Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Honourable Les Govender
Deputy Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and Patron of the National Men's Parliament, Nnkosi Langa Mavuso,  
Deputy Ministers Ganief Hendricks;
Traditional, Religious and Business Leaders Present;
Organised Labour;
Former SANDF General and Patron of the Men's Parliament, General Monwabisi Jamangile;
Patron of the Men's Parliaments, His Royal Highness Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu Ka Zwelithini;
Leaders of the SANAC Men's Sector, led by Mr. Beau Nkaelang;
Developmental Partners, especially PEPFAR South Africa and South African AIDS Conference (SAAIDS); 
Members of the Media; 
Ladies and Gentlemen,  
 
Molweni, Goeie more, Avuxeni, Thobela, Ndaa! 
 
Compatriots, it is once again an honour to join you at this National Men's Parliament. Last year, we gathered on November 19, to kick off the Programme of Action, to tackle violence against women and children. 
 
We are convening this meeting following International Men's Day, World AIDS Day, and 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. I hope all of you participating in this Men’s Parliament were involved in activities in your respective areas as engaged and responsible men.

Compatriots, we remain committed to supporting all initiatives put forward by men's organisations to mitigate the impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
 
Cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are reported daily, including instances of young girls aged between 15-24 years who have tested HIV positive, while young boys of the same age are HIV negative. This raises a question: Who infects these young girls? As we gather as men today, let us also reflect on this issue and determine to deal with it decisively. 
 
This Men's Parliament should be a meaningful platform for men to engage in conversations and reflect on their mindsets, ultimately becoming good role models in our communities.
 
Compatriots, we also encourage continued partnership with the Department of Basic Education and Department of Health to ensure that boys are capacitated and supported. We know that some of our boys are already in initiation schools, and we trust that the requisite health screenings and preventative measures have been taken to maximise the safety and protection of our children. 
 
I welcome the newly elected SANAC Men's Sector leadership and challenge you and the National Men's Forum to prepare a detailed report on the work accomplished since the last International Men's Day. This report should be in line with the upcoming launch of another Programme of Action and a Men's Charter in the coming months.  
 
Compatriots, on July 19, 2024, you appointed me as your Patron, alongside General Monwabisi Jamangile, Mr. Solly Nduku, Nkosi Langa Mavuso, Mr. Lechesa Tsenoli, and Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu-Ka Zwelithini. Today, we welcomed Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike and Hon. Les Govender. 
 
We agree that all resolutions from our consultations must be implemented, including that of appointing Premiers as Patrons, like how the KwaZulu-Natal Men's Sector designated Honourable Premier Ntuli as the Patron of the KZN Men's Parliament.
 
Your recent initiative to unify all men's formations during the national men's lekgotla is commendable. With this work, society will take us seriously if we continue to work cohesively and not in silos. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the SANAC Men's Sector and National Men's Forum South Africa must be translated into actionable frameworks at provincial and district levels to streamline men's responses. 
 
As the Government, we understand your need for resources, a topic we discussed at length last year November in Ha-Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Limpopo.
 
Compatriots and fellow delegates and developmental partners will readily engage with your member organisations, especially if compliance and accountability are prioritised. The Deputy Minister of Social Development has expressed frustration over non-compliance among some groups. The Department of Social Development has previously supported your work through SANAC to ensure it is well-coordinated. To receive continued support, the Men’s Sector organisations must ensure that all their records are up to date and that they comply with the requirements set by partners. 
 
We must join forces to bolster campaigns and networks aimed at combating violence against children. As a nation, we all bear witness to the unacceptable violence against children and must unite to protect our future generations — both boy children and girl children alike.
 
Programme Directors,
 
These gatherings are a prime example of how you can mobilise community support. When you first envisioned the National Men's Parliament under the “Takuwani Riime” banner, you had a modest budget of R38, 000. The involvement of the former Deputy President and our current president at your launch at Constitution Hill amplified the initiative's visibility.
 
It pleases me that Deputy Minister Steve Letsike is ensuring that men with disabilities and those from the LGBTQIA+ community are included in this dialogue.
 
 
Compatriots, we have agreed on the objectives for this session, which are the following:
 
● To create a comprehensive social compact that unites all social partners in a collective program of action focused on intensifying the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide while simultaneously launching the Men's Health Programme of Action in partnership with PEPFAR and SANAC's Civil Society Forum.
● To engage stakeholders who interact directly or indirectly with men through formal and informal structures. These stakeholders were identified during the recent Accelerator II meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Health and PEPFAR Ambassador Nkengasong on October 3, 2024. They include traditional and religious leaders, the transport industry, government departments, and youth movements.
 
As we are gathered here today, we are also endorsing a campaign called "BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW" aimed at bringing men back to care in partnership with the Minister of Health, SANAC Civil Society, and the men's formations at all levels. 
 
I am happy that yesterday, during your deliberations at this Men’s Parliament, you did endorse this campaign fully, following its launch in Mdantsane, East London on World AIDS Day last week Sunday.
 
Compatriots,

We urge you to continue your existing campaigns, such as the #NoExcuse campaign, Men Campaigning for Change, Boys Assemblies, Sukuma ndoda Sakhe, Act Now Against GBV, and the National Men's Walk. You should also not lose sight of the work of the “Takuwani Riime” initiative to ensure that we continue mobilising men and boys beyond SANAC and government structures. 
 
Although efforts in this sector are at the foundational stages, we should not undermine the progress that is being made in communities, schools and workplaces. We still have a long way to go until we see a violent free South Africa, but standing together, hand in hand, such a future is possible!

Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, this event must always take place under your leadership, as the NCOP. Since we initiated this program in 2018 through the Deputy President's office, the NCOP has played a vital role in ensuring consistency and focus. The Men's Charter is scheduled to be launched in June 2025, and the Women's Caucus can assist our men's sector and structures in finalising the charter. Over the years we have seen the influence of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament, and we want to see this also among the men. 
 
With the launch of the Men’s Charter, we must ensure that it is easily accessible and displayed in municipal buildings, police stations, government facilities, correctional centres, and NGO offices. This must be done to enforce the framework for values and social norms approach to addressing gender inequality and its interface with social justice, education, the economy, social services, family and civic life, culture, religion and the violence epidemic in South Africa. 
    
We need to unite men and boys across this country. 
 
As you organized the National Men's Walk in Gauteng and other regions, including Khayelitsha, we saw men committed to making a difference and ready to work towards ending the scourge of HIV by 2030. On Sunday in East London, hundreds of men stood side by side and raised their hands to play a part in achieving the 95-95-95 targets and paving the way for an HIV-free future in South Africa. We must reaffirm this position and make it our priority! 
 
Compatriots and fellow delegates,
 
Some of the work that we continue to do in the sector can not be possible without the support of our partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Cape Town for their support in hosting this event, the NCOP for their technical support, NACOSA and AFSA for helping assemble the sitting, and SAfAIDS for organising the stakeholder engagement last night. 
 
Thank you also to Show Me Your Number, and PEPFAR for their contributions to the BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW initiative. The data provided by the Minister of Health will help identify the men who need to be brought back to care and link that information with your framework so that you are better focused on the deliverables, particularly, the implementation of your Programme of Action.
 
We are also happy to see the different sectors of SANAC collaborating and working together for a common good. Well done also to Comrade Mawethu Zitha, who has ensured that Better Man 4 Tomorrow is inclusive and leaves no one behind.
 
It is essential to keep the National Men's Forum of South Africa and the SANAC Men's Sector United in order for us to implement our programmes successfully.  We can not afford to have a fragmented national men’s movement! 
 
I look forward to hearing from the leadership about the strides made in the men’s movement thus far in the next meeting that I will have with you. We must be committed and strengthen our efforts in dealing with the scourge of violence in our communities. We must do this as a significant step to protecting future generations and breaking the cycles of trauma and violence that have characterised our society for decades. 
 
To borrow from the words of the father of our nation, President Nelson Mandela, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
 
As the men of South Africa, let us therefore be committed to the freedom of all women, children, People with Disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all vulnerable groups. Let us rally other men towards this cause of gender equality, social justice, and freedom for all. May we persevere on this path towards becoming ‘BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW’!
 
Thank you, Na Khensa, Ke a Leboga, Baie Dankie!
 

Speaker of the National Assembly 
Speaker of the Senate
Members of parliament 
Ministers 
Ambassadors  
Honourable Brahim Boughali, President of the Algerian People’s National Assembly,
Honourable Members,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good Evening.
 
It is an honour to be here in the Parliament of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
 
My delegation and I have been received with great warmth and kindness in Algeria, a country with which we have a deep fraternal bond.
 
Algeria’s war for independence greatly inspired our liberation struggle in South Africa.
 
In 1962, in his first speech as leader of a free Algeria, President Ahmed Ben Bella declared that Algeria had a duty to support anti-colonial struggles across Africa. 
 
On another occasion, President Ben Bella said:
 
“We have no right to think of eating better when people fall in Angola, Mozambique, in South Africa. But we have a ransom to pay. We must accept to die together so that African unity does not become a vain word.” 
 
Algeria made good on this promise to the people of Africa and to the people of South Africa.
 
We recall that Algeria gave refuge and military training to our freedom fighters.
 
We recall that in the early 1960s, the father of our democracy, Nelson Mandela, visited bases of the Algerian National Liberation Front as the ANC was setting up its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
 
In 1963, the African National Congress became one of the first national liberation movements to set up its international bureau in Algiers.
 
Under the leadership of President Ahmed Ben Bella, Algeria lobbied against apartheid on the world stage and for the racist regime to be isolated. 
 
This great wave of human solidarity in which our brothers and sisters in Algeria took part contributed to the downfall of apartheid and to the achievement of our democracy.
 
When President Mandela was released from prison in 1990, Algeria was one of the first countries he visited. 
 
We remember the famous words he spoke on his arrival: 
 
“The Algerian army made me a man.”
 
We remember this history as a constant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of those who came before us.
 
We who have inherited the torch of freedom have a responsibility to ensure that it continues to burn brightly. 
 
We must wield the torch of freedom to banish forever the darkness of oppression and injustice.
 
We must ensure that this torch illuminates the path of African progress and unity for the generations yet to come. 
 
Algeria’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation is engraved in history. 
 
We owe the noble people of Algeria a great debt. 
 
As South Africa, we are committed to deepening our fraternal ties with the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. 
 
Through the Bi-National Commission, we aspire to strengthen our trade, investment and people-to-people relations for mutual benefit.
 
Yesterday, we held a Business Forum.
 
It was greatly encouraging to see the interest by South African and Algerian businesses in expanding ties.
 
There are promising signs that bilateral trade and investment between our two countries is growing. 
 
We seek greater cooperation in areas such oil and gas, green hydrogen, agriculture, aviation, renewable energy and other key sectors.
 
We seek to use the abundance of natural resources in our two countries to benefit our people.
 
To share our knowledge and expertise.
 
To benefit from each other’s strengths and capabilities.
 
We are determined to create more favourable business and investment conditions in South Africa and Algeria to enable our respective companies to flourish.
 
We are committed to sustaining the momentum of the African Continental Free Trade Area as part of realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
 
As nations, we know too well the pain of having our lands colonised and our people oppressed.
 
South Africa and Algeria stand firm in our support for the Palestinian people’s quest for self-determination.
 
Israel’s barbaric war on the people of Gaza must end. 
 
The killing of women, children and non-combatants; the bombardment of homes, schools and hospitals; and the denial of humanitarian aid is a stain on the conscience of the world.
 
We cannot turn a blind eye to this injustice. 
 
We have a responsibility to stop this genocide. 
 
Israel must be held accountable for its crimes against the people of Gaza. 
 
Algeria and South Africa need to stand firm in our commitment to the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination.
 
We applaud Algeria for its unwavering support for the struggle of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own future.
 
We must remind the international community of its responsibility to the people of Western Sahara.
 
International law must be upheld.
 
The values of the United Nations Charter must be respected.
 
We need to build a new world order founded on justice, fairness and inclusivity.
 
South Africa reiterates its call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and accountable. 
 
As South Africa and Algeria, we must stand together in our call for the transformation of the systems of global governance.
 
They need to serve the interests of all countries and all peoples.
 
We must lend our full support to vulnerable and marginalised people everywhere.
 
We need to stand up for the innocent civilians who find themselves engulfed in war and conflict.
 
As an international community, as Africans, we need to do everything within our means to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution of these conflicts.
 
We must unite as Africans to accelerate the pace of social and economic development, as we strive to attain the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals and our own continent's agenda 2063.
 
It is our great desire that the South African and Algerian Parliaments should deepen their collaboration. 
 
We have much to learn from each other. 
 
There is much we have in common.
 
We have common histories, common interests, common values and a shared vision for continental unity and cooperation.
 
Algeria and South Africa are on opposite ends of the African continent.
 
Yet, we are brought together by a shared struggle.
 
Let us continue to work together to build the Africa of which we all dream.
 
Let us build the future that our people all want and all deserve.
 
I thank you.
 

Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 
President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria,
Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have just concluded a successful 7th session of the Bi-National Commission between the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Republic of South Africa.

President Tebboune and I were extremely satisfied with the detailed report that was presented on progress in the key areas of cooperation between Algeria and South Africa. 

We see this Bi-National Commission as a mechanism to expand trade and investment ties between our two countries. 

While there is currently a healthy volume of bilateral trade, we agreed that this should be far higher. 

With preferential trading now having commenced under the African Continental Free Trade Area, there is even greater opportunity to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen economic linkages between major African economies.

We have a shared conviction that deepening our bilateral relationship should serve the cause of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability and peace. 

An Algeria-South Africa Business Forum took place yesterday.

It will be an important opportunity for Algerian and South African businesses to explore synergies and plan projects. 

South Africa has a sizeable business delegation spanning a range of economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, construction and mining. 

We also have representatives from our Industrial Development Corporation who are here to pursue investment leads the corporation could potentially fund. 

President Tebboune and I agreed that potential exists for cooperation on low-carbon economic growth in areas such as renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. 

South Africa and Algeria have respective comparative advantages that can be harnessed for mutual benefit. 

This Bi-National Commission is taking place at a time of rising geopolitical tension, conflict and disregard for international law. 

I appraised President Tebboune on South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice to hold the State of Israel accountable for its crimes against the people of Gaza. 

South Africa reiterates its call for a cessation of hostilities, for the release of all hostages, and for the suffering population of Gaza to receive the humanitarian aid they so desperately need.

South Africa and Algeria agree that the only lasting solution to this conflict is the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

As countries that have known the pain of occupation and dispossession, we stand in solidarity with the oppressed everywhere, including in Palestine and Western Sahara.

This year, South Africa marks thirty years since the achievement of our democracy.

We once more thank the noble people of Algeria for standing with us in our struggle for liberation. 

From our discussions today, we are certain that this Bi-National Commission will continue to deepen collaboration, trade, investment and people-to-people exchange between South Africa and Algeria.

I thank you.
 

Your Excellency, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Officials,

This 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries has been most productive. 

It has set our partnership on a promising trajectory. 

Our task now is to ensure the effective implementation of the key decisions we have made here. 

It is important that Ministerial Review sessions take place between our BNC sessions.

South Africa and Algeria have a common vision for a better Africa. 

Africa is a continent on the move. 

Our progress is being driven by the abundance of resources, the innovation and resolve of our people and the rich diversity of our cultures.

We agreed that more work needs to be done to maximise the opportunities and possibilities both our countries present. 

It is important for our officials to accelerate the technical work needed to finalise Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that are important for deepening cooperation. 

One of the key observations we have made is that there should be an immediate focus on increasing investment and trade relations between our countries. 

We agreed that private sector collaboration and cooperation between our state-owned enterprises are critical for stronger economic ties. 

Expanded economic, scientific, educational, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation will support our efforts to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inequality. 

It is important for South Africa and Algeria to continue playing a significant role in promoting a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous Africa. 

We should be working together with other countries to promote principles and actions that enhance peaceful relations among nations.

I thank the technical experts for their hard work during the past few days under the leadership of the two co-chairs of the Ministerial meeting. 

In conclusion, Your Excellency, on behalf of myself and my delegation, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for inviting and hosting us in the historic and beautiful capital of Algiers. 

Our engagements have allowed us to chart a path forward and to consolidate and strengthen relations between our countries. 

I look forward to hosting you in South Africa for the 8th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two great countries.

I thank you.

Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 
President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior Officials,
Members of the Media,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my privilege to address this 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. 

South Africa commends Algeria for holding successful Presidential elections on the 7th of September 2024. We congratulate you on your re-election.

Thank you for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. 

It affirms the deep and lasting fraternal bonds between our two countries that were forged in the trenches of struggle.

This year marks 30 years since the achievement of democracy in South Africa. 

It is an occasion to pay tribute to the many countries that supported our struggle for freedom from the bondage of apartheid. 

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria was foremost among those countries. 

We owe the people of Algeria a great debt.

We may have achieved our liberation, but the task of development continues. 

The Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Algeria is an opportunity to engage meaningfully on the issues affecting our respective countries and our continent.

We share a common conviction that deepening our bilateral relationship should serve the cause of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability and peace.

It is of paramount importance that we strengthen the capacity of the African Union and that we operationalise AU instruments such as the African Court of Justice, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and the AU financial institutions.

Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and Algeria have grown exponentially since the establishment of the Ministerial Joint Bi-National Commission of Cooperation in 1998.

This was elevated to a Bi-National Commission in 2000, signifying the strategic nature of the bilateral relations that exist between our two countries.

This Bi-National Commission covers a range of areas of cooperation.

These areas include investment and trade, agriculture, water resource management and information technology.

The areas of cooperation also include tourism and people-to-people exchange.

This BNC attests to the great potential that exists for even further cooperation.

Bilateral investment and trade between our two countries needs to be expanded. 

Currently South Africa imports mainly chemicals, mineral fuels, ceramic products and machinery from Algeria.

South Africa’s top exports to Algeria include prepared foodstuffs, fresh produce, machinery and base metals.

We need to be harnessing the comparative advantages of South Africa and Algeria to deepen investment and trade. 

For example, Algeria is one of Africa’s top oil and natural gas producers.

South Africa, with its vast platinum reserves, is positioning itself to be at the forefront of green hydrogen economy.

Opportunities exist to deepen bilateral trade and investment in agriculture and agro-processing, aviation, automotive, mining and financial services, among others. 

The investment climate is ripe for cooperation on infrastructure development.

We should prioritise our respective state-owned companies and businesses to support each other’s infrastructure programmes.

We should not need to source materials, products and expertise from outside the continent.

We must take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

In January this year, South Africa commenced preferential trade under the AfCFTA.

We look forward to more countries on the continent operating under the Agreement, including Algeria. 

We are committed to work with Algeria in this regard.

As we work to develop our countries and continent, we cannot be complacent about climate change. 

Extreme weather caused by climate change – whether in the form of floods, heatwaves or severe drought – has profound social, economic and political implications.

Like Algeria, South Africa is already a water-stressed country. 

The effects of climate change provide a compelling case to further explore cooperation in water resource management.

With the countries of the world having committed themselves to low-carbon, climate resilient development, opportunities exist to collaborate in the renewable and cleaner energy space. 

We look forward to the Business Forum that will take place on the sidelines of the Bi-National Commission as an important opportunity for South African and Algerian companies to connect and explore avenues for collaboration. 

We meet at a time when the state of global peace, stability and security is extremely fragile.

In many parts of the world, we are witnessing the rise of unilateralism, impunity and disregard for international law, which runs contrary to the aspirations of the UN Charter.

This is undermining the spirit of multilateralism that must be at the centre of global affairs.

South Africa is deeply concerned at the worsening situation in the Middle East.

Israel’s war on the people of Gaza continues unabated. 

We repeat our call for a cessation of hostilities, for the remaining hostages to be freed, and for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people.

As we have consistently reiterated, there can be no peace without justice.

The only lasting solution to this terrible conflict is for the Palestinian people’s right to statehood to be realised. 

It is our responsibility as the international community to support all efforts towards this objective.

South Africa remains equally concerned by the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco. 

It is the right of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own destiny. 

The United Nations and the African Union must fast-track the process to resolve this matter in line with the provisions of the 1991 Ceasefire Agreement, UN resolutions and the legal opinion of international and continental institutions.

As a country that won our freedom through dialogue and negotiation, we reiterate our commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict and to peacebuilding efforts in Africa, whether in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Sudan or Mozambique.

Beyond the tragic humanitarian toll, these conflicts threaten to derail the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and, with it, peace and development for the continent.

We reiterate our call for the institutions of global governance, particularly the UN Security Council, to be reformed and transformed so that they are more representative and reflect global realities. 

As the Global South, we must remain united and speak with one voice.

A few days ago, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20. 

We will use our Presidency to advance the African agenda and to champion the needs and interests of the Global South.

We look forward to welcoming you to the first G20 Summit on African soil.

In conclusion, it is greatly encouraging to witness the strong bilateral relations between our two countries. 

We look forward to further deepening our collaboration.

I thank you. 
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Saturday, 07 December 2024, lead the biennial Men's Parliament and Dissemination of Better Men 4 Tomorrow Campaign in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.

The Deputy President will attend and deliver a keynote address during day two of the biennial Men's Parliament & Dissemination of Better Men 4 Tomorrow Campaign,  taking place at Parow Municipal Chambers in Cape Town. 

The Men's Sector of the South African National AIDS Council - Civil Society Forum (SANAC CSF), in partnership with the National Men's Forum South Africa, SAfAIDS, and various stakeholders working with men and boys, is hosting the biennial National Men's Parliament from 6 to 7 December 2024.  

The Deputy President,  as the Chairperson of SANAC, launched the Dissemination of Better Men 4 Tomorrow Campaign during the commemoration of World AIDS Day on 01 December 2024 in the Eastern Cape.

The Campaign forms part of the Men's Sector contribution towards the country's efforts in finding and linking 1.1 million men who are not on HIV treatment. With bold targets aligned with HIV prevention and the promotion of health-seeking behaviour, the Campaign is also aimed at mobilising men to be champions of change against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

The National Men's Movement operates on a decentralised model, which includes annual provincial meetings, biannual district gatherings, quarterly local municipality sessions, and monthly community and traditional councils' men's parliaments. 

These activities are designed to develop context-specific local implementation plans, which draw from many lessons learned from previous Men's Sector engagements. 

The biennial sitting of the Men's Parliament is therefore a platform for Men's Sector structures to account, to reflect and to consider priorities for the next two years until the next national sitting in 2026.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks; Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Steve Letsike, development partners such as UNAIDS and CDC, as well as Traditional Leaders.

Media is invited to attend and cover the sitting as follows:
Part A: Media Briefing
Date: Friday, 06 December 2024
Time: 09h00-10h00
Venue: Parow Municipal Chambers, 121 Voortrekker Road, Parow, Cape Town

Part B: Men's Two-Day Parliament
Date: Friday and Saturday, 06-07 December 2024
Time: 10h30
Venue: Parow Municipal Chambers

Members of the media are requested to RSVP to: 
Mr Karabo Makgato from SANAC on Karabo.m@sanac.org.za or
Campaign and Men's Parliament Spokespersons
Mr Beau Nkaelang on +27 83 533 3110 or  beauzana@gmail.com or Mr Bhekimpi Mchunu, National Men's Forum SA President on 082 924 9243 or bhekimpi@sukumandodasakhe.org.za

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Directors,
MTN Group Chairman, Mr Mcebisi Jonas,
Members of the Boards and Executive Committees of the MTN Group and MTN South Africa,
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of Parliament
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Team MTN,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Y’ello. 

It is a great honour to celebrate with you three decades of the MTN Group.

For me, it feels like a homecoming.

The privilege of leading MTN as the Group Chairman was a challenging and immensely rewarding experience.

As a company, MTN has transformed the lives of millions of people in this country and across our continent of Africa.

In many ways, MTN’s journey mirrors the journey of South Africa’s democracy.

At the time of the transition towards democracy in the early 1990s, South Africa was among the most connected nations on the continent with over 3 million landlines.

Yet, as in almost every other area of life, access to telephony was severely unequal.

At the time, there were 60 telephone lines for every 100 white people. 

There was only one line for every 100 black people. 

In these circumstances, it took visionaries like the late Dr Nthato Motlana and Zwelakhe Sisulu to see the potential of mobile technology to close this gap. 

Others did not see the opportunity.

Some said that no more than 18 000 South Africans would want cell phones, and these would be mainly driven by business and wealthier customers.

The reality was very different.

South Africa cellphone companies reached a million subscribers within two years.

This spectacular growth was spurred by innovations such as prepaid, which South Africa was to introduce to the global community.

It was in this early period that the foundation for MTN’s unique culture was laid. 

It is a culture that is characterised by resilience, adaptability and a relentless drive to succeed. 

Over the past three decades, MTN has evolved from a small South African start-up of 20 employees into a global telecommunications leader which now employs over 17 500 individuals representing more than 70 nationalities across 18 diverse markets.

MTN’s many employees are united by a shared belief in the transformative power of technology. 

Distance is no longer the impediment it had once been.

Services can be delivered more cheaply and more reliably.

Very soon after its introduction, the cellphone became an important tool for social cohesion.

It helped to strengthen bonds between communities, family members and friends.

This new frontier of economic and social transformation has, in the main, been driven by the youth of our continent. 

The industry is a case study of how young Africans can drive innovation and growth.

They have pioneered new ways of working and new business models.

On this anniversary, we salute the early pioneers and all those who have since been at the forefront of leading Africa’s digital progress.

It is a poignant moment, for there are some who are no longer with us to celebrate these great achievements.

We remember with fondness and admiration the former CEO Sifiso Dabengwa, who passed away just a few months ago.

We remember Sifiso for his visionary leadership of this company and for his deep insights into the industry, the economy and, indeed, society.

We also remember the personal qualities that endeared him to so many: his integrity, his humanity and his quiet strength.

He has set an example for all those at MTN who have followed in his footsteps.

Colleagues and friends,

This evening, we recognise the contribution that MTN Group has made to unleashing the potential of African economies. 

We recognise its contribution to a better and more sustainable world. 

In countries like South Africa, MTN has sought to ensure that no one is left behind.

Its network reaches some 97% of the population, providing a foundation for digital inclusion and economic empowerment. 

The industry has helped to democratise public goods and services. 

It has enabled the provision of financial, health, education, social welfare and other service to the most far flung areas. 

We are told that by the end of 2025, there will be no less than 613 million unique subscribers in Africa. 

The mobile sector in Sub-Saharan Africa generated more than 140 billion US dollars of economic value last year. 

MTN is a big part of this growth story.

The group provides voice, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale and API services to 288 million customers in 18 markets.

MTN Mobile Money provides over 65 million individuals with access to financial services, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved communities. 

It is almost impossible to imagine the Africa of today without the Y’ello team.

We know that this work has not been without difficulties. 

This is an industry that is affected by geopolitical developments and economic instability.

As a company with a presence in so many countries, MTN must operate in many different fiscal, policy and regulatory environments.

Over the years, MTN has become adept at managing and thriving in different markets.

The company has participated meaningfully in the various business forums we have arranged with other countries on the African continent – and indeed elsewhere in the world.

MTN has consistently encouraged and supported government’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with other countries.

It has been generous in sharing its experiences and insights of different markets.

As MTN looks to its future, we are certain that it will make use of the great opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

There are few companies in South Africa that know the African continent better than MTN. We trust that it will forge a path that many others can follow.

As South Africa enters a new era in its democratic journey, so MTN begins a new chapter in its remarkable story.

As we work to improve the lives of the people of South Africa, we know that we can rely on the ingenuity, the industry and the commitment of the MTN team to support these efforts.

As we look to a future of peace, prosperity and hope, we should embrace the MTN clarion call of ‘doing for tomorrow, today’.

As we look to the future of our continent, we recall the words of Pixley ka Isaka Seme in his speech on the Regeneration of Africa more than a century ago:

The brighter day is rising upon Africa. Already I seem to see her chains dissolved, her desert plains red with harvest, her Abyssinia and her Zululand the seats of science and religion, reflecting the glory of the rising sun from the spires of their churches and universities. 

Her Congo and her Gambia whitened with commerce, her crowded cities sending forth the hum of business, and all her sons employed in advancing the victories of peace – greater and more abiding than the spoils of war.

In this vision, we see the future of our continent.

In this vision, we see the future of MTN.

May the next 30 years of MTN be as meaningful, as innovative and as successful as the journey of the last three decades.

I thank you.
 

Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane,
Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Les Govender,
All Premiers present,
NCOP delegates,
Representatives of local government,
Fellow South Africans,

It has been almost six months since South Africans went to the polls.

Through their votes, the people of South Africa gave their elected representatives a firm mandate to improve their living conditions and their prospects for a better life.

Since then, we have worked to give effect to that mandate.

Guided by the will of the people, we established a Government of National Unity consisting of 10 parties from across the political spectrum.

While these parties differ on many issues, they have committed themselves to inclusive economic growth and accelerated job creation. 

They have committed themselves to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.

And, to advance these priorities, the parties to the Government of National Unity have committed themselves to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

The decision by the NCOP to dedicate this debate to focus on our collective efforts to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living is a worthy and timely response to the mandate of the people.

As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, we acknowledge the great progress we have made in lifting millions of South Africans out of absolute poverty.

In 1993, 71 percent of South Africans lived in poverty. 

By 2010, the poverty rate had dropped to 61 percent.

Ten years later, in 2020, it was at 56 percent.

Yet, people’s lived experiences confirm the persistence of poverty and inequality.

The daily struggle to meet the basic necessities of life – food, water, electricity and transport – is a reality for many families across the country.

Even today, nearly a quarter of South Africa’s people experience food poverty.

We know that poverty in South Africa has deep roots. It is the inevitable consequence of centuries of colonial and apartheid humiliation, dispossession and exclusion.

Apartheid was designed to create islands of privilege in a sea of inequality, poverty and despair. 

These are the divisions of the past that, through our Constitution, we have made a commitment to heal.

In the preamble to our Constitution, we have vowed to improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

The end of poverty and inequality in South Africa therefore requires nothing less than the fundamental social and economic transformation of our country.

Over the course of the last 30 years, we have set out on the path of transformation.

We have made progress on many fronts. But we have also confronted severe constraints and challenges to our development.

Some of these constraints and challenges have arisen from beyond our shores. 

Some of these challenges include a series of global financial crises, a devastating global pandemic, geopolitical rivalry and the catastrophic effects of climate change.

But many of these constraints and challenges have arisen at home. These include state capture and corruption, policy missteps, service delivery failures and civil unrest.

As we work to put these challenges behind us, our focus is on the actions we must take – boldly and with urgency – to implement our electoral mandate.

Our actions must make a real difference in people’s lives now.

Our actions must also build an inclusive economy that will continue to reduce poverty into the future – and ultimately eradicate it.

Since the advent of democracy, we have dedicated great effort and resources towards alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. 

As we work to rebuild the economy, to create more employment and open opportunities for emerging businesses, we continue to assist the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. 

We provide various forms of support and protection through the ‘social wage’.

This includes the provision of social grants, free basic services, health care, basic education, higher education, social housing and transport. 

When debt servicing costs are excluded, around 60 percent of government’s budget is spent on the social wage. 

The funds we spend on social support and protection are not wasted. They make a real difference in people’s lives and improve their prospects for a better future.

The results of Census 2022 show the impact of these social policies. 

Households living in formal houses increased to 89 percent in 2022, a huge rise from 65 percent in 1996. 

Eight out of 10 South Africans now have access to piped water at home or in their yards.

Ninety percent of people have access to electricity, up from 58 percent in 1996.

A vital part of the effort to reduce the cost of living is the provision of a free basic minimum of services to indigent households.

Through this programme, millions of indigent people have been able to access basic needs like electricity and water.

Yet, we know that this programme is not reaching all the people it should.

It is estimated, for example, that around 10 million poor households qualify for free basic electricity, but it only reaches about 2.3 million households.

While the provision of such services to indigent households is funded by the national fiscus, these resources are either poorly managed by municipalities or they are misdirected to other council expenditures.

This is one instance where the weaknesses in local government have a direct bearing on the quality of life of the poorest in our society. 

It is one of the reasons that we are working to ensure that we have effective local government as part of our efforts to build a capable state.

Social grants remain a lifeline for millions of people, particularly children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The introduction of the SRD grant during the Covid-19 pandemic has provided much needed relief to as many as 11 million unemployed people at its peak.

Today, around half of all households in South Africa benefit from social grants.

Studies have shown that the Child Support Grant has a positive impact on children’s nutrition, health, school attendance and educational outcomes.

Although there are some weaknesses in the system, it is impressive that the State provides direct financial support to 28 million beneficiaries every month without fail.

But, we must also recognise that this is not a desirable nor a sustainable situation.

While there will always be people who need support – such as the elderly, children and persons with disabilities – our aim must be to steadily move as many social grant recipients as possible into sustainable livelihoods.

Food is among the most basic of human needs.

Yet, nearly a quarter of households consider their access to food as inadequate or severely inadequate.

While the steep rise in food inflation since the Covid pandemic has eased over the last few months, consumers are yet to feel the effects in their pockets.

Among the measures to ensure that all South Africans have affordable access to sufficient food, Government is looking at whether the basket of food items that is exempted from VAT could be expanded to include more basic products. 

Another important area is the expansion of the country’s agricultural output.

This requires more effective land redistribution and the provision of the support needed by beneficiaries to work the land.

We have seen how financial support to small-scale farmers in recent years has significantly increased the cultivation of land.

Many South Africans get their food from spaza shops and informal traders.

These outlets are an important part of township and rural economies. They provide residents with convenience and value.

However, the recent spate of food-borne illnesses has highlighted the several risks associated with these enterprises.

The tragic deaths of a number of children after eating food from some of these outlets requires urgent and decisive action to prevent the contamination of food by harmful substances, particularly pesticides that are being sold unlawfully.

Since we announced a range of measures two weeks ago, multi-disciplinary teams have been conducting inspections of spaza shops across the country.

Nearly 200,000 spaza shops have been visited. 

More than 1,000 spaza shops, supermarkets and warehouses have been closed down.

Large quantities of goods have been confiscated and numerous fines have been issued for violations of by-laws.

Poverty in South Africa is also a consequence of where people live.

Our cities and towns were designed by the apartheid planners to keep black people at a distance from the centres of economic activity and social services. 

This has created spatial inequality that we have not yet been able to overcome.

One of the consequences of this situation is that millions of South Africans, especially the poor and working class, spend a large portion of their income on transport costs. 

Studies suggest that poor households can spend more than a third of their income on transport.

The work that has been done over the last few years to restore the key commuter train corridors to full operation is a vital part of efforts to reduce the cost of living.

Surveys by Statistics SA have shown that trains are the least expensive mode of transport in the country.

In 2020, the cost of train travel was around 40 percent less than by minibus taxi and 27 percent less than by bus.

Another challenge we have had to confront is energy poverty.

We have done well as a country: across almost all municipalities between 80 and 100 percent of households have access to electricity.

Yet we have struggled for more than a decade to produce enough electricity to meet demand, which resulted in crippling load shedding.

The cost of building new generating capacity, combined with the effects of state capture and mismanagement, has contributed to a steady rise in the cost of electricity for consumers.

Even now, NERSA is considering an application from Eskom for tariff increases that will put a further strain on households and businesses. 

It is vital that we settle on a tariff path that enables Eskom to achieve financial sustainability while not placing an undue burden on consumers of electricity.

We have embarked on far-reaching reforms of the electricity sector that will establish a competitive electricity market. 

This will improve energy security and lower the cost of electricity.

Improving access to quality health care is central to our efforts to tackle poverty.

A healthier nation is a more productive nation. 

As a Government, we have prioritised the strengthening of primary healthcare. 

This is an important part of the progressive implementation of the National Health Insurance, which will give all South Africans equal access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay.

The work underway to implement the NHI includes the upgrading and expansion of public health facilities and the training of qualified and capable personnel.

Education is ultimately the most powerful instrument we have to end poverty.

By investing in the skills and capabilities of young people, we will be able to break the cycle of poverty that is handed down from one generation to the next.

We have done much to make education accessible and affordable for all, including through no-fee schools and funding for tertiary students from poor and working class backgrounds. 

Almost 90 percent of all learners in the public education system attend no-fee schools.

The number of students benefiting from NSFAS rose from around 40,000 in the early years of democracy to over 780,000 last year.

We are now focused on achieving universal access for all children to early childhood development facilities. This is essential to prepare them for school and set them up to be successful in life.

In basic education, we have prioritised improvements in reading and mathematics. 

Due to our past, millions of South Africans experience asset poverty.

They do not own land or houses or other assets that can be used to raise capital, to start a business or to hand on to the next generation.

We have started to address the challenge of asset poverty through our land reform programmes and the provision of subsidised housing.

While the state has provided houses to millions of South Africans since 1994, many people do not have title deeds to these houses.

We are working to remove the backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing and reform the system of title deeds to make it more affordable and accessible.

Crime, violence and corruption make people poorer.

They make communities live in fear.

In recent years, we have focused on putting more boots on the ground through the recruitment of police personnel.

In this Administration, the South African Police Service will implement a more data-driven approach to target violent crime hotspots and direct resources accordingly. 

The SAPS, through more effective policing will continue to work with communities through community policing forums to promote the role of citizens in reducing crime.

One of the most pervasive and vicious forms of crime in South Africa is the violence perpetrated by men against women and children.

Through the National Strategic Plan against Gender-Based Violence, we are strengthening the response of the criminal justice system, providing better support for survivors of gender-based violence, and reducing the vulnerability of women through improving their economic position.

We are also undertaking programs of prevention, working with men and boys in particular to address the attitudes and practices that contribute to such crimes.

On Monday, we joined people around the world in marking the start of 16 Days of Activism of no Violence against Women and Children.

We call on all South Africans to become involved and to raise awareness about this scourge and what we need to do to end gender-based violence.

Madam Chairperson,

While the number of people in employment has doubled over the last 30 years, this has not kept pace with the number of people entering the workforce each year.

More than 11 million people are currently unemployed in South Africa.

Because there can be no job creation without growth, we have placed inclusive economic growth at the centre of the work of the Government of National Unity.

We are pursuing far-reaching economic reforms to make the economy more competitive and to enable greater growth.

There is now significant momentum to our reforms in strategic network industries like electricity, water, telecommunications, rail and ports. 

In this Administration, we are focusing on reforming the local government system and improving the delivery of basic services.

We are expanding investment in infrastructure.

Infrastructure investment contributes to economic growth by stimulating activity in the construction and related industries. 

It also provides the networks and facilities that allow for the production and distribution of raw materials, manufactured goods, data, electricity, water and the other essentials of a functioning economy.

We have seen the impact on people’s lives of new roads and bridges in rural areas, of new clinics and hospitals, of new schools and colleges, of water schemes and new housing projects.

Over the last four years, major projects have been completed in areas such as transport, water and sanitation, energy, human settlements and student accommodation.

Another 82 Strategic Integrated Projects, with a combined value of R437 billion are in construction.

The problem of unemployment is most severe among young people.

To address this, the government established the SAYouth.mobi platform for young people to find opportunities for employment, training and development. 

Other initiatives include a pay-for-performance programme that links training to employment opportunities.

The revitalised National Youth Service involves young people in different fields of work social and community work.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created earning opportunities for more than 2 million participants. Around 84 percent of participants are young people.

The government is increasing support for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the spectrum, from informal enterprises to high growth, high-tech start-ups.

To unlock growth in informal employment, the government is working to ease restrictions on informal trading, reduce the cost of trading and expand lending to small businesses by providing guarantees and first-loss funding.

One of the pillars of our response to gender-based violence is the economic empowerment of women.

At the same time, improving the economic position of women is a critical part of reducing poverty and inequality – and unleashing the potential of our economy.

One of the initiatives to empower women is the Women Economic Assembly, which has done good work to incorporate women-owned businesses into established business value chains.

The women economic empowerment programme has now trained 10,000 women businesses to secure procurement from the government and the private sector. 

As we pursue inclusive growth, we need to be increasingly seeking opportunities elsewhere on the African continent.

As the African Continental Free Trade Area gains momentum, our companies need to expand their presence in the huge continental market that is being formed.

On Sunday, the 1st of December, South Africa will be taking over the Presidency of the G20 group of countries.

Together, these countries account for 75 percent of the world’s trade and 85 percent of global GDP.

We will use our Presidency to bring the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20.

Through our G20 Presidency we will focus on the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. 

We will call on the members of the G20 to stand in solidarity with those people who are facing hardship, poverty and conflict.

We will work to tackle inequality through fair and consistent trade rules, improved debt relief mechanisms, and increased funding for climate actions and development. 

We aim to strengthen the commitment of all countries to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The G20 Presidency is also an opportunity to present to the world the great opportunities and experiences that South Africa has to offer.

Arising from the elections in May, the Government of National Unity has been working with other formations in society towards the convening of a National Dialogue.

The National Dialogue will encourage the participation of all South Africans, as individuals and in their various formations.

The National Dialogue will need to address the persistence of poverty, unemployment and inequality. 

The National Dialogue will seek to forge a new social compact on the action required by all members of society to achieve the vision of the National Development Plan. 

In closing, I wish to recall the words of our founding President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign in 2005.

He said:

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

There are moments when the depth of poverty in our country may lead us to despair.

Poverty, unemployment and inequality are so pervasive and so persistent that we sometimes fear we may never overcome them.

And yet, we overcame apartheid. We overcame slavery and colonialism.

Through our collective actions, we will be able to end poverty in our country.

Together, we will be able to achieve a more just, more equal society in which all South Africans share in the country’s wealth.

A society in which no one is left behind.

I thank you.

Co-Programme Directors;
Our host, Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi;
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindiswa Chikunga;
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Councillor Sheila Mabale-Huma;
Premiers and Speakers of Provincial Legislatures;
Executive Mayors and Councillors;
Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality;
Chairperson of SALGA;
Leaders of the Traditional Sector;
Leaders of Faith-Based Organisations;
Leaders of the Private Sector;
Leaders of Civil Society Organisations;
Leaders of Academic and Research Institutions;
Members of the Media;
Invited Guests;
Fellow South Africans;
Dumelang!!! Good morning!!!

I stand before you today as we mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign that calls upon each of us to take a stand against the injustices that continue to plague our society.

This period, from 25 November to 10 December, is a time for reflection, action, and solidarity. During this, we collectively raise our voices to draw attention to the persistent violence against women and children. However, a full year of action is required to combat gender-based violence and femicide, not just during these 16 days.

This year's theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,” serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead.

For three decades, we have been united in a shared vision to create a world free from violence and discrimination. We have witnessed the power of collective action in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable among us.

CHALLENGES
As a society, we have been grappling with this issue for many years, and this fight is still not over. The country has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence, including rape, femicide, and domestic abuse.

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) and the Human Science and Research Council (HSRC) have both reported concerning statistics on gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.  StatsSA shows that one in three women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has been sexually abused. 

The HSRC released the results of the first-ever national Gender-Based Violence survey conducted in 2022, revealing that over 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, while 9.8% have faced sexual violence. Approximately 7.3 million women have experienced physical abuse, while 2.1 million have experienced sexual violations.

The prevalence of physical abuse was significantly higher among Black African women who were cohabiting or not married, as well as women aged between 18 and 24 years.

About 1 in 4 women have been victims of emotional abuse in their lifetime.

The survey indicated that most perpetrators are known to the victims. Intimate partners and family members were the most common perpetrators of violence. A high proportion of perpetrators were found to have a history of substance abuse, such as alcohol and drug use.

The results also show that economic abuse is rife, with 13% of women having experienced this violence in their lifetime and 15% of men reporting perpetrations. These are men who withhold earnings, prohibit women from working, throw women out of the house, and take women’s earnings.

The survey reported high levels of childhood physical abuse experiences among women and men. This is indicative of a generational cycle of abuse.

These data present a bleak picture of the scope of GBV in our society. This catastrophe impacts millions of South Africans while undermining the pillars of our democracy and economic prosperity.

This is not the South Africa we want!

The South African Medical Research Council femicide study has also provided significant insights into the alarming rates of femicide in South Africa. According to the study, an intimate partner or family member kills a woman in South Africa every three hours, making it one of the countries with the highest femicide rates in the world.

The evidence underscores the urgent need for continued efforts. Unless we are all hands-on deck, we will not realise our vision of no gender-based violence and femicide by 2030.

Compatriots,

Another issue that continues to tear our society apart is the number of child and teenage pregnancies which continues to increase, this is a crisis that cannot be ignored.

In South Africa, every year, thousands of our children fall pregnant. According to Statistics South Africa, last year's births to teenage girls aged 10 to 19 years represented 12% of all births. In numbers, it was 102,648.

These are not just numbers. They are young girls who should be in school, playing with their friends, dreaming about their futures, and building their hopes.

We must understand that child pregnancies do not happen in a vacuum. They are the result of deep-rooted socio-economic, cultural, and educational issues.

Many child pregnancies are the result of rape and sexual abuse.

This indicates a decline in moral standards within our society, and we must deal with such individuals by reporting them to the police, denying them bail, and placing them in jail. If we are to win this battle against GBV, we must act collectively and not shield those who commit these heinous crimes.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO FIGHT GBV
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a government, we are committed to taking the findings of these surveys seriously, and we will integrate them into our work. These findings will feed directly into the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), which provides the roadmap for our national response.

The government working with all will sectors to develop an action plan that can be implemented. We will collaborate towards a plan that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable and guarantees the inclusion of everyone in our joint endeavour to eradicate violence.

This is a national crisis that requires a national response. And I assure you, we are fully committed to taking these findings forward to build a safer, more just society for all.
As part of its continuous commitment to combating the scourge, the Cabinet has approved dealing with gender-based violence and femicide as if it were a pandemic. 

The foundation of this approach lies in a clear focus on three key areas:
1.    Strengthening institutional arrangements, which we are advancing by establishing a multi-sectoral National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) to coordinate and drive efforts across all sectors.
2.    Scaling up prevention efforts, including leveraging preferential procurement to help alleviate poverty, which is a key driver of violence, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
3.    We are enhancing the use of evidence-based approaches, ensuring that solid data, research, and the lived experiences of victims and survivors inform all interventions and policies.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me also share with you some of the concrete actions we have taken over the past year to create a safer and more just society. 
·       We have passed laws that prioritise the safety of women and children, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act.
·       The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill was signed into law on May 24, 2024, establishing it as an urgent priority
·       We are piloting Online Applications for Protection Orders, making it easier for victims to access the legal protection they need. 
·       68 courts have been upgraded to meet the Minimum Standards for the National Strategy on Reasonable Accommodations to ensure that all court users, including those with disabilities, have access to justice.
·       We have completed the Gqeberha Forensic Laboratory and upgraded the Crime Administration System, enabling better management of crime data.
·       Strides have been made in clearing the historical DNA backlog, and prioritising cases to ensure timely and effective justice for victims and survivors.
·       We developed a category of crimes constituting gender-based violence, making it easier to identify and track cases in our legal system.
·       The Women Economic Assembly (WECONA), launched in October 2021, has unlocked opportunities for women across key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and health.
·       The Presidential Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme has reached 6,684 women entrepreneurs across several provinces, helping them grow their businesses through preferential procurement opportunities.
·       We have supported 270 Civil Society Organisations across the country that provide direct services to victims and survivors, with a total of R89.7 million in funding through the Criminal Justice and Recovery Assets funds.
·       Approximately 96,980 victims have accessed psychosocial support through the GBV Command Centre.
·       We have established three Khuseleka centres and increased the number of designated health facilities to 57, ensuring victims have access to comprehensive support.

The number of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) in South Africa has been increased to 65 through partnerships with civil society and the private sector. These centres offer comprehensive support to victims, including medical care, psychosocial services, and legal assistance. 

The mining sector is also working to improve response, care, and support services for victims and survivors, with a centre sponsored in Limpopo and here in the North West.

The multi-sectoral END GBVF 100-day challenge programme led by the World of Impact organisation is accelerating the implementation of the National Strategic Plan at the local level.

The programme is yielding results across all provinces. This year there is a dedicated focus on increasing the reporting of cases; increasing safe spaces for victims and survivors; decreasing school dropouts due to bullying; and reducing the maintenance backlog. We recognise the profound impact these challenges have on individuals and communities.

Compatriots, these are the tangible steps that show our commitment!

Using the whole-of-society approach, we will persistently assess the effectiveness of our interventions. We will focus on prevention and economic empowerment, recognising the importance of financial independence in breaking the cycle of violence.
We are committed to creating opportunities for women and children, ensuring they have access to quality education, employment, and resources that enable them to achieve financial independence.

We must work together, across all levels of society, to drive systemic change and build a safer, more equitable environment for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We must further collaborate to harness technology and innovation to combat gender-based violence and accelerate a gender-inclusive digital economy.

We must have zero tolerance toward gendered violence in online and digital spaces. The rise of the digital economy and the increasing use of technology in our daily lives have introduced new avenues for perpetrators to harm, exploit, and abuse women and children.

From cyberbullying and online harassment to the dangers posed by social media platforms, digital spaces can become breeding grounds for violence.

However, we can also harness the same technology as a tool for change, protection, and empowerment. From using mobile apps that provide immediate support to victims and survivors to artificial intelligence that can help us understand and curb the pandemic, the potential is vast!

Mobile apps, helplines, and emergency response systems provide a direct link to safety, offering quick access to shelters, medical care, and legal assistance.

In South Africa, initiatives such as the GBV Command Centre - a 24/7 digital and telephonic support service - have proven instrumental in helping victims and survivors.

We must leverage these advancements to enhance our prevention strategies, improve our response mechanisms, and ensure that no one is left behind. We should make the internet a place where everyone can feel safe and respected.

Moreover, accelerating a gender-inclusive digital economy is essential for empowering women and children. Access to technology and digital skills can open new economic opportunities, enabling financial independence and resilience.

As we embark on these 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children, let us harness the power of technology and innovation to drive systemic change. Let us not forget that technology can be a force for good. It has the potential to save lives, connect victims and survivors to support, and hold perpetrators accountable in ways that were previously unimaginable.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

While progress has been made, the road to eliminating gender-based violence in South Africa is long and requires sustained commitment and action.

It is not enough for us to simply react to violence; we must prevent it. 
 
Meaningful change requires collective action from all sectors of society. 

We must instil in our children, our youth, and ourselves that respect, equality, and dignity for every individual, regardless of gender, is non-negotiable.

We must engage men and boys in this struggle because their participation is essential to ending gender-based violence and femicide.

We cannot build a society free from violence if we do not challenge the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and toxic masculinity that perpetuate it.

These deep-seated beliefs are learned and passed down through generations, and it is only through collective action that we can begin to shift this culture.

We must fight GBV from its root causes.

We call on all men to take the pledge to end gender-based violence and femicide. In this regard, a pledge for South African Men to end GBVF offers practical ways for men to become allies.

This pledge signifies your recognition of gender-based violence and femicide as a human rights violation, acknowledging the devastating impact of violence on society. It commits you to challenge harmful norms and prevent violence. It is a declaration of your commitment to speak out against harmful behaviour, stand up for vulnerable individuals, and work toward fostering respect, equality, and safety for all people. 
Your pledge is a pledge to not remain silent!
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I urge all of us—government, traditional leaders, faith-based communities, civil society, business, development partners, communities, and individuals—to commit to this fight. Together, we can make South Africa a country where violence against women and children is nothing but a dark chapter in our past.

As we mark these 16 Days of Activism, let us renew our resolve and stand united in this fight for the sake of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and all women in our land. 
Our actions today will determine the future of our nation. 

A future where all women and children can walk freely in their communities without fear of violence.

We have the power to shape this future. But we must all take responsibility, and we must do so now!

As I conclude, allow me to take this moment together with you to remember and honour the lives of many of our children, sisters and mothers who have lost their lives to this scourge. It is in your honour that we continue to fight this fight. 

To all women who currently find themselves victims of Gender Based Violence, we want you to know that we are here for you, we love you, and we encourage you to speak out, and step out. As the government, we will do all it takes to protect you and ensure you have a prosperous future. 

Kealeboga, I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 December 2024, host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

The Heads of State will use the occasion of the State Visit to solidify relations between the two countries who share deep historical ties.

President Ramaphosa and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will address a plenary session of a Business Forum on the afternoon of the State Visit on 12 December.

The forum will take place  under the theme, South Africa and Angola: Working Together to Forge a New Era of Cooperation and Partnerships to Increase Mutually Beneficial Trade and Investment. 

Media are invited to apply for media accreditation to cover the incoming State Visit by completing the attached accreditation form: SOUTH AFRICA - ANGOLA STATE VISIT MEDIA ACCREDITATION.xlsx.

The media accreditation application form for the State Visit can be sent to Hlobisile Nkosi at hlobisile@presidency.gov.za and copy Sydwell Mabasa at sydwell@presidency.gov.za

Media accreditation will close on Friday, 06 December 2024 at 12h00. 

For the Business Forum, accreditation can be sent to Tshilidzi Mugovhoro at TMugovhoro@thedtic.gov.za 

Strictly, no late applications will be considered.

State Visit Details

Date: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria