Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 deliver a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council’s (SAYEC) second annual business gala dinner in Johannesburg.
 
SAYEC, is an economic and legal policy advocacy group that promotes youth participation and integration in the economy. The council aims to promote a transformed economy where the youth become actively involved in the economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
 
Held under the theme “Accelerating Economic Growth & Growing Investments for Youth Job Creation”, the gala dinner will focus on the need for labour intensive industries and businesses to stimulate job creation particularly among young people. It is also envisaged that insights will be gained from the participants as to what policy measures can be put in place to facilitate investment into the economy in a number of critical areas.
 
Both SAYEC and Government are concerned that South African youth unemployment for people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently stands at around 4.9 million at 46.5% well above the national average of 32.9%. The largest proportion of the young people who make up this percentage, are low to semi- skilled labour.
 
The focus areas for the gala dinner are the key industries of mining and energy, agriculture, finance as well as the information and communication technology sector.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the gala dinner as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Time: 18h00 – 22h00 (Media to arrive at 17h00)
Venue: Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
 
Members of the media covering the gala dinner are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms Sthandiwe Msomi on info@sayec.co.za or 081 413 5999 or Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga on pontshom@presidency.gov.za or 081 589 4369
 
 
Enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Members of the media who have applied for accreditation to attend the National Heritage Day celebrations scheduled for Sunday, 24th of September 2023 at Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu in the KwaZulu Natal Province are advised to collect their cards as follows:

DAY 01
Date: Friday, 22 September 2023
Time: 10h00 – 18h00
Venue: KwaMashu indoor Sport Centre

DAY 02
Date: Saturday, 23 September 2023
Time: 10h00 -18h00

DAY 03
Date: Sunday, 24 September 2023
Time: 07h00 - 10h00

NB: You are required to bring your ID and / Press Card when collecting accreditation. No new applications will be accepted.

For collection enquiries please contact: Madimetja Moleba@066 301 4675

Media enquiries: Madimetja Moleba: 066 301 4675 / MadimetjaM@dsac.gov.za

Issued by: Jointly by the Presidency and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, on Tuesday 26 September 2023, convene an engagement between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders in order to strengthen existing partnerships with the faith sector towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project.  

The engagement will consider practical steps towards institutionalizing partnership between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders as part of the Deputy President’s Delegated Responsibilities. It will also address the challenges and seek to resolve issues raised by the Inter-Faith community. 

The Deputy President will be supported by the Ministers of Social Development and Sport, Arts and Culture; Deputy Minister of Social Development, Premier of Gauteng Province and senior government officials.

Details of the engagement are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 26 Sep 2023; 
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference, Johannesburg
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)

Media wishing to cover the event should send their RSVPs for accreditation to Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za or Nomfundo Xulu (DSD) on 066 480 6845

Media Enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9232

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Monday, 25 September 2023, officially open and deliver a keynote address at the 9th Africa Engineering Week and 7th Africa Engineering Conference at the CSIR in Pretoria.

Engineers from accross the globe will descend on the City of Tshwane from Monday, 25 September 2023, for the Engineering Week and Conference.
 
It will take place from 25-28 under the theme “Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region” and  seeks to celebrate engineering excellence prevalent in the African continent.  

The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala as the hosting department; Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Bhuti Manamela as well as Governors and Ministers from the African continent.
 
The event will feature the who is who of the engineering fraternity in Africa and abroad, who will be attempting to solve the world and the African Continent’s pressing challenges.

Furthermore, scores of aspiring engineers from South Africa will also get the opportunity to obtaining knowledge and skills.

Members of the media are invited to the event as follows:
Date: 25-28 September 2023
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria

Media to confirm their attendance with Ms Bukiwe Cimela (DPWI) on +27 (76) 420-8184 or Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505 or tshiamo@presidency.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 or Lennox Mabaso on 082 884 2403, Head: Communications and Marketing Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Issued by: The Presidency and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 26 September 2023, concluded a successful engagement between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders which was aimed at strengthening existing partnerships with the faith sector, towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project.  

The Deputy President was supported by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa, Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu. Speaking during the question-and-answer session, Minister Zulu assured the meeting that the Department of Social Development remained dedicated to working with Inter-Faith Leaders: “There are many social ills which affect each and every one of us sitting in the room. Government alone cannot solve all the problems being faced by South Africa. Through working with this collective, we can be assured that we will make South Africa a better country. Inter-Faith Leaders play a significant role in affecting positive change in communities,” she said. 

The engagement considered practical steps towards institutionalizing partnership between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders as part of the Deputy President’s Delegated Responsibilities with one of the outcomes of the engagement being the decision to bring together other critical departments such as the Department of Basic Education and organise the grouping along the lines of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).

Deputy President Mashatile also committed to establish a Secretariat, which will coordinate the work between Government and the Interfaith Sector. “We have agreed to meet quarterly, with the next meeting around March next year,” said the Deputy President. In the meantime, he said, the interaction between Government and Inter-Faith Leaders should be cascaded to the provinces as soon as possible.

“We have also heeded the call from this meeting that we should consolidate the database of all Inter-Faith organisations and the work they do in communities, so that we are able to work together in profiling and supporting the work we all do. That will assist us in reporting on that work regularly when we meet, so that we are able to hold each other accountable,” the Deputy President concluded. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 29 September 2023, visit the North West province, to officiate at the Official Opening of the newly constructed Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre in Sekhing Village, in the Greater Taung Local Municipality as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
 
Thuntsha Lerole is an accelerated service delivery initiative, led by the North West Provincial government to amongst others, fast-track the provision of much-needed basic services to communities, mobilise community members to be part of the solutions in addressing service delivery challenges and also serves as a platform for constant feedback to communities on progress achieved by government in the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation, electricity, housing and road infrastructure.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will commence his visit to Greater Taung, by paying a courtesy call on Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi of the Ba-Ga Mothibi Royal House, where he will meet with Kgosi Mothibi as part of his delegated responsibility of promoting social cohesion and supporting the President in realising nation building project.
 
The Deputy President will then officiate at the official opening of the Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre, which will provide a 24-hour increased access to healthcare facilities to members of the surrounding communities.  
 
The newly constructed centre, will amongst others, render all primary health care package of services including Expanded Immunisation Programme, women and child health care services, maternal and neonatal care, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, minor ailments, mental health, reproductive and youth friendly services, STIs, HIV and AIDS as well as a 24 hours emergency medical services, to the community of Mammutla, Kgomotso, Madipelesa, Lower and Upper Majeakgoro villages.
 
As part of providing feedback to communities on government service delivery programmes, the Deputy President will at the conclusion of his visit to the area, hold an interactive session with members of the Ba-Ga Mothibi community.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Makhotso Sotyu, Acting Premier Patrick Nono Maloyi, Members of the North West Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Municipalities Mayors, together with senior government officials.

Members of the Media are invited cover the events as follows:  
Date: Friday, 29 September 2023
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Sekhing Village, Taung, North West province
 
Media Programme
Part A: Deputy President Mashatile pay coutersy call on Kgosi Mothibi
Time: 09h00
Venue: Sekhing, Ba-Ga Mothibi Royal House
 
Part B: Deputy President joins the Thuntsha Lerole service delivery campaign
Time: 09h30
 
Part C: Deputy President Mashatile Unveiling of the CHC Plaque and Walkabout
Time: 11h00
Venue: Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre, Sekhing Village
 
Part D: Feed-Back Meeting with members of the Ba-Ga Mothibi surrounding Communities
Time: 11h30
 
For accreditation to please send your details to Thebeetsile Keameditse on 082 888 7564 or TKeameditse@nwpg.gov.za.
 

Enquiries: 
For more information please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Brian Setswambung on 076 012 4501
 
For comments, please contact Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Dr. Tshepo Motsepe;
Your Excellencies First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of State present; 
Esteemed guests;
Good afternoon,

It is a wonderful honour for me to address you at this 15th BRICS Summit, and to extend a warm South African welcome to all of you.

South Africa of course, and the African continent more broadly, is the Cradle of Humanity. All of us here, no matter where we flew in from, are the scatterings of Africa. So welcome home! 

Before anything else, I want to thank everyone responsible for this amazing gathering. They worked tirelessly and paid close attention to detail, making this luncheon a huge success. 

Most importantly, let me thank our beautiful and gracious host, the First Lady of our Republic and the Mother of our Nation, Dr Tshepo Motsepe. 

Mme Motsepe is what we in South Africa often refer to as “isikhukukazi”. The term, literally translated, means a “mother hen”. But its true meaning is much richer than the analogy suggests. 

Isikhukukazi is a nurturer and a fierce protector. She is a teacher, a comforter, a leader and the most respected figure of authority. She dishes out love and discipline in equal measure, often at the very same time! 

She offers wise counsel to all, and in everything she does always seeks to uphold the interests of the next generation. 

These values define the long career of our hostess: she has been for decades nothing if not a servant of the next generation. Which is exactly what the Early Care Foundation which she established does. It invests in the health, educational, and developmental needs of the next generation.

The work of the foundation and many others like it is shifting the trajectory of early childhood education and care, positively changing the life story and chances of millions of children. 

Most of the organisations that do this labour of love are founded and led by women. It is my honour to pay tribute to Dr Motsepe and to all of them this month, which in South Africa is Women’s Month. 

On August 9 we celebrated Women’s Day, a national holiday to honours the work and sacrifices of the thousands of women who stood up and fought with everything they had, to liberate their country from colonialism and apartheid. On August 9, 1956, over 20 000 women from all walks of life marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to deliver an unequivocal message: that the women of our country would not sheepishly accept living under the yoke of racist oppression, apartheid, and patriarchy. 

I welcome and thank you in their name and in their spirit. Malibongwe!! 

Mme Motsepe is a direct descendant of those women. She carries their mantle and keeps their flame burning. 

South Africa is a nation of many unique attractions, and I hope that you may have the time to enjoy them during your stay, or if not you can soon come back for a longer and more relaxed visit. 

If you do, I would love for you to go to two places in particular, because of their unique significance: the first is the Women’s Living Heritage Monument in Pretoria, which pays tribute to the women of 1956. 

The second is the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site just outside of Johannesburg. To look back at the prehistoric origins of us all is to be reminded of the oneness of the human race. We are all children of the same ancient mother, and she is African. This is a particularly important fact to remember when the world is so rent apart by division, prejudice, and inequality.

Thank you for honouring us with your presence and your ideas. We value your life experiences, your insights, your activism and your commitment to the dream and the very real possibility of a better world, a more humane world. 

I thank you.

Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile will, on Monday, 2 October 2023, deliver a keynote address at the Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) Conference Gala Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The SMA Conference, now in its fifth year, is scheduled to take place during October Transport Month and Africa Mobility Month from 1-4 October 2023. With the primary focus on mobility being a key enabler of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and wider Growing Gauteng Together vision 2030 and other goals across the continent.

Held under the theme: Sakhile- Growing Gauteng Together through Smart Mobility – the SMA conference drives forward the message that integrated smarter mobility is key for growing the economy and creating good jobs, increasing equality, protecting the environment, and improving public health.

The event will once again bring together industry experts and policy makers from across the world and cities from across Africa and provide a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions and ideas to organisations searching for mobility solutions.

It will also discuss and advance the latest trends and innovations in mobility as well as the role that transport plays in achieving 2030 goals, and Gauteng Provinces' dedication to advancing the ease of movement of people and goods.

A wide range of themes to integrate mobility including Micro mobility, Public Transport, New Energy Vehicles & Battery Technology, Mobility as a Service, and Smarter Fleets will also be discussed at the conference.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and senior government officials.
 
The gala dinner is scheduled as follows:
Date: Monday, 02 October 2023
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand Johannesburg
Time: 18h00

NB: Members of the media who would like to attend the events are kindly requested to register for a media pass using the following link: https://vuka.eventsair.com/sma2023/pressmedia/Site/Register

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors, Mr. Weza Matome and Ms. Coretta Mohale;
The ANC Treasury General Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, the officials from the ruling party and NEC Members here present
The Premier of Gauteng, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi
Our Minister, Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Mrs. Thembi Nkadimeng, Minister of Corporate Government and Traditional Affairs, Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present;
His Excellency, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria;
Ms. Busi Mabuza, Chairperson of the South Africa Chapter of the BRICS Business Council, Dr. Stavros Nicolaou, and members of the BRICS Business Council;
Business leaders, CEOs, members of boards, and associations;
The Deputy Chairperson of the Pan African Parliament, Hon. Dr Ashebiri Gayo;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Distinguished guests,

Good evening, Dumelang, Sanibonani, Riperile, Ndi Madekwana!

I am honoured to welcome you to South Africa ahead of the eagerly awaited 15th BRICS Summit, the first in-person gathering in four years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have gathered here to honour the foresight and courage of the BRICS nations. With their vast potential and diverse economies, these nations have joined forces to forge new frontiers and create new opportunities for growth and development. In doing so, these nations have demonstrated that the promotion of a shared vision provides tangible platforms for economic growth. 

In today's interconnected world, collaboration and partnership are crucial for sustainable growth, addressing global challenges, promoting economic stability, and advancing prosperity.

As we stand here tonight, we can reflect on our tremendous progress as a collective. For example, more and more countries worldwide are coming around to the idea of BRICS, as several have indicated an interest in joining or at least participating in BRICS-related forums.

Today, the world takes notice of the bloc because it is at the forefront of the global discourse on currency relations, global payment systems, new trade, and other important, consequential topics. The bloc has established a successful and growing Development Financial Institution (DFI), the New Development Bank (NDB).

We have become major players in the global economy, contributing significantly to international trade, investment, and innovation. Currently, the BRICS bloc represents 23% of the world's GDP and 42% of the world's population. 

Our countries have embraced economic reforms, improved infrastructure, and fostered entrepreneurship, creating an enabling environment for business and investment.

However, we must acknowledge that challenges remain.

Despite our progress, geopolitical tensions, protectionism, and other global uncertainties remain an ever-present menace. We must remain committed to open, equitable, and inclusive trade and resist the temptation to turn inward and isolate ourselves from the rest of the world.

The BRICS nations can shape the future; we can advance sustainable development, champion innovation, and create a more equitable global community. However, we must also address the urgent requirements of our population.

Our nations are home to millions of citizens who should have access to quality education, healthcare, and social mobility opportunities. We must ensure that economic expansion is accompanied by inclusive development that leaves no one behind.

As esteemed leaders and representatives of BRICS businesses, we are presented with a remarkable opportunity to enhance the bonds between our organisations, foster deeper partnerships, and venture into uncharted realms of collaboration.

Yesterday, President Ramaphosa explained in detail why South Africa is a member of BRICS, including its expansion. It is, therefore, imperative that, as a business, you also consider the effects of expansion on your operations.

The expanded BRICS has the potential to attract substantial international investment. It will allow the BRICS nations to increase their global influence and trade connections with various "powerful" emerging market economies.

It is crucial to capitalise on the opportunities presented by countries expressing interest in joining our alliance and extend invitations to foster a mutually advantageous economic alliance that promotes fairness and inclusivity within our market.

Ladies and gentlemen,

While some large corporations have expanded their presence and investments within the BRICS countries, there are concerns that smaller businesses and entrepreneurs have faced entry barriers and difficulties accessing new markets within the bloc.

This has led to uneven economic development among the member nations. We must continue pushing for equitable representation in international decision-making and supporting the post-Covid-19 global economic recovery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "BRICS must provide a united and clear voice in shaping a peaceful, balanced, and stable world". We need to capitalise on each other's strengths, which include knowledge, abilities, and resources.

In this regard, we must collaborate to develop the future skills required by BRICS nations, beginning with substantial investment by enterprises in skill development programmes.

The future skill will aid in resolving challenges about energy, water, and health. Our nation is committed to promoting the advancement of skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and other future-oriented competencies that will contribute to economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen, our country presents a wide range of opportunities. It remains an attractive destination for investors looking to establish a presence to access the broader African market.

As a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and a member of BRICS, it would be beneficial to strengthen this partnership further to explore and capitalise on the potential opportunities for enhanced trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

We must consider making strategic investments in infrastructure, as it can significantly contribute to the progress and prosperity of our continent and the global community. It plays a crucial role in promoting human development and addressing poverty-related challenges.

Through the current state of the AfCFTA agreement, we have successfully established the largest free trade area globally, as measured by the number of participating countries.

The agreement establishes a connection among 1.3 billion individuals spanning 55 countries, collectively representing a gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion. This initiative could alleviate extreme poverty for 30 million individuals and reduce moderate poverty for 68 million Africans.

The establishment of the expansive AfCFTA regional market presents a significant opportunity for African nations and investors to enhance export diversification, expedite economic growth, and attract foreign direct investment.

Africa offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. Its abundant natural resources, including agriculture and extraction, offer significant roles in national, regional, and global value chains. By transforming challenges into opportunities, Africa can achieve greatness and transform its challenges into opportunities.

At least half of the world's diamond riches are also in Africa. Cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese, uranium, and rare earth metals are essential for clean energy and the future and are primarily found in Africa.

You, as a business, have the ability to build a brighter future not only for Africa but also for the BRICS community as a whole.

However, as we gather here today, let us also remember the significance of fostering fair and balanced growth. The importance of our commitment to inclusive development cannot be stressed enough.

It is important to prioritise the equitable distribution of the benefits of our economic cooperation, with a focus on promoting job creation, empowering women, and uplifting communities.

In this endeavour, it is important to consider prioritising sustainable practices that aim to protect our environment and ensure the preservation of our natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The BRICS Business Forum offers a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas, the exploration of investment opportunities, and the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships.

I encourage you to engage in an open, constructive dialogue to create deeper cooperation and shared prosperity among the BRICS nations.

Let us unite as visionaries, innovators, and change-makers, committed to building a shared future that benefits our citizens and the global community.

Together, we can inspire, empower, and transform. Let us embark on this journey with determination, unity, and a shared vision of a prosperous and sustainable future.

I look forward to a successful 15th BRICS summit in our country over the next three days. 

Thank you, and enjoy the evening.

Dr. Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape Province,
Professor Andrew Crouch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University,
Mr. Percy Sago, Principal of the Northern Cape Rural TVET College,
Dr CF Barnes, Principal of the Northern Cape Urban TVET College,
Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Deputy Chairpersons,
Members of the Human Resource Development Council,
Directors General and other senior government officials,
Ladies and gentlemen.
 
We extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather here today for this Human Resource Development Council meeting. It is an honour to be in the presence of such distinguished individuals who are dedicated to the development and advancement of our nation's human resources.
 
It is also a privilege to be here at this university, Sol Plaatje, one of only two built after 1994. This is the culmination of our long-term commitment to investing in skills revolution with the building to build a productive and globally competitive society. As well as the idea which are discussing that of building academic cities or precincts around the country.
 
We further congratulate the province on the successful relaunch of the provincial Human Resource Council earlier this week and extend a cordial welcome to the provincial Human Resource Council executive members present here today.
 
It is encouraging that Sol Plaatje University, the Northern Cape Rural TVET College, and the Northern Cape Urban TVET College offer programmes and innovations in construction and bricklaying, solar energy, data science, and water solutions to meet the needs of current and future communities.
 
We look forward to viewing some of these and interacting with students and lecturers during the walk-about in the exhibition area later today.
 
This meeting is a continuation of and represents progress from the May 19 meeting which took place in Umgugundlovu, KwaZulu Natal Province. On that occasion, we signed two social compacts, the first to strengthen efforts towards the transformation of our economy and society. The second aims to focus our energies on creating the skills necessary to get the country to this important goal.
 
These compacts are important because they represent our collective commitment to addressing the skills challenge in our country, to grow the economy and to construct an inclusive society. Having established consensus, we must move with the necessary speed to improve on the discipline of execution with the aim to strengthen existing programmes or, as the case may be, to develop appropriate action plans.
 
As all of us are aware, the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030 has identified five priority areas that remain relevant and in need of accelerated implementation. These are:
 
• Foundation education with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, language and life orientation skills;
• TVET and the rest of the college system;
• Higher education and training, research, innovation and development;
• Skills for a transformed society and the economy using the workplace as a platform, and;
• Developmental/capable state.
 
I do not mean to belabour a rather obvious point, but all of these priorities are interrelated and must be relentlessly pursued. Consider the link between foundation education, higher education and training, research and innovation. We cannot have economic development without higher education and training, research, innovation and development.
 
Most crucially, you cannot achieve any of these outcomes without quality primary education with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science education. This obliges us to pose questions about how we are faring with respect to the implementation or otherwise of the many decisions we have taken as a government and country to improve the lives of the people. These include the implementation or otherwise of critical policies such as the National Development Plan and the Human Resource Development Strategy.
 
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) reports that 3.4 million patents, trademarks and industrial designs were registered throughout the world in 2021. Of these, China accounted for 1,585,663 applications, followed by the United States at 591,473, Japan with 289,200, the Republic of Korea at 237,998, European Patent Organisation member states at 188,778, India at 61,573 and Germany at 58,569. A year before, in 2020, South Africa had registered 542 patent applications.
 
These statistics tell you an intricate and complex story, which cannot be done justice today. Suffice it to say that:
 
• there is a relationship between patents, trademarks and industrial designs and the quality of a country’s education system, particularly its mathematics and science teaching, and;
• there is a relationship between the number of patents trademarks and industrial designs and a country’s economic prospects.
Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report on South Africa for the year 2022 further identifies five strategic areas in need of attention and focus. These are:
 
• public sector investment in education, skills development, and youth participation in the economy;
• the need to develop one-stop job services to consolidate existing tools and services;
• youth entrepreneurship in technology-based and green industries;
• building on shifting gender norms to empower women economically, and;
• strengthening and expanding the National Youth Service to bridge the school-to-work gap.
 
The five areas identified by the UNDP also require the urgent attention of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC).
 
Our skills development efforts are and must be national in outlook and in every other material respect. We must train for the country – not a municipality, province, or specific sector of the economy. In some and significant respects, we should endeavour to train our people for service to humanity as a whole.
 
That said, specific localities will have particular potential which should facilitate the training of particular skill sets. For example, this province is endowed with minerals such as diamonds, manganese, iron ore, lithium, zinc, copper, lead, and molybdenum ore, among others. It also boasts unique attributes that position it as a potential leader in solar energy and important work is happily being undertaken in this regard.
 
It should therefore be possible for the Northern Cape to become a leader in careers such as chemistry, heavy equipment operating, environmental consulting, mine surveying, geology as well as mining, geological, electrocortical and project engineers, to mention just a few.
 
Working together with the rest of the country, the Southern African Development Community region and the continent, such skills, especially at the leadership level, could be pooled together for the good of all in a concerted effort to lift more than one billion Africans out of poverty.
 
There is therefore a need to re-examine the SADC Education and Skills Development Programme to ensure that we pool the region’s human, financial and other resources to address common skills capacity challenges on a sustained and sustainable basis.
 
In as much as we seek to improve our skills' capacity in order to build an inclusive economy and society, so too do the region and continent need to do so. And so shall put behind us the South Africa which Solomon Tshekiso Plaatje described in Native Life in South Africa, his 1916 text about life after the passage of the 1913 Native Land Act: “South Africa has by law ceased to be the home of any of her native children whose skins are dyed with a hue that does not conform to the regulation hue.”
 
Mintiro ya bulabula — deeds speak for themselves! So, let’s do it!
 
Thank you.