Honorable Chairperson,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
All Chairpersons,
Honorable Members,

Honorable Chairperson, it gives me great pleasure to present here today, because this opportunity gives our Department an opportunity to solicit support of Provinces in the implementation of programmes such as the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP: GBVF), the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF) and the sanitary dignity project which is critical to keep young girls at schools.

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” Nelson Mandela.

 Young women and women with disabilities will never be free as long as this rage against them continues. Our mandate is clearly informed by the National Strategic plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. 

In order to ensure that the NSP on GBVF is a living document, the Department commenced the process of monitoring the integration of the NSP on GBVF from 2021/2022 financial year.

To date, the Department has reviewed the integration of the NSP on GBVF Priorities in the provincial departments’ Annual Performance Plans (APP) in North West, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The Department also reviewed District Development Plans for some of the Municipalities in North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape and the Western Cape. 

The Department is in the process of providing feedback to the Municipalities through their Integrated Governmental Relations structures and special feedback sessions, in order to give guidance on the integration of NSP on GBVF priorities to the plans. This exercise enables Municipalities to identify their leadership role in the fight against gender-based violence in line with their mandate and budget as such. 

Councillor Induction Programme on NSP on GBVF and Gender Responsive, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Audit Framework

Working with SALGA the Department was involved in the induction programme of Councillors with the main objective of sharing information on the role of local political leadership in leading the fight against GBVF through the localisation of the NSP on GBVF. The role of the political leadership on the localisation of the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF) was also covered during the sessions. 

Rapid Response Teams in Six Provinces

As a result working with SALGA and COGTA, we have established Rapid Response Teams in 6 provinces, that is, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. The function of these structures is to lead, coordinate and monitor the multi-stakeholder efforts within the Municipality to fight gender-based violence and ensure accountability. It is also to ensure that victims are provided with the coordinated support from all the stakeholders (including departments and Civil Society Organisations) whenever there is an incident of gender-based violence. 

We are in the process of building the capacity of these Rapid Response Teams in order to ensure that they effectively execute their function in leading the fight against gender-based violence and femicide. Ditebogo Enterprise and Development, will in partnership with Afrika Tikkun, place 43 unemployed graduates at the municipalities where there are Rapid Response Teams. 

Another project that the Department has been implementing in partnership with the provinces is the 100-Day Challenge in alignment with the NSP on GBVF, in this case each district had a specific focus based on the pillars. For example, the Frances Baard District Municipality aimed to reduce sexual offenses, while the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality focused on evidence-informed programs, safety audits, and actions to reduce GBVF.

In Mangaung, the goal was to reduce the maintenance case backlog by 75% within 100 days and increase the finalization rate of maintenance cases from 51% to 75%. Greater Tzaneen aimed to increase the reporting of rape cases by 80%, with a particular emphasis on rural areas. Lejweleputswa focused on increasing the referral of new Gender Based Violence cases reported by 300% to enhance response, care, support, and healing.

In Limpopo and Mpumalanga aimed to increase engagements on Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Sexual Harassment at Exxaro within 100 days and initiated a campaign to secure 10,000 pledges. These challenges fostered collaboration, innovation, and disciplined execution, leading to tangible impact in addressing Gender Based Violence.

We currently making follow-up in the Western Cape on serious case of GBV raised during District Development Model Presidential Imbizo at Drakenstein Municipality and at OR Tambo at Lusikisiki. We don’t leave any stone unturned on GBVF this time around. However, GBVF will not end until we all take responsibility to prevent it and report to law enforcements where it arises.

Disability: Advocacy and Mainstreaming

Persons with disabilities are the most affected by lack of access to quality education, economy inclusion, health and transport facilities, therefore it can be said that majority of them leave in poverty despite the social grants, because disability on its own is costly. Poverty, specifically, is not a single factor but rather is characterized by multiple physical and psychological effects. 

While they experience many challenges, there are positive developments that are worth celebrating, we welcome the approval by parliament on two important legislative mandates on the ratification of the AU Protocol on Disability which is due to be deposited to the African Union and the Constitutional amendment of South African Sign language as the 12th Official language of South Africa, as the Minister has already indicated.

Despite the Constitutional guarantee for equal access to opportunities in education, employment and health for all, including persons with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, persons with disabilities remain disadvantaged amongst South Africa’s poor and undereducated.  

In response to this challenge, the department hosted, a National Summit on Access to Education for Persons with Disabilities in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, followed by a National Economic Summit on and for persons with disabilities to identify, gaps and challenges and limiting barriers to access into the mainstream economy by persons with disabilities. The summit sought to further maximise the active participation of persons with disabilities in all economic initiatives, interventions and opportunities created by government and private sector as employees and entrepreneurs. This year we will be hosting in collaboration with the Department of Transport, a National Summit on Access to Transport for Persons with Disabilities.
 
The data collected by the DPSA on employment of persons with disabilities in the public service show that only 1% on employment of persons with disabilities and therefore deliberate and concerted efforts should be made to reach the 7% target by 2023 in line with the National Development Plan.
 
The department has identified a number of barriers that limit access to employment of persons with disabilities. One of the barriers identified was the perception regarding provision of reasonable accommodation and to that end the department conducted a research on the cost of disability and also on the elements and economic costs for households with children with disabilities and adults with physical disabilities. 
 
The department has further developed a capacity building training program which is been delivered through the National School of Government to capacitate public servants on disability inclusion. We urge and encourage Provincial departments and local government to enrol public servants to capacitate them to become fully effective when delivering services to persons with disabilities.

We have conducted awareness and capacity-building workshops across three spheres of government for persons with disabilities. The framework of the workshop was based on raising awareness, access and reasonable accommodation. The plans for mainstreaming inclusive approach on disabled people in programs of service delivery.

Gender-Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework

The department in collaboration with SALGA conducted Capacity Building for Councillors on the above-mentioned framework during induction five out of nine provinces were in attendance. We are satisfied with the progress as we were able to train the urban and rural councillors and the workshops will still continue.

The most strategic intervention on the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF), is taking place today where the DWYPD together with the DPME, National Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and the EU are hosting a Special FOSAD meeting to workshop Directors General on Gender Responsive Budgeting. This will have far lasting impact because when the National Treasury instructs all spheres of government, including municipalities to implement the Gender Responsive Budgeting, they will or risk losing their budget.

Further, the Department met with the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa to ensure that this framework is part of the annual audits.

We will continue to monitor and evaluate the socio-economic empowerment and development of Women Youth and Person with Disabilities throughout 2023/24. We maintain as this department that “There can be no greater gift than that of giving ones time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return” - Nelson Mandela!

I thank you!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 01 April 2023, at the invitation of the Masjidul-Quds Institute, witness the breaking of the fast in Ramadhaan, or the IFTAAR, at the Gatesville Mosque in Cape Town.

This is in line with the Deputy President’s delegated function of promoting social cohesion initiatives and nation-building across all sectors of South African society.

Muslims in South Africa and across the world are currently observing a month-long period of fasting which occurs in their Holy Month of Ramadhaan (according to the Islamic calendar). They fast from dawn till dusk, and this involves abstaining from food, drink, and marital intimacies during the day. At the end of the day (dusk), they break their fast also known as Ifar, an occasion that usually brings families and members of the Muslim community together. 

The breaking of the fast during Ramadhaan is an important occasion in the Muslim calendar and signifies the end of an intense period of worship and devotion during Ramadhaan that produces the necessary warmth in humankind and expressions of human solidarity.

The historical Masjidul-Quds Mosque in Gatesville is one of the largest in South Africa, which hosts a special Inter-Faith IFTAAR every year to spread the message of unity in diversity among leading South Africans. Among the many world-renowned dignitaries who have graced this much revered event, was the beloved late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Details of the IFTAAR are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 01 April 2023
Time: 16h00 (Media to arrive at 15h00)
Venue: Masjidul-Quds Mosque, Gatesville in Cape Town

Media enquiries: Bongani Majola (The Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or Faizal E Royker (Masjidul-Quds Institute) on 083 661 1664.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

We have learned with shock, the sad news of the passing of Percy Mthimkhulu and wish to convey sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mthimkhulu family on the passing of Percy. 

I have worked with Percy for more than 20 years as my speechwriter and at times, my Spokesperson. Percy was a wonderful and resourceful mandarin.  

Percy distinguished himself from his peers by his unwavering commitment by always going beyond the call of duty. He possessed great wit and was immensely talented in his craft. 

Percy was definitely one of the most prolific speechwriters in both the ANC and government. His ability to use words creatively to tell a story was exceptional. 

He captured audiences and provoked conversations through the many speeches and documents he authored throughout his career. 

His most recent and most memorable outstanding contribution was the drafting of South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan; and the South African Tourism Recovery Plan.

We are grateful to the Mthimkhulu family for lending us their son over the years. His legacy lives on. 

May his daughter Tatyana, sister Jabu, the entire Mthimkhulu family and friends be comforted as we all try to come to terms with this monumental loss. 

May God grant his soul eternal rest! 

Paul Shipokosa Mashatile 
Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, pay a visit to the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng to engage local government and monitor progress on the implementation of the commitments made during the Presidential Imbizo of August 2022, by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile is informed by his delegated responsibility of implementing rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots. The Deputy President’s intervention will also be coupled with the coordination of the different spheres of government, to improve the functioning of municipalities under the banner of the District Development Model. 

The aim of the visit is to provide feedback to the residents of the municipality as well as showcase the progress achieved since the Presidential Imbizo.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister Angie Motshekga, who is the District Development Model Champion in the Sedibeng District Municipality; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Administration, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng; Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Obed Bapela, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Administration, Mr Parks Tau, Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo and Ms Judith Tshabalala.

The Programme of the visit is as follows:
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
10h00: Oversight Visit to the Vereeniging Intermodal Taxi Facility (Taxido)

11h00: Oversight Visit to Leeuwkuil Waste Water Treatment Works

11h30: Oversight Visit to the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market

12h00: Oversight Visit to the Vaal River City Interchange

Members of the media who are interested in covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance with Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat 082 6799473

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile was sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on 7 March 2023. Following that, a transitional period took place involving a handover process, particularly on the delegated responsibilities that the Deputy President would inherit from his predecessor as delegated by the President.

The delegations are:

•  Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, in terms of section 91(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

•  Leading Government effort to fast-track land reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support

•  Implement rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots

•  Assisting the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government, which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns

•  Leading the South African National AIDS Council and the country’s integrated response to the challenges facing HIV and AIDS

•  Special envoy on South Sudan and leading peace missions on the continent as required.

•  Leading the Human Resources Development Council of South Africa and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy.

•  Promoting social cohesion initiatives with particular focus on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as Military Veterans.

•  Chairing the Governance, state capacity, and Institutional development as well as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cabinet Committees

To achieve these objectives, the Office of the Deputy President supports the Deputy President in his Constitutional responsibility of assisting the President in the execution of the functions of Government. A well-capacitated office with technical skills to achieve the objectives of Government will ensure that the Deputy President is able to effectively fulfil his mandate.

To this end, the Office of the Deputy President wishes to announce key appointments as such:

In terms of the administration of the Office of the Deputy President, Mr Mduduzi Mbada, former Acting Director-General at the Gauteng Provincial Government, will Head the Office of the Deputy President supported by Chief Directors, Ms Melene Rossouw: Personal Support and Advisory Services, Mr Vukani Mde: Spokesperson and Communication, and Ms Lerato Ntsangani: Strategy and Special Projects as retained.

Further, the following individuals will form the advisory team of the Deputy President:

•  Mr Keith Khoza, former Head of Communication in the African National Congress as Political Advisor

•  Mr Mukoni Ratshitanga, former Presidential Spokesperson as International Relations Advisor

•  Dr Tshilidzi Ratshitanga, Specialist on cities and former government Communicator as Strategy and Spatial Transformation Advisor

Deputy President Mashatile has retained two advisors who were advising former Deputy President David Mabuza, namely; Mr Madala Masuku, who will advise the Deputy President on Service Delivery and District Development Model, and Mr Thulani Mdakane, who will advise on Land Reform and Social Cohesion.

All appointments are subject to Public Service and Administration processes.

Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Honorable Chairperson,
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee,
Honorable Members,

When the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 with its expansive Bill of Rights was promulgated, women in South Africa were so happy because they thought it will save them from their nemesis, Gender Based Violence and Femicide, however, violence against women and children continues unabated. 

In November 2022, we convened the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The resolutions of the summit were adopted to respond to the key game changer question: “What more can be done to enforce accountability, accelerate and amplify efforts”? 

The Summit resolutions are a call to action that we are taking forward as government. A key takeaway emerging from the Presidential Summit was the need for whole-of-society approach. Indeed, we need communities to join and help us eradicate this pandemic. The Pandemic Plan will form part of the district development one plan and will be informed by our context; the National Strategic Plan and the Presidential Summit Resolutions. 

The scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide continues to plague the country despite progress made in driving the national response. 

As the Minister indicated that President declared GBVF as a second pandemic in 2020 in the midst of COVID pandemic. We are developing the National Pandemic Plan that will seek to treat the scourge with the magnitude and vigour equivalent to that of a national disaster. It will add to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in its focus on critical areas requiring urgent attention.

This measure will demonstrate the political will in tackling the scourge; and a whole-of-society approach in turning the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide tide at national, provincial and local municipality levels. 

A holistic consultative approach will be taken in line with the linkages to health and social ills such as teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDs, substance abuse, harmful cultural practices and the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. 

The criminal justice cluster will be consulted first on all quick wins, medium to short term interventions identified in enforcing accountability, and acceleration in implementing the resolutions that relate to protection, safety and justice.  The proposed national plan once tabled at the criminal justice cluster, will be tabled at the forum of South African Forum of the Director Generals (FOSAD).

In institutionalizing the National Strategic Plan, the Department will ensure that the plan serves on the agenda of the President’s Coordinating Committee. This will ensure that the inter-governmental aspect is elevated, and services are strengthened at the municipal level, as gender based violence and femicide happens at a local level.

Honourable members,

During the 2020/21 FY, the DWYPD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) around 6 priority areas identified. A steering committee was established which produced the following achievements:

Priority 1- Access/acquisition of Land

• 37% (Hectares Allocated to Women) against set target of 50%

Priority 3 - Rural Enterprise & Cooperative Development

• Total: 91 Coops - 334  member trained (155 Women, 131 Youth & 2 Persons with Disabilities)

Priority 4 – Skills Development

• A total of 969 new students enrolled at Agricultural Colleges. 760 are black and more than 50% female.

Honorable Chairperson,

The South African Law Reform Commission of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is due to publish the Discussion Paper on the Disability Rights Bill. Once published, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will rollout wide consultations with the disability sector, the legal fraternity and the academia. 

We are pleased to also announce that the Protocol on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa is due to be deposited at the African Union. The Department will ensure domestication of the AU protocol.

To take the work forward following the National Assembly approval that South African Sign Language become the 12th official language in South Africa. South African Sign language is offered as a subject in the school curriculum in South Africa.

The Department, PanSALB and the Deaf Community and other stakeholders will continue to work together to realise the aspects and the processes of the South African Sign Language Charter. Responsible stakeholders will in line with the charter implement measures to ensure South African Sign Language is made available to citizenry to effect accessible communication for persons who are deaf.

The Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities hosted the Economic Summit for Persons with Disabilities with objective to dismantle the barriers limiting access and participation of persons with disabilities in the mainstream economy.

The Summit identified stakeholders and assigned responsibilities to departments to fast track disability inclusion in the economic activities which includes ensuring that persons with disabilities are part of the economic value chain as employees and entrepreneurs and are supported accordingly.

It is a sad reality that some individuals and communities within our country still believe in harmful superstitions and myths surrounding albinism. Persons with Albinism remain targets of femicide, kidnappings and atrocities .The Department in partnership with the Task Force on Albinism will develop a program to advocate, educate and create awareness around the prevention of discrimination and violence against persons with Albinism.

The Department will continue to monitor compliance with national and international obligations for the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will work on this in partnership with relevant stakeholders, particularly the National Home Builders Registration Council and Department of Public Works, amongst other stakeholders. 

The Impact of Climate change on Persons with disabilities and their inclusion in Climate change action, adaptation and Mitigation strategies. 

The Department will collaborate with various partners including the United Nations partnership on the rights of persons with disabilities, the International Disability Alliance, University of Johannesburg, the university of Ghana and York University on research and recommendations on Climate change effects on persons with disabilities. 

A status report on the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities and how they should be included in climate change action will be developed by the Department.

Research will be conducted on Access to Education support and services for children and young people with disabilities. The research will serve as an evidential basis to mobilise the public and private sectors to provide resources and assistive devices to special and mainstream schools that have learners with disabilities.

Honourable Members, 

I am pleased to announce that the Department commissioned a formative evaluation study on the implementation of the Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation framework, the findings of the evaluation pointed to more government departments that are implementing the framework. We acknowledge that more work still needs to be done to ensure that the priorities of women, youth and persons with disabilities are mainstreamed in plans of departments.  

Our Monitoring as reported in Cabinet in 2022, shows that of the 16 National departments that responded to the self-assessment monitoring, 8 departments were rated at over 50% level of implementation of the framework and this is a welcomed improvement. One of the challenges is the response rate by the department and Cabinet has recommended that all national departments, provincial departments and their entities must comply with the reporting requirements of DWYPD.

We continue to localize of the GRPBMEA framework, in 2022, we presented the framework at the provincial Portfolio Based Councilors Inductions in six provinces. We are collaborating with the Department of Corporative Government (DCOG) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) with the first priority being to conduct the gender, youth and disability responsiveness analysis of the Integrated Development Plans and One Plans of the District Development Model in 2023/24. 

In conclusion, Honourable Chairperson,

We must remain grounded and loyal to the mandate of improving the livelihood of the most vulnerable in society. 

We all have a role to play. 

Malibongwe!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend tomorrow’s sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to respond to oral questions posed by the members of various political parties represented in Parliament. 

The questions that have been asked relate to the resolution of municipal debt to Eskom and water entities, Government’s response to illegal electricity connections, sabotage of critical economic infrastructure, and shortages in the availability of animal vaccines, among others. 

The Deputy President will therefore reiterate measures that Government has taken thus far to resolve municipal debt to Eskom as well as update the NCOP on developments since he answered questions on the issue in the National Assembly on 23 March 2023.
 
He will also apprise Parliament of Government’s commitment to implementing measures to protect infrastructure critical to the delivery of water, electricity, sanitation, and other public services.

Furthermore, the Deputy President will update Parliament on measures to secure South Africa’s timeous removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. 

Details of the NCOP sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 20 April 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde - 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 09 May 2023, undertake a service delivery oversight visit to Jagersfontein, Kopanong Municipality in the Xhariep District, Free State Province.
 
The Deputy President will provide feedback to the community of Jagersfontein on the resolution of service delivery challenges in the municipality, with specific focus on the efficient and equitable supply of water, and the resettlement of community members who were affected by the disaster which occurred when a Jagersfontein Development Project dam wall burst on the 11th of September 2022.

During his oral reply to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Deputy President Mashatile made a commitment to visit the community of Jagersfontein as part of a series of outreach visits aimed at improving service delivery and addressing challenges faced by some municipalities.

In this regard, the visit will provide a platform for the Deputy President to assess progress made by Government working together with all relevant stakeholders such as Bloem Water and others in restoring water and wastewater infrastructure in the area.

The programme led by the Deputy President will include an engagement with investors in areas of the Xhariep District Municipality and, in particular, the affected community members who were displaced by the dam collapse.  

Deputy President Mashatile will also visit the Jagersfontein Water Treatment Works and conduct a walkabout to the land parcels identified for resettlement, including show houses built through the Jagersfontein Development Project.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Ministers, the Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, Members of the Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 09 May 2023
Time: 08h00 (media to arrive at 07h30)
Venue: Jagersfontein, Kopanong Municipality, Free Sate

Media Programme

• 08H30 - Photo Opportunity

Arrival of the Deputy President at Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 09H30 - Engagement between Government and Jagersfontein Development Project - Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 10H30 - Engagement with investors in key strategic areas of Xhariep District Municipality - Jagersfontein Hospital Boardroom
 
• 11H40 - Visit to the land parcels identified for resettlement and show houses, and the Jagersfontein Water Treatment Works
 
• 12H40 - Engagement with community members who have been affected by the slurry dam breakdown and representatives of the Jagersfontein community - Jagersfontein Community Hall
 
For more information and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile will on Friday, 12 May 2023, host his counterpart Her Excellency Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia for an Official Visit to South Africa.  

The objective of the Official Visit to South Africa is to strengthen political relations and define a roadmap for mutually beneficial economic as well as social relations and multilateral cooperation between the two countries. 

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Colombia were formally established in April 1994, with Colombia opening its Embassy in Pretoria during 1995. Since the establishment of the South African Embassy in Venezuela in 1998, the South African residential Ambassador in Venezuela is accredited as the non-residential Ambassador of South Africa to Colombia. 

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Colombia are cordial and the shared values of democracy, peace, sustainable development and multilateralism provide a basis for the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries. Cooperation with Colombia is also in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objective of the South-South Cooperation.   

Colombia is the 5th largest economy in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Colombia is also the 6th largest trade partner of South Africa in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. There is a steady growth of Colombian investors in the food, beverages and confectionery industries and South African investments in Colombia in mining and agribusiness. 

The focus areas for discussions between the two governments will include trade, investment, and technical cooperation (in agribusiness, mining and energy, environment, science and innovation, tourism, and transport) as well as cooperation in higher education; sport, arts and culture, and exchanges on regional and multilateral issues. 

Vice President Márquez will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Culture; Deputy Minister of Tourism; Senior Government Officials; Parliamentarians; Business, Chambers of Commerce, and Industry of Colombia and some of the country’s Artists.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Friday, 12 May 2023
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Sefako M Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse (off Dumbarton Road), Pretoria
Dress Code: Formal/Smart Casual/Traditional

Members of the media covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 by 11 May 2023 at 16h00. 

Media enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 18 and Friday, 19 May 2023, lead a two-day oversight visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Province in both the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and uMgungundlovu District Municipality to engage with various stakeholders in sectors such as education and training, agriculture, commerce and industry, amongst others.

On 18 May 2023, the Deputy President will lead an outreach programme to different sites in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and uMgungundlovu District Municipality, as part of assisting in the roll-out of the District Development Model DDM, through effective coordination of the different spheres of Government with the aim of improving the functioning of municipalities and addressing the challenges facing communities.  

In this regard, the Deputy President will visit the Ntshongweni Catalytic Project site, where a smart city is being constructed between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, alongside the N3 road and the Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistic and industrial corridor.
 
The project highlights the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s partnerships with various stakeholders in the implementation of programmes that support local community members to obtain critical work skills. It is envisaged that the project will revitalise and increase economic activity in the area, contributing about R15 billion worth of investments in the next 10 – 15 years.  
 
Deputy President Mashatile will then visit the Cedara College of Agriculture to showcase the collaborative activities and programmes such as production of cannabis, seeds and seedlings, animal feed, livestock breeding, and indigenous chicken production, amongst others; jointly with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Agricultural Research and Training Institutes.  
 
During his visit to Cedara College, the Deputy President will engage with young and emerging farmers on the Government initiatives and programmes to provide support to the sector.
 
On the second day of his visit to KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile will chair the Human Resource Development Council meeting, which will be hosted at the uMgungundlovu TVET College, Plessislaer Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
 
The College has managed to build partnerships with Government departments, municipalities, non-governmental organisations and private sector companies, to deliver on its mandate, which includes among other programmes the placement of students for work-integrated-learning.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande; Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza; Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Noxolo Kiviet; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela; Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube; Gauteng Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi; North West Premier Mr Bushy Maape; members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council; Municipal Mayors and senior Government officials.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Venue: Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
 
Media Programme

• 10h30 - Deputy President visits the Ntshongweni Phase 1A Project, uMgugundlovu District
 
• 12h30 - Site visit to Camperdown Smart City Project
 
• 13h45 - Visit to Cedara College of Agriculture
 
• 15h00 - Interactive session between Government and Young farmers
 
Date: Friday, 19 May 2023
Venue: uMgugundlovu TVET College, Plessislaer Campus

Media Programme

• 07h30 - Walkabout at the uMgugundlovu TVET College Plessislaer Campus

• 08h55 - Deputy President delivers opening remarks at the Human Resource Development Council meeting 

• 09h20 - Signing of the three (3) Social Compacts

• 12h30 - Media Briefing on outcomes of the HRDC meeting

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria