Your Excellency Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, it is my distinct honour to welcome Her Excellency Vice President Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, and the delegation of the Government of the Republic of Colombia to our beautiful country.  

Your Excellency we are pleased that prior to this engagement, you have taken time to visit the Freedom Park which is a site of knowledge and heritage aimed at deepening the understanding of our rich history and journey to liberation. 

Your Excellency,

We may be on different sides of the world, yet there is much we can learn from one another and much we can teach each other.

This is especially true when it comes to how we deal with deep structural challenges such as land ownership, as we both share colonial legacies and incredible diversity – in people, culture and ecology.

Therefore, this visit marks an important milestone in strengthening our political and economic relations, as it is also the first meeting between South Africa and Colombia since President Gustav Francisco Petro took office in August 2022.

We are optimistic that the election of President Petro and Vice-President Márquez, will create a new opening to revitalise ties with South Africa and with Africa as a whole.

We are confident that the new Colombian government will continue to expand the bilateral relations that were established in the 1990s, when our countries began to develop strong political and economic connections.

On the economic front, South Africa and Colombia have engaged in trade and investments in various industries, including mining, agriculture and manufacturing. 

Both countries have also signed several bilateral agreements that focus on enhancing economic cooperation.

Bilateral cooperation with Colombia is, furthermore, in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objective of the South-South Cooperation to develop mutually beneficial political and economic relations as well as technical cooperation to advance the development agenda of the South.  

The concluded various legal instruments include the following:

•    Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations,
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Parks,
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology, and
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Academies.

However, we acknowledge that the enormous challenge of boosting economic growth and generating new employment opportunities remains a reality for both of our countries.  

We are aiming to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements and high‐level engagements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda and South‐South cooperation. 

In this regard, we are pleased that Vice President Márquez will be joining the Business Forum later tomorrow, which brings together business people from our respective countries.

We are looking forward to engage our two countries' business sectors, as they are our socio-economic development partners.

The two nations will continue to facilitate mutually beneficial trade, investment, and technical cooperation in the following sectors through their Ministers and Senior Government Officials:

•    Agribusiness
•    Defence
•    Mining
•    Science and Technology
•    Sport, Arts and Culture
•    Tourism
•    Transport

Your Excellency,

On the basis of our respective countries' priorities and competitive advantages, we agree on the need to increase investment in value addition in agriculture and agro-processing, mining equipment and related services.

Madam Vice President, South Africa welcomes the steady growth of investments from Colombia, especially in the agribusiness sector, which is significantly contributing to job creation and to our country's growth and development. 

As a country, we view Colombia as an important partner in the Latin American region that has potential for improved bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Similarly, we have been assured  that the political and economic decision-makers, stakeholders, and role-players in Colombia see South Africa as a valuable partner, and are eager to strengthen and expand political, economic, and social relations to a more robust and strategic level.  

During our official talks, we also had an opportunity to consider broad areas of cooperation and evaluated progress in the implementation of previous decisions and agreements.

In this regard, we reaffirmed our commitment of promoting peace, and objectives of sustainable development to improve the wellbeing of our citizens and multilateralism, which provide a basis for strengthening our bilateral relations.

We therefore hope that Her Excellency’s visit will increase these bonds of friendship and go a long way in improving the lives of the citizens of our respective countries and carry on the fight against inequality, unemployment, and poverty as envisioned in our National Development Plan. 

In conclusion, Your Excellency, I wish you and your delegation, a pleasant stay here in South Africa, and look forward to working together to advance the development agenda of the south. 

I thank you.

Part one: Deputy President Mashatile conducts a Land Reform Outreach visit in Hoedspruit
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, will on Friday, 17 November 2023, lead the IMC on an outreach visit to the Mopani District Municipality in the Limpopo Province.

The Land Reform outreach programme will focus on strengthening partnership and fostering a positive collaboration between Government and social partners to accelerate the land reform programme and enhance agricultural productivity.

In particular, the oversight visit will provide the IMC on Land Reform and Agriculture the opportunity to assess progress achieved by government, in the implementation of the Land Reform programme.

Deputy President Mashatile will interact with the organised farming community as part of strengthening a coordinated government approach and towards ensuring that restituted land is complemented with a targeted package of development support, and to further ensure that the beneficiaries of restituted land are empowered to utilise their land productively.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:
09h00: The Deputy President arrives at Selwana Nature Reserve, Phalaborwa
09h40: Site visit of the Selwana Nature Reserve.
12h15: Deputy President and delegation visit the Moletele farm, located around Hoedspruit (approximately an hour’s drive from the Selwana Nature Reserve).
14h00: Engage with the Farming Community at Grovedale 239KT Sports Ground near Moletele Packhouse, Hoedspruit.

For accreditation please contact, Pontsho Mantlhakga on 081 589 4369 or Avhashoni Magada on 082 465 7848

Part two: Deputy President Mashatile participates at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and launches 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and officiate the launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme of Action, scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
 
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a resilient partnership which includes Government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector, and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society, under the theme: “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments” #MenChampioningChange

“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “Let Us Stand Up Together”, a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the Official Launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action, which represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, and advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. 

In recognition of organisations committed to Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present Certificates of Recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials.

Members of media are invited to cover the event and to confirm their attendance by sending their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Ndavhe Ramakuela on 082 200 5357 no later than 17H00 on Friday, 17 November 2023
 
The event will be divided into three sessions as follows:
• Session one: Traditional Men’s Council at Masia Traditional Council
Time: 08h30 – 10h20
Venue: Masia Traditional Council, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
• Session two: Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to NPOS
Time: 08h30 - 10h00
Venue: Masia Traditional Council Hall, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.

• Session three: Formal Programme & Launch Of The 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme Of Action
Time: 11h00 -14h00
Venue: Masia Village, Multi-Purpose Resource Centre, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
For media interviews prior to the event, please contact:
1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape, 082 318 5251
2. Modise Kabedi – Parliament, 081 715 9969
3. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini, 078 731 0313
4. Limpopo Office of the Premier – Ndavhe Ramakuela - 082 200 5357
 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director Dr Sedise Moseneke,
Former Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe,
Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi,
Minister of Health, Joe Phahla,
Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi,
Premier of Gauteng
My Sister Koketso le bana, 
Former Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke and Mme Khabonina Moseneke and the entire family, 
Archbishop Thabo Cecil Makgoba and the clergy here present,
The CIC Malema and leaders of all political parties present,
Former UDF Leaders and veterans,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Friends of Tiego,
Bereaved friends

Our hearts are broken. 

It is never a pleasant experience to meet under the dark clouds of sorrow and sadness, because of the loss of a loved one. 

On the morning of 20 April, we were informed that Tiego, our brother and comrade, had passed on. It was the most devastating and depressing news to process. 

As a result of his enormous impact on our lives, many of us still find it difficult to fathom what it would be like to go through life without this son of our land.

I have known Tiego for more than 40 years, always referred to him as “Ticks”. We served in the Transvaal UDF and the PWV Executive Committee of the ANC and ended in prison during the state of emergency in 1986. 

I have come to respect his political and business acumen. He lived a life worth celebrating. He came from a tenacious generation that stood against the apartheid system. It is a generation that, even post-1994, never stopped to serve. They are all, as Tiego was until the end, activists to the core.

Tiego was a comrade and a brother in arms. As we grew, he also became an advisor and counsellor. Together with a handful of friends and Comrades, including Mandla Nkomfe, Isaac Shongwe, and Nkenke Kekana, to name a few, he formed a team that provided me with wise counsel when I was approached to consider availing myself for the position of Deputy President of the ANC. 

Tiego became part of the team because of his selflessness and deep love for the people and the movement. 

On 16 April at 17:34, Tiego shared the following insights with our group:

"We have a wonderful story of Triumph against colonial annihilation over the last 500 years. They, the dominant global military and political and economic forces of the last 500 years, literally annihilated indigenous Americans (Red Indians) and the Aborigines in the Australias and many indigenous societies across the globe. They could have done the same to us, but 500 years of glorious struggles by many generations of our glorious peoples ensured that we are not obliterated and can ultimately determine our destiny. We need to document, write, celebrate and make this history of Triumph our essence. We must commend ourselves for surviving the dominant military and global force of the last 500 years. It is no mean feat. Our forebears have gifted us with an appreciation of this that can fortify us for the next 500 years as the new battle for global domination starts again". 

I have quoted Tiego extensively because I want everyone to remember that we have lost a great mind, a servant of the people, a true revolutionary and a gallant freedom fighter—someone who was forever measured both in thought and in speech, with a lucid mind. 

Those of us who sat in the shadow of his wisdom will never forget him for his clear intellect and ability to assess any situation to provide a lasting solution. 

Tiego could see over the furthest horizon and thought and planned long-term. He had a mind that could synthesise the past with the present and draw historical significant lessons for the future. 

In the quote I gave above, Tiego, instructs us not to betray the cause but rather stay the course for 500 years. This he does because he believed and remained committed to the task of building a national democratic society, no matter how long the journey, no matter how demanding the task. 

He thought and dreamed in vistas that stretch over hundreds of years, a man to whom history was deeply personal, and the mission of its fulfilment immediate. 

Dr Martin Luther King once noted “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends inevitably towards justice.”  No one I have known embodies this truism like Tiego Moseneke did. 

On the same day of 16 April at 19h30, commenting on the death of Comrade Mbulelo Musi, Tiego said, “The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture must chronicle the lives of cadres meticulously for generations to come. It is a mystery why it is not done – and properly." 

We didn't realise he was saying goodbye to us. We now know that he was instructing us to invest in promoting and preserving our collective memory as a people. 

Tiego, we are committing to do everything in our power to chronicle the lives of those who have contributed to the struggle for generations to come. 

The profound words of wisdom that Tiego left us with suggest that we must change the narrative about who we are as a people. Tiego reminded us that we are victors, and in us, greater spirits live. Nothing shall defeat us as a people if we continue to work together.

His statements show that Tiego was worried about how we should renew his movement, our country, and Africa to construct the world we want. 

We take the wise counsel of Tiego. We are as he suggested setting ourselves on the path for the next 500 years to renew and rebuild our country for future generations to come. 

Fellow mourners, dear friend of Ticks and many of you here today, 

I offer my deepest condolences to each one of you here friends. None of you would be here if you have not been touched in some way by this gentle revolutionary giant. My spirit is wounded as much as yours is, I see and feel your loss. 

Most importantly, I would like to once again offer words of comfort and encouragement to our sister Koketso, Tiego’s children. To you I say: the void that Tiego is leaving will be filled by the beautiful memories you have shared with him as your husband and father.  My brother Dikgang and the entire family and relatives, re re gomotsegang.

I want to share a verse from Psalm 34:18: 
"The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

We, too, will continue to reminisce about the life we shared with Tiego in prison, in the trenches, underground and golf courses, as well as post-1994, and more recently, what he would advise us to do. 

We dare not fail him and our people. 

The only way we can honour Tiego is to renew the movement he loved and served, HIS movement must continue to be an instrument at the hands of the people he loved and served, in order to bring about a better life for all. 

To honour a man who thought and acted according to the grandest of vistas, we must think and act boldly for the long-term. Where shall we be, as a people, in another 500 years? Will we be the victors that Tiego so desperately fought for us to be? 

A moea oa senatla sena o phomole ka khotso e sa feleng! 

Fare thee well my brother, you will always live in our memories

Robala Mokwena

Ke a leboga

Session Chairperson, Director-General of the Department of Health, Dr Sandile Buthelezi;

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo;

MECs for Health present;

Provincial Heads of Health present;

Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Professor Solomon Tshimong Rataemane and Members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee;

Conference Chairperson, Professor Olive Shisana;

Researchers and students who have presented papers in this conference;

Mental Health Care Practitioners, mental health care users and representatives of civil society organisations;

All senior government officials present;

Esteemed delegates,

I am honoured to address you during this final session of the 2023 Mental Health Conference, which is appropriately themed, "Join the movement - time to talk about mental health".

As experts in the field, all of you are aware of and undoubtedly concerned about the rise in mental health cases in South Africa.  More concerning is that only 27% of our fellow compatriots who suffer from mental illness receive treatment. The rest do not.

There also exists a deficit in our society’s understanding of mental health, causes of illness and treatment. This leads to stereotyping those who suffer from mental health illness and obstructs the human solidarity necessary for us to become each other’s keepers.

The imperative to construct a people-centred society obliges us to fight this stereotype. This is even more urgent given the prevalence of social factors contributing to and exacerbating mental health cases.  These include crime, violence, substance abuse, historical trauma, unemployment, poverty, and disease.

 We saw this during the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychological impact of the restrictions coupled with economic hardships also saw an increase in mental health cases, including widespread depression and anxiety, particularly among the youth.

On the other hand, those who suffer from mental health illnesses are most vulnerable to HIV, TB, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. In addition to the fact that we must strengthen all aspects of social policy which focus on the well-being of the population especially the weak and vulnerable, the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs for 2023–2028, which we launched on World TB Day, March 24, priorities people with mental health illness.

As most of you will know, the NSP seeks to:

· break down barriers to achieving HIV, TB and STIs solutions;

· maximise equitable and equal access to HIV, TB and STIs services and solutions;

· build resilient systems for HIV, TB and STIs that are integrated into systems for health, social protection, and pandemic response, and;

· fully resource and sustain an efficient NSP led by revitalised, inclusive, and accountable institutions.

In addition to the NSP, our country’s newly approved Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategy for the period 2023–2030 contains critical mental health promotion interventions which include mental health promotion, prevention of mental health illness, and improvements in mental health service delivery platforms, including information management and governance.

The successful implementation of the NSP and the Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategy will depend on the integration of mental health services and support to community-based and facility-based interventions and programmes. This is yet another reason why we need to confront the social stereotype about mental illness because our noble efforts as outlined in the NSP’s will come to nought if we do not confront and defeat stereotypes.

Amongst other things, we should intervene practically in a civic education campaign about all matters with which the NSP is concerned, including mental health. The campaign should aim to de-stigmatise mental illness and emphasise the importance of early detection, treatment and support. By changing the narrative on mental illness, it is possible to make it more comfortable for individuals to seek help. 

We should heed the advise of the recently launched 2022 World Health Organisation’s World Health Report, which proposes a three-pillared approach to improved mental health.

The first is the need to give greater value to mental health, starting with ourselves. This involves the need to adhere to good sleeping patterns, a healthy diet, and personal fitness regimes. The second is the need to promote mental health and prevent mental illness in our communities through inter-sectoral collaboration. The third is the continuous improvement of our mental health services, both in the public and private sectors.

In this regard, we should bear in mind that when we help someone, we increase their chance to contribute to making society a better place for all, including ourselves.  Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Babang.

We should engage with the media, academia, the religious community, traditional leaders, trade unions, industry bodies and the entity of civil society to help to raise public awareness and understanding of mental illness.

We should also invest sufficient human and financial resources in the health system to secure access to quality health care by greater numbers of people regardless of their income or social status. Similarly, we should invest in and resource community health centres, therapy and support groups.

Undoubtedly, the realisation of these outcomes will require collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector. 

Policy processes must also be undertaken to address the fragmentation and underfunding of the mental health care system. One such policy matter is the need to agree on Universal Health Coverage (of mental illness) by means of South Africa's National Health Insurance.

In conclusion, we are pleased to learn that your conference has deliberated on practical ideas intended to help to close the gap in mental health care in areas such as access and affordability.

We would like to thank Minister Joe Phaahla and his team, and the scientific committee led by Professor Olive Shisana for putting together this well-thought-out programme.

This conference has provided an important and much-needed platform for dialogue, and the policy framework and strategy which will guide our implementation efforts.

Let us work towards establishing an environment which promotes mental health care, resources, and a culture of open communication and compassion.

I thank you.

On the morning of the 20th of April, we woke up to the tragic news that our brother and Comrade Tiego Moseneke had passed on. It was the most devastating and depressing news to receive. 
 
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Moseneke family, in particular, his wife and children. Please be comforted during this difficult period. We feel and share your painful loss. 
 
In paying tribute to this brave freedom fighter, I wish to recognise the multiple roles he played in my life as a brother, comrade, and advisor in so many ways. 
 
I have known Tiego for more than 30 years. We served together in the Transvaal UDF and the PWV Executive Committee of the African National Congress. 
 
I have grown to respect his intelligence and his political and business acumen.
 
When I was approached by several comrades to avail myself to serve as Deputy President of the ANC, Tiego and a few other friends constituted a team that provided wise counsel to me. 
 
The guidance they provided is indeed immeasurable. I will remain forever grateful for what Tiego and others have done. 
 
His overall contribution to society as an activist, lawyer, and businessman will leave a lasting legacy that would benefit generations to come. 
 
With Tiego’s passing, we have lost a measured man with a lucid mind who remained an activist until his last day. 
 
Once again, to the Moseneke family: Dudugetsang!
 
The void occasioned by Tiego’s departure will be filled by the beautiful memories of the precious time you shared with him as a son, brother, father, and husband. 
 
We, too, will continue to reminisce about the time we shared with him in prison, in the trenches, underground as well as post-1994. 
 
May the Lord console you. Be assured of our support every step of the way. 

NOTE: Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit the family this afternoon at 4pm in Pretoria. Kindly contact Mr Vukani Mde on +27813079233 for all the details. 

Programme Director, 
Your Excellency, President Mahammadou Issoufou, former President of the Niger and AfCFTA Champion,
Your Excellency, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency, Minister Ahmed Ali Bazi, representing the Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros,
Your Excellency, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat,
Prof Benedict Orama, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank,
Ambassadors and distinguished dignitaries,
Business leaders, CEOs, members of Boards and associations,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am honoured to speak to you at the conclusion of the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum 2023.  The Forum has been billed as Africa’s biggest business event to promote private sector participation in the acceleration of the implementation of the AfCFTA. 

We would like to thank the AfCFTA Secretariat for hosting the Forum in South Africa.  For those of you who come from outside our borders, we would like to invite you back to our country for longer because three days is surely not enough for you to enjoy our hospitality and beauty of South Africa. 

Our continent is moving in the right direction towards one African market. To date, 54 of our countries have signed the Agreement. As of February 2023, 47 of the 54 signatories have deposited instruments of ratification.  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.

This represents an important step forward which must culminate in the ratification of the AfCFTA instrument by all African Union Member States. The implementation of the AfCFTA will improve intra-African trade, the continent’s share and participation in global trade, stimulate and improve her economy as well as contribute to lifting millions of people out of poverty. 

Yesterday, the local press reported on recent remarks by the Secretary General of the AfCFTA to the effect that the free trade area holds the potential to inject $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy and help lift between 50 to 100 million people out of poverty by 2035. This would represent a significant improvement to the economy and the quality of life of the people.

For her part, Rebeca Grynspan, the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, has pointed out that Africa boasts $21.9 billion of untapped export potential. She has suggested that: “An additional $9.2 billion of export potential can be realised through partial tariff liberalization under the AfCFTA over the next five years.”

There exists continental-wide consensus on the need for Africa to reduce structural and regulatory barriers to market entry and to invest in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate intra-African and global trade – more so road and maritime infrastructure. 

At present, the quality of much of the continent’s maritime, road and railway infrastructure is less than satisfactory.  There are few road links, general poor road infrastructure maintenance and limited regional road linkages throughout the continent’s five regions.

Yet, roads are the pre-dominant mode of transport on the continent, carrying approximately 80% of goods and 90% of passengers. Without this infrastructure, rail and maritime trade cannot realise their full potential. Road transport is therefore an indispensable part of daily African economic activity and critical to facilitating cross-border trade and regional integration. 

Another impediment we must confront is inefficiencies at border posts, many official and unofficial inspection points along transport corridors and low road densities.

I am informed that during the last three days, you have had extensive discussions which identified more impediments to African trade and the solutions necessary for the implementation of the AfCFTA.  The solutions you have identified will hopefully take us a step closer to the actual investment projects that give renewed meaning to the objectives of the AfCFTA.

We similarly hope that you have emerged from this conference with platforms for further interaction to follow up on the realisation of the solutions you have identified.  This is because as you would be agreed, it is not enough merely to point out the problems. We have a moral duty to search for answers to the question: “What do we do?”. And so, meetings of this nature ought to serve as launching pads for long lasting relations amongst the African business community in pursuit of practical programmes of economic action.

Your interactions have hopefully also reflected on the factors we must all continue to watch and attend for the successful implementation and the AfCFTA. These include such factors as: 

(i) the skills and technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, without which we cannot be globally competitive; 
(ii) national and regional industrial policies to create and support the growth of vibrant African economies;
(iii) public policy instruments to support and promote social and political stability and the role of the private sector in this regard; 
(iv) accepting internal and external migration as a fact of life which can and must be managed in the context of regional and continental integration; 
(v) A deliberate plan to manage rapid urbanisation that is currently unfolding throughout the continent, which calls for the imagination, planning and building of post-colonial new cities that will anchor the continent’s economies of the future, and;
(vi) building African unity and solidarity as a sine qua non for the all-round advancement of the continent; including as it relates to the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The AfCFTA will become a “game changer” to the continent’s growth trajectory as some conference participants have suggested, if you, the continent’s business community together with governments and the working people of our continent act in unison, refusing to drop the ball. 

As you continue to exchange views beyond this conference, I would like to suggest that you also study the address by French President Emmanuel Macron on the future of Europe delivered last week at the Nexus institute in The Hague. 

Among other things, President Macron envisioned:
(i) A Europe that guarantees security in all its dimensions;
(ii) A Europe that responds to the migration challenge;
(iii) A Europe turned towards Africa and the Mediterranean;
(iv) A model Europe of sustainable development;
(v) A Europe of innovation and regulation adapted to the digital world, and;
(vi) A Europe of economic and monetary power.

There is a convergence between the issues we have just identified as the factors to watch and attend in the successful implementation of the AfCFTA and what President Macron raised with respect to Europe. The notable difference is that Europe faces a different challenge of migration than the African continent. The migration they are mostly concerned about is migration from without while we have to contend with migration from within the African continent.  

President Macron’s address provides a strategic inlet on the thinking of an important section of European political opinion and how it will shape the continent’s trajectory and its relations with the rest of the world, Africa included.

Let me conclude by returning to the question of social and political stability to which I referred as one of the success factors for the AfCFTA.  

Unarguably, war and peace have a very direct and material impact on the success of continental initiatives like the AfCFTA.  This is why our Heads of State and Government adopted the May 2013 Solemn Declaration which committed the continent to silence the guns by 2020. The fact that the guns are still firing should tell us that we should spare no effort in the quest for peace.

It is in this context that we reiterate South Africa’s deep concern about the fighting that broke out in the sister African country of Sudan over the weekend between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.  

We are particularly concerned about rising numbers of civilian loss of life, the destruction of private and public infrastructure, the likely humanitarian disaster that is likely to arise with the entrapment of civilians in their houses with no access to food and other basic necessities.  Equally concerning is the impact of the conflict on Sudan’s neighbours. 

South Africa fully supports the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council at its 1149th meeting, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 16, 2023, on the situation in Sudan. 

We commend the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to resolve the conflict.  In this regard, we wish Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan, William Ruto of Kenya and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti well in their efforts to secure a ceasefire and an immediate commencement of the implementation of the December 5, 2022 framework agreement aimed at returning Sudan to civilian rule to which the belligerents have committed themselves.  

So will the guns permanently fall silent!

Thank you.

Programme Directors, Mduduzi Mbada and Sarah Mukwebo
The Mthimkhulu family as a whole,
Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwane,
Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. David Masondo,
Former Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura,
Former Premier of North West, our Leader Popo Molefe in absentia,
The Director General in the Presidency Ms. Phindile Baleni, and the Acting Director General of the National Treasury Ismail Momoniat,
Leadership of the African National Congress,
Leadership of the Alliance and Democratic Movement,
Religious and community leaders present,
Comrades and friends,
 
Percy's Sister Jabulile and, Tatyana, Percy's Daughter, we are here to tell you that your Father loved you. Your Father, irrespective of the work and tasks at hand, would always prioritise you. I know he would drive to Kimberly to come and spend time with you. One of his wishes for you was that you would grow and attain the best education available, in order for you to become whatever you want to be. I promise that we will take care of you. We will work with your mother to ensure you realise your dreams.

Friends, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a son, Father, brother, comrade and dear friend.
 
I have known Percy since 2004. He was recommended to work with me after working with the former Premier of North West Popo Molefe and the late comrade Edna Molewa. Since then, my relationship with Percy blossomed into a camaraderie and brotherhood that withstood the test of time.
 
Percy was dependable. He was a proper Mandarin. I would ask him to work on this or that speech, sometimes under extreme pressure, and he would oblige. I do not remember him complaining. Instead, he would deliver, and at all times provide quality work. On many occasions, I have read speeches by Percy with confidence, trusting his capacity to adequately capture my ideas and sentiments on most topics of political and administrative importance.
 
We developed a speech writing system; depending on the occasion, we would talk about the nature and form of the event and agree on the message we would like to communicate. He would then produce a draft for my comments, which would be followed by a robust and engaged back-and-forth until finally deciding on the speech.
 
Besides being my speechwriter, he was also my spokesperson when I was the MEC for Economic Affairs and Finance. He also excelled in this role because he came into it with a journalism background and an credible track record.
 
Percy embodied the spirit of the Lembede generation, a generation which placed their energies and capabilities at the disposal of serving the people and the movement.
 
Percy was largely inspired by the revolutionary leader and philosopher Vladimir Lenin, whose leadership and activism provided society with an alternative, revolutionary perspective on political economy. Having also studied Economics, Percy was convinced that dealing with the power relations in the economy as a vantage point to liberation, was of absolute necessity. Like Lenin, he was a political leader, strategist and philosopher, indeed many of his great works and ideas will always remain with us.
 
The death of a loved one remains one of the most unbearable aspects of life that affords us very little to no preparation. Whilst we acknowledge that over the past few months, Percy experienced health challenges, as his loved ones and his comrades, we could have never been prepared enough to have to sit here, and come to terms with the reality that he is no more, and that the very precious moments once shared will never again be.
 
I stand today at the final resting place of our beloved Comrade Sibusiso Percy Mthimkhulu, this current moment is filled with great pain, and anxiety. It is indeed the finality of death that causes a collapse of our consciousness and our hearts. Throughout this week, it has been almost impossible to say what Percy's passing means, most critically, what a future without having him available without reservation, to serve the African National Congress, and the people of South Africa would look like. In earnest, words will never be enough to express what we are currently processing as comrades of Percy.
 
We should, however, consider ourselves highly privileged to have had the opportunity to have shared moments of joy and laughter, as well as those of despair and endurance, with him. To have been given a chance to do life with Percy, is among the best gifts given to me.
 
As I have said earlier, I met Percy in the early 2000's. Percy was an activist involved in the student and youth movement. Through various tributes from comrades and friends who knew Percy mainly as Lenin in his youth, it is clear that his devotion to the African National Congress and this nation was never at any point questionable.
 
His love and commitment to the working class and engendering a working-class conscious society inspired by intellectualism, and his affinity to the idea and principle of dialectics, is indeed one of the things that have always been clear about Lenin's character.
 
In his activism, he, among other things, valued; both the study of politics and its praxis. Inspired by the robust culture of youth activism in the early nineties, his generation played an important role in shaping South African politics and discourse when the democratic state was taking form. His generation was and continues to play an important role in the country, just as he did until his last breath.
 
In the twenty years I have had the privilege to work with Percy, I have witnessed the true meaning of selflessness, discipline and commitment. His introduction into the field of political strategy and developing narratives that would shape the discourse in the ANC and in government was at its peak through his involvement in the writing of the economic recovery plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We worked closely together, and it is through this that his qualities would be further shown.
 
The voice and brilliance of comrade Percy will be forever etched in the books of history through his contribution to the various policy processes of the African National Congress, but most significantly in my own memory of his contribution and commitment to what we both believed and stood for. One of the memories about Percy that will forever be engraved in my heart is during the writing of my speech themed My Captain, when I was Premier in 2008. This speech remains one of those which really defined my tenure in more ways than one with him. This incident and many others that would follow were a direct reflection and representation of who Percy was; a sharp intellectual who spoke with integrity, humility and great optimism about the future of our nation.
 
His dedication to principle is something that is to be admired in the ANC and society at large. There is no doubt that Percy was confident in his commitment to truth, justice, equality, and the pursuit of a National Democratic Society. Even through his humility and light humour, Percy was always unwavering in his political views, convictions and the value of service. A lot can be said about the life of our brother, a lot also remains unsaid. It is however our hope that his spirit will continue to live on, and that in our continuing efforts for a better country, his life may be a reminder that the struggle continues, and that our contributions as activists are never in vain.  
 
In concluding this tribute to a dear brother and comrade, allow me to share a poem by Walt Whitman titled - ‘O Captain! My Captain!’, whose words served as a compass for Percy's journey, and will always remind me of him -
 
“O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
                         But O heart! heart! heart!
                            O the bleeding drops of red,
                               Where on the deck my Captain lies,
                                  Fallen cold and dead.
 
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
                         Here Captain! dear Father!
                            This arm beneath your head!
                               It is some dream that on the deck,
                                 You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My Father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
                         Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
                            But I with mournful tread,
                               Walk the deck my Captain lies,
                                  Fallen cold and dead.”
 
It is ill-fated that our journey with him has come to a sorrowful end. We will however, always treasure the times that we shared with Percy. We will remember him by the undying love and passion he had towards his country and its people.
 
May the Mthimkhulu family, his friend and comrades receive my sincerest condolences. Percy has indeed run and finished his race.
 
To you Lenin –
Lala ngoxolo mfowethu - uMthimkulu, Hadebe, Bhungane!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile learned with sadness of the passing of one of the protectors assigned to him this week, Warrant Officer Jacob Shuwa Leeuw of the Presidential Protection Services.

Warrant Officer Jacob Shuwa Leeuw passed away on 14 November 2023 after a battle with cancer. 

He joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2009, and at the time of his passing had an unbroken and unblemished record of service. 

Warrant Officer Leeuw moved to Intransit Protection in 2015, where he protected former President Jacob Zuma and former Deputy President David Mabuza. At the time of his passing, he was serving as a protector to Deputy President Mashatile

Upon learning of the passing of Warrant Officer Leeuw, the Deputy President visited the Leeuw family on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, to convey his condolences. He described Warrant officer Leeuw as "disciplined, committed to service, and kind." 

Warrant Officer Leeuw is survived by his wife and three children. He will be laid to rest today at Atteridgeville, Pretoria. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will tomorrow, Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and officiate the launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme of Action, scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
 
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a resilient partnership which includes Government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector, and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society, under the theme: “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments” #MenChampioningChange

“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “Let Us Stand Up Together”, a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the Official Launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action, which represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, and advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. 

In recognition of organisations committed to Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present Certificates of Recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials.

Members of media are invited to cover the event and to confirm their attendance by sending their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Ndavhe Ramakuela on 082 200 5357.
 
The event will be divided into three sessions as follows:

SESSION ONE: TRADITIONAL MEN’S COUNCIL AT MASIA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL

Time: 08h30 – 10h20
Venue: Masia Traditional Council, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
SESSION TWO: PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO NPOs

Time: 08h30 – 10h00
Venue: Masia Traditional Council Hall, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.

SESSION THREE: FORMAL PROGRAMME & LAUNCH OF THE 2023-2025 TAKUWANI RIIME MEN’S MOVEMENT PROGRAMME OF ACTION

Time: 11h00 – 14h00
Venue: Masia Village, Multi-Purpose Resource Centre, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
For media interviews prior to the event, please contact:

1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape, 082 318 5251
2. Modise Kabedi – Parliament, 081 715 9969
3. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini, 078 731 0313
4. Limpopo Office of the Premier – Ndavhe Ramakuela - 082 200 5357
 
Enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 25 November 2023, preside at the Launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign for 2023, scheduled to take place at Nsikazi Stadium, Khumbula Village, Gutshwa, in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province.
 
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign this year will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide, leaving no one behind”, a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and the entire social fabric.
 
Government continues to lead efforts aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and femicide, working together with civil-society movements as well as the private sector.
 
South Africa will observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children from the 25th November until the 10th of December, when the world will be commemorating International Human Rights Day, the day that marks the anniversary of the UN Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu; Premier of the Mpumalanga Province, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane; members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council; Mayors as well as senior Government officials.   
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the launch as follows:

Date: Saturday, 25 November 2023
Time: 09h00 - 16h00
Venue: Nsikazi Stadium, Khumbula Village, Gutshwa, in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province
 
MEDIA PROGRAMME

Part A: Deputy President and Delegation visit the Tekwane Bridge site,
Time: 08h00
Venue: Ehlanzeni District

Part B: Deputy President and delegation visit the Karino Water Treatment Plant
Time: 08h30
Venue: Ehlanzeni District

Part C: Main Event
Time: 10h00
Venue: Nsikazi Stadium, City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga
 
For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape 082 318 5251, Tshiamo Selomo on  066 118 1505 or Cassius Selala on 060 543 0672.
 

For comment: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria