President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the Muslim community well over Ramadaan, the holy month of fasting and charitable works.
 
The President said: “Ramadaan is a special period of spiritual devotion, physical sacrifice and charitable outreach for Muslims. But it is also an expression of faith that is embraced with tolerance and Ubuntu by all communities of faith.
 
“In our 30th year of freedom, the advent of Ramadaan gives us an appreciation of the freedom of religion, belief and opinion enshrined in our Constitution and the richness of our nation’s diversity.
 
“Ramadaan also connects the local Muslim community more closely with their brethren around the world at this time. We remember that for millions of people, Ramadaan is being observed under conditions of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others - for whom this holy month is a time of great hardship and suffering. “
 
“May the message of Ramadaan, of peace, tolerance and unity serve as an impetus for us as the international fellowship of nations to do all within our means to protect the most vulnerable, and put an end to conflicts and wars everywhere,” President Ramaphosa said.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, respond to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on matters related to his delegated responsibilities.

In light of the high unemployment rate among the youth, the Deputy President will brief members of the NCOP on job creation initiatives implemented by government to address unemployment and promote inclusive economic growth. 

This is in line with the Deputy President’s delegated responsibility of leading the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa and fostering collaboration between government and social partners toward addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.

The Deputy President will also reaffirm government’s commitment to ensuring that municipalities meet their constitutional obligation of delivering basic services through the rollout of the District Development Model. 

In his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform, the Deputy President will appraise the NCOP members on the ongoing efforts to accelerate land redistribution through a variety of instruments, in order to boost agricultural output. 

Additionally, the Deputy President will reassure the NCOP members that South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice will not have an impact on the country's national efforts and initiatives to promote social cohesion.

Details of the NCOP sitting are as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 12 March 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chambers

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria