Programme Director,
Honourable Minister for Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga,
Honourable Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule,
Members of the Executive Committee from various Provinces and their Departmental Heads,
Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli,
Leaders of entities under the auspices of Basic Education,
Leadership of Teacher Unions and School Governing Bodies,
Our esteemed Teachers who made it possible for us to gather here,
Family and  Friends of our esteemed Teachers,
Learners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, especially our esteemed teachers who made it possible for us to gather here. We stand on your shoulders. We have become leaders in society because of your continued guidance and support. I believe that teaching is the mother of all professions and it is as such necessary that we appreciate and recognise you. 
 
It is indeed a distinct honour and privilege for me to on this day address the 2023 National Teachers’ Awards. This year marks 23 years since the first National Teachers’ Awards took place as spearheaded by the former Minister of Education, the late Professor Kader Asmal, who played an instrumental role in the anti-apartheid as well as in the formative years of our democracy, especially during the transition.

These awards will always serve as a reminder of the contributions of Professor Asmal to social transformation in South Africa, to the extent that the Lifetime Achievement Award is named after him. This award is indeed one that specifically honours utmost commitment to the profession, and is also a reminder that there is value in professional discipline and dedication.  

Through this awards ceremony, we recognise excellence in teaching and appreciate those who have tirelessly served and dedicated themselves to using education as a tool for social transformation, and improving the quality of life for South Africans towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Africa.

Educators play an critical role in building the foundations upon which every society exists.  It is a well-known fact that every successful person had a teacher who once had faith in them and helped them through their formative years. In the 29 years of concerted efforts to transform the education system, we are proud to say that many products of our education system have gone on to make a difference in their communities, government and various other sectors.  

I would like to begin by expressing our  warmest congratulations to all the recipients of the 2023 National Teachers Awards. As we gather here today, I want every teacher to know that the nation sees you, values you, and cherishes the difference you make in the lives of your learners and to our communities more broadly. Each one of you, those coming from modernised classrooms, and those who continue to inspire and nurture future leaders from the most remote corners of our country, is part of our shared vision for a prosperous, educated, and united South Africa.

The task of a teacher is manifold – not only are you imparting knowledge, but you are also shaping characters, instilling values, and crafting the future leaders of our country. This is an enormous responsibility, yet you daily shoulder it with grace and passion. 

While society frequently places a high value on outward manifestations of success—honours, prizes, and concrete outcomes. Today, I want to recognise the daily achievements of teachers who quietly inspire students to overcome obstacles in life by believing in them, igniting a passion for learning in young, bright minds, and quietly planting the seeds of optimism for a better future in the classroom. These are the triumphs that may not always make headlines, but carry our children and youth towards the kind of prosperous society that we all envisage. 

Honourable Minister, we must remember that the transformation journey is not just about building new infrastructure or implementing policies. It's also about the human touch, guidance, and inspiration our educators provide. It's about recognising that every great scientist, artist, entrepreneur, and leader was once a student looking up to a teacher. In celebrating our teachers today, let us therefore renew our commitment to supporting them in every possible way, for in their success lies the success of our nation. 

Considering the dynamic nature of education, there is a need for education policy to constantly evolve in order to ascertain that our children and youth are provided with the best quality of teaching and learning available to them. In restructuring our curriculum with the three-stream model, the Department of Basic Education seeks to provide vast learning opportunities within the school system. The three-streams model best prepares our learners for the future, by providing them with diverse and essential skills aligned with what our nation requires to rebuild and surge forward.

Unemployment, poverty and inequality are the three main challenges that plaque our society today - youth, women and other marginalised groups bear the brunt of these. It is therefore, our responsibility as Government to ensure that our policies are aligned across various departmental priorities. The three-streams model for example feeds into our other efforts to create economic opportunities, such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has benefited over 1.2 million people, especially women and youth. 

Our commitment to building a brighter future for our children is unwavering. We have taken note of the challenges, particularly concerning reports that our young learners struggle to read for meaning. A fundamental aspect of improving our education system hinges upon building robust foundations of literacy and numeracy from the earliest ages. 

The system shift of Early Childhood Development (ECD) from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education is a testament to our dedication to this cause. It offers a ripe opportunity to instil these foundational competencies right from the early stages of education. 

Additionally, our Government has over the past fifteen years expanded support for Early Childhood Care, providing compulsory education, along with free schooling for the poor, and daily meals for over 9 million students, this resulting in nearly 100% attendance by South African children at educational institutions until at least the age of 15.   

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for us. With the introduction of avant-garde subjects like Coding, Robotics, Data Analytics, and Science Technology, we aim to keep South Africa at the forefront of global innovation. Our fervent belief is that by equipping our learners with these competencies, we're not only making them globally competitive but are also paving the way for a technologically advanced and prosperous nation.

We recognise that our teachers must be equally adept and updated to achieve this. We've begun substantial investments in training programmes to ensure our educators are well-versed with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and others. By doing this, we aim to cultivate a symbiotic growth pattern where our educators and learners evolve together, harnessing the boundless potential of the digital age. 

In addition to the developments related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the concern about climate change and the recent climatic disasters, notably the flooding incidents in the Eastern and Western Cape. These events and others highlight the urgent need for environmental education and training in order to equip our communities with the requisite skills and capacity to both respond to, and prepare for the inevitability of climate disasters. 

Education has an important role in raising awareness and changing behaviour. Globally, educators are tasked with the monumental role of raising awareness about climate change and nurturing a proactive generation in finding solutions. 

As we charter our course into this new era, the importance of a well-rounded, technologically adept, and socially responsible education cannot be emphasised enough. And at the heart of this mission are all the teachers of our country - those of you honoured today, and those who also dedicate themselves in earnest to the development of our children and youth through education. Let us continue on this journey, hand in hand, as we mould future generations that are equipped, empowered, and enlightened.

Minister, as we approach the end of the Sixth Administration, and three decades of our democracy it is necessary that we consistently reflect on the gains that have been made over the years. Despite some of the challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to see that the number  of learners who passed matric increased from 78% in 2019 to 80% in 2022, with none of the provinces performing below 70%. 

Most critical in this regard, is the improved performance of learners from poorer schools which has been steadily improving - with the share of bachelor passes in no-fee schools improving from 55% in 2019 to 64% in 2022. This is no small feat and shows the positive impact that efforts by the Department of Basic Education to support learners from poor and working-class backgrounds are not in vain. 

Similarly, the number of students in post-school education and training from poor and working-class backgrounds who receive NSFAS funding has increased from 580,000 to 770,000 between 2018 and 2021. These are not just numbers, but young people who will be future leaders of our country, whom we will entrust with the responsibility to take our nation forward. 

Despite the necessary financial adjustments, our Government remains steadfast in its promise for the doors of learning and education to be opened for all. The essential resources dedicated to this mission remain, ensuring that our aspiration of enhancing the nation's human capital sees the light of day.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A glance at the awards categories showcased today imbues us with the confidence that our education system is primed to elevate South Africa to unmatched heights: A nation poised to foster human capital adept at shaping the dreams and ambitions of countless young souls.

Today, we convene not just as professionals or dignitaries but as a collective, united in our gratitude towards our exceptional teachers. Their unwavering dedication and excellence are nothing short of inspiring. On behalf of our nation's people, I salute each of you for your commendable and unparalleled contributions. 

Educators and distinguished guests, the path ahead is illuminated with promise. Armed with our collective resources, insights, and capabilities, we are undoubtedly steering towards our vision for access to high-quality education for all. I urge every teacher in our great nation to persevere, and draw inspiration from those whom we honour and celebrate today.

Acknowledging that teaching is a labour of love and passion, as Government we are committed to reinforcing teacher support, and prioritising the professional growth of the women and men who are key drivers of basic education. Such a posture is critical in that it boosts their personal prowess and propels our schools towards unparalleled achievements. The wellness of all public servants in the Department of Basic Education must as such remain a priority. 

In closing, our ultimate goal remains clear – ensuring every child in South Africa can access exemplary teaching and learning. President Nelson Mandela once said that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world", indeed these words are a constant reminder that we must stay on course with the agenda for social transformation towards building a prosperous South Africa. 

I commend  Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and the Director General Mathanzima Mweli for steering the sector in the right direction, amidst the numerous challenges in our society today. Your commitment and dedication to transforming the sector is commendable.   

I, once again on behalf of our Government, congratulate all the educators who are being honoured today, your dedication and commitment to the development of our country and its youth does not go unnoticed. Today in the presence of your family and friends, we recognise your efforts, and hope that you will not tire in doing good.

Thank You, Ke a Leboga, Baie Dankie!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has noted a report by News24 focusing on the Deputy President and his past. The story contains a number of potentially damaging, yet unsubstantiated allegations against the Deputy President.

Left unchallenged, these could create the impression that the Deputy President does not respect or seek to uphold his oath of office, the dictates of the constitution and national law, or is not mindful of the concerns of ordinary South Africans about corruption and unethical conduct from those who hold public office. 

As such, the Deputy President would like to assure the nation that he is committed to his oath of office and the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The Deputy President would also like to reiterate his commitment to fighting corruption and building an ethical and competent developmental state. In line with these commitments, the Deputy President has always conducted himself in ways that comply with the letter and spirit of the law and Executive disclosure requirements throughout his career spanning nearly 30 years of service to the people of South Africa. Any allegation or insinuation that he has ever betrayed this commitment is categorically denied. 

While the Deputy President denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing, we note that News24 fails to offer any real evidence of misconduct on the part of the Deputy President, choosing instead to rely on innuendo, suggestion, and guilt by association. This is a regrettable approach to journalism and it has the potential to hinder rather than help the cause of accountability in public life. 

For the record, the Deputy President has, throughout his life as an activist and public representative, met many people from different walks of life, including the individuals mentioned by News24. Naturally, some of the people he has interacted with throughout that long time have become close personal associates. There is nothing wrong or unusual about this, and the attempt to scandalise such associations is unfortunate.

The Deputy President has never awarded, influenced, or in any way caused any state or public sector contract to be awarded to the individuals and companies mentioned by News24. Nor does the Deputy President have ownership or permanent use of any properties bought by these individuals and companies. The Deputy President would challenge anyone to prove otherwise. 

One of the most unfortunate parts of the News24 report hit on the Deputy President, is the gratuitous suggestion that the Deputy President is “working hard behind the scenes to ascend to the office of president”, supposedly by some underhand means. This is strenuously denied. 

The primary mandate of The Presidency is to provide support to the President and Deputy President in leading the Executive and to assist them in the coordination and supervision of Government. The Presidency translates and implements the commitments of the President as outlined in the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Deputy President supports the President overall and specifically executes various responsibilities as delegated by the President. Central to the responsibilities of the Deputy President is to address the factors which impede service delivery and implementation of the Government programme, including departmental and local government capacity, red tape, governance, poor contract management, long turn-around times and corruption. 

The specific program for the Deputy President is to focus on fixing local government, by prioritising some of the 66 identified dysfunctional municipalities, intervening, setting milestones and showing success cases in order to replicate them nationally. All of this work is mandated by and supported by the President, aimed exclusively at enhancing the capacity of the state to deliver to the people. None of it is in service of some political machinations against or in favour of any Government leader. To allege otherwise, based only on the say-so of nameless sources, is irresponsible in the extreme. 

The Deputy President will not be distracted from the work entrusted to him by the President and the people of South Africa, and will continue to conduct himself in public office based on the ethical dictates that have guided him through a long career in politics: integrity, respect for the law and constitution, and an unwavering commitment to service and to the primary interests of the people of South Africa. 

Media enquiries: For more information, please contact Vukani Mde, Spokesperson for the Deputy President, on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Office of the Deputy President
The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Oliver Dickson;
Premier of Gauteng Province, Panyaza Lesufi;
MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela;
The MEC for Mobility in the Western Cape, Ricardo Mckenzie; 
Representatives from the transport sector, SANTACO and GNTA;
The CEO of SASOL, Fleetwood Grobler;
Director General of Gauteng, HODs and Senior government officials;
Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to congratulate the province for convening the Smarter Mobility Africa summit. Premier, such gatherings demonstrate how you, and your team comprehend the province's role in the country, the continent, and across the world.

I am honoured that you have invited me to come home to participate and share some of my views on this crucial topic. Indeed, it always feels good to be home. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, some of the megatrends currently affecting the world today, which I believe will be central to the discussions throughout this conference, include - globalisation, inequality, environmental crises, demographic changes and the need to transform economies, especially in the global south.  

According to the UN, there are 7.7 billion people in the world and projects that this figure is expected to rise to 8.5 billion by 2030, and 9.7 billion people by 2050. 

We find it significant that of the 2 billion people who will be added to the population, half will come from Africa. In addition, the African Development Bank Group predicts that by 2019, cities would account for 80 per cent of the continent's population increase.  
With the population growth, however, is accompanied by an increase in inequality, which poses a serious threat to global development, peace, and security.

In light of the accelerated urbanisation expected over the next few years, governments, and cities in particular, must prioritise urban planning policies that are responsive to these changes.  This includes investing in infrastructure and network industries to ensure a sustainable ecosystem that promotes the quality of life for all people.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is no doubt that the need for the transportation of both people and goods will always exist and is, in most aspects, one of the few ways in which economic development occurs. 

As we all know, the African continent has undergone significant changes. Equally, with the rise of rapid technological breakthroughs, there is now the opportunity to revolutionise transport networks in a way never thought possible. 

To enhance the efficacy and sustainability of our transport systems, we must seize the opportunities presented by technology. 

This is because major cities, such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, face significant challenges in heavy congestion, overcrowded public transport systems, poor traffic management, and overall inefficient public transportation systems. 

It is evident that with all the advancements and investments we have made thus far, as a continent, we need more imaginative mobility solutions that can leverage technology to optimise routes, reduce traffic congestion, and use data to provide real-time information to commuters. 

This can greatly enhance our transportation networks' overall efficiency and reliability and will go a long way towards our development aspirations and efforts. In addition, smart mobility solutions can have a significantly positive impact on the environment. 

As a continent, we are in a position to shape and transform the sector, and engagements such as this one provide valuable contributions to the pursuit of our developmental goals and commitment to a more sustainable future. 

This brings us to the topic of battery electric vehicles and clean energy sources. By transitioning to electric vehicles and adopting clean energy sources, we can reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.    

As government, we remain committed to supporting and investing in the expansion and development of new and existing manufacturing plants to support the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) components and to grow the level of employment in the automotive sector.

Investing in the NEV also contributes to the decarbonisation of road transport. It is our moral and environmental duty to address this issue by investing in sustainable transport solutions, such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, promoting public transit, and adopting renewable energy sources for transportation. 

To support the efforts towards a transition to more energy-efficient transportation, the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, an initiative of the African Development Bank Group, is committing 1 million US dollars for technical assistance towards the Green Mobility Facility for Africa. It is crucial that other stakeholders, including the private sector, also commit to this transition.

Ladies and gentlemen, Smart mobility also holds immense potential for economic development in Africa in various ways, including in the digital economy that has opened up new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. 

As African countries embrace smart mobility solutions, local start-ups and businesses will emerge with great potential to thrive. Reinforcing this evolution can lead to increased job creation, skills development, and new economic opportunities across the continent.

However, for smart mobility to succeed in Africa, we must address certain challenges, particularly accelerating investment in critical infrastructure and digital solutions. This includes, for example, investment towards building charging stations for electric vehicles, expanding broadband connectivity, and developing intelligent transportation systems. 

Governments, private sector organisations, and international partners must, therefore, come together to invest in the necessary infrastructure.

Smarter Mobility Africa is yet another opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders to build a better and smarter transport system that will assist grow the economy, create jobs and improve people’s quality of life.

That being said, there is a need for policy and regulatory frameworks to support the growth of smarter mobility solutions. Governments should, therefore, develop clear guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and reliable transportation system. 

This includes regulations on data privacy, cybersecurity, and standards for electric vehicles. We must make it our responsibility to establish a harmonised approach to smarter mobility across Africa.

Within the framework of the South African Government, the notion of smarter mobility has been embraced to align with ongoing worldwide discussions regarding the trajectory of mobility and climate change. 

As we progress through industrialisation, urbanisation, and globalisation, the importance of mobility to our survival as individuals and nations also expands. 

On this basis, the government is championing a National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) 2050 Strategy, to establish a safe, affordable, dependable, and efficient means of transporting people and products.
 
Through the NATMAP 2050, we aim to break silo institutions and isolations by ultimately improving transport linkages with and between the more vibrant economies of the country and transforming these areas into more compelling investment propositions.

We understand that we cannot discuss the transport sector's transformation without addressing the exclusion of our youth, particularly girls and women, who continue to face devastating and discouraging unemployment and the risk of poverty and violence in our society.

As such, the South African government is invigorating the South African Network for Women in Transport (SANWIT) to break the existing barriers to entry into the sector and demystify existing myths while addressing the unique mobility needs of women and other vulnerable groups. 

We want to see women's emancipation, especially in sectors and industries historically classified as male-dominated, like the freight and logistics (including trucking), maritime and aviation sectors.

In this light, I am pleased that the re-opening of the South African branch of Women in the maritime sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA) would be a significant boost for women in maritime. 

Ladies and gentlemen, investing in infrastructure and operational efficiencies, supported by technologies and systems to bring about efficient production and trade to boost economic growth, should be our top priority as a continent.

We should focus on developing transport systems and cities that enable individuals to conveniently reach their workplaces, access opportunities, and utilise social services catering to their needs and requirements.

It is further essential to recognise that children, women, people living with disabilities, and the elderly have different mobility needs. By focusing our investment on serving these diverse needs, we can help improve their quality of life and enable meaningful participation in society. 

For example, the Gauteng government invested in public transport infrastructure in the past few years, and this has seen a great deal of improvement in efficiencies around the movement of people in the cities through the Bus Rapid Transits, the Gautrain, Commuter Rail system, the G-Fleet and smart mobility initiatives. 

However, these systems only account for less than 30 per cent of the total public transport network, as the majority of public transport users depend on minibus taxis for their mobility needs – with the current statistics showing a possible over 70 per cent in this mode. This phenomenon cuts across the continent.

Therefore, we must reassess our approach to resolving issues pertaining to access to opportunities and social services through mobility needs.  The design of our cities and the availability of services to the people should be informed by their needs.

Coming out of this smart mobility conference, the government must develop policies and transport systems that help people get to their places of work and access opportunities and businesses. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Mobility as a service (MaaS) should also be considered a smart kind of mobility. We have witnessed an increase in online shopping and residential deliveries, changing how transport is utilised. 

This trend has been worsened by COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews.  Many advantages can be derived from this type of service, yet we have seen less of these in townships and rural communities where, in my view, it is needed the most, as these places tend to be much further away from shopping facilities.

As government, we have to support initiatives and small businesses that aim to increase mobility as a service in currently under-serviced communities. This is also yet another opportunity for those young people with the desire to start their businesses.

There may be several challenges in delivering in these areas due to many factors, including connectivity, addresses and navigation. But we urge developers and solution providers to work with the government to raise these issues so that we can collectively find solutions to help our people. 

It is anticipated that initiatives like Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement would encourage more regional connectivity and increased investments in transport infrastructure. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, we can address the inconsistent and inefficient goods and logistics services that have long impeded intra-African trade and commerce. 

In addition, through this agreement, we will address the high customs delay times, lack of paved roadways on which goods can be conveyed, and more significant loss of goods due to limited cold chains compared to other global regions. 

We, the African continent, must weigh the possible advantages of this Free Trade Area agreement for expanding our transport industry and explore investment prospects to assist us in advancing economically. Financial support through various institutions exists to make this possible, and we must make the most of these opportunities to develop our countries and regions. 

Let me conclude by encouraging you to use this conference to also deliberate on and address - the need for financial inclusion and mobility of the poor, localisation and the development of new black industrialists, and the skills of the future for the automotive industry in our continent. 

The potential for smarter mobility to overhaul transport networks in South Africa and Africa is enormous, with far-reaching positive consequences for everyone involved. 

Together, as governments, the private sector and citizens, we must commit to building a transport system that supports the growth that Africa aspires for and transforming mobility systems such that they improve people’s quality of life.

Thank you for your commitment to developing and improving transport as a sector and vehicle for change. 

I look forward to productive discussions and collaborations in the coming days.

Thank you!

Programme Director;
Acting Premier of the North West Province, Nono Maloi;
Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi and other Traditional Leaders;
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo;
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment;
All MECs present;
Mayors present;
Co-Chairperson of SANAC, Ms Steve Letsike;
Members of civil society;
Fellow South Africans;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning! Dumelang!

Let me begin by recognising Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi, to whom we paid a courtesy visit this morning. Our visit to Kgosi Mothibi is an indication of our appreciation of the importance of the Institution of Traditional Leadership, and the contribution of this institution to the betterment of the lives of our communities.

I am glad to be present here this morning as we confront the critical issue of service delivery in our communities. This issue is personally significant to me since it concerns human rights.

Additionally, I have been delegated by the President to assist 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.

Indeed, we can’t talk about human rights without addressing the issue of basic service delivery. The Bill of Rights, contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, guarantees all South Africans basic human rights and recognises basic services as a human right.

According to Section 7, Sub-section 1, it is unequivocally stated that "The Bill of Rights serves as a fundamental pillar of democracy within the context of South Africa."

The aforementioned statement serves to codify the fundamental entitlements of individuals and communities within our nation, while simultaneously validating the democratic principles of inherent worth, parity, and human dignity.

Section 10 focuses on human dignity. It specifically states that “everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected”. If this is the case, a Councillor, MEC or Minister who fails to provide services to the people neither respects nor protects the dignity of the people. As such, when that happens, the Constitution is contravened. And this should never be allowed.

In this regard, let me commend Premier Maape and Acting Premier Maloi  for their commitment that the Provincial Government should focus on Job Creation & Accelerated Service Delivery – the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention.

The Thuntsa Lerole Intervention is aligned with the DDM which is designed to address problems with service delivery by allowing all spheres of government, from local municipalities to national government, to work together in a more effective and coordinated way.

The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes. Communities will undoubtedly benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaborations directed by the DDM.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take you back a little bit, and shed light on the service delivery promises made by the African National Congress (ANC) led government since the year 1994 to the present day.

As a party that has been in power for almost three decades in South Africa, we have made commitments to improve the lives of the people of South Africa and deliver essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure are provided to all South Africans.
 
However, it is essential to assess whether these promises have been adequately fulfilled. Let us start by looking at housing. As the ANC government we promised to provide adequate housing to millions of households living in informal settlements across the country.

To achieve this, the ANC government has initiated programs such as the Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing policy. While progress has been made, with over 3 million housing opportunities delivered, a significant number of families still live in substandard conditions, awaiting their turn for decent housing. The backlog in housing delivery remains a challenging issue for the government.

Education has always been our top priority for the government. We pledged to improve the quality of education, and achieve universal access and equal opportunities for all.

Notably, government introduced policies such as no-fee schools, increased access to early childhood development programs, and the provision of school meals. Earlier this morning, we visited Rebone Sediba Intermediate School here in Sekhing, to hand over much-needed items as a contribution to the efforts of improving educational outcomes in our schools.

By embracing the increasing role of digital technology in education, we can provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences. E-learning platforms and distance education programs can also be utilized to overcome geographical and social barriers, and reach those who are otherwise excluded from educational and skilling opportunities.

Healthcare has also been a critical focus for our government. The promise to provide accessible and quality healthcare to all South Africans led to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

The aim was to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, would have access to quality healthcare services. 

However, the introduction of the NHI has been slow, and the healthcare system still grapples with issues such as overburdened public hospitals, a shortage of medical staff, and unequal access to quality care.
 
Moreover, improving infrastructure is a key element in accelerating service delivery. We are happy that today, we had the opportunity to open a world class facility at Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre. 

The Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre stands amongst the best in our country, and I would even dare to say, on the African continent.

I am honoured to be part of today’s important gathering in celebrating another milestone in the improvement of service delivery to our people through the official opening of this centre.

As the ANC-led government, we are guided by the principles of “Batho Pele”, putting people first, in our efforts of providing quality services to the citizens of our country.

The people of Ba-Ga Mothibi are truly experiencing the spirit of “Batho Pele” today. In accordance with the principles of “Batho Pele”, the notion of “Access” has been the guiding principle for the establishment of this new clinic in in this area.

This principle demands that all citizens should have equal access to the services of government to which they are legitimately entitled.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the opening of this clinic is a direct response to the call of the people for the construction of a health facility to improve their access to a health facility that will safeguard the well-being of the community.

It is our major priority to improve access and the quality of health care through the primary health care system. The Primary Health Care approach, which emphasises inter-sectoral collaboration, community participation and equity, has been adopted as the model for the delivery of health services to communities.

Now, we have to acknowledge that for the uninterrupted flow of products, services, and information among our communities, it is necessary to have functional road networks, efficient transportation systems, and reliable communication networks. By prioritising and investing in infrastructure development, we can ensure that services reach the most remote areas of our country in a timely and consistent way.
 
The ANC government is investing not millions or billions, but trillions in the revival and maintenance of our country’s critical infrastructure, as a means to boost economic development and the social mobility of our people. We must protect these investments and ensure that they continue no matter what obstacles are thrown our way.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to note that we have made significant strides in certain areas of service delivery. Access to clean drinking water, for instance, has improved for many communities, and social grants have provided a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens.

However, the overall delivery and implementation of these promises have sometimes fallen short of expectations, with lingering challenges that need urgent attention. Social grants and economic support to our most vulnerable people is a key pillar of our commitment to the people. 

As we have said before today, government would like to apologise for the recent technical glitch that led to grant beneficiaries not receiving their critical grant support on time.

Last, but certainly not least, public safety should be given utmost priority. Timely response to emergencies, effective disaster management, and robust law enforcement are all vital components of a safe and secure community. By adopting modern technologies and employing well-trained personnel, we can drastically improve response times and minimize the damage caused by emergencies.

It is important to recognize that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience; it is about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services, and an equal say in how their community is governed and serviced.

By empowering our communities with faster and more efficient services, we can bridge socioeconomic gaps, reduce inequalities, and ensure a better quality of life for all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Achieving accelerated service delivery requires collective effort. Governments, private sector organizations, and civil society must work together to identify and address the key challenges in service delivery.
 
Collaboration, innovation, and investment in technology and infrastructure are essential to create a robust ecosystem that supports accelerated service delivery.

In conclusion, accelerated service delivery, like the Thuntsha Lerole Programme of this province, is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

In conclusion, accelerated service delivery is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Let us all commit ourselves to this cause and work towards building a society where efficient and timely services are the norm. In the spirit of Thuntsha Lerole! In the spirit of Batho Pele!!!
 
Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, will next month convene a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments. The aim of the dialogue is to lay the foundation for a National Framework on Coalition Governments, which will serve as a guide for effectively managing and navigating coalition governments where they become necessary.

The dialogue will be held under the theme “Working together to build strong and resilient democratic institutions to serve the people”.

The need for such dialogue is informed by the adverse effects that have been observed in certain coalition arrangements at local government, particularly their impact on service delivery and governance. In order to mitigate these negative effects and foster a more productive and harmonious governance approach, it has become necessary to embark on a transformative national conversation.

The National Dialogue will bring together different sectors of society to to work towards crafting a clear and predictable framework for coalition governments in South Africa, to ensure cohesive and effective governance.

Members of the media are invited to attend and report on the proceedings and outcomes of the national dialogue:

Date: 4 – 5 August 2023
Time: 9h00
Venue: University of the Western Cape, Cape Town

Kindly submit details for accreditation as follows:

Name and Surname, Media House, ID Number, Mobile Number to PontshoM@Presidency.gov.za by Tuesday, 1 August 2023.

For more information of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments contact Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Matshepo@Presidency.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George;
Your Excellency, Mme Nosiviwe Maphisa Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly;
Your Excellency, Ntate Lechesa Tsenoli, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;
The Chairperson of the NCOP, Ntate Amos Masondo;
The Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Mme Sylvia Lucas;
Your Excellency, Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa;
Your Excellency, Mme Baleka Mbete, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa;
Your Excellency, Mr Sostenes Cavalcante, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Federal Republic of Brazil;
Your Excellency, Mr Harivanash Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Republic of India;
Your Excellency, Mr Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, of the Peoples Republic of China;
Your Excellency, Dr Hanafy Ali Gebaly, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives
Your Excellency, Mr Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, President of Majles Shoraye Eslaimi of the Islamic Republic of Iran;
Your Excellencies, the Speakers and Honourable Peoples tribunes from fellow BRICS member-states;
Ambassadors
Business leaders,
Esteemed Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I would like to welcome you to the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (PF). It has been a long, challenging and exciting road since the historic inaugural meeting held in the Russian Federation in June 2015. 

Since then, this Forum has grown from strength to strength, reflecting both the hard work of the collective leadership of the BRICS member states and, without doubt, the overwhelming desire amongst the peoples of the world to evolve a just world order which serves not just a few but also and especially the wretched of the earth.

Congratulations to our new partners:  The Argentine Republic, The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, The Islamic Republic of Iran, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and The United Arab Emirates. We trust that you will invigorate this promising intergovernmental organisation.

From 2015 to date, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum has identified many issues which require continuous discussion, refinement and programmatic plans of action, the better to better serve the wretched of the earth. 

The issues range from:
• the sacrosanct role of the United Nations in international affairs and the consolidation of multilateral structures; the reform of the Security Council; and the fairness of the international legal system;
• the transition to a multipolar world and deepening economic globalisation,
• exploring new trade and investment prospects;
• the promotion of international peace and security, shared economic growth, cooperation and mutually beneficial interaction amongst the peoples of the world, undergirded by a continuous dialogue among and between the world’s cultures and civilisations for the cross-pollination of knowledge and perspectives for the benefit of humanity;
• deepening cooperation in a multiplicity of fields, including the promotion of cooperation in research, education, healthcare, environmental protection and sport, with a focus on the youth;
• coordinating our macroeconomic policies, the reform of the international monetary system and the promotion of growth;
• intensifying South-South and North-South dialogue, to;
• the creation of a permanent contact group within the BRICS Parliamentary Forum which helps, among other things, to identify and guide our association on key evolving issues of international political economy and to develop a long-term strategy for the Forum.

These and many additional matters that have served on the agenda of this Forum since the inaugural session in Moscow are about moving the world towards greater social justice — in short, making sure that the wretched of the earth become, “Somebody!” So goes the as the African American parlance.

We recall that the inaugural BRICS Parliamentary Forum took place to the hour of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the world’s premier intergovernmental organisation, the United Nations – our United Nations! The solemnity of the occasion was a stark reminder of the importance of history. Some of our colleagues rightly appealed that we draw appropriate lessons from history.

The quest to be Somebody is innate to every people. This is true for the developing South inasmuch as it is the case for the developed North. For the African continent as with parts of the developing world, the quest to be 

Somebody has been an act of resistance and defiance since at least the advent of the Atlantic Slave Trade. 

In addition to the heroic anti-colonial and apartheid struggles, this led to the 1955 Bandung Conference and the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.

A consistent thread in the NAM’s work has been the promotion  of the political and economic cooperation of developing countries. 

This is how President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania put the matter when he addressed the opening of the preparatory meeting of the NAM in Dar es Salaam on April 13, 1970:
“The fact is that our political independence depends upon the degree of our economic independence, as well as the nature of our economic development depending upon our political independence. These things are interlinked in the modern world; and because of that interdependence, our economic relationships with one another, and individually with the great powers of the world, are matters with which the Non-Aligned conference must be concerned.”

This underscores the importance of BRICS and the cooperation it has sought to promote since its founding.  BRICS is one of the institutions that holds the possibility of taking forward much of the objectives of the NAM and the South Commission which President Nyerere ably led after his voluntary retirement from public office in 1985.

There is no need to regale you with statistics about the global reach of the BRICS in terms of its economy, the combined population of its member states relative to the rest of the world and other interesting information which you know. 

This Forum has the possibility to exert change on a global and unprecedented scale. For starters, BRICS has focused the imagination of the world’s population beyond the citizens of its member states. In and of itself, this is a good thing. 

However, we should not be surprised when this success factor attracts negative responses from some actors in the world despite the fact that BRICS is not opposed to any state parties or groups. 

Instead, we seek a peaceful and just world of equitable resource distribution.

The single most powerful instrument parliamentarians have at their disposal is their command of law-making.  Through coordinated efforts, you can impact positively on more than a quarter of the world’s population by introducing far-reaching progressive legislation and repealing laws that do not improve the lives of the people.

Some lessons from history in this regard might be useful. The 13th-century Egyptian Chief Justice Ibn Khaldun insisted that law should be based on what he called “social solidarity,” which was a statement on the supremacy he placed on social cohesion. Kwame Nkrumah, on the other hand, was adamant that “The teaching of law is totally incomplete if it is not accompanied by a background of economic, social and political science and even politics, science and technology.”

He envisioned a law that is an “expression of the political, economic and social conditions of the people and of their aims for progress,” as opposed to one that is based on “a formalistic yardstick which completely disregards the material content of the law and measures justice or injustice solely by procedural rules.”

As BRICS parliamentarians who seek to change the world for the better, you have the possibility to usher in the social solidarity and development that Chief Justice Khaldun and President Nkrumah strove to achieve.
However, legislative changes alone are neither enough nor sufficient to effect change. You require a capable, civic-minded, and ethical bureaucracy which has the capacity and commitment to drive the existing legislative framework to achieve its ends.

The effervescence of the parliamentary vocation attests to the sociological truism that all societies are heterogeneous theatres in which differently disposed social actors’ battle to shape public affairs in their own image. To the extent that such intercourse will, from time to time, impact upon the institution of BRICS as national, regional and other interests, this Forum should gird its intellectual and political loins for their constructive management and resolution.

Sometimes these may be interests from outside ourselves intent on exhausting us in meaningless but tiresome distractions or otherwise pit us against each other, thus to take us completely off the rails so that we are unable to achieve our strategic objective. 

Fortunately, the collective of BRICS members possess the wisdom to rise above such machinations.

Equally fortunate is that BRICS member states have come together in this rising intergovernmental institution on a shared perspective of development, to which the current global political and economic order continues to respond inadequately.

Whatever difficulties we face in the future, President Nyerere may provide a useful guide. 

“Development,” he said in August 1988, “involves decisions about national and international political priorities and structures. It includes social questions and matters related to education, health human dignity, and security both personal and national. And it means adequate food clothing and shelter for the individual person. 

All these matters are inextricably mixed and are all encompassed in any definition of development which is meaningful to the human beings who are now suffering from lack of it.”

Every country faces these considerations and challenges in its resource allocation and decision-making processes. 

Undoubtedly, this will find expression in your discussions especially as it concerns the four broad thematic areas on your agenda, namely, climate change, energy security and just transition of coal to hydrogen energy, multilateralism, peace and security.

In July 2014, BRICS established the New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement.  

It is increasingly clear that there are varying levels of capacity for project planning and development among member states. 

As with the executive, parliamentarians are challenged to interrogate how this can be overcome. 

One way of addressing this is by identifying the broad range of skills that are required to address effect development at the scale and the pace required to accelerate the impact of BRICS in all the member states.

This speaks to the technocratic capacity to which I referred earlier, and we should, in this regard and in keeping with the tradition of cooperation amongst us, adopt the slogan of the progressive trade union movement: “An injury to one is an injury to all.” 

One suggestion you may want to ponder over is that we should immediately conduct a skills audit relative to the development imperatives of each member state and bring together institutions of higher learning amongst us to respond to the skills challenge.

I would like to commend the BRICS Women's Business Alliance and their efforts in organising the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference.

Malibogwe!

Africa is moving towards a single African market. All 54 countries have signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. We are well on our way to creating the world's largest single-free trade area, with 1.3 billion people and a gross domestic product of $3.4 trillion.

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will improve intra-African trade, the continent’s share and participation in global trade, stimulate and improve the economy as well as contribute to lifting millions of people out of poverty.

The continent's transport networks are largely unsatisfactory. Few roads connect the continent's five regions, and those that do are often in poor condition and under-maintained.

As a continent, we look forward to engaging with our BRICS partners to realise the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and thus create a win-win solution for all.

Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the BRICS-Africa partnership and promote a rules-based approach towards a just global order.

Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 18 August 2023, chair the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) meeting scheduled to take place at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape Province.

The HRDC is a national multi-stakeholder advisory body which includes representatives from Government, labour, the private sector and civil society, led by the Deputy President. Its deliberations are carried over for implementation, through various measures and programmes aimed at achieving the strategic goals of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030.

In line with the Council's decision of strengthening the link and alignment between provincial councils and the HRDC at national level, Deputy President Mashatile recently led the council to KwaZulu-Natal in May this year, with the aim of assessing progress achieved by the province in implementing programmes and initiatives towards the attainment of the HRD Strategy 2030. As part of the resolutions of the 4th HRDC Summit, two social compacts, focused on ‘Building foundations for a transformed economy and society’; and ‘Building skills for a transformed economy and society’, were signed by representatives of relevant social partners.

The third social compact which focuses on ‘Building a developmental/ capable state’, will be signed this coming Friday in Kimberley. Through this HRDC outreach led by the Deputy President, all the relevant partners have rallied behind the vision to invest in education and training, science and technology, geared to address the challenges of critical skills shortages and unemployment.

The meeting on Friday will receive a presentation from the Northern Cape HRDC which was recently relaunched and is chaired by Premier Zamani Saul. The presentation will provide an update on provincial efforts towards building the requisite skills required for economic development.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape Province and senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Friday, 18 August 2023
Time: 07h30
Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall, Sol Plaatje University South Campus, 150 Reservoir Road, New Park, Kimberley

Media Programme

• 07h30 – Media to arrive at the Sol Plaatje University South Campus (Multi-Purpose Hall)
• 08h00 – Photo Opportunity on arrival of the Deputy President and Tour of the skills and training exhibition
• 09h00 – Opening Remarks by Deputy President and HRDC Chairperson
• 09h15 - Signing of the Social Compacts – Building a Capable/Developmental State
• 13h10 - Media Briefing on outcomes of the HRDC meeting

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505

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

Issued by: The Presidency Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as a Special Envoy to South Sudan, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 28 – 31 August 2023. 

Deputy President Mashatile will meet with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice Presidents, Ministers, South Sudan elders, and representatives of relevant organisations.

Other activities of the Deputy President include the laying of a wreath at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum and delivering official remarks at the South African Police Contingent Medal Parade in Juba.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile is aimed at taking stock of the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), to monitor preparations for the national elections, to recommit South Africa’s support for the transition in South Sudan and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

South Africa has a long-standing relationship with South Sudan, which predates its independence in 2011. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, South Africa has been involved in post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan and the wider region. Our country has committed to and supports reconciliation, reconstruction, nation-building, and economic development for the people of South Sudan.  

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor, and hosted by South Africa’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Mr. Mahlodi Muofhe.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Juba, the Republic of South Sudan, to assess the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Deputy President Mashatile’s visit is an opportunity to continue engaging Parties to the R-ARCSS as well as reaffirm South Africa’s support to the full implementation of all outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS.

He will further call for strengthened commitment by all International Partners and Friends of South Sudan to support the process, including directly resourcing some of the critical mechanisms of the roadmap towards a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period, and humanitarian assistance.

Deputy President Mashatile was received by Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of South Sudan, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, and Adv. Mahlodi Muofhe, the South African Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has concluded a successful working visit to the Republic of South Sudan. The purpose of the visit was to assess the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), discuss challenges to the peace process, and discuss solutions with all stakeholders. A second, but critical objective of the Deputy President’s visit was to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan.

During his visit, the Deputy President, as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, met with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit. President Salva Kiir raised concern regarding the implications that the on-going conflict may have in neighbouring countries and the region at large. He outlined the challenges hindering the implementation of the R-ARCSS and reemphasised the need for South Africa to be more involved in the peace process by assisting the various parties to resolve their disputes. 

Deputy President Mashatile also held talks with four of South Sudan’s five Vice Presidents: Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Dr. James Wani Igga, Mr. Taban Deng Gai and Mr. Hussein Abdelbagi.

In the main, the Vice Presidents acknowledged remaining gaps and challenges to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS including lack of required financial resources, the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on the Government of South Sudan by the United Nations (UN).

Despite this, the Vice Presidents also appreciated that notable milestones had been achieved on the road to lasting peace. A key milestone to the achievement of peace in South Sudan is the holding of the country’s first democratic elections since its independence in 2011. Holding this founding election is a goal whose importance is acknowledged by all the participants in South Sudan’s ongoing national dialogue.  

Additionally, the Deputy President had engagements with various Ministers of state in charge of critical portfolios, such as Humanitarian Affairs; Information, ICT & Postal Services; Justice and Constitutional Affairs; as well as Cabinet Affairs and the High-Level Standing Committee for the Implementation of the R-ARCSS. 

In addition to the South Sudanese stakeholders, Deputy President Mashatile held extensive consultations with regional and global multilateral formations with a role to play in resolving the conflict in the country.

Among these were the African diplomatic corps in Juba, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-East Africa Regional Economic Community (IGAD); Troika- Ambassadors of the USA,  UK and Norway; the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC); and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Deputy President Mashatile commended South Sudan on the progress made thus far and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). 

Additionally, he called on strengthened commitment by the RTGoNU and all other relevant Parties to the R-ARCSS to implement its outstanding provisions, particularly the security arrangements. These include community disarmament, demobilisation of ex-combatants and their re-integration into peaceful civilian life, and the integration of remaining combatant forces into a national force with a single command structure, among others. Failure to find common ground on these and other contentious points will keep South Sudan in limbo, and its economic development as well as the development of its people will be stillborn. 

During his three-day stay the Deputy President also took time to lay a wreath at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in honour of South Sudan’s founding leader, and bestowed medals on the South African Police Service (SAPS) contingent stationed in the country as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission. 

In his last act before departure, the Deputy President paid a courtesy call on two of South Sudan’s Elders and veterans of liberation: Mr Abel Alier Kwai, and Mr Josephu Lagu. Deputy President Mashatile assured both of his and South Africa’s enduring commitment to the peace and reconciliation process in South Sudan. 

In conclusion, Deputy President Mashatile made a call to all Parties to adhere to the revised deadlines of the roadmap to a peaceful and democratic end to the current transitional period and the holding of national elections by December 2024 as envisaged. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria