Theme: Post-Pandemic and National Elections: Media, Social Cohesion and National Branding

Programme Director;
Acting Director-General of GCIS, Ms Nomonde Mnukwa;
Our esteemed panelists: Ms Ponstho Maruping, Mr. Neville Matjie, Mr. Tshepo Setshedi, and Mr. Mzuvele Mthethwa;
Our facilitator, Ms Elana Afrika;
Distinguished members of the media fraternity;
Senior government communicators;
Representatives from our valued sponsors;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Introduction

It is indeed an honour to stand before you this evening on the eve of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address. I have listened with great interest to the insightful panel discussion, and I am encouraged by the genuine commitment to our collective responsibility in shaping the narrative of our nation.

Tonight, as we gather here, we do so not merely as professionals but as custodians of our democracy, as architects of social cohesion and as stewards of our national brand. The theme of this evening's discussion - Media, Social Cohesion and National Branding – could not be timelier.

This year, our gathering takes on even greater significance as we stand at the intersection of three profound milestones: Firstly, we celebrate 30 years of our transformative Constitution, secondly, we mark 25 years of democratic local government, and thirdly, we look ahead to the 2026 local government elections. 

These are not mere anniversaries – they are testament to the resilience of our democracy and the enduring power of a Constitutional vision penned years ago. 

Reflecting on our journey: From Pandemic to Democratic Renewal 

Our Constitution – a beacon of hope that emerged from the darkest period of our history – enshrined not only our rights and freedoms but also a commitment to build a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights.

Over three decades we have seen remarkable progress, but also significant challenges. Long forgotten by most, the COVID-19 pandemic tested our health systems, our economy and the very fabric of our society. It challenged our communication systems, our media landscape, and our collective ability to maintain social cohesion in the face of unprecedented uncertainty.

Not so long ago, the 2024 national elections marked a significant chapter in our democratic journey. It demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the maturity of our political discourse. But it also highlighted something profound: the critical role that public communication plays in facilitating democratic participation, in fostering informed debate, and in holding power to account – all values enshrined in our Constitution.

Through both the pandemic and the elections, we witnessed the power of media – both traditional and new – to unite and, at times, to divide. We saw how information could heal or harm, how narratives could build bridges or erect walls, and how the stories we tell about ourselves as South Africans can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold us together.

Media as a force for Social Cohesion

The panel discussion tonight has rightfully focused on public communication’s role in promoting social integration and diversity. Let me be clear: in a nation as beautifully diverse as ours, media is not just a conveyor of information – it is a mirror that reflects who we are and a window that shows us who we can become.

Our media platforms have the profound responsibility and the unique opportunity to:

• Amplify diverse voices and tell the full spectrum of South African stories.
• Challenge stereotypes and counter divisive narratives.
• Celebrate our cultural richness while fostering a shared national identity.
• Bridge the divides of language, geography, and socio-economic status.

This is not about sanitising difficult conversations or avoiding legitimate criticism. Rather, it is about ensuring that even as we engage in robust debate, we do so in a manner that strengthens rather than weakens the bonds of our common humanity.

I recognise Social Media as a “The Double-Edged Sword of our Time”!

Ladies and gentlemen, we must acknowledge that social media has fundamentally transformed the communication landscape. It has democratised information dissemination, given voice to the previously voiceless, and enabled citizen journalism at an unprecedented scale.

However, we must also confront the challenges it presents:

• The spread of misinformation and disinformation.
• The creation of echo chambers that reinforce existing biases rather than challenging them.
• The weaponisation of social platforms to sow division and discord.
• The rise of the influencer economy and its impact on the credibility of information.

This last point – the growing influence of social media influencers – deserves particular attention. We must ask ourselves: How do we ensure that the pursuit of likes, shares, and followers does not come at the expense of truth, accuracy, and responsible communication? How do we harness the reach of influencers for nation-building while maintaining standards of credible information dissemination?

National Branding: Telling the South African story to the world!

Nation branding is not about creating false narratives nor glossing over our challenges. It is about authentic storytelling that presents the full picture of who we are as a nation – our struggles and our triumphs, our challenges and our resilience, our diversity and our unity.

Brand South Africa, under the leadership of Mr. Neville Manjies, plays a crucial role in this endeavour. But national branding cannot be the work of one organisation alone. Every media house, every journalist, every government communicator, and yes, every influencer with a platform, contributes to how South Africa is perceived both at home and abroad.

I want to particularly acknowledge Ms Pumza Maruping's contribution to tonight's panel. As Managing Director of SARAO, she represents an often-overlooked dimension of nation branding: “authentic achievement”. The MeerKAT Radio Telescope under her leadership has made South Africa a global destination for scientific excellence, attracting international collaboration while creating local opportunities. Her experience – from the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to community engagement in the Karoo – demonstrates that our strongest national brand is built not on marketing, but on real excellence that the world cannot ignore. This is the resilient, innovative, forward-looking South Africa that must feature prominently in our national narrative.

Our national brand must reflect:

• Our constitutional values and democratic achievements.
• Our economic potential and investment opportunities.
• Our cultural wealth and creative industries.
• Our innovation and technological advancement.
• Our role as a voice for the Global South, African unity and defenders of human rights.

Defending our National Brand Against Misinformation

Recently we have witnessed deliberate attempts to damage South Africa's international reputation through the spread of false narratives and distorted representations of our reality. Sensationalised claims, often amplified through social media have painted a picture of our nation that bears little resemblance to the truth on the ground.

These fabricated narratives – whether about widespread violence, alleged systematic persecution, or grossly exaggerated accounts of crime and instability – have real consequences. They deter investment, undermine international confidence, and most painfully, they erode the pride and hope of our own citizens.

But here is what gives me hope: we have seen patriotic South Africans – including many in this room – rise to defend our nation's reputation with facts, with data, and with authentic stories of our reality.

Our South African media practitioners have played a crucial role in this defence. They have:

• Investigated and debunked false claims with rigorous factchecking and evidence-based reporting.
• Provided balanced context that acknowledges our challenges while highlighting our progress.
• Amplified authentic South African voices to counter distorted narratives.
• Like the late Tshidi Madia (may her soul rest in peace) engaged with international media to correct misconceptions and provide accurate information.

This is patriotism at its finest – not blind loyalty that ignores problems, but informed advocacy that defends truth while working to address genuine systematic challenges. It is the kind of journalism and communication that builds rather than destroys.

Our nation's resilience is not just a marketing slogan – it is a lived reality that must be at the heart of our national brand. We must never forget that we are a nation that:

• Peacefully negotiated one of history's most remarkable political transitions.
• Built a Constitutional democracy that is admired around the world.
• Navigated a global pandemic while maintaining democratic processes and social stability.
• Continues to punch above our weight in international affairs, science, innovation, culture and sport.
• Remains a beacon of hope and possibility for the African continent, the developing world and nations who today are still fighting oppressive regimes.

This is the story we must tell – not to hide our challenges, but to provide the full context within which those challenges exist. When we succeed in telling our story authentically, we not only attract investment and tourism – we build national pride and social cohesion among our own people. We give our citizens, especially our young people, a narrative of hope to believe in and contribute to.

The Power of Partnerships

The question was raised: What partnerships can enhance media's role in promoting national unity? Let me be clear: the relationship between government and media should not be adversarial. Neither should it be uncritical or compliant. What we need is a relationship built on mutual respect, shared commitment to truth, and recognition of our complementary roles in serving the public interest.

Several questions tonight focused on local government, and rightly so. As we mark 25 years since the establishment of democratic local government in South Africa, we have much to celebrate but also much work still to do. Local government is where citizens most directly experience the impact of governance. 

In the lead-up to 2026 local government elections and beyond, we must:

• Strengthen the capacity of local government communicators to engage effectively with media.
• Support community media that serves as a bridge between municipalities and residents
• Promote media literacy at the grassroots level to combat misinformation, particularly around electoral processes.

The innovations we see from platforms like Kagiso Media, particularly through East Coast Radio's community engagement under Mr. Mthethwa's leadership, show us what is possible when media is deeply rooted in the communities it serves.

When measuring our impact on society we need metrics that go beyond audience numbers and revenue. We need to measure amongst others, diversity of voices and perspectives in our content; public trust in media institutions; and the extent to which media coverage promotes understanding across different communities. 

A Call to Action

Tomorrow, President Ramaphosa will address the nation of South Africa and outline government's programme of action for the year ahead. But the success of that programme will depend in large part on how effectively it is communicated and how well it resonates with the lived experiences of our people.

This is where each one of you plays a crucial role. Whether you are a journalist holding government accountable or a government communicator translating policy into accessible information – you are shaping the narrative of our nation.

Let us commit ourselves to:

• Fact-based reporting and communication that builds public trust.
• Inclusive storytelling that reflects the full diversity of our nation.
• Ethical use of digital platforms that prioritises truth over virality.
• Constructive engagement between media and government that serves the public interest

The media landscape will continue to evolve. New technologies will emerge. New challenges will arise. But our fundamental responsibility remains unchanged: to inform, to educate, to facilitate dialogue, and to strengthen the bonds that make us one nation.

Conclusion

Our 30-year-old Constitution gave us the framework. Our 25-year-old democratic local government brought governance closer to the people. Now, as we prepare for another round of local government elections, we must ensure that our media landscape supports informed participation and strengthens the bonds of community.

Social cohesion is not a destination – it is a continuous journey. National branding is not a marketing campaign – it is the authentic expression of who we are and who we aspire to be. And public communication’s role in both these endeavours is essential.

I thank you for the work you do every day in service of our democracy. I thank our sponsors for investing in platforms like this that bring us together. And I thank the GCIS team for creating this space for dialogue and collaboration.

As you enjoy the evening's festivities, I encourage you to continue the conversations started tonight. Build the partnerships that will strengthen our collective impact. Challenge each other to higher standards of excellence. And most importantly, never lose sight of the extraordinary privilege we have as communicators in this hopeful nation.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities, Steve Letsike;
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker;
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron;
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate;
Partners and stakeholders;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning.

South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future.

Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice.

As a democratic and responsive Government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind.

It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning.

As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country.

Government, therefore, has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity.

Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them.

Today, colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We continue to see meaningful progress. By the end of Quarter 3:

* More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
* The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
* This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter. 

Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market. 

These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding.
 
Achievements in Quarter 3

In the period October to December 2025:

* 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
* Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
* More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
* The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date. 

These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities.

Colleagues,

One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

* Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
* More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
* Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes.

This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes.

Ladies and gentleman,

The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways.

From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. 

This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant.

The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment.

Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate:
* Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
* They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
* The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation. 

This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities.

Colleagues and members of the media,

Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives.

Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures.

Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts.

To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now.

You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can:

* Find earning and learning opportunities
* Access work experience and enterprise support
* Receive job-readiness support and guidance
* Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country

This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information.

We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity.

Members of the media, the PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation, through partnerships and initiatives such as:

* Demand-led skills development
* Strengthening local economic ecosystems
* Expanding youth service opportunities
* Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus

We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete.

Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans.

To our partners and stakeholders, thank you.

And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities Steve Letsike
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate
Partners and stakeholders
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning.

South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future. Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice.

As a democratic and responsive government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind.

It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning.

As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country. Government therefore has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity. Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them.

Today, Colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We continue to see meaningful progress.

By the end of Quarter 3:

• More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
• The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
• This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter.

Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market.

These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding.

Achievements in Quarter 3

In the period October to December 2025:

• 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
• Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
• More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
• The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date. 
• These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities.

Colleagues,

One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

• Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
• More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
• Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes. 
• This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes.

Ladies and Gentleman,

The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways.

From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. 

This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant.

The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment.

Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate:

• Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
• They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
• The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation. 

This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities.

Colleagues and members of the media,

Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives.

Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures.

Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts.

To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now.

You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can:

• Find earning and learning opportunities
• Access work experience and enterprise support
• Receive job-readiness support and guidance
• Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country.

This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information.

We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity.

Members of the Media, The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation.

Through partnerships and initiatives such as:

• Demand-led skills development
• Strengthening local economic ecosystems
• Expanding youth service opportunities
• Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus.We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete.

Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans.

To our partners and stakeholders, thank you.

And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 12 February 2026, deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), at Cape Town City Hall.

The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country.

The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline Government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead.

During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa will outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address as follows:

Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
Time: 19h00
Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Western Cape

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers 
Representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr. Makgothi Thobakgale,
Chaplain of the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, Rev. Dr. Eben Mourries,
Leadership and staff of the Drakenstein Correctional Facility,
Residents,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Goeie môre. Molweni. Sanibonani. Dumelang. Avuxeni. Lotjhani.

Thirty-six years ago - almost to the day, the eyes of the world were fixed on the gates just beyond where we stand now.

They were waiting for the moment one man would walk out of the gates of history, and into legend. 

At around four-fifteen pm local time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela beside him, walked out of the gates into the massive crowd that had gathered to greet him.

To have been there beside the father of our nation as he took his first steps as a free man, remains one of the greatest honours of my life. 

Few moments have marked me more than being witness - at close quarters, to the day that lit the path toward the birth of a new South Africa.

Today the Drakenstein Correctional Facility once again stands at the threshold of a new chapter in our country’s history.

We are here to open a training center that will carry Madiba’s name, and carry forward his legacy of service, leadership and rebuilding.

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy stands as a powerful affirmation of the values Madiba stood for and lived by and that continue to guide our democracy. 

This facility will embody the letter and spirit of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules - as adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

Having spent 27 years in prison, Madiba stood for the fair and humane treatment of all throughout his life. 

Madiba believed that offenders are deserving of dignity, respect and humane treatment, and that that justice is not measured by how harshly we punish, but by how faithfully we uphold human dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Nelson Mandela Rules advocate for amongst others humane conditions of imprisonment, the importance of rehabilitation of offenders, the provision of educational and vocational training for inmates, and recognising the value of the work of prison staff.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We cannot talk about overcoming crime in South Africa without having a frank, honest conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending.  

Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the “lock the door and throw away the key” mentality when it comes to offenders.

Yet this will not serve us in the long term as a country.

Offenders come from communities, from families. 

They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. They are husbands, wives, partners, friends and colleagues. In as much as far too many in our country have been impacted by crime, there are also many families across the country from whence the offenders came, and they too have suffered. 

Once they have served their sentences, ex-offenders are released back into the community.  It is therefore a priority that we ensure that they are rehabilitated and provided with the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society. 

The reality is that we have fallen far short of this objective. Last year the Minister of Correctional Services disclosed that over the past three years more than 18 000 ex-offenders out on parole re-offended, including for serious crimes.

Ex-offenders face many challenges when they exit prison, particularly the stigma of having been behind bars. 

Many lack basic financial stability. Because they have a criminal record it is difficult, if not impossible to find work. Many ex-offenders leave prison with untreated mental health and substance abuse problems. Rebuilding trust with family members and friends is perhaps the hardest of all.

Countless offenders return to the same environment that contributed to them offending, where they are exposed to violence and drugs. Ex-offenders who were members of gangs inside prison are pressured to stay affiliated to the gang even when outside the prison walls.

Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many return to a life of crime. 

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is determined to break this cycle.

Last year work commenced on refurbishing the Drakenstein Management Area Training Center into this new facility. 

It will focus on providing education, skills training and support to inmates in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules - extending the vistas of opportunity to inmates in preparation for life outside prison, and those serving long sentences, a chance to better themselves.

I am told this is the first such facility of its kind on the African continent, so it will serve as a knowledge hub not only for South African officials, but also for the global corrections community. 

This is not merely a building, but a story.

You are welcomed by striking artwork depicting Madiba’s art created by offenders themselves. This is not incidental. It is deeply symbolic. It reflects the very essence of rehabilitation. It is about unlocking the human potential, creativity and self-worth.

The furniture that fills this academy has also been produced by offenders within our correctional system. Every table, every chair, every crafted piece speaks to the power of skills development, meaningful work and desire for change.

Today we open a repurposed, renovated and expanded facility, transformed into a modern training academy. One cannot help but marvel at the quality of workmanship. 

It fills me with pride to appreciate work of such high standard being produced by local hands, by men and women within our correctional system.

Working together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, this academy will ensure that training, practice and policy are firmly guided by the values Madiba stood for.

This facility symbolises the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity.

Allow me to pay tribute to the men and women of the Department of Correctional Services who perform one of the most demanding and often unrecognised duties in our public service. 

Every day, correctional officials work under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Your responsibility goes beyond custody and security. You have the duty to transform lives and instil hope where there is often despair. 

We appreciate and acknowledge the challenges posed by overcrowding and resource constraints. However, I take great encouragement from the efforts within the Department to advance self-sufficiency and sustainability, skills development and productive work, ensuring that correctional facilities become places of rehabilitation rather than mere containment. 

Your commitment affirms that even in the most difficult circumstances, our correctional system remains anchored in humanity, professionalism and service to the nation.

May this academy stand as a living tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy.  May it shape generations of correctional practitioners committed to dignity and reform.

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, and Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth And Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, will today brief the media as part of the release of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) Q3 2025/26 Report. 

The briefing will present progress made in advancing youth employment, provide an overview of programme outcomes, and highlight partnerships driving digital and economic opportunities for young people.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the briefing as follows:

Date: Wednesday 11 February 2025
Time: 14h00 - 16h00
Venue: Edunova, 1 Ndabeni Street, Langa, Cape Town

The programme will include opening remarks by the Deputy Minister Mhlauli, a presentation on the PYEI Q3 results, an overview of Edunova and the Innovation Fund, testimonies from youth participants, a media Q&A session, and a tour of the Edunova facilities.

The briefing will also highlight the ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative, a collaborative programme designed to empower young people, particularly young women, through digital skills development, micro-enterprise support, and sustainable economic participation.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindiswa
Chikunga,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr. Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency, Mr.
Ndumiso Kubheka,
Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Dr. Sunshine Myende,
Panellists and delegates,
Young South Africans,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon, and thank you for the warm welcome to this annual youth dialogue on the eve of the State of the Nation address, which is always a highlight for the President.

The President is unable to attend this year due to pressing issues as he is preparing for the State of the Nation Address. I however want to assure that immediately after this session I will be joining him to look at the final touch up on his speech and ensure that the issues that will be emerging from this gathering form part of his address to the nation.

This is primarily the President believes that young people, are our nation’s beating pulse, our present and our future.

The are not passive observers of the national mood - you set its tone and pace, you surface new ideas, and you turn what matters to you into conversations, debates and movements.

It is from you, the youth, that we come to appreciate what this country sounds like, what its many currents, and the lived experiences of our people are.

For anyone seeking to read the pulse of South Africa, one need only be in gatherings such as this one, so it is a real privilege to be here on behalf of the President. It is for this reason why the President in his absence asked that I come and engage, listen, and to learn from you, because you are the future. Together we want to resolve issues on the economy, on education, on healthcare as well as on climate change and any other issue that you consider necessary.

This is a year of particular significance for us as a nation, as we mark 50 years since the Soweto uprising. In 1976 the youth took to the streets, demanding that their voices be heard and refusing to accept a future that would exclude and marginalise them.

As today’s generation of young people, you are infused with the same moral clarity and sense of purpose.

Your instincts for success, for dignity and for taking up opportunity are hard-wired. They are “locked-in”, to use your Gen Z phrase.

A future in which democracy truly delivers for all is the struggle of your time and your generational mission. In striving to fulfil your goals, you are the worthy inheritors of the mantle of the 1976 generation.

Allow me to thank the National Youth Development Agency for convening this dialogue.

For the past 17 years the NYDA has been at the forefront of our efforts as government to connect young people to livelihoods, skills training and economic opportunities. The NYDA has facilitated a range of interventions to support youth entrepreneurship and also lent its support to the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and others.

On behalf of President Ramaphosa, I look forward to hearing more from the young South Africans on today’s panel who are the beneficiaries of the NYDA’s work.

As has been the case in the past, the valuable insights gleaned from this engagement have enriched the State of the Nation address and given us valuable food for thought.

I keep my words brief because I would like this to be a real exchange of views.

I am here with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayor of Cape Town, Councillors, Officials from all spheres of government not only to share with you what we as government are doing but to plan with you the future of our country.

Thank you once more for welcoming me and I look forward to our discussion today.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s ongoing support to diplomatic and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is in line with South Africa’s long stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations. 

In a telephone call held today, 10 February 2026, President Ramaphosa received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin on the situation in Ukraine and on Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution. 

On the bilateral relationship, President Ramaphosa welcomed the engagements with Russia aimed at advancing the development of a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework within the Russia-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.  

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in key international fora such as BRICS and the G20.

President Ramaphosa and President Putin pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In this regard, teams from both sides will continue their engagements towards the finalisation of this process. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Mr Zulu,
Honourable Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso,
Honourable MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Elzabe Rockman,
District Mayor, Cllr Conny Msibi, and other Councillors,
Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Ntate Morena Neo Mopeli,
Leaders of Communal Property Associations,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.

It is an honour to join the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders gathered here today for this important engagement with land reform beneficiaries. Programmes such as this are not ceremonial. They are about restoring dignity, strengthening ownership, and ensuring that land reform translates into real economic participation for our people.

The handover of title deeds represents far more than a legal process. It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future.

Government is clear that land reform must not only transfer land, but must also support sustainable use of that land. Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development.

This work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. 

One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership. This work ensures that more South Africans are able to participate meaningfully in the economy and build intergenerational wealth. 

Today’s engagement therefore forms part of a much larger national effort to unlock opportunity, restore dignity, and build a capable, responsive state that works for its people.

We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency. Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice.

To the beneficiaries present today: the land you receive is a foundation for progress. Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations.

Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development, and shared prosperity.

I thank you.