

There is really no basis for suggestions that the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister is related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive of the Republic of South Africa.

While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior to the removal letter being delivered to Mr Whitfield, this would have had no bearing on my decision. It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the President to determine the timing and manner of the appointment and removal of Members of the Executive.

I am amazed at Mr Steenhuisen’s intemperate reaction to the removal of Mr Whitfield. He knows very well that the blatant disregard of the rules and practices that govern the international travel of members of the executive is a serious violation that should not be permitted. 

It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that the exercise by the President of his constitutional prerogative and responsibility with respect to a clear violation of rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive has met with such irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums from a member of the executive.

Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Speech by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli on the occasion of the G20 High–Level Intergenerational Roundtable, Sandton Convention Centre
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Programme Director, Ms Noni Khumalo,
Deputy President of the Republic, Hon. Paul Mashatile
Executive Deputy Chair of the NYDA, Ms Karabo Mohale,
Honourable Minister Thembi Simelane
Our Statistician General, Mr Risenga Maluleka 
Our various government officials from all departments and entities present 
Mayor of Maluti, Councillor  Malekula Julia Melato and her Executive 
Speaker of Matlosana, Councillor Stella Mondlane- Ngwenya   
Esteemed youth leaders, innovators, and partners from civil society, labour, academia, and the private sector,
Friends and colleagues

Good morning.

As we gather at this critical moment in Youth Month, we do so not only to commemorate the legacy of 1976, but also to recommit ourselves to the urgent task of realising the aspirations of today’s youth. 

As the Deputy President so aptly said in his Youth Day address: "This generation demands more than promises; they deserve opportunity."

Since this morning, we have engaged in powerful discussions from building smart cities to unlocking the potential of a youth-led economy, and the transformation of our industrial pathways through innovation and ethical leadership. 

These insights reaffirm one truth: The hour of youth has struck. 

The G20 circle of nations – who now include the African Union – has many examples to relate of the power of young people to transform society and the direction of the development of their nations. 

This transformation is often the outcome of intense and sometimes tragic struggle and resistance because the incumbent generations find it hard to comply with that which does not serve our interests as young people and rightly so. 

This Roundtable therefore my fellow compatriots is an opportunity for us to further shape our future but to however do so, through dialogue.

This consensus among generations is even more vital in a world faced with economic stagnation, inequality, climate shocks, and youth exclusion.

In keeping with our theme today, South Africa’s approach to solidarity is not rhetorical.

Instead, it is real, institutional, programmatic, and intergenerational.

We express it through Presidential Flagships that aim to realign our economy and state around inclusion, dignity, and opportunity.

One of the most transformative interventions in addressing youth unemployment is the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. 

The PYEI operates through various implementing departments, including Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, Trade, Industry and Competition, Employment and Labour as well as through partnerships with non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

As a coordinated government response, the PYEI has created over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities since its inception. 

The initiative is supported through digital platforms such as SAYouth.mobi, which has registered over 4.7 million youth, connecting them to opportunities for learning, training, and employment. 

In Q4 alone of the PYEI which we have just released earlier this month, 76,569 earning opportunities were accessed by young people, including:
• 60,444 opportunities through SA Youth, and
• 16,125 through the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).

We also saw continued progress through our partnerships:
• The Youth Employment Service (YES) facilitated 15,137 workplace experience placements in the private sector.
• Phase 3 of the Revitalised National Youth Service saw 2,048 youth recruited. 

Let me also highlight the continued momentum of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

By the end of March 2025:
• Over 5,400 young people had been enrolled,
• More than 3,000 had been placed into quality jobs, and
• Over R70 million had been disbursed to 11 implementing partners, including R30 million in this quarter alone.

These jobs are not just temporary placements. They are quality jobs, defined by duration, income level, and growth potential. We are already seeing shifts in employer practices as a result.

Through the PYEI and Jobs Boost, we are not simply providing temporary work, we are laying the foundation for a generation of changemakers. 

Our goal is to support young people to lead and innovate in critical sectors such as agriculture, entertainment, manufacturing, maritime and logistics, and mining. 

These are industries that hold the potential to drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness. Whether it's a young person mastering digital tools on a farm, producing content that redefines African storytelling, or training to revolutionise supply chains and mining practices, the PYEI is about more than numbers, it's about nurturing purpose, potential and leadership. 

With each opportunity created, we move closer to building a youth-powered economy that is ethical, skilled, and future-fit.

The National Youth Development Agency our hosts today continues to play a pivotal role in enabling youth to participate in the economy and society meaningfully. 

Colleagues, 

One of the three priorities for this 7th administration is inclusive growth and job creation. We must grow our economy in order for the multitudes of young people who are currently sitting at home with no hope of a better future to become economically active.
 
Reflecting government’s deep concern to resolve this pressure point, our Basic Education Employment Initiative is a fitting example.

In its fifth phase, this employment stimulus has created close to 200,000 opportunities for young people in more than 20,000 schools across the country.

In the basic education sector, these young people are not only helping in classrooms but are also gaining work experience, digital literacy, and employability skills as reading champions, ICT assistants and care agents.

In the post-schooling landscape, the Department of Higher Education and Training continues to expand access to universities, TVET colleges, and community education centres.

Beyond education, we are investing in youth enterprises. 

Through the Department of Small Business Development, our National Youth Development Agency and the Industrial Development Corporation, we provide finance, mentorship, market access and incubation for youth-owned businesses.

Reforms to public procurement are opening value chains for township and rural youth entrepreneurs.

Together, these initiatives reflect a government that is deeply invested in the future of its young people, not just through rhetoric, but through tangible, impactful action.

In everyday life, these programmatic responses to the profound needs of young people and their families and communities, make the difference between survival and self-actualisation.

These programmes give people choices in what they eat, what they wear, how they support families; what they drive, what professions and industries they choose to exercise their talents and, yes, what music they download and the devices on which they do this.

It opens them up to the world and it opens up the world to what they are able to innovate and contribute.

This is the change we have created and witnessed during 31 years of freedom and democracy.

In the non-governmental sector, including the business sector, countless organisations are similarly committed to the empowerment of young people, even in circumstances where these efforts remain throttled by slow economic growth.

This social solidarity will be sustained and is a critical vehicle for lifting us out of the economic difficulties we face and for ensuring our growth efforts are inclusive and representative of all sectors of our society.

Spurring on our growth efforts is government’s Operation Vulindlela Phase II, a powerful engine for structural reform.

This initiative streamlines and accelerates cross-cutting economic and service delivery reforms. In Phase I, we unlocked renewable energy investment, opened up spectrum licensing, modernised ports, and improved water licensing.

Phase II now targets housing delivery near jobs, municipal service reform, and digital transformation including digital IDs and real-time payment systems. These reforms dismantle systemic barriers and help unlock youth participation in a dynamic economy.

From an emphasis on early childhood development, to initiatives such as the National Youth Service and the promotion of volunteering as part of building individual character and civic involvement, a new generation of differently empowered young people is emerging.

The needs, dreams and searches for opportunity among South Africa’s young people are needs, dreams and searches at play in every country in the world, including in the G20.

Indeed, particularly in the G20, given the large-scale and perilous migration of mainly young people from countries perceived as offering low opportunities, to countries viewed as places where dreams can come true.

In sending and receiving nations alike, solidarity must be our sustainable response.

It is the lens through which we must design policy, measure outcomes, and sustain hope.

Before I take my seat, I want us to remember that the most defining issue for our young people is unemployment. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey records a youth unemployment rate of 46%, yet there’s ongoing debate about how we measure this.

Recently, Capitec’s CEO suggested that the actual rate might be closer to 10%, pointing to vast informal economic activity that gets overlooked Stats SA’s Statistician General, who follows me, will clarify these figures, reminding us that while measurement merits scrutiny, we must leave the analysis and final deliberation to official experts.

This debate reminds us that stats shape policy, perceptions, and public trust. Whether the official unemployment rate of South Africa is 33% or lower, the reality is that young people are struggling, and government must respond decisively.

But we must do more, faster, and together.

Let every investment, every reform, every appointment be measured by one question: does it unlock opportunity for the next generation?

Let us move from vision to implementation. From talk to transformation.

Let us build a sustainable and secure future for all of us by making and keeping young people the priority of global society.

I am confident this Roundtable will keep us focused on this prize.

Thank you.

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