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President Ramaphosa to deliver the Memorial lecture on the life and times of Elijah Barayi
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 deliver the Memorial lecture on the life of Elijah Barayi.

The labour law lecture, organised by the department of Labour in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, will focusing on the life and contribution of Elijah Barayi and will offer the President and opportunity to pay his special tribute.

Elijah Barayi was a trade union leader who sacrificed his life in the struggle for the dawn of peace, freedom, and the building of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic society in South Africa.

He was one of the founding leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and rose to become the Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu) President at its launch in 1985.

He had been an activist in the Mass Democratic Movement since the 1950s.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Time: 10h30 – 12h30 (members of the media to arrive at 09h30)
Venue: University of Johannesburg, Soweto campus Imbizo hall, Gauteng

NB: Admittance is granted upon receipt of a confirmed RSVP. For RSVP and media site visit and inspection, please contact: Mishack Magakwe: 082 908 1828/ Mishack.Magakwe@labour.gov.za and cc hlobisile@presidency.gov.za  on or before Friday, 10 May 2024 at 16h00.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President to attend the launch of the 30 Years Review Report
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 08 May 2024, attend the launch of the 30 Years of Democracy Review Report in Pretoria.

The report to be handed over to the President by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will reflect on the political, social, and economic journey of transformation of South Africa since 1994 at the advent of democracy, in order to derive lessons and make recommendations for the country’s development agenda.

The report will also provide critical evidence for the development of the new MTSF 2024 – 2029, which serves as a five-year plan of government towards the implementation of the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

The event will take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 08 May 2024
Time:11h00 (Media arrival at 09h00)
Venue: Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria 

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP through the link below before the end of business on Monday 6 May 2024 

The registration link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UhDK1Pi6dUSwUNqCMk2d-brsaoQ9ehVHiEDoa7fQqQ1UQUxWQkdUQzJCRDVMM1ZQOTk4RjFZUUIyTC4u

Media accreditation enquiries should be directed to Ms Keitumetse Moutloatse(DPME) 073 532 6161/Keitumetse@dpme.gov.za


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Minister of Electricity to brief media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan
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The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will be hosting a media briefing to provide updates on the progress of the Energy Action Plan.

Date: Monday, 06 May 2024  
Time: 11h00 (media setup from 10h00)  
Venue: Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

Live Streaming:
 
- Facebook: GovernmentZA
- Twitter: GovernmentZA
- YouTube: GovernmentZA

RSVP:

Kindly RSVP by sending your details (name, surname, media house, and car registration) to:

- Takalani Mukwevho: takalanim@gcis.gov.za  
- Kutlwano Huma: kutlwano@presidency.gov.za  

Deadline: 10h30, Sunday, 05 May 2024


Media enquiries: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity, on 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: GCIS on behalf of the Ministry in The Presidency for Electricity  
Pretoria

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Opening remarks by Deputy President Paulus Mashatile during the engagement between Government and Western Cape Inter-Faith Leaders, Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town
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Programme Director;
Our esteemed Religious and Inter-Faith Leaders here;
Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Honourable Member of the NCOP;
DDM Champions present;
Honourable Members of Parliament present;
Councillors;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Having an opportunity to engage with interfaith communities is consistently an honour and privilege for me, as I firmly believe that you are the backbone of our society. 

Since taking office, I have held several dialogues with interfaith communities, which should demonstrate my gratitude for your remarkable dedication to our nation's progress. 

Our office is committed to engaging in continuous dialogue with you on any issue affecting our society. We have therefore decided to expand this engagement to provincial levels, as we are doing today with you.

As interfaith leaders, you represent the starting point from which acts of kindness and generosity should originate. I greatly esteem you as the leaders of our society, as you are the individuals who regularly interact with communities on a daily basis. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we have convened here with three decades of our shared democracy, which we have built from the shackles of apartheid, with only ourselves to trust in the process. 

Reflecting on our journey, we have climbed mountains that were seemingly insurmountable. Through weaving together the threads of different faiths and the tireless work of numerous organisations, the dark cloud of apartheid was finally vanquished, paving the way for a freedom that we cherish.

It is important to always maintain a sense of gratitude for the achievements we have made and not let the pessimistic voices that solely focus on the negative aspects overshadow our progress.

We built our progress on the unity of diverse faiths, treating every religion with equal respect. In stark contrast, the apartheid era unfairly elevated Christianity as the sole faith, causing division among South Africans.

Today, it is truly remarkable to see people from diverse backgrounds joining forces to achieve great things, overcoming obstacles, and fostering unity for the betterment of our communities.

Today, we also have Chapter 2 of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, which recognises that everyone has the right to freedom of religion. Section 9, the equality clause, prohibits unfair discrimination on various grounds, including religion.

As Government, we are committed to upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or religious affiliations. We strive to provide equal respect and protection to both believers and non-believers, as well as to different religious denominations.

Equally, our commitment to addressing social issues has been unwavering. Over the past 30 years, we have made remarkable strides in enhancing the well-being of South Africans.

We have transitioned from an authoritarian state apparatus that overlooked the lives and living conditions of millions of our citizens to a democratic nation that guarantees equal protection for every individual. 

A significant number of South Africans, especially those who are less fortunate, now have the opportunity to access education, healthcare, and basic services. More than ever before, millions of our citizens are shielded from abject poverty by means of among others the redistribution policies that represent progress, such as the Land Reform Programme.

Today, our churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples serve as cornerstones of society, providing vital education, feeding the poor and needy, and speaking out against injustices in our nation with a consistent and strong approach.

I would like to commend the wonderful work that the interfaith communities here in the Western Cape have done. I also appreciate the Western Cape Interfaith Leaders for uniting most of these diverse religions and denominations under one umbrella body.

We have a shared responsibility to bring all religions together in our efforts to promote national unity and social cohesion.

This is a task that I began while serving as Minister of Arts and Culture, and it remains important to me even today.

South Africa, with its widely diversified community, has encountered enormous obstacles to social cohesion and togetherness. The interfaith community, comprising various religious traditions, has been working tirelessly to bridge these gaps, and your presence today demonstrates your willingness to collaborate and promote unity and reconciliation among diverse populations in South Africa.

Moreover, our nation faces a multitude of challenges that include gender-based violence and femicide, poverty, unemployment, access to quality education, drug and substance abuse, child abuse, crime, corruption, teenage pregnancy, and high HIV infection rates among young people.

The current state of safety conditions for women and girls in their residences, workplaces, public transportation, and roadways is disturbing. In addition, it is concerning that, despite the serious risks associated with HIV/AIDS, a significant number of young individuals continue to partake in unprotected sexual activities. This behaviour has led to alarming rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

As faith communities, you should not stand by and watch when our young people are without information on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The faith community has a collective duty to use its leadership influence to educate young people about the dangers of unprotected sex. We should teach young boys and girls about abstinence as a way to avoid the risks that come with sex, like pregnancy and STDs.

Another pressing challenge that requires our active involvement is the prevalence of drug abuse and addiction in our communities. The abuse of drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamines, and opioids has increased in recent years, leading to a rise in crime, poverty, and health issues.

This is no longer an individual problem but a national concern that needs collective intervention from the church, law enforcement, parents, children, and teachers. As interfaith communities at the forefront of our society, it is your responsibility to coordinate social activities and community outreach programs for young people, ensuring they remain focused on their future.

We can achieve social cohesion and unity by ensuring that children receive proper nurturing, stay in school, and refrain from engaging in criminal activities. 

Together, we must build the nation by teaching good behaviour and righteousness.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Your concerns about by-laws that do not accommodate churches, access to public land and facilities for religious purposes, and the issue of empowering religious leaders to serve as Commissioners of Oaths and Marriage Officers have also reached my attention.

These are crucial matters that necessitate a thoughtful and open exchange of ideas to arrive at the optimal resolution. I am eager to delve into this matter and find an amicable resolution.

We must all agree that the issue of equitable land distribution remains a challenge for our people.

This, among others, is a result of the more entrenched legacy of apartheid, which deprived our people of their right to ancestral land.

The Constitution empowers us to implement legislative measures that guarantee equal access to land, and provides comparable redress to individuals or communities facing legally insecure land tenure as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices. This guarantees the preservation of ancestral land rights for all citizens.

Let me reassure you that the IMC on Land Reform, which I share, is executing initiatives aimed at expediting land redistribution and restoring the rights of many previously dispossessed individuals.

In terms of bylaws, the Government is working hard to reduce excessive red tape that stifles our progress. Under President Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership, we established the Red Tape Reduction Team, which focuses on sectors such as tourist operator licences, travel visas, work permits, and the informal sector, with the goal of creating a competitive and thriving economy.

I beseech you, as interfaith leaders, to actively collaborate with the task team to express your concerns. I believe that through this task team, we will be able to address some of your concerns regarding rates and tax policies, which are not responsive but rather very cumbersome and oppressive to churches that have little source of revenue to meet their very basic needs.

Today, we should declare that we take responsibility for establishing a movement that will create the South Africa we all want to live in. We must work in partnership to advocate for a society rooted in the values enshrined in our Constitution that affirm the worth and dignity of every human being.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must further exercise our constitutional right by participating in the upcoming elections and casting our votes. With less than twenty-five days until the election, we must inspire each other and those we lead to do the same. You must use influence to promote tolerance, foster peace and pray for a peaceful election.

As I conclude, I also want us to have a meaningful conversation about fostering moral regeneration in communities. In an increasingly varied and interdependent world, we must work across religious and cultural divides to instill compassion, understanding, and respect.

At the same time, we cannot undervalue the role of governance in establishing frameworks and policies that uphold these values. We have to provide an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, moral education, and interfaith dialogue.

Such an atmosphere may remove misconceptions and foster empathy and respect. Through such dialogue, we may promote ideals shared across religious traditions, such as compassion, justice, and peace, thus providing a common basis for moral development.

Let us forge ahead in the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding, for we share a common responsibility and goal: to realise a better South Africa for ourselves, for our children, and for the children of tomorrow.

Thank you.

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Minister of Electricity visits 3000 MW gas to power site in Richards Bay
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Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, is today, 03 May 2024, visiting the first of its kind in South Africa, Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP), which is a planned gas-fired power plant that will include open cycle gas turbines and combined cycle gas turbines. 

The plant, located in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), will have a maximum capacity of 3,000 megawatts. 

This gas-to-power project will be a game changer in addressing South Africa's electricity challenges by offering a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy solution.

The introduction of gas-to-power projects will help diversify the country's energy mix, reducing reliance on coal and promoting cleaner energy sources.

The Minister, joined by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and the MEC of Economic Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Siboniso Duma, will be briefed by Eskom Executives on the status of the project. 
 
Members of the media are invited for a door-stop opportunity at the end of programme as follows:

Date: Friday, 03 May 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Richards Bay IDZ, 125 Alumina Allee, Alton, Richards Bay


Please contact the following persons when you arrive on site:

- Kutlwano Huma on 0781331482 or 
- Bongi Gwala on 0727934757 or 
- Ndabezintle Sibiya on 0823754742


Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, spokesperson for the Ministry in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, on 082 084 5566

Issued by: The Ministry in The Presidency responsible for Electricity
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to open new Home Affairs office in Mokopane and unveil 100 mobile service units
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 07 May 2024 officially open a new, purpose-built Department of Home Affairs office in Mokopane, Limpopo, and unveil 100 new mobile offices that will extend the reach of the Department’s services, especially in remote areas.

The unveiling of these mobile offices is part of Home Affairs’ Hybrid Access Model, which expands services in areas where the Department’s footprint is limited.

This purpose-built office offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way, which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Part A - Mokopane Office Launch

Date: Tuesday, 07 May 2024
Time: 08h00
Venue: 75 Pretorius Street, Mokopane 

Part B - Mobile Office Launch

Date: Tuesday, 07 May 2024    
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mahwelereng Stadium, 2292 Matebele St, Mahwelereng-A, Mokopane

RSVP: Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to confirm their attendance with Makungu Mbetse on Makungu@presidency.gov.za / 079 788 3077 and David Hlabane on david.hlabane@dha.gov.za / 071 342 4284


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa leads collaborative focus on early childhood development
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A multi-disciplinary grouping of national departments has committed to collaborate strategically to ensure universal access for citizens to comprehensive early childhood development services, with a focus on prioritising the nation’s most vulnerable children.

This will be complemented by the South African Police Service (SAPS) deploying resources and services to ensure the safety and protection of children.

The wellbeing and development of children was the focus of the recent inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Early Childhood Development (ECD) convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The meeting on 23 April 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive early childhood development services to all children.

President Ramaphosa characterised ECD as the real revolution for the country’s long-term development.

The early years of a child’s life provide the foundations for their future flourishing and success.

Moreover, equitable access to comprehensive early childhood development opportunities is the cornerstone of improved educational outcomes and inclusive economic growth.

Progress towards expanding these opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind, therefore needs to be early and rapid.

The objectives of the inaugural Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting were to establish the IMC through an adopted Terms of Reference, clarify the mandates of each department for ECD delivery, agree on proposed priority areas for ECD programmes, and agree on the development and reporting against a joint outcome-based monitoring & evaluation framework for ECD to track progress against proposed priority areas.

During the meeting, several key points were discussed and agreed upon:

1. Integrated Support for Children's Potential: It was emphasised that for children to reach their full potential, they require a range of interconnected and diverse support delivered by various Government departments as well as social sector partners. 

2. Collaborative Approach: The Departments of Basic Education; Health; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Social Development; Higher Education and Training; Labour; Sport, Art and Culture; and Correctional Services and Home Affairs will collaborate strategically to ensure universal access to comprehensive ECD services, with a focus on prioritising the most vulnerable children.

The SAPS will also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of children.

Support from the National Treasury and the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation will be vital in enabling these departments to fulfil their mandates.

3. The priorities of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the next 5 years: The IMC for ECD, supported by a Director-General Committee agreed on the following 5 priorities:

• Every child to have access to a flexible package of age-appropriate, affordable ECD programmes 
• Improved collaboration between the government departments, provincial departments and social sector partners.
• Sufficient funding and resourcing to be targeted effectively to the most vulnerable communities
• A capable ECD workforce to be developed that is well-supported and equipped; and
• To enhance programme quality through appropriate support and monitoring.

4. Finally, the IMC also agreed to the joint development of an outcomes-based framework to track progress on the key outcomes and services that are likely to drive changes in child outcomes, as measured by the Thrive by Five Index. 

The Department of Basic Education will be convening future IMC meetings and is committed to working collaboratively with other relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to quality early childhood development services.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee affirmed its belief that investing in children's early years is the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile to lead an engagement between government and Western Cape Inter-Faith Leaders
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 03 May 2024, as part of his delegated responsibility of promoting social cohesion and nation-building initiatives across the country, lead an engagement between Government and Western Cape Inter-Faith Leaders.

The engagement is in fulfilment of the decision of the September 2023 national Inter-Faith Dialogue,  to conduct provincial engagements aimed at enhancing the existing relationship and co-ordination between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders, in an effort to deal with society’s developmental challenges. 

In South Africa, the faith communities have always taken a leading role on matters that affect the welfare and well-being of the nation. 

In this regard, the Deputy President is expected to reaffirm the commitment by both social partners to address various social ills that plague the Western Cape Province in particular and the country in general.

The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, as well as senior government officials. 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Friday, 03 May 2024
Time: 09h00am
Venue: Southern Sun Cape Sun, Cape Town

Media wishing to cover are requested to confirm attendance with Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Keynote address by Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, at the Development and Democracy Intergenerational Dialogue, Pan-African Parliament
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Programme Director, Ms Sibongile Gangxa, 
Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament,
Hon. Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,
Hon. Ronald Lamola, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development,
Dr. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service in Namibia,
Your Excellency, Ms Lindiwe Khumalo, Pan-African Parliament Clerk
Prof Eddy Maloka, CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism,
Ms Karabo Mohale, Executive Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA Board,
Ms Pearl Pillay and Mr Thulisa Ndlela, Members of the NYDA Board, 
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Your Majesty Lebogang Mogale, Your Royal Highness Dr Koketso Rakhudu) and other Traditional Leaders present,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.

Good Morning!

I am honoured to address this dialogue on a topic of great importance to the future of our nation on the “intersection of development and democracy”. Indeed, we gather here during a critical juncture in South Africa's history, where the voices, perspectives, and expertise of the youth are critical in shaping our collective future. Now more than ever, the youth of South Africa and continent must be at the centre of strengthening democracy and advancing development. 

Last Saturday, 27th April 2024, the world joined South Africa in celebrating and commemorating 30 years of freedom and democracy. During his address at the Union Buildings, President Cyril Ramaphosa shared;

“South Africa’s democracy is young. Most of the world’s most established democracies are over a hundred years old. The progress that has been made in a relatively short period of thirty years is something of which we can and should all be proud.

It is only those who wilfully will not see, who shut their eyes to progress, who will deny that South Africa today is an infinitely better place than it was thirty years ago.”

Programme Director,

Over the past 30 years we have been empowered with policy frameworks and plans aimed at advancing development. These include the Freedom Charter of 1955, the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) of 1994, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) of 1996, the National Development Plan (NDP) of 2012, and the Medium-Term Strategic Frameworks under each administration amongst several others.

The NDP is South Africa’s first plan that provides a long-term perspective on development to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. The NDP asserts that South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing state-capacity, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.

The high-level goals of the NDP are coherent with key international frameworks for development, namely: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-30). Most importantly, the goals are coherent with the aspirations of our people.

The NDP like many other policy frameworks of South Africa’s Government aims to leverage the nexus of democracy and development. It is a roadmap for transforming South Africa through a commitment to fostering solidarity, equality, and sustainable development while committing to democratic values. South Africa, like many developing democracies, maintain that development and democracy are often intertwined and depend on each other. 

Therefore, as we celebrate 30 years of democracy and freedom, we also celebrate 30 years of development. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our journey to democracy has not been an easy one, nor the journey to development. 

Over the three decades, South Africa has faced systemic and contextual challenges that have impacted the country’s development trajectory.

In 2023, the National Planning Commission (NPC) released the Ten-Year Review of the NDP. The review reflects on our nation's progress and assesses the key NDP indicators and targets, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment.  

The NDP set a goal of achieving an annual average of 5.4% GDP growth and aimed to create 11 million jobs. Over the past 30 years the South African economy has grown and is expected to be Africa’s largest economy in 2024 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Our labour force expanded from 11,3 million in 1994 to 28,3 million in 2023. Due to progressive labour legislation, the race, gender, age, and skills composition of the labour force and employment have altered considerably promoting more inclusive economic development. 

Infrastructure development is a pivotal driver of growth and development in South Africa and the continent. South Africa continues to affirm its support for the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative Africa-Wide (PICI) as a member state alongside eleven other African countries.

The main goal of PICI is to ignite and sustain catalytic collaborative partnerships among member-state countries toward the realisation of an integrated continent through transboundary infrastructure development. This is key to ensuring the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through PICI, member states commit to promoting the empowerment of the most vulnerable groups namely; women, youth, and persons with disabilities across Africa. 

South Africa's demographic landscape reflects a significant youth bulge, with the population aged 25 to 39 representing potential economic drivers. Balancing this demographic potential with education and employment opportunities is crucial.

The Government, through democratic institutions, seeks to create an enabling environment for economic growth by addressing obstacles to transformation, innovation, competition, and development. 

We are yet to fully explore the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in driving innovation, inclusion, and transformation. The NDP states that SMMEs will create 90% of new jobs by 2030. This accounts for around 9.9 million jobs of the target of 11 million jobs by 2030. 

Therefore, we applaud agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for their continued work in ensuring the youth-led SMMEs become equal contributors in growing our economy through providing grants, capacity building, and upskilling opportunities for the youth. These include “Areyeng Brazil” Agricultural Summer School, an initiative led by Deputy Chair Karabo Mohale aimed to inspire and empower young people to become leaders and change agents in South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Distinguished guests,

South Africa's social sector indicates notable progress in education, social wage, and health, with young people benefiting greatly from this progress. 

The country is moving towards universal access to education at all levels and improved overall educational outcomes.

More individuals aged 20 and older have attained Grade 12 as their highest level of education, rising from 16% in 1996 to 38% by 2022. In 2002 there were 295 special schools for learners with disabilities. By 2022 there were 489 (435 Public, 54 Independent).

The matric pass rate improved to 82.9% in 2023, from 53.4% in 1995. Enrolment in public universities has more than doubled, steadily edging closer to the NDP target of 1.6 million enrolments by 2030. Access to higher education has been bolstered by the establishment of more institutions of higher learning and increased National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.

South Africa's health system has evolved and has led to improved life expectancy and increased access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services from 68 million in 1998 to 138,8 million in 2022/23. 

Furthermore, South Africa’s social wage is one of the most advanced in the world and has proven to be an effective anti-poverty tool. It grew from 2,9 million beneficiaries in 1994 to more than 18 million in 2022. The COVID-19 grant increased reach to 27,6 million beneficiaries. Studies conducted over the two decades have shown that the child support grant is associated with a decline in incidents of poverty.

South Africa's youth bulge holds economic promise, yet high unemployment poses instability exacerbating inequalities and stifling potential. The Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) category, which constitutes 37% of young people aged 15-24, highlights the urgency of unemployment. 

Therefore, Government has taken steps to address the youth unemployment challenge. The Presidential Employment Stimulus, has assisted in creating more than 1,7 million work and livelihood opportunities.

Excellencies,

Our youth are resilient, resourceful, and brimming with untapped potential. Across the nation, young people are leading grassroots movements, driving innovation, and advocating for change. Their energy, creativity, and passion are the driving force behind our collective aspirations for a brighter future.

As we chart the path forward, we must heed the voices of our youth and harness their potential as agents of change. Building on the lessons learned from the Ten-Year Review of the NDP and the upcoming launch of the 30-Year Review of South Africa’s Democracy, we must redouble our efforts to create an enabling environment that empowers and uplifts our young people.

To achieve the goals of the NDP requires more than a state-centric approach to planning and implementation. It requires a comprehensive, coordinated, and partnership-based approach to development. 

As I conclude, the NDP affirms the future of our nation lies in the hands of our youth. We are fast approaching the 2030 deadline and we need the youth of South Africa to lead in asking; What next?

How does the youth build on the existing progress made in improving livelihoods of the people? What strategies can the youth consider to strengthen institutions and systems we have developed? How does the youth leverage on South Africa’s growing international influence to drive forward domestic imperatives? What key reforms are needed to ensure our country’s economic growth is inclusive, transformative, and redistributive? How we can recalibrate our planning systems so that they can better serve our country?

I believe the youth of South Africa and Africa are in a better position to answer these questions. In the Words of Anton Lembede, Founding President of the ANC Youth League,

“The Hour of Youth has Struck”.

I thank you.

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Remarks by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as she invited President Ramaphosa to address the BBC Awards and Dinner
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Programme Director,
His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,
The President of the Black Business Council, Mr Elias Monage,

Allow me to stand on the protocols already established.

Mr President,

I always find it difficult to introduce you as a President of the Republic, when you have to address your people. Tonight, I think I have figured out how to do it.

Last year, I was privileged to speak and participate at the BBC Annual Summit on “the political economy of South Africa and where we were heading”.
 
In that conversation, I insisted that Decades of institutionalised discrimination created vast disparities in terms of access to wealth and opportunities, hence South Africa still has levels of  economic marginalisation and exclusion. 
 
I reassured the Summit, that at the forefront of the government’s programme is  addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which are the legacy of Apartheid. A critical aspect of this programme is the  pursuit of economic transformation and empowerment.

I asserted that the future of South Africa's political economy:

1. Will be the pursuit of inclusive growth aimed at addressing income inequality, and empowering marginalised communities.
 
2. That as the nation sought to reduce its reliance on finite resources and adapt to changing global trends, economic diversification will gain importance. Encouraging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, tourism, services and green economy to increase their contribution to long-term sustainability and resilience.
 
3. That South Africa will focus on enhancing infrastructure networks to support industrialisation, trade facilitation, and regional integration, while also addressing historical disparities in access to services.
 
4. That tackling corruption and strengthening governance structures will remain crucial.
 
5. Reducing poverty and improving social welfare programs will also remain a political priority as we continue on a quest to break generational poverty.
 
6. Encouraging innovation, fostering digital literacy, and promoting the growth of the technology sector by embracing digitalisation and technological advancements is also a priority.

7. Lastly that strengthening ties with African nations, deepening partnerships with emerging economies, and pursuing mutually beneficial trade agreements will feature prominently in South Africa's economic strategy.
 
Of course, my contribution to the discussion on the political economy was before the Census 2022 Results that clearly articulated the progress our country has made in the last 30-years whilst point to the gaps confronting us, and the release of the Manifesto of the governing party.  

So, Mr President, it is always better to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. Let me invite you to address this august gathering of an important sector of our society. 

Mr President.

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 Union Building