President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted legislation that will enable South Africa to expand bulk water infrastructure and improve the management of existing water assets to ensure water security over the next decade.

The President has assented to the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill, which establishes a new agency that will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will be able to mobilise finance for new projects through innovative models to crowd in private investment.

The new legislation forms part of reforms – in the water sector aimed at increasing investment in the maintenance and construction of water infrastructure and improved water quality.

These reforms are driven by Operation Vulindlela – a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.

The initiative aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.

The new law flows from a project of the Department of Water and Sanitation to restructure the South African national water resources infrastructure.

Over the past few years, there has been an emerging recognition of the need for a stronger public sector in the key area of infrastructure development, effective maintenance, operation and management of existing infrastructure, and to support social and economic development.

The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Act establishes the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited as a vehicle to achieve the strategic objectives of government to eradicate poverty and to ensure sustainable and equitable development, including promoting the State’s socio-economic and transformation objectives.

The law seeks to address the current fragmentation in water resource management between the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Water Trading Entity, and to establish an agency that is able to raise funds on its own balance sheet to increase investment in water infrastructure.

The Act outlines the establishment of the Agency as a State-Owned Company and major public entity.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa;
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, Dr Dion George;
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa;
President of the South African Local Government Association, Cllr Bheke Stofile;
Mayors;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Representatives of finance institutions;
Representatives of municipalities, labour, business and civil society;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good Morning. 

It is a great pleasure for me to be here at this inaugural conference on the role of municipalities in our country’s just energy transition. 

Rapid, sustainable and inclusive economic growth is a central priority of the Government of National Unity.

And low-carbon, climate resilient development is central to achieving this inclusive growth. 

This presents our country with a challenge, but also an opportunity.

Electricity generated from fossil fuels accounts for most of South Africa’s carbon  emissions. 

Because industry is still mainly reliant on power produced by Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, our entire economy is carbon-intensive. 

As the world changes, our reliance on fossil fuels to industrialise poses a significant risk. 

It poses threats to our economy, society and environment if we do not drive the energy transition in ways that are appropriate to national and local circumstances.   

Many of South Africa’s main trading partners are taking measures to achieve net zero within certain timeframes. 

This has implications for South African goods and products entering these markets.

It has implications for our economic competitiveness.

Just as we continue to oppose unilateral and coercive carbon adjustment measures by developed economies, we realise the need to reduce our reliance on carbon intensive energy production. We see the need to diversify our energy sources to grow our economy.

There are great prospects ahead if the country takes advantage of the global energy transition to support economic growth, development and employment creation.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, South Africa is committed to contributing its fair share to the global climate change effort. 

We must pursue this commitment in a manner that delivers just outcomes for those affected by the energy transition. 

We must pursue it in a way that contributes to inclusive economic growth, energy security and employment.

And we must do so at a pace, scale and cost that is consistent with the country’s social and economic development path.

Our Integrated Resource Plan sets out a viable energy mix over the medium and long term to achieve our decarbonisation objectives. 

We have a successful Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. This has attracted over R209 billion in investment and added much-needed capacity to our electricity grid. 

The regulatory changes we introduced in 2021 to increase the licensing threshold for generation projects has resulted in a pipeline of over 130 confirmed projects.

This amounts to approximately 22 500 MW of capacity with an estimated investment value of R390 billion.

Municipalities are central to our efforts to decarbonise the energy sector. 

Municipalities own and operate approximately half of South Africa’s electricity distribution grid and facilitate universal access to electricity. 

One hundred and sixty five municipalities are electricity service providers. 

Through the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant, municipalities are responsible for addressing the electrification backlog. 

Municipalities therefore need to be in the driving seat when it comes to providing clean, affordable energy to communities, businesses and industry. 

One of the aims of this conference is to unlock the institutional arrangements required to drive the decarbonisation effort. 

The Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan approved by Cabinet last year includes a dedicated municipal portfolio roadmap. 

There are three areas of focus. 

The first is providing access to affordable clean electricity. 

Municipalities are now able to purchase power directly from independent power producers and establish their own power-producing entities. 

I recently signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law. 

The Act paves the way for a new, competitive electricity market. 

The reforms contained in the law must help to speed up decarbonisation. But more than that, they must result in a better deal for households and businesses. 

The national climate change effort must not come at a higher cost for electricity users. 

South African households, like many around the world, are battling with the rising cost of living, including the cost of energy. 

We must therefore ensure that the energy transition does not contribute to energy poverty. It must not deepen inequality.

The free basic electricity subsidy for indigent households is one of the most important policies we have implemented to tackle poverty since the advent of democracy. 

It will be important to sustain and expand this support during the just energy transition and ensure that many poor households benefit from the subsidy.

We will need to deal with challenging issues like electricity pricing structures and the staggering levels of municipal debt owed to Eskom. 

The second area of focus is the issue of sustainable financing for electricity infrastructure. 

The municipal grid system needs to be upgraded, modernised and extended. 

The energy generation of the future requires systems that are fundamentally different in terms of design, capability and operation.

Smart metering will have to accommodate the increased penetration of renewable energy at different scales. It will need to facilitate wheeling and feed-in by small-scale embedded generation. 

Massive investment is needed to ensure optimal grid control, safety and energy storage. This investment will need to draw on both public and private sources of capital. 

As Government, we are working on financing solutions, including concessional loans, for the National Transmission Company of South Africa to expand the grid.  

A system for private sector investment is in development. We are expediting funding for investment-ready projects in all areas of the just energy transition. 

We are putting institutional arrangements in place. 

I am told that this conference will confirm the establishment of the JET Municipal Forum and its secretariat. 

National Government is rallying its teams to work with SALGA and mayors to align on the JET programme of action for local government. 

The third, and final, area of focus is to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage the transition. 

This requires extensive training and upskilling. 

New systems will be required to identify human resource, technical capacity and other needs within municipalities, and plan and budget accordingly. 

Municipalities will need to adopt best practice when it comes to the design and implementation of programmes and projects. 

Last week, I was in Ekurhuleni for a Presidential Imbizo as part of the District Development Model. 

One of the objectives of the District Development Model is localised development that is directly responsive to community needs. 

We want to move away from ‘parachuted’ development, where projects are conceptualised at national Government level and don’t take into account the realities on the ground. 

We need to be particularly aware of this when it comes to the just energy transition. 

What may work in one locality may not be feasible in another. 

Besides upgrading and expanding grid infrastructure, what other realities will need to be taken into account? 

How will this new infrastructure be protected from criminality?

We have witnessed the challenges with so-called business forums and mafias in the construction sector and, notably, in the coal sector. 

How are we going to ensure that the rollout of new energy sources at municipal level supports localisation and local businesses? 

How do we inform communities through public campaigns in accessible and appropriate languages? 

These are all issues that municipalities will have to consider and address. 

We have said that the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy and society must take the needs and interests of affected communities into account. 

This isn’t simply an issue of installing panels or meters. 

We must reaffirm a just transition that incorporates distributive, restorative and procedural justice. 

We must maximise decarbonisation and just transition investments by the private sector arising from electricity sector reforms.

We must expand our electricity grid capacity.

A just energy transition is about promoting economic diversification, transformation and industrialisation in the renewable energy sector that empowers workers, marginalised communities and black businesses.

The achievement of defined just energy transition outcomes at a municipal level requires supportive policies and leadership, good governance and a coordinated effort among all relevant institutions.

In this constrained fiscal environment, we need to make the most of existing resources. 

Citizens must see that the just energy transition is working for them. 

Electricity must be affordable, available and sustainable.

Costs must be managed. Infrastructure must be maintained. Services must be delivered reliably and consistently. 

We must leverage the financing and support that has been pledged by international partners and the private sector to support municipalities. 

I look forward to the outcomes of this conference. I am certain that it will provide a clear pathway for municipalities, paved with sustainable solutions. 

I commend the Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit in the Presidency and the South African Local Government Association for convening this conference. 

As Government, business, labour and civil society, let us deepen our collaboration to achieve an energy future that is secure and sustainable for all. 

I thank you.

Programme Directors, Former Premier of Gauteng Mbhazima Shilowa and Mrs Anna Maluleke;
Professor Nkondo’s family, Prof Olga Nkondo and the children;
Premier of Gauteng, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi;
Premier of Limpopo, Ms Phophi Ramathuba;
Former Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of the academic fraternity, in particular Prof Puleng LenkaBula from UNISA and Prof Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni;
Veterans and struggle heroes and heroines; 
Our Traditional Leaders here present, led by Hosi Dr Nwamitwa;
The Clergy led by Reverend TJ Mayayise;
Representatives of civil society organisations;
Fellow Mourners, Avuxeni;

The Nkondos are a household name in the South African politics, as well as throughout Southern Africa and the continent, which is why many of us have come to celebrate the life of this colossus, an intellectual, a revolutionary and a patriotic who dedicated his life to the building of the intelligentsia in our country.

Prof. Muxe Nkondo has produced great intellectuals, academics, ministers, and public servants who are today serving our country with distinction. I am equally pleased that we are sending him off at a place that he passionately supported and equally loved.

It is at this place that we took the decision that we put to rest those who have served our nation with distinction. It is here that we have agreed that we spend quality time with those who have left us.

The Freedom Park Momument to us represents our heroes acre and sacred space. Hence while we agree that families can bury their loved ones in any place they choose to but we have agreed that it is here where we shall gather and speak to our forebears.

Together with Prof Nkondo, Barbara Masekela, Prof Kgostisle, Wally Serote, and many others we also agreed that we should link the Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument. This we did because we knew the importance of preserving our collective memory as a people. It is the wisdom of Prof Nkondo and many that today we do not have an identity crisis and because of them we can proudly say we are Africans, and ours is to build a nation that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous society.   

Programme Directors, having said that I also want to point out that like many of you I am not here by coincidence; I have been part of the Nkondo’s for an extended period. I grew up under the guidance of Bra Curtis Nkondo, who served both our movement and the South African people with distinction in the Gauteng provincial legislature. By virtue of being a member of this family, I also had the opportunity to have Prof. Nkondo deliver a speech and bless our union during my wedding celebration.

During my tenure as Deputy Minister and later as Minister of Arts and Culture, I had the honour of working with distinguished individuals who were passionately devoted to accelerating our country's transformation. These include Dr. Brigalia Bam, Barbara Masekela, Nadine Gordimer, Wally Serote; the late National Poet Laureate Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile, and Prof Nkondo, to whom, we pay tribute today. As a novice in the arts, creative and heritage sector, I depended on the profound wisdom of these eminent individuals who have made significant contributions to the society. 

As we have gathered here today to lay to rest Professor Muxe Nkondo, I am pleased to have worked closely with this exceptional individual, a defender of human rights and an extraordinary advocate for social cohesion and unity.

In one of his addresses at the Arts and Culture Summit "Mzansi's Golden Economy," Prof. Muxe Nkondo, the Chair of the National Library, pointed out that:

“Caring for the other, for instance, is the basis of connection, intimacy, openness, respect, and social cohesion. He goes on to say that a healthy culture persists, not as a collection of technical processes but as a certain quality of social bonds and as a certain disposition towards the other.” 

These words have become deeply engraved in my mind, as I served as the minister of Arts and Culture. Even to this day, I still hold firm in my belief that we must prioritise the well-being of one another. We must promote respect and build a society that is socially inclusive and cohesive.

We must further undertake the task of establishing high-quality bonds that unite us as individuals. These relationships should be founded on the principle of interdependence, where one's existence is intertwined with the existence of others—you are because I am.

Professor Nkondo understood the appeal as inscribed on our coat of arms in the Xam language "!ke e:/xarra//ke," which means "Diverse People Unite".

Unity is paramount! 

To build unity and in particular an inclusive society it means we must resolve difficulties that beset us as a people and the slow economic growth, poverty, unemployment, and equality. It also means we must invest in the building of capable, developmental and ethical state.  

I am raising these issues because one of the critical tasks we did together with Prof Nkondo was the preparation and hosting of the Social Cohesion Summit, which took place at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto, 2012, under the theme: "Working together to create a caring and proud society."

As I recall, the theme of the conference was highly influenced by Prof. Nkondo. 

The summit acknowledged that social cohesion is dependent on our society's ability to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. 

Equally, the Summit instructed that we need to cohere as a society around a vision of a better South Africa, the attainment of which would not be possible if we did not work together. 

As a result, to effectively address the challenges we face, we must, as Prof. had also wished, work towards implementing the recommendations of the 2030 National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP vision serves as a basis for partnerships across society to attain the South Africa of our dreams, expressively articulated in the constitution.

Furthermore, we must revisit and implement the declaration from the 2012 Kliptown summit, which includes the following:

- To build capacity to advance the country's socioeconomic agenda, including bringing young people and women into the workforce, hiring professionals, investing in skills needed by the economy, and investing in research and development to meet the demands of the knowledge economy.

- To promote and preserve all indigenous cultures and knowledge

- To ensure that social cohesion and nation building underpin all national, provincial, and local government strategic priorities, inclusive of integrated economic and social development, education, health, human settlement, land and rural development, safety and security, and immigration policies and programmes.

- To continue to fight any forms of discrimination.

As Professor Nkondo staunchly advocated during his lifetime, we must persist in combating all manifestations of discrimination, as they pose a significant risk to social cohesion and nation building.

Social cohesion is critical because it represents the level of social integration and inclusion within communities and society, as well as the extent to which individuals and groups demonstrate mutual solidarity.

A cohesive community has the potential to reduce inequalities that are based on ethnicity, gender, class, nationality, age, disability, or other distinctions that cause divisions, distrust, and conflict. Community members and citizens can actively participate in achieving shared goals to improve living conditions for all and fostering unity. 

As a society, comprising individuals with varied origins, histories, languages, cultures, and religions, it is necessary that we collaborate as equals. We must be intentional about promoting the values of our constitution to eradicate past divisions and injustices

Fellow Mourners,

We have always known that, no political democracy can survive and flourish if the masses of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Hence, attacking poverty and deprivation has remained high on the agenda of the ANC led government. 

In this regard, as we take on the responsibility of leading South Africa into the future, let us strive to follow the example of Prof Nkondo and ensure that his legacy continues to illuminate the lives of those he motivated and influenced. We should ensure that his legacy inspires future generations to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society. This is also the objective of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

I am confident that Prof. Nkondo would have concurred with my assertion that the establishment of GNU is a significant development in our democracy in that it brought different political parties to work together to build a country of our dreams.

We will therefore make every attempt to ensure that the ANC led GNU succeeds in the implementation of the three strategic priorities, which is inclusive economic growth and job creation; maintain and optimise social wage and build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

We are alive to the reality that the success of GNU is contingent upon our collective leadership's ability to collaborate in a manner that is mutually beneficial to our people rather than competitive.

In the same spirit of collaboration from various sectors of society, we had hoped to include Professor Nkondo's insights as we prepare to hold the National Dialogue, which Former President Mbeki raised here in Freedom Park and subsequent to that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his inaugural address that indeed the country would hold a national dialogue.

The National Dialogue will be a critical platform that puts together all parties—civil society, labour, business, and other formations—to devise a strategic solution to critical challenges facing the nation. We believe that the dialogue will get a consensus on the actions required to move the country forward. It will enhance our pressing task of rebuilding social cohesion. 

Ladies and gentlemen, as we mourn the Prof. Nkondo we must also commit to continuing the work that he was so enthusiastic about. Prof Nkondo, was a truly multifaceted individual, whose contributions were exceptional in a wide range of disciplines, such as science and technology, higher education, arts and culture, public administration, human settlements, tourism, and rural development.

As the ANC led Government, we are fully dedicated to preserving the principles he championed and carrying forward his legacy of empowering individuals through education, skill development, and fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, we will not deviate from our mission to enhance and transform the lives of communities in rural and marginalised regions. Prof Nkondo, during his time at the University of Venda, was passionate about promoting rural development and integrating it with the social context.

He also advocated for a university agenda that focused on science, technology, and innovation to address urgent developmental challenges like water security, food production, sanitation, small business development, and cultural development. In these efforts, Prof. Nkondo actively collaborated with local communities. 

Through our District Development Model (DDM), we will continue to work in a coordinated fashion with communities and various spheres of government to address service delivery challenges. Our objective is to utilise DDM to enable both citizens and governments to promote development with a focus on achieving high standards and full service to society.

Moreover, Prof. Nkondo emphasised the significance of acknowledging African liberation as a comprehensive journey that involves not just overcoming political disempowerment but also achieving cultural, socio-economic, and intellectual freedom.

The values he propounded are also among the goals of our National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. Hence, it is important for all members of society to collectively exert concerted effort in order to guarantee the implementation of practical measures that will expedite the attainment of the NDP objective.

Additionally, as one of the influential Vice-Chancellors during the formative years of our higher education system, he played a pivotal role in navigating the complex landscape of change. Throughout his illustrious career, he taught us valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, dedication, and passion in everything we undertake.

Let me conclude by extending my deepest condolences to the family of Professor Muxe Nkondo, including his wife, Prof. Olga Nkondo, his children, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Allow me to offer solace through the words found in the book of second Timothy 4:7, which says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

I can confidently state that Professor Nkondo has run a good race through his significant contributions to the political and intellectual landscape. 

Onge moya wa yena wu nga wisa hi ku rhula!

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande;
Director-General of the Department of Health, Dr Sandile Buthelezi;
Directors-General present;
Representatives of the health fraternity;
Representatives of business, labour and civil society;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; 

Good afternoon and welcome to the Union Buildings. 

One of the best definitions of how important health is to human happiness and prosperity was articulated almost 2,000 years ago by the Roman poet Virgil, who is reported to have stated, "The greatest wealth is health."

This is especially true when it comes to the health of a nation. 

A healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous. 

A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall well-being. As a result, providing quality health care is of the utmost importance to all of us.

South Africa is committed to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are committed to the SDG goal of ‘ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages’.

This is a bold commitment to achieve universal health coverage. It is a commitment to provide access to affordable medicines and vaccines for all. 

If our nation’s health is truly to be our nation’s wealth, we must fix our healthcare system. A better healthcare system improves health outcomes, increases life expectancy and lowers the disease burden. 

This also enables us to effectively protect the population against public health emergencies, whether it is HIV/Aids, COVID-19, Monkey pox (Mpox) and others that are yet to come. 

According to the World Health Organization, "a well-functioning health system responds in a balanced way to a population's needs and expectations by:

• Improving the health status of individuals, families and communities.
• Defending the population against what threatens its health.
• Protecting people against the financial consequences of ill health.
• Providing equitable access to people-centred care.
• Making it possible for people to participate in decisions affecting their health and health system.” 

It enables us to make more efficient use of valuable resources – from human resources to medical supplies to technological and financial resources.  

This results in lower healthcare costs for individuals, families, communities and government. 

However, our public healthcare system has many challenges. These challenges prevent government from providing decent and quality healthcare to all South Africans. 

It is for this reason that in 2018, we convened the first Presidential Health Summit.

This brought together many stakeholders engaged with the health system, including policy makers, academics, planners, service providers, educators, health advocates and users. 

It also resulted in the signing of the first Presidential Health Compact. 

Together, we made a commitment to support the Department of Health to implement the nine pillars of the compact. 

These pillars include improving human resource capabilities and expanding access to medicines.

They include ramping up health infrastructure development and steadily improving the quality of health services. 

We made a commitment to better financial and information systems management, good governance and community engagement. 

We affirmed the important role played by the private sector in strengthening health systems across the board. 

Today we will be signing the second Presidential Health Compact. 

This presents us with an opportunity to reflect on progress since the signing of the first compact. 

The introduction of the Human Resources Training Grant during the COVID-19 pandemic for instance enabled the department to create more than 73,000 new posts. 

The private sector also continues to support health workforce development. 

For example, the Public Health Enhancement Fund has trained 100 Doctors and 75 Masters and Doctoral graduates. 

Access to medicines, medical devices and equipment has been expanded. 

New technology is being used to improve supply chain mechanisms, streamline regulatory processes and reduce backlogs. 

The development of local manufacturing capabilities is being prioritised to expand access to medicines. 

We have been consistent that building a stronger local manufacturing industry is key to our country’s health security, especially during pandemics. 

Technology is being harnessed to improve patient records systems. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic we were able to speed up this process. By last year 50 million people had been registered on the Health Patient Registration System. 

We are expanding our health infrastructure. 

By November 2023, 149 new primary healthcare facilities had been completed. 

Thirty new hospitals are either opened or under construction. 

We are implementing the National Quality Improvement Plan to ensure that more public and private facilities meet the Office of Health Standards Compliance requirements. This is in line with the requirements of the NHI.

The National Quality Improvement Plan has led to an increase in positive patient experiences at public health facilities.

Positive experiences reported by patients rose from 76 percent in 2017 to 85 percent by March 2024. 

Healthcare funding faces challenges due to budget cuts and a constrained fiscal environment, compounded by inefficiencies, mismanagement and corruption in resource allocation. 

Budgeting in the health sector is steadily improving to ensure a more equitable allocation of resources. 

Less money is being lost to litigation. This is thanks to the hard work of the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, which continues to expedite prosecutions and recover stolen funds.

The private sector has a crucial role to play in strengthening health systems. Our experience with COVID-19 showed how we could deepen public-private partnerships. 

With greater collaboration, the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors can be brought to bear to serve those who need health care most. 

With the NHI Act now signed into law, it is even more urgent that we work together. 

As we implement the NHI, we will build on lessons learned to streamline standards and ensure quality of care, whether it is rendered at a public or private facility. 

We need diverse expertise as we work towards strengthening health systems and building their resilience into the future 

We need to share resources to ensure that programmes are implemented. 

Involving the private sector, labour and civil society throughout this effort is key to ending inequality in health. 

It is now up to us to build on the successes of the first Presidential Health Compact.

We need to ensure that the second Presidential Health Compact that we are signing today is responsive to the challenges facing our health system. 

To all our partners, please keep up the good work, continue to demonstrate progress and deepen your collaboration to overcome challenges. 

Our nation’s health is too critical, too essential to development, to be weakened by mismanagement, funding crises and other problems. 

We expect all stakeholders to bring solutions and work with the departments of Health and Science as well as Innovation to implement them. 

Implementation is the foremost priority of this Seventh Administration. Effective policy implementation means we can take the right actions and follow through with the plans, leading to successful outcomes. 

I have full confidence that implementation is the priority of all of us gathered here today. 

On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, it is my privilege to sign the second Presidential Health Compact today.

I wish you well in your endeavours.

I thank you.

Programme Director; 
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane; 
Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Poobalan Govender; 
Chief Whip of the NCOP, Mr Kenneth Mmoiemang; 
President of SALGA, Councillor Faku;
Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa; 
Minister of COGTA, Mr Velinkosi Hlabisa; 
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers in attendance; 
Honourable Premiers present; 
Honourable Members of Executive Councils; 
Honourable House Chairpersons; 
Honourable Members and Delegates to the National Council of Provinces; 
Senior Government Officials; 
Distinguished guests, 

It is my pleasure to take part in this first Three-Sphere Planning Session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Seventh Administration, which is convened under the compelling theme, “Towards an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Delineating Key Policy and Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament.” One of the key objectives for convening this important session is to delineate key policy priorities for implementation and oversight by the National Council of Provinces. 

During the opening address of the Seventh Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined three overarching priorities of the Government of National Unity, which are driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.  

We have adopted the above three priorities because whilst we have made significant progress over the last thirty (30) years in reducing, poverty and inequality, we remain faced with the challenges of a slow growing economy; high unemployment and poverty rate; high incidence of crime, corruption, and lawlessness; and a highly fractured society. 

Having noted the ongoing challenges, as the 7th Administration, we have taken a decision that we must invest in the building of a capable, developmental state. A developmental state in our context is a state that will redirect resources towards job creation and ensure that people have access to asset ownership, economic opportunity, education, health care, and other basic services.

More importantly, in a quest for a developmental state, we will continue to invest in building safer communities. Building safer communities is not only police responsibility, but also it is a shared responsibility between the police, communities and all sectors of our society. In this regard, we urge citizens to work with law-enforcement agencies to combat crime in our communities. 

We are also aware of the persistent issues of high levels of extortion crimes, particularly in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Through the JCPS, we are bringing together resources to put an end to extortions and ensure that communities may conduct business without fear or intimidation.

We are equally going to embark on a programme of cleaning cities. Cleaner cities contribute towards attracting investors. In this regard, as leaders in our respective towns, we must launch a competition of the cleanest towns. We will collaborate with the Minister of COGTA and SALGA to form a committee that will conduct an annual assessment of the cleanliness of cities and present awards.

Bear in mind Honourable Members, Bontle ke Botho! This campaign has the potential of ensuring that the private sector and communities in a partnership with the government to ensure that our cities are clean and safe.

Honourable Members,

In realising the vision of building a developmental, capable, and ethical state, we will vigorously implement the plan to professionalise the Public Service and we will do so by investing in the capacity of the National School of Government (NSG). Equally, we must continue to invest in the modernisation of the state and government by introducing innovative solutions across government particularly because we are living in the digital era. The whole world is going digital in many respects and as South Africa; we must not be left behind.

Over the last thirty (30) years, we have adopted progressive policies, and in the 7th Administration, we are going to pay special attention to the speed of execution, this includes strengthening coordination through a refocused Presidency as the centre of government by pulling together other critical Government Departments such as COGTA and the National Treasury.

Our intention is to align planning and budgeting as part of implementing the District Development Model (DDM) premised on One Plan-One Vision and this we will do to achieve maximum results in building a better life for all. Together with Local Government we need to prioritise overcoming local CAPEX funding gaps for infrastructure, for example, we are introducing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in water supply with the National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that we resolve the potential water crisis as we have done in curbing energy and load shedding crisis.

We need to act before there is a crisis.

To this end, through the DDM in Waterberg, together with private sector participation, we are making much needed interventions to create opportunities for the community. In eThekwini Metropolitan Area, we have been resolving the water crisis to the extent that we are beginning to see much needed changes in the functioning of the municipality. I had the opportunity to visit eThekwini Municipality and by the time I, get there had started in addressing the water crisis.

Together with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, we will be visiting Giyani to assess the state of progress in ensuring that people have water in that part of the province. This is going to be the modus operandi of the 7th administration because we want to ensure that we do not have a water crisis in the country. We need to go to these communities and resolve the problems.

Honourable Members,

The successful implementation of the District Development Model lies in the speed of execution as a modus operandi, which should be adopted across the three spheres of government. In specific terms, we need to ensure that from the point of view of the Executive, we are entrenching the discipline of getting things done.

In this regard, we are working on measures that will ensure the introduction of legislation by the Executive in Parliament is done timeously; equally, we are ensuring that when Bills are introduced in the National Assembly, they must have followed all the compliance processes so that the constitutionality of the proposed legislation is not compromised. This is an important task to avoid litigation.

Honourable Members, as we gather here today, we must ensure that we sharpen and crystallise a common understanding of the three overarching policy priorities of the 7th Administration. We must equally develop a common appreciation of a monitoring, implementation and evaluation framework in line with the Intergovernmental Framework Act to realise the theme of the planning session.

Honourable Chairperson, this year, 2024, marks exactly 70 years since the adoption of the 1954 Women’s Charter. At the height of legislated and colonialist oppression in South Africa, women united across race, gender, and ethnic lines to adopt and legitimise the Women's Charter, demonstrating their resilience and leadership role.

Today, many South African women are subjected to poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, and femicide. During this seventh dispensation of our Parliament, we must deepen the struggle against gender-based violence and femicide and ensure gender parity in government, businesses, and all sectors of our society.

We must not only acknowledge the plight of women, but we need to implement concrete actions and programs to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

As we look towards the future of our nation, it is important that we set clear policy priorities and strategies to ensure effective oversight and governance. The Seventh Parliament holds the responsibility of guiding our nation towards prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The oversight function of the NCOP is vital in ensuring that government service delivery is efficient, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our people.

In delineating the key policy and oversight priorities for the NCOP, we must focus on three fundamental spheres of planning: legislative, executive, and public participation.

We must ensure that laws uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law through robust legislative oversight. It might take time to get through public participation but it must be done.

In keeping with Parliament’s Strategic Vision, the seventh Parliament must be driven by tangible efforts to respond to the demands of the people and be driven by the objective of realising a higher quality of life for all South Africans.

Honourable Members,

The people expect us to work together as different political parties to achieve our country’s developmental priorities as outlined in the National Development Plan. It is in this context that political parties that participated in the 2024 elections and received seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures pledged to cooperate through a voluntary Government of National Unity.

To achieve the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, it is imperative that we, as the 7th Administration, continue our collaborative efforts, serving as a crucial pillar that guides our developmental strategy. We must make it our mission to promote fixed capital investment, industrialisation, job creation, and work hard towards the improvement of our people's lives.

Therefore, in the next five years, our strategic priorities are to create inclusive economic growth and job creation. We aim to uphold and enhance the social wage while also constructing an ethical and progressive state.

Chairperson,

We will be unveiling the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) as soon as approved by Cabinet. The MTDP which will set out a well-defined vision and strategy that outlines clear goals and includes specific, measurable objectives and a roadmap for achieving them over the next five years.

Therefore, we need to use the MTDP to continue to make strategic investments in individuals particularly through education, skill development, and adequate health care. Furthermore, we must strive to improve our communities' spatial perspectives by ensuring that the National Spatial Development Framework is implemented at all levels of government, as outlined in Chapter 8 of the National Development Plan.

As the seventh Parliament, we have a responsibility to oversee the performance of Government Departments and other state organs, as well as ensure accountability and transparency in government actions across all spheres.

Together, in our distinctive, interdependent, and interrelatedness, we hold the responsibility of guiding our nation towards prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005, we collectively have a responsibility to coordinate and facilitate intergovernmental relations at all levels, as well as to further develop mechanisms and procedures to facilitate integrated planning and address implementation disjuncture and duplications in planning and budgeting.

Chairperson,

In my capacity as the Leader of Government Business (LOGB) in Parliament, I pledge to this House that the Executive will always be accountable to Parliament, the NA and the NCOP, which houses people's representatives.

We must ensure that we facilitate and deepen executive accountability by ushering in a new culture of cooperation between the NCOP and the three spheres of government.

This cooperation should be based on a shared commitment to better the material conditions of our people, but it should also be rooted in a deep reverence and respect for the people who elected us to serve.

Furthermore, policymaking, and legislative processes require active public participation as we indicated earlier to hear and address the voices and concerns of our citizens. We must strive to create meaningful channels for engagement and dialogue, fostering a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and accountability.

We must continue implementing the Taking the NCOP to the people because this makes it easier to engage with the communities.

It is therefore most commendable that the NCOP has created this strategic platform to address three-sphere planning disjuncture and anomalies. This platform now presents a poignant opportunity to articulate the critical imperative of elevating the status and importance of joint planning.

Within this context, I wish to issue a clarion call to Members of the Executive across the three spheres of government to heed the call for joint and integrated planning, budgeting, and implementation, as facilitated through the DDM.

The second call that I am making to the three spheres of government is to ensure effective activation and functionality of all relevant IGR structures and forums across the three spheres of government, particularly as they relate to the operationalisation of the DDM.

Given the current levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa, it is both urgent and imperative that we do away with silos and individualistic ways of working. It is only through a unified and integrated planning and budgeting implementation approach that we will be able to address the challenges facing our nation today.

Thirdly, I also wish to inform Members of the Executive across the three spheres of government to expect a continuation of structured engagements between the Executive and National Council of Provinces, in particular, on critical issues affecting provinces.

Part of our responsibility as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament is to introduce measures to improve the quality of legislation submitted by the Executive to Parliament, and to monitor the implementation of the Legislative Programme once introduced to Parliament.

I am very pleased with the NCOP's performance in processing legislation during the 6th Parliament. Only five bills lapsed in the NCOP during the 6th Parliament, but they have since been revived and are currently before the NCOP Committees. I therefore encourage the current NCOP delegates to focus more on the consideration and processing of priority legislation, including Bills with Constitutional Court deadlines.

Chairperson,

We will continue to encourage Members of the Executive to avail themselves when called to appear before Parliamentary Committees and fulfil their constitutional obligations in Parliament. 
We will continue to monitor whether Members of the Executive respond to Parliamentary questions for written reply within the stipulated timeframes.

Working together with both Houses of Parliament, we will ensure that the Executive is fully accountable to Parliament.

Furthermore, we are committed to working with the NCOP to facilitate social compacting between the National Council of Provinces and the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, which is critical for accelerating our transformation agenda.

By working together through social compacting, the NCOP and the Leader of Government Business in Parliament can streamline the legislative process, enhance oversight mechanisms, and foster cooperation on key issues affecting transformation.

We must ensure that as the NCOP conducts oversight over all critical IGR structures towards the operationalisation of the DDM, all spheres of government must be ready to cooperate and work together for the realisation of a better life for all.

Let us all pledge to uphold the values of honesty, diligence, and dedication to our country as we set out to create an oversight agenda for the Seventh Parliament.

Let us work together in unity across party lines and government levels to protect and uphold the principles outlined in our Constitution.

We can all work together to create a future that is equitable, prosperous, and sustainable. Let us take this chance and run with it with compassion, clear vision, and a determined resolve to succeed. 

To the NCOP do your work without fear or favour. Hold us accountability!  

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, will tomorrow, Tuesday, 27 August 2024, deliver a keynote address during the first Three Sphere Planning Session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) of the 7th Parliament in Cape Town.

The planning session is convened under the theme: “Towards an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Delineating Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament”. It is Parliament's strategic innovation, emphasising the critical importance of joint and integrated planning as well as encouraging all spheres of Government to work collaboratively in the planning and implementation of programmes.

The planning session is aimed at ensuring that the NCOP institutionalises and implements a comprehensive three sphere-planning oversight framework and mechanism, in line with the constitutional mandate of promoting the principles of Cooperative Governance Coordination. This would, to a greater extent, enhance the effective implementation of key transformation priorities, in line with National Development Plan Vision 2030.

Among others, Deputy President Mashatile has been tasked to assist President Cyril Ramaphosa in rolling-out the District Development Model, to ensure the effective coordination of the different spheres of Government, with the aim of improving the functioning of municipalities as well as addressing service delivery challenges facing communities.

The institutionalisation of the District Development Model in this regard, has gained the necessary momentum, following the publication of the Regulations in terms of section 47(1) (b) of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005, which will provide the much anticipated regulatory framework for coherent planning, budgeting and service delivery implementation across the three spheres of Government, jointly with the business sector, traditional leaders, organised labour and faith- and community-based organisations. 

The session will be attended by Members of the NCOP, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, representatives of the National Planning Commission, Members of the Provincial Executive Councils, Mayors, SALGA National Executive Committee, Legislative sector representatives, academics, as well as institutions supporting democracy.

Deputy President Mashatile will address the NCOP planning session as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 27 August 2024
Time: 12h00 
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament, Cape Town

For more information, please contact Mr Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assigned shareholder responsibility for each of the state-owned enterprises that previously fell under the Department of Public Enterprises to the respective line-function Ministries.

President Ramaphosa has signed proclamations which, in terms of Section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, transfer the administration, powers and functions entrusted by the specified legislation as follows:
-    Alexkor: Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
-    Denel: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
-    Eskom: Minister of Electricity and Energy
-    Safcol: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
-    South African Airways: Minister of Transport
-    South African Express: Minister of Transport
-    Transnet: Minister of Transport

In addition, certain sections of the Overvaal Resorts Limited Act of 1993 and Overvaal Resorts Limited Act Repeal Act of 2019 are vested with the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

The President has signed a proclamation appointing the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation as the executive authority of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), which will continue to exist and operate until the human and financial resources are transferred appropriately. This appointment empowers the Minister to exercise with respect to DPE all relevant powers and functions under the Public Service Act of 1994 and the Public Finance Management Act of 1999. 

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has also been assigned the responsibility to finalise the National State Enterprise Bill, which will set out the exercise of shareholder responsibility for respective SOEs which will be transferred in a phased manner into the envisaged national enterprise holding company.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 26 August 2024, deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) Conference at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

The Conference will be held from 26 to 27 August 2024, attended by Mayors, Technical Managers and Municipal Managers from all provinces.

The aim of the conference is to convene key stakeholders within the municipal sphere to chart the way forward for the effective implementation of the JET Municipal Portfolio set out in the JET Implementation Plan (JET IP) which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023.

The Conference will outline the local government electricity distribution context and highlight the key features of the JET IP and its Municipal JET Portfolio.

Delegates will also deliberate the proposed institutional architecture for the Municipal JET Portfolio.

Municipalities have a critical role to play in a successful energy transition, in improving South Africa’s energy security, and in ensuring that the country has sufficient reliable and affordable electricity to support expanded socio-economic development.

Given the widely varying complexities that confront local government, the municipal energy transition needs a focussed and collaborative approach across national, provincial, and municipal spheres of government to manage the significant financial, technical, and managerial challenges and risks of the transition.

This established inter-governmental relations (IGR) approach is spearheaded by the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and National Treasury (NT), along with organised local government structures, and will be key to finding sustainable electricity system solutions for municipalities of all sizes and capabilities.

The President will address the Conference as follows:
Date: Monday, 26 August 2024
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Hall 2, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

NOTE TO MEDIA: The Conference is open to media ONLY on 26 August 2024 and those wishing to attend should send their details to Ollie Madlala on ollie@presidency.gov.za or 071 470 7145 by no later than 16h00 on Saturday, 24 August 2024. Media accreditation collection is on Sunday, 25 August 2024, from 12h00 to 16h00 at Gallagher Convention Centre.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, 23 August 2024, attend and deliver a Eulogy at the funeral of the late Professor Muxe Nkondo, who passed away on 18 August 2024

Prof Nkondo was a scholar, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the North and Harvard Andrew Mellon Fellow in English. He also chaired various expert panels and served on numerous boards as he led the Liberation Heritage Route, among others.

Details of the funeral service are as follows:

Date: Friday, 23 August 2024
Time: 08h00-12h00
Venue: Freedom Park Memorial, Pretoria 

Members of the media wishing to attend the funeral must please contact Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 or linahl@presidency.gov.za.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Thursday 22 August 2024, held a meeting with the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton Mckenzie. The meeting was anchored on the responsibilities delegated to the Deputy President by President Cyril Ramaphosa of advancing Social Cohesion and as the Patron of the Moral Regeneration Movement. 

The meeting discussed the proposed Programme of Action for Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Movement, to ensure that a socially-cohesive, non-sexist, non-racial, equal and safe South Africa is realised.

Amongst others, the meeting agreed to prioritise partnerships within and beyond government, including with Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders as well as Inter-Faith Leaders.

In particular, the programme of action that was agreed to, as anchored on the strategic priorities of the Seventh Administration of Government, will focus on removing obstacles that impede the advancement of social cohesion and moral regeneration in the country.  

Under the leadership of the Deputy President, the work will also prioritise tackling gender based violence and femicide, promoting nation building through sport and arts, as well as ensuring equal access to sporting opportunities by all communities!
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria