Secretary Sergei Shoigu of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, allow me to thank you for the successful organising and hosting of this 3rd International Security Forum,
High Ranking Officials responsible for Security Matters,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I have been listening carefully and attentively and agree with the sentiments already expressed on this matter of challenges and threats to international security in the emerging multipolar world.

The emergence of a multipolar world is reshaping the international security landscape. While the diffusion of power creates opportunities for greater inclusivity and regional influence, it also increases geopolitical rivalry, strategic uncertainty, and complex transnational threats. This diffusion has profound implications for international security, global governance, economic stability, and geopolitical competition.

The strategic competition between major powers has intensified global tensions. Resulting in major security risks such as proxy conflicts, militarisation of strategic regions, economic coercion, and sanctions, diplomatic polarisation, competition for influence in Africa, competition over resources, trade routes, and influence, and technological and cyber rivalry

This competition for influence in Africa has negative implications for the development of the African continent and African Union Agenda 2063, with similar implications for Africa and the developing world in general, to the ways the multipolar system of the 19th century did. The multipolar system of the 19th century resulted in colonialisation and slavery in Africa and the developing world, the consequences of which Africa is yet to recover from.

Today, the emerging multi-polar world system is seeking to balkanise the world, and South Africa is no exception. We are experiencing concerted efforts and campaign to portray the democratic government as anti-white with claims of “white genocide” that are disputed by facts, which the overall intention is to mobilise and justify the cessation of the Western Cape province to a whites-only enclave. This narrative undermines the core foundation of a democratic South Africa that is built on the principles of non-racialism, non-sexism, equal and a united nation. These principles were also the drivers of our struggle for liberation and freedom. This is part of a clear misinformation campaign against South Africa which is coordinated internationally.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The emergence of the renewed multipolar world is also weakening multilateral institutions. Institutions such as the United Nations and its agencies are increasingly struggling to resolve conflicts due to divisions among major powers, consequences of which include; paralysis in international decision-making, declining trust in international law, and reduced effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.

This situation has created difficulty in advancing African interests globally, it has reduced effectiveness of African peace and security mechanisms, and it is creating greater instability in conflict-prone African regions.

Global insecurity and insecurity within the African continent have strengthened transnational criminal and extremist networks, resulting in increased human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal mining, arms smuggling, and terror financing. An undesired vicious circle. Worst is that these criminal networks threaten governance, economic stability, and public safety.

Increasingly, multipolar competition is also revolving around technology and strategic industries with resultant cyber warfares, digital espionage, and disinformation campaigns. There is a rise in cyberattacks on state infrastructure, data breaches and espionage, and manipulation through social media.  These have created huge risks to financial and communication systems.

In response, South Africa is modernising its security framework to ensure we are capable of addressing these hybrid threats, with priority given to cybersecurity capability, border security, counter-organised crime operations, and protection of critical infrastructure. To respond to the technological posture of the emerging multipolar system, South Africa is seeking to develop digital sovereignty and investing in AI and cybersecurity. We have intensified our protection of strategic industries, enhancing energy security, and diversifying trade and investment partnerships, including advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA).

Economic competition is central to multipolarity. The global system is caught up in trade wars, supply chain disruptions, energy insecurity, and resource competition resulting in financial instability that is reversing progress in the fight against food insecurity and hunger in the African continent. Food insecurity and hunger have direct co-relation with a rise in illegal migration. A rise in illegal migration in Africa has huge consequences for South Africa, which is one of the largest receiving nations for illegal immigrants. In a global environment that is creating economic instability for developing nations, the high number of illegal immigrants is bound to create tensions between locals and undocumented foreign nationals as competition for basic resources, limited employment opportunities, and informal and small business survival. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

In this emerging multipolar world, South Africa’s strategic interest is to ensure a fair, rules-based multilateralism; to work with all partners, North and South, on global peace and development through ensuring that competition between major powers does not come at the expense of the African continent. Our message is clear: multipolarity must not mean multiple conflicts or multiple standards. It must mean shared responsibility, consistent respect for international law, and a greater voice and urgency for the Global South in shaping the future of the global security architecture.

President Ramaphosa in 2024 presented the Pact for the Future as a change to “reinvigorate the multilateral system” and to finally reform global governance, especially the UN Security Council to be more representative, inclusive and responsive to today’s security and development challenges. It is this Pact for the Future that we wish to mobilise participants at this 3rd Internationally Security Forum to support for an inclusive multilateral system.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 30 May 2026, address the official launch of the Kruger National Park (KNP) Centenary Commemoration at Skukuza Rest Camp in Mpumalanga.

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s conservation history as Kruger National Park commemorates 100 years since its formal proclamation in 1926.

Held under the theme, “Our Heritage, Our Future,” the centenary commemorations will reflect on a century of conservation leadership, biodiversity protection, scientific progress, tourism development and heritage management.

This milestone also reaffirms the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, inclusivity and shared heritage.

The centenary further provides an opportunity to honour the generations of rangers, scientists, communities, conservationists and leaders who contributed to the development and protection of one of the world’s most renowned protected areas.

The commemoration highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in conservation, tourism and environmental sustainability, as well as the resilience and recovery of the Park following recent flooding that affected infrastructure, tourism operations and surrounding communities.

Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s leading conservation and tourism assets and continues to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, research, economic development and job creation.

The President will address the official launch as follows:

Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026
Time: 18h00
Venue: Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 29 May 2026, officiate the upgrading of land tenure rights and the handover of title deeds ceremony to the Gaesegwe, Barolong ba ga Rapulana, Barolong ba ga Phoi and Barolong ba ga Seitshiro communities at the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West Province.

The handover marks a significant milestone in government's ongoing efforts to redress historical land dispossession and restore land rights to rightful beneficiaries.

President Ramaphosa will officiate the handover ceremony and deliver the keynote address at the Ratlou Local Municipality Sports ground, North West Province.

The handover affirms government’s commitment to dignity, lawful land management, sustainable economic development, responsible use of grants, and the completion of outstanding restitution processes to deliver lasting socio‑economic impact.

The handover also coincides with commemoration of important anniversaries in 2026, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution; 70th commemoration of the anti-pass campaign and 60th Anniversary of forced removals and the declaration of District Six, in Cape Town.

The Restitution of Land Rights Act is a vital piece of legislation aimed at rectifying historical injustices related to land dispossessions in South Africa, fostering reconciliation, and promoting social justice. It continues to evolve to meet the needs of claimants and the broader society.

Government, through the Land Restitution programme has invested R58 billion in land purchases, grants and financial compensation supporting 376,976 beneficiaries nationwide, encompassing a total of 5.3 million hectares which has been redistributed.

The President will be joined by members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform; the Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi; leadership from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Ratlou Local Municipality; as well as representatives from the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights.

The Presidential Handover Ceremony will take place as follows:

Date: Friday, 29 May 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: Ratlou Local Municipality Sports ground, North West Province.

Note to media: Accreditation process for this event has been concluded by the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS)
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Tuesday, 26 May 2026: 14h00 - 15h30

1. Power of cooperation for the health of nations 

Health response cooperation and coordination has become an integral pillar of international security in the post- COVID-19 pandemic era. As a country, South Africa had interesting insights on health cooperation and coordination during her tenure as the African Union COVID-19 champion.   These insights include mechanisms to promote fair access to vaccines and strategies focused on strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease, we are focused on improving cross-border disease-surveillance systems.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed improved global heath cooperation that resulted in the development and availability of life saving vaccines. The pace with which Covid-19 vaccines were developed indicated that with cooperation, it is possible to resolve endemic diseases. Therefore, with cooperation, it should be possible to eradicate epidemics such malaria, TB, cholera, HIV/ Aids, Ebola other regional epidemics. 

In the current global order, global health cooperation is always witnessed on diseases that affect the global north, leaving Africa and to some extent Asia to their own devices. For example, the Central – East Africa region is experiencing another outbreak of Ebola but the global North have opted to not only watch but we are witnessing the diversion of flights with passengers from the region, without any response to the call for support by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the African Union. 

Even when vaccines became available during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global North opted to hoard the vaccines for their own nations in total violation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) principles. When the global South applied for patents waivers at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to develop their own Covid-19 vaccines, even  our supposed allies in the global North opposed our patent waiver applications.

Therefore, Forums like the International Security Forum cannot just talk about the power of cooperation for the health of nations without also focusing on building resilience and regional response capacity of the global South. South Africa has just pledged US$5 million to the CDC to deal with the current Ebola outbreak – how much is the International Security Forum mobilising to help Africa address Ebola? 

South Africa is driving several initiatives such as a partnership to establish Africa’s first end-to-end, multi-vaccine production plant that will produce oral cholera vaccines, and later expanding to include vaccines for polio, pneumonia, and meningitis. Once fully operational, Biovac will have a production capacity of up to 40 million doses annually, significantly bolstering Africa’s healthcare resilience and supply chain security. The plant is scheduled for completion by 2028.

There is an urgency for all regions and countries to have capacity for robust early warning mechanisms to enable timely information sharing so that the international community can mount coordinated responses to health emergencies. A health emergency in one region can quickly morph into a global health emergency due to the benefits of globalisation.

Furthermore, Integrated digital health technologies (including AI-enabled diagnostics and data platforms) are enabling faster detection and more effective containment of outbreaks, although geopolitical competition and unequal access to these tools continue to undermine collective efforts, particularly between developed and developing regions.

Health must be insulated from global geo-political contestations through ensuring that health cooperation, access to WHO programmes and pandemic related products must not be conditioned on unrelated political concessions or resource deals.

2. Disinformation and manipulation as tools of the west’s hybrid war against the global majority for maintaining hegemony

Disinformation and information manipulation have become core instruments of hybrid warfare, used to shape narratives, influence political outcomes and secure strategic advantage without crossing the threshold of open armed conflict. Conflicts in different regions demonstrate how state and non-state actors combine coordinated media campaigns, cyber operations and targeted online messaging to steer public opinion and to contest control of information environments. Multiple competing operations often run in parallel, seeking to influence perceptions, governance models and economic partnerships. This demonstrates that the global disinformation landscape is multi-directional and highly contested, with the global majority frequently serving both as the target and the terrain of these campaigns.

South Africa has faced sustained disinformation campaigns during its elections, on foreign and domestic policy decisions. The so called “white genocide” narrative campaign radicalises farm murders to claim a systematic extermination of white people, amplified by international far-right networks at state and non-state levels.  Disinformation must be understood as a shared global threat; reducing it to a geographical label risks oversimplifying the challenge and obscuring the wider international dynamics at play. South Africa’s strategic interest lies in protecting its information sovereignty while maintaining balanced international relationships, ensuring that external narratives and influence do not compromise national decision making or social cohesion.

We have observed the contribution of digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) as theatres and tools of disinformation and misinformation. We are currently reviewing our information and related policies to compel digital platforms to:

- Disclose the AI generated content carried on their platforms (AI content branding), and 
- Prohibit the publication of Fake and Misleading News about South Africa

Furthermore, we are working to provision for the government Fact-Check capability to proactively debunk deepfakes, fake and misinformation and provide correct facts against the fake news. We are also developing a “Quick Guide” to assist government communicators in effectively countering misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

Thursday, 28 May 2026: 09h30 - 12h30

1. Challenges and threats to international security in the context of the emergency of the multipolar world 

We meet at a moment when the international security environment is shaped by overlapping crises such as persistent armed conflicts, geo-economic pressures, technological disruptions and accelerating impacts of climate change. At the same time, power is diffusing. The world is moving from a largely unipolar system to a more complex, multipolar order in which several centres of power (including the United States, China, Russia, India, the European Union and key regional groupings) exert significant influence on global affairs. South Africa’s view is that multipolarity in itself is not a threat. Properly managed, it can create space for a more equitable and representative international system in which the Global South has a stronger voice. The danger lies in how this transition is unfolding, with heightened strategic rivalry, fragmented responses to crises, and a weakening consensus on multilateral rules and norms.

We see this in the deterioration of trust between major powers, the paralysis in some multilateral forums and the growing temptation to use unilateral measures, including sanctions and extraterritorial policies that often have unintended consequences for developing countries. Ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, have deepened polarisation between blocs and exposed fault lines in the global governance system. For South Africa, whose foreign policy is grounded in non-alignment, constitutional values and the primacy of international law, these developments underscore the need to defend the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality and the peaceful settlement of disputes. As outlined in our National Security Strategy, national and international security cannot be separated from human security, economic justice and the credibility of multilateral institutions. 

In this emerging multipolar world, South Africa’s strategic interest is to help rebuild consensus on fair, rules-based multilateralism; to work with all partners, North and South, on issues such as the climate, cyber threats, illicit financial flows and pandemics; and to ensure that competition between major powers does not come at the expense of the African continent. Our message is clear: Multipolarity must not mean multi-conflict or multi-standards. It must mean shared responsibility, consistent respect for international law, and a greater voice and agency for the Global South in shaping the future of global security governance.

Thursday, 28 May 2026: 12h30 - 14h00

1. BRICS coordination on international issues

South Africa regards BRICS as a critical forum where we focus on matters of common interest and mutual benefits, and where we prepare our shared approaches to a rapidly changing global landscape.  We meet at a time when geopolitics has once again taken centre stage and is affecting and impacting on the development of all, which makes purposeful coordination of our international positions more important than ever.

South Africa supports the view that we must reinforce the way we do things through both BRICS and the multilateral system of the United Nations.  Coordination of international positions among BRICS is not about creating an alternative to existing institutions; it is about deepening our internal alignment so that our engagement with those institutions is more effective and more reflective of the realities and aspirations of the Global South. At the same time, we recognise and respect that each BRICS member retains its own national interests, constitutional mandates and legal obligations. Our goal, therefore, is alignment where possible, and mutual understanding and transparency where full agreement is not yet attainable.

Our coordination should be rooted in a shared understanding of the challenges we face. As we have said in the past, challenges of instability, terrorism, cyber attacks or economic coercion that undermines development and human security are not unique to any one country.  This shared exposure underpins our effort to craft coordinated positions that are guided by international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and a strong preference for the peaceful settlement of disputes and dialogue over confrontation.

In practice, this means that when we discuss global crises, we should consistently highlight their spill over effect on African peace and development, food and energy security and argue for solutions that strengthen, rather than side-line regional organisations such as the African Union.  South Africa’s approach to coordination of international positions within BRICS is guided by three principles.  First, that coordinated positions must strengthen multilateralism and the UN centred rules-based order not erode it.  Second, that they must translate into concrete contributions to global peace, resilience and sustainable development, particularly for the most vulnerable.  Thirdly, that they must broaden the space for the Global South, especially Africa, to shape decisions that have historically been taken without us.

2. Middle East Crisis

The situation in the Middle East remains tense due to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict and a fragile ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran. In Palestine, the Gaza strip continues to experience violence, exacerbated by a severe humanitarian crisis and mass displacements. While large-scale civilian attacks have stopped, implementing Phase II of the ceasefire faces political challenges, which hinders the broader diplomatic road map for stability. 

As the war between Israel and the US on one side and Iran on the other enters its fourth month, the objectives of the US/ Israel to eliminate Iran’s leadership and instigate regime change remain unfulfilled. This is largely due to Iran’s fierce resistance, which the US and Israel underestimated when they initiated the war. Despite the assassination of high-ranking Iranian officials, Iran’s military capability remains largely intact, and its hard-line position has been strengthened.

The war remains uncertain under the fragile ceasefire and relentless threats of renewed attacks from both sides. Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to end the war are ongoing but intermittent, with both sides reluctant to make major concessions due to deep mistrust. The warring parties continue to exchange proposals, often changing their goalposts frequently.

The dual naval blockade by the US and Iran of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place, severely disrupting global shipping. Both Iran and the US continue to attack ships in and around the strait. The intensified military deployments by both sides have turned this critical chokepoint into a no-go zone. Furthermore, threatens to expand its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz to include vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Iran plans to target and disrupt fibre-optic subsea communication cables in the Strait. Such sabotage could impact global technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon, adding a catastrophic digital dimension to the blockade of the strait. Digital disruptions could negatively impact communications, financial transactions, social media, e-commerce and streaming services. The possibility of the war transitioning from threatening global energy to posing a risk to digital infrastructure could lead to a global digital catastrophe. 

Thus, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable due to significant areas of divergence, with neither side willing to make concessions. The Strait of Hormuz will continue to be a contested maritime chokepoint, used as a strategic pressure point, with control of the passage leverage for broader negotiations. The repeated ceasefire violations in this area, coupled with the diplomatic deadlock, suggests that the possibility of returning to a full-scale war cannot be discounted.

South Africa, like other countries in the world will continue to bear the brunt of rising energy prices, inflation, and a high cost of living. Consequently, the Republic will persist in calling for an end to the war and a negotiated settlement to bring stability to the region. Regarding Palestine, South Africa will support initiatives from the international community aimed at creating a credible pathway toward establishing Palestinian Statehood within the 1967 borders, alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

3. Food and energy security issues 

Food and energy security have become defining issues of our time.  Together, BRICS countries and new partners are responsible for 40-45% of global food production, about one-third of the world’s agricultural land and close to 40% of global water resources, making this grouping a central pillar of global food security and an indispensable actor in the energy transition.  Yet, in 2025 an estimated 673 million people still faced hunger, while climate change, price volatility and conflict continue to erode the resilience of food and energy systems, particularly in the Global South.

Within BRICS, we increasingly recognise that food and energy security cannot be treated in isolation.  Evidence from our own countries shows how energy shortages, water stress and climate shocks directly undermine agricultural output and food access, and how unbalanced growth patterns can amplify these vulnerabilities.  For South Africa and Africa as whole, this nexus is very real; droughts, rising input costs and fuel price spikes translate rapidly into higher food prices, lost livelihoods and deepened inequality.

South Africa’s Musa Plan use data driven research and collaborative resource mobilisation to support efforts to end food poverty and food insecurity.  Just Energy Transition Investment Plan has attracted around 13.5 billion USD in international pledges to scale renewable manufacturing, grid and transmission upgrades and skills development across the transition value chain.

Food and energy security should be treated as a strategic area of BRICS cooperation where we link three strands of work.  First, coordinated trade and investment that supports resilient agricultural value chains and sustainable energy systems, including through South-South technology transfer, sustainable trade frameworks, and responsible investment in critical minerals and agricultural supply chains.  Second, joint innovation; sharing best practice on drought resistant crops, water efficient irrigation, renewable powered agro-processing and storage, including risk management tools that help buffer our populations from price spikes and climate disasters.  Third, common advocacy in global forums for fairer rules on agricultural trade, climate finance and energy transition support, so that our countries are not forced to choose between development, food on the table and climate ambition.

Our objective as South Africa is for BRICS to turn our combined potential into real security for our peoples. This mean working with partners to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to ensure stable and affordable energy for households and industry, and to build systems that can withstand the shocks what we know are coming.

Programme Director,
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
President of the South African Football Association, Dr Danny Jordaan,
Representatives of football organisations present,
Head Coach, Mr Hugo Broos,
Members of the national squad,
Members of the technical team,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome you all here this evening. 

We gather here to declare boldly and with great pride:

Bafana Bafana has done it. Bafana Bafana is back. 

Stronger. Focused. Fearless. Hungrier. 

The people of South Africa have waited a long time for this moment. 

We have been behind our team in the stadiums, in our homes and in our hearts.

As a team, you have already made history by qualifying for the first time in more than twenty years. 

Now we want to see you lift that trophy. 

Asifuni group stage. Asifuni knockout rounds. Asifuni ukuzwa the words ‘elimination’ or ‘bowing out.’

You are bringing the FIFA World Cup trophy home.

We have seen the immense potential of sport to inspire and unite our country. 

Time and again we have witnessed South Africans from all walks of life rallying behind our sportsmen and women as they compete on the international stage. 

This time will be no different. 

I fully expect to be inundated with calls to declare a public holiday every time you progress to the next round.

It has been a long journey to get to this point, where our team is jetting off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It has been a difficult road, with lots of challenges. 

What has seen us through is the unwavering commitment of SAFA, government, the football clubs and associations and sponsors to invest in, develop and strengthen South African football over the course of many years.

We owe everyone involved a debt of gratitude for not only developing this sport, but of uniting a nation.

When you arrive in Mexico City, you will be carrying with you the dreams of more than 60 million South Africans.

We are with you, behind you and beside you all the way.

Bafana Bafana are our emissaries of hope and the standard-bearers of the national flag. 

The diversity of our squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that in our constitutional democracy there is room and opportunity for all to realise their potential and fulfil their dreams. 

As ambassadors for South Africa, we are counting on you to put fully into practice what your years of training have prepared you for: sportsmanship, camaraderie, professionalism and teamwork. 

Yet sport is about so much more. 

How the game is played reflects the values of the society itself. Values like integrity, humility, respect, tolerance and inclusivity. 

History has presented Bafana Bafana with this opportunity to rise anew and to take your rightful place at the highest echelons of world football. 

Seize this opportunity. Do even more than your best. Make us even prouder than we are tonight.

We wish you the very best as you head off to the tournament.

I will be there when you lift the trophy on the 19th of July.

And, yes, I will declare it a public holiday.

May you have wind in your sails, steel in your veins and thunder in your boots. 

I thank you.

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 28 May 2026, undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of India. 

South Africa and India enjoy a long relationship together which is based on shared history, cultural ties, and a shared vision of the world through its principled approach on non-alignment and supporting the development of the Global South through its promotion of South-South partnerships. 

Both South Africa and India are represented in many multilateral formations that promote this commitment to the development of the Global South and include membership to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be the second Deputy President to visit India. 

The last Official visit by a Head of State from South Africa was in January 2019 when President Cyril Ramaphosa was Chief-Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. 

Through this Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to cement the bilateral relations with the business leaders and investors from India through a Roundtable discussion which aims to attract more investment for both countries. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele. 

Details of the Working Visit are as follows:

Date: 29 May 2026 - 3 June 2026 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, Wednesday 27 May 2026, undertake an oversight visit to the Cape Flats in the Western Cape Province.

While responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on 21 May 2026, the Deputy President made a commitment to Honourable Wesley Marshal Douglas, MP, to conduct an oversight visit to the Cape Flats, particularly to assess progress on the implementation of measures aimed at combating gang-related criminality under Operation Prosper. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the State of the Nation Address in February the deployment of Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with SAPS personnel, to the areas in Cape Town and surrounding communities that are affected by gang-related violence and criminality, with Operation Prosper subsequently launched in this regard.

Deputy President Mashatile will visit three of the gang-affected areas, namely, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plein and Gugulethu.

He will be accompanied by the Acting Minister of Social Development, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga; Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Gen (Rtd) Bantu Holomisa and Mr Richard Hlophe; Deputy Minister of Police, Dr  Polly Boshielo; Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel and Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks of Social Development.

Details of the oversight visits are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Venues and Times:
14h00 - 15h00 Lentegeur Police Station: Briefing and Walkabout in the nearby community.
15h15 - 15h50 Mitchells Plein - Assessing progress on the implementation of Operation Prosper at Tafelsig.
15h50 - 16h00 Media doorstop opportunity.
16h15 - 16h45 Gugulethu Lotus Park - Walkabout and Interaction.
16h45 Departure.
 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency Dr John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and Champion of the Accra Reset
Your Excellency Chair of the African Union Commission, Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf 
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC,
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO
Excellencies the co-chairs of the African High Level Ministerial Council and all Ministers present,
Distinguished Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank Africa CDC for convening this important High-Level Ministerial Meeting at a critical moment for our continent.

Africa is once again being tested by a dangerous Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with a serious risk of wider regional spread. 

The outbreak is unfolding in areas marked by intense population movement, insecurity, porous borders, humanitarian pressures and active trade corridors. These realities make rapid containment more difficult and increase the urgency of our collective response.

I pay tribute to the frontline health workers who have shouldered a succession of epidemics and outbreaks. 

Yet, they continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment and stamina in the face of a highly dangerous and demanding public health threat. 

It is of utmost importance that we ensure their lives and livelihoods are protected: by securing ample supplies of high quality personal protective equipment, ensuring there are enough health workers deployed to allow for rest and recouperation and equipping them with all the tools of trade they require to deliver high quality health and care.

I commend Africa CDC, under the leadership of Dr Jean Kaseya, for acting swiftly and decisively in accordance with the mandate entrusted to the institution by African Heads of State and Government. 

Africa CDC has led a unified strategy for the continent by immediately mobilising affected countries, coordinating regional preparedness, convening a ministerial platform and galvanising the joint incident management team in collaboration with the World Health Organization. 

I commend the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for the courage and solidarity they demonstrated during the Kampala High-Level Ministerial Meeting. 

At a moment of uncertainty, these countries chose cooperation over isolation and unity over fragmentation. This is the Africa we must continue to build.

The latest situation remains deeply concerning. We are witnessing continued transmission in the DRC, confirmed cases in Uganda and heightened risk for several neighbouring countries. 

We have already lost more than 200 people. Africa CDC has said that this is the second largest Ebola outbreak after the one in West Africa in 2014.

Although, at the onset of this outbreak, there are no therapeutics and vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain, we have reason to be hopeful. Working together with Africa CDC and the World Health Organization through the interim medical countermeasures network, organisations such as GAVI, CEPI and UNITAID are working at speed on promising vaccine and therapeutic candidates towards clinical trials. 

We strongly support these efforts, as Africa cannot continue to face deadly epidemics without equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines and treatments. We call on all relevant partners and manufacturers to accelerate research and development, strengthen genomic surveillance, expand laboratory systems, and fast-track the equitable delivery of safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics.

The Kampala meeting aligned behind a continental preparedness and response plan of approximately $319 million for the period June to November 2026. This plan will support outbreak control in affected countries while strengthening preparedness in at least ten high-risk Member States.

Importantly, African countries themselves have already committed initial domestic contributions representing approximately ten percent of the required financing. This demonstrates ownership and responsibility. Africa is no longer waiting passively for others to act.

In this spirit of African solidarity and African solutions to African challenges, the Government and people of South Africa are pleased to announce an initial contribution of U$5 million to Africa CDC in support of the ongoing continental Ebola response.

This contribution is a demonstration of our confidence in Africa CDC as the Public Health Agency of Africa and in the importance of collective continental action. 

We encourage other Member States, African financial institutions, philanthropy and the African private sector to join this effort urgently.

I particularly welcome the mobilisation of African business leaders, including Mr Aliko Dangote, Professor Benedict Oramah, Dr George Elombi and Mr Simon Tiemtoré, who are stepping forward to support this response. Their engagement reflects a growing understanding that health security is also economic security, development security and continental security.

At the same time, we call on the international community to stand with Africa in a spirit of partnership, solidarity and respect. The world is safer when Africa is safer. Delayed support today will result in much higher human, social and economic costs tomorrow.

This outbreak reminds us that preparedness cannot begin when a crisis is already expanding. 

We must continue investing in resilient health systems, strong national public health institutes, emergency operations centres, local manufacturing of medical countermeasures, community health workers, genomic surveillance and sustainable domestic financing.

Africa has the institutions, expertise and leadership to respond effectively. 

What is required now is speed, unity, solidarity and trust in our collective capacity.

The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and all countries at risk must know that they are not alone. Africa stands with them.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, host the Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup Send-off Dinner at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The send-off dinner hosted under the theme "United by Hope, Driven by Pride"  will serve as a formal farewell to the national squad ahead of their departure to the FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The ceremony will also include the announcement of the final 26-man squad by Bafana Bafana Head Coach, Mr Hugo Broos.

The event forms part of the nation’s support for the senior men’s national football team as they prepare to represent South Africa on the global stage.

The President will be joined by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Danny Jordaan, members of the technical team, players, and invited guests.

The details of the event are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Time: 19h00
Venue: Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony are advised to note the following:
SABC has been appointed as the Official Broadcast Partner for SAFA.
Access will be granted STRICTLY to sports journalists.
Due to space limitations, media access will be limited.

Media RSVPs should to be sent to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za

DEADLINE FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION:
MONDAY, 25 MAY 2026 at 11H00am

Please note that no late submissions will be accepted beyond the stated deadline.

Right of admission is reserved.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Mr Darky Africa;
The Maape Family and the Children;
Premier of the North West Province, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi;
Former President Kgalema Montlanthe;
Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present;
Members of the North West Provincial Executive Council;
District and Local Mayors;
Leadership of the African National Congress and the entire Alliance;
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
Religious Leaders and Traditional Leadership;
The People of the North West Province;

Comrades and friends, today, beneath the skies of Vryburg and in the presence of a grieving nation, we gather at Huhudi Stadium to honour a revolutionary, a freedom fighter, a servant of the people, and a loyal son of the African soil.

We unite in sorrow to bid farewell to Comrade Kaobitsa Abel “Bushy” Maape, a leader, Robben Island prisoner, loyal ANC cadre, and son of the soil.

His life was marked by endurance and sacrifice in the struggle for liberation. He bore the scars of apartheid’s cruelty, scars that told the story of pain and injustice. He gave his youth to the struggle so that future generations might walk in freedom.

During the oppressive apartheid era, he played multiple roles. During the day, he was a dedicated teacher and humble principal in a rural community, shaping young minds. As night fell, he transformed into an underground activist, a "guerrilla of consciousness" who operated stealthily. He was part of leaders responsible for recruiting others under perilous conditions and contributed to the formation of the notable Kgalagadi Politico-Military Machinery.

He played a crucial role in establishing the General and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU), organising exploited farm and general workers. He contributed to the United Democratic Front (UDF), mobilising and agitating during the ANC’s ban. 

For this activism, the apartheid regime imprisoned him on Robben Island, believing isolation could extinguish the spirit of liberation. Yet history teaches us that Robben Island did not destroy revolutionaries, it became a school of political consciousness, discipline, courage, and leadership.

It was at Robben Island that some of the greatest sons of our nation emerged even stronger. I speak of leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba, and many others, who sacrificed their freedom so that future generations could live in a democratic, just, united, and free South Africa.

Among those courageous revolutionaries stood Comrade Bushy Maape. His voice, once silenced by prison walls, became a beacon of hope. His courage, tested in the darkest hours, became a shield for the weak.
When giving his life for the people, the only reward Comrade Bushy Maape sought was not wealth nor recognition, but the upliftment of the poor and the marginalised. 

He longed to see rural communities rise from the grip of poverty, to see dignity restored where despair had taken root. 

His vision was of a South Africa where talent, not race, determined destiny and where opportunity was the right of all. His struggle was to break chains of exclusion and open doors apartheid had slammed shut.

The essence of his struggle lay in breaking the chains of exclusion, opening doors that apartheid had closed, and ensuring that the children of the soil could walk proudly into spaces once deemed forbidden.

Even as Premier of the North West Province (2021–2024), he held firm to his values. Misunderstood at times, he remained focused on building communities and serving those in need. He embraced leadership as service, not self-enrichment, carrying the hopes and frustrations of ordinary people on his shoulders.

Bushy’s commitment exemplifies that a true revolutionary does not choose battles for convenience but stands steadfast in principles, even when the cost is high. His life was a living lesson that integrity is the cornerstone of leadership and that service to the people is the highest calling.

Today, as we bid him farewell, let us remember that his story is not only about the past but also about the future we must build. His example calls us to recommit ourselves to the values of honesty, humility, and service. His memory urges us to defend our democracy, to nurture unity, and to ensure that the sacrifices of his generation are not betrayed.

As we raise our revolutionary banners in tribute to his significant contributions and struggle, we are reminded of his keen insight that political freedom is incomplete without economic justice.

It is for this reason that the gallant fight and struggle he had weighed had to translate into dignity for the poor. Liberation should mean jobs for the unemployed. It should mean land for the dispossessed. It should mean education for the youth, healthcare for the vulnerable, housing for the homeless, and opportunity for the masses of our people.

Fellow Compatriots, what we should also learn from his life is that Comrade Bushy never forgot where he came from. He remained grounded among the people, listening to communities. 

Furthermore, he valued the culture and traditions of the ANC and upheld principles of unity, collective leadership, and discipline. Comrade Bushy understood that the movement of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ruth First, Chris Hani, and countless others can only remain strong when it is close to the people and responsive to their daily struggles.

As we lower his mortal remains, we must ask: how do we honour his legacy? We honour him through action—by defending unity, fighting corruption, restoring ethical leadership, and serving our people with humility and integrity.

We must ensure that freedom reaches every village, township, informal settlement, farm worker, unemployed graduate, and young person searching for hope.

Bushy taught us that revolutionaries do not run from difficulty; they confront it with courage, discipline, and clarity of purpose. Today, our country faces profound socio-economic and political challenges.

Millions of our people continue to struggle against poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, corruption, underdevelopment, and the rising cost of living.

Comrade Bushy understood the urgent service delivery challenges faced by communities in the North West Province, including issues like lack of water, youth unemployment, infrastructure deterioration, and the community's desire for an efficient government that meets their needs. He believed that government must be visible, responsive, and accountable to the people at all times.

Comrade Bushy acknowledged the vital role of traditional leadership in fostering community development and stability. He viewed it as essential for social cohesion, cultural identity, community mobilisation, and rural development. He advocated for collaborative efforts between government, traditional leaders, civil society, business, and the broader community to achieve sustainable development in provinces like North West.

Compatriots,

This province has significant economic potential, including mineral wealth, agricultural capacity, tourism, and skilled labor. Comrade Bushy stressed that these benefits should not only enrich a select few but must also uplift communities in poverty, ensuring that the wealth of the North West serves its people.

Comrade Bushy aimed to inspire rural communities to engage in agriculture, create jobs, and enhance food security. He encouraged youth participation in the economy and emphasised infrastructure investment to boost economic growth in rural and township areas, seeking to translate this growth into dignity and improved living conditions for citizens.

Comrade Bushy believed that government exists to serve the people, not for self-enrichment. At a time when some seek to sow cynicism, hopelessness, and divisions, he would have urged us to rebuild public trust through ethical leadership, hard work, accountability, and humility.

If he were here today, he would call on us to strive towards strengthening local government, so that communities receive services with dignity, efficiency, and accountability. He would remind us, that development must reach rural villages, townships, and forgotten communities, not only centres of wealth and privilege.

He would also have called for unity across political, racial, tribal, and social lines. As a veteran of the liberation struggle, he understood that South Africa cannot advance if its people are permanently divided and pitted against one another.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here today to bid farewell to Comrade Bushy Maape, we do so at a time when our province and country are once again confronted by the painful reality of violence and criminality that continue to rob families and communities of peace and security.

Government remains deeply dismayed and outraged by the barbaric killing of community activist Thato Molosankwe from Lomanyaneng Village in Mahikeng.

This senseless act of violence is an attack not only on one individual but also on the values of humanity, justice, democracy, and community activism for which many freedom fighters, including Comrade Bushy Maape, dedicated their lives.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Molosankwe family, the community of Lomanyaneng, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.

No society can prosper when violence, intimidation, criminality, and lawlessness are allowed to undermine social stability and public confidence. Communities must never live in fear because of criminal elements who disregard the sanctity of human life.

As Government, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice and holding perpetrators accountable. 

We also call on communities, traditional leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, and all sectors of society to work together to defeat crime, strengthen moral regeneration, and rebuild a culture of respect for life and human dignity.

There can be no greater tribute to leaders such as Comrade Bushy Maape than building communities founded on unity, safety, compassion, and justice for all.

History will remember him as a freedom fighter, a disciplined member of the ANC, and Premier of the North West Province.

Above all, he will be remembered as a man faithful to the cause of the people until his final days.

To the Maape family and children, we convey our deepest condolences on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the government, and the people of South Africa.

Your pain is our pain. Your loss is the nation’s loss. Thank you for sharing this son of the soil with us. His legacy is written not in ink, but in sacrifice, discipline, and service.

As revolutionary poet Keorapetse Kgositsile reminded us: “Freedom fighters never truly die, because they live on in the struggles and dreams of the people.”

Comrade Bushy Maape lives on in our democratic freedoms, in the hopes of young and old South Africans who still believe in a better future.

My brother Bushy, you have done your duty. Your spirit will blow through the ranks of the young men and women whom history now calls to serve.

Hamba Kahle, Mkhonto. 
Tsela Tshweu, Comrade Bushy Maape. 

May your soul rest and rest in peace. 

I thank you, Kealeboga,Inkomu!