Programme Director;
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj;
Senior Government officials present here;
Fellow congregants;
Brothers and sisters;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good evening,

It is a great honour and privilege to join, you this evening as we mark a momentous occasion; the opening of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Multi-Cultural Centre and Temple, a beacon of faith, culture, and unity.

Previously, I had the opportunity to visit the centre during its initial development phase, and I am delighted to be a part of its inaugural celebration.

This event is more than just the inauguration of an architectural marvel. It is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to building a South Africa rooted in diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

This historic inauguration embodies our country's constitutional values; freedom of religion, human dignity, and unity in diversity which continue to drive our collective journey towards social cohesion and nation-building.

Your Holiness, Mahant Swami Maharaj, it is also with deep gratitude and reverence that we welcome you back to South Africa. Your participation here today reflects not only the BAPS community's global reach, but also the strong spiritual and cultural bonds that unite us.

I trust your stay since your arrival in our culturally and religiously diverse country has been enjoyable. You have come at a time when we have just celebrated 30 years of democracy in our country, under which freedom of religion has been guaranteed by Section 15 of the Constitution.

South Africa's culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of numerous ethnic groups, traditions, and influences. This rainbow nation's cultural identity reflects its history of diverse interactions, colonial legacies, and the resilience of its people.

Compatriots and friends,

As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences. In a world that is often divided by barriers and boundaries, this centre stands as a beacon of unity and understanding.

BAPS is well known for its commitment to humanitarian service, social upliftment, and cultural preservation. The Temple will serve not only as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for people of all backgrounds.

This centre will serve as a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn from one another, to share their stories, and to celebrate their traditions. It should be a place of dialogue and collaboration, where we can build bridges of understanding and friendship.

I commend the thousands of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. We were encouraged by the spirit of volunteerism in the construction phase. It was an act of kindness and Ubuntu, which emphasise our interdependence: "I am, because you are."

The principles of dharma, seva (service), and unity that BAPS upholds indeed resonates deeply with our national ethos of Ubuntu—the belief in our shared humanity and interconnectedness.

There is a Xhosa language idiom in South Africa that says “Intaka yakha ngoboya benye”, translated as “A bird builds its nest with the feathers of another”, meaning that people need to help each other to achieve their goals, essentially signifying the importance of community, support and collaboration.

As a nation, we shall move forward with the same attitude of solidarity, compassion, respect and dignity towards our collective journey of a harmonious society.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Government, we strive to build a more just and equal society, because we long recognised the indispensable role that faith-based organisations play in strengthening moral and ethical values in our society.

We are dedicated to fostering social cohesion, which involves embracing diversity and working towards a common understanding and a practical plan for positive social transformation.

Our history has taught us that diversity is not a weakness; it is our greatest strength. We know that unity does not mean uniformity. Instead, it means recognising and celebrating the different threads that make up the fabric of our society.

We are steadfast in our dedication to advancing the Bill of Rights, which serves as a cornerstone, protecting the rights of all individuals in our nation, and upholding the democratic principles of human dignity, equality, and freedom.

As we have gathered here today, we should reflect on the role that the Hindu community plays in nation-building. This community has a rich cultural heritage and values and has played a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of our diverse society.

South Africa, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, has been enriched by the contributions of the Hindu community. Your teachings emphasise the values of unity, harmony, compassion, and respect for all beings. These principles have not only guided the lives of individuals but have also played a crucial role in fostering unity among communities irrespective of their backgrounds.

The teachings of love, tolerance, and understanding are inherent in the religion and promote mutual respect and understanding among different communities, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity.

Furthermore, the initiatives in the development of youth and community service activities have been instrumental in uplifting the less fortunate and marginalised sections of society.

Through various charitable endeavours, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, and offering educational opportunities to underprivileged children, you have exemplified the values of compassion and service to humanity.

His Holiness, Mahant Swami Maharaj, since your last visit in 2019, South Africa, like the rest of the world, has faced numerous challenges. Yet, through resilience, compassion, and collective effort, we have emerged stronger as a nation.

On behalf of Government, we wish to invite the BAPS organisation to continue working with us in addressing the remaining challenges such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, violence and crime facing our communities.

As a religious community, you have a crucial role to play in recognising and bolstering the best practices in your community for preventing and eliminating these ills. This is a responsibility that falls squarely on both our shoulders.

We must collaborate our efforts within our communities to reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace, and security, as well as respect for all human rights.

Compatriots,

Speaking of peace, I would like to join President Cyril Ramaphosa in conveying our deepest condolences to families of members of our South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These brave soldiers were dedicated to their mission and committed to contribute to peace and stability in the DRC.

We also call upon His Holiness to pray for peace and stability in the DRC and Africa as a whole.

In conclusion, let us draw inspiration from the Hindu values and principles, as we strive to build united and prosperous communities founded on mutual respect, understanding, love and cooperation.

Let me express my deepest appreciation to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the BAPS community, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Let us all cherish and protect this Temple for future generations, because it serves as a symbol of hope, peace, and humanity.

I thank you.

The Patron of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Friday, 31 January 2025, join the Education Trust as it honours top achieving learners as well as schools and teachers of the Class of 2024.

The Deputy President has been the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust since its foundation in 2004 and currently serves as its Patron. 

The non-profit organisation has provided bursaries to a number of learners and students, some of whom have become notable contributors themselves in the development and growth of the Alexandra community and beyond.

Details of the awards ceremony are as follows:

Date: Friday, 31 January 2025
Time: 12h30
Venue: San Kopano Community Hall, 12th Avenue, Alexandra Township, Johannesburg

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Fellow South Africans, 

Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group, M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
 
On behalf of the Government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace. 

We honour and mourn them.

All necessary support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the families of the injured. The process to repatriate the remains of the deceased is underway. 

The attacks on peacekeepers resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop contributing countries, namely; Malawi and Tanzania, as well members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) brigade. We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens. The situation in Goma and Sake, where our troops and their counterparts are stationed, remains very tense, volatile and unpredictable. 

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga and the Chief of the SANDF, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Force Commander, Maj Gen Monwabisi Dyakopu are working to ensure that the SAMIDRC forces remain well equipped and sufficiently supported during this critical mission. 

We are concerned about the speculation about the state of our troops and the battle conditions. All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace in our continent. 

South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that are in the DRC are part of both SADC and United Nations (UN) efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in the DRC. The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates a commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity. 

We welcome the position that was recently adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its special sitting on the situation in the DRC, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the reversal of territorial expansion by the M23, the exit of external forces from the DRC and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process. 

The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states. 

We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honoring the Luanda Process agreements. We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity. 

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 30 January 2025, attend and speak at the Official Opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir (Temple) and Cultural Complex, in Northriding, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. 

Deputy President Mashatile, who is also a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, attends the event at the invitation of BAPS, a global non-governmental organisation, holding General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and an international Hindu socio-spiritual institute.  

The BAPS Cultural Centre and Temple, features a place of worship, language and music classes, a sports complex and also offers a platform for spiritual, social and charitable work.  Built by thousands of volunteers, the iconic centre is accordingly, first of its kind in the African continent, and it brings together people from all walks of life. The centre also stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and cultural harmony for all the citizens of different backgrounds, and it is built to inspire positive values of community service and nation building. 

Deputy President Mashatile will attend the event alongside His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the present Guru and President of the BAPS, who will preside over the inaugural celebrations of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex.

The event is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, 30 January 2025
Time: 17h30 for 18h00
Venue: 4 Dexter Rd, Northriding, Randburg

For more information and accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape (The Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or matome@presidency.gov.za 

Mr Hemang Desai (BAPS) on 072 602 8377 or za.comms@africa.baps.org  

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, it is a unique pleasure for me to convey our warmest compliments to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the commencement of the Lunar New Year of the Snake on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

We extend our good wishes to the Chinese community in South Africa including Chinese citizens who live in or are currently visiting our beautiful country. Similarly, we wish that the New Year will bring continued success to our Chinese trade and investment partners who are making an important contribution to our economy.

We are confident that, under the leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, the Year of the Snake will sustain the People’s Republic of China’s standing as a formidable force for good and a source of wisdom and shared prosperity in the global family of nations.

May the celebration of Spring and the rebirth of nature be a symbol of the blossoming of even closer relations between our two nations under our All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill which is directed at ensuring that agricultural land supports long-term food production and that agriculture contributes to economic growth.

The law supports Government’s objectives and priorities in respect of the sustainable management and use of natural resources. It also sets out a countrywide policy and regulatory framework for the preservation and development of agricultural land.
 
The law creates an enabling environment for the development of the agricultural sector and an increased contribution by this sector to economic growth.
 
The law seeks to protect and preserve agricultural land and its productive use to ensure that agricultural land is available and viable for the development of the agricultural sector.
 
The law reinforces South Africa’s efforts to ensure that agricultural land is used to its optimal potential to support long-term food production, which will have a positive impact on the economy.
 
Among other initiatives, the legislation sets out the purpose of provincial agricultural sector plans which will secure the coordination and harmonising of agricultural land use policies and plans to preserve a sustainable agricultural environment.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Housing Consumer Protection Bill which offers greater protection for housing consumers and support for new entrants in the home building industry.

The legislation seeks to address challenges identified by the Department of Human Settlements and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) with regard to the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act of 1998.

The NHBRC assists and protects housing consumers from unscrupulous homebuilders who deliver substandard houses, bad workmanship and poor quality material.

The new law seeks to ensure adequate protection of housing consumers and effective regulation of the home building industry by, inter alia, strengthening the regulatory mechanisms, strengthening the protection of housing consumers, introducing effective enforcement mechanisms and prescribing appropriate penalties or sanctions to deter non-compliance by homebuilders.

The law deals with such matters as the personal liability of the members, directors or trustees of a homebuilder; duties of estate agents, financial institutions and conveyancers, and codes of conduct for NHBRC members, homebuilders, developers and other industry role players.

The law applies not only to builders who undertake home building as a business, but also owner-builders who are now required to register with the registration council.

The law also introduces the enrolment of a home prior to the commencement of its construction by a homebuilder, consequences for failure to enrol a home, duties in respect of a subsidy housing project and consequences for failure by housing authorities or subsidy housing delivery agents to follow the law.

The law applies to repairs, renovations, alterations and extensions to an existing home under the NHBRC’s regulatory regime.

The law also seeks to address the economic transformation of the building industry through the introduction of provisions relating to the warranty fund surplus, which may be used for developmental programmes for the homebuilding industry. The fund is used primarily to remedy major structural defects reported by home owners to homebuilders and the HBRC.

The law seeks to create an enabling environment for new entrants into the home building industry by introducing contractual provisions that ensure their sustainability in the market.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill which provides for stronger measures to better protect our oceans from ship-related pollution. 

With South Africa having a coastline of more than 3 000km from Namibia on the Atlantic coast to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, the enactment of the new law is vital to South Africa’s environmental and economic security.

It is also a contribution to global efforts to protect the marine environment and sustainable economic exploitation.

South Africa has a large exclusive economic zone at sea and a marine economy which, in 2022, supported about 400 000 jobs in areas across the existing marine economic sectors of shipping, associated construction, tourism and fisheries.

The law signed by President Ramaphosa is born out of the recognition that ships can pollute our oceans in various ways, from oil spills to harmful chemical sewage and garbage.

The law amends the Marine Pollution Act to incorporate Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

Annex IV regulates the activities for treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships.  Annex VI is the main global instrument that addresses ship energy-efficiency management and Greenhouse Gas emissions.

The amended legislation broadens the powers of the Minister of Transport to make regulations relating to, among others, the prevention of air pollution from ships and the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.

The new law also increases fines from R500 000 to R10 million for any person convicted of serious offences under the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act or the international Convention which forms part of South African law.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Chairperson of the World Economic Forum, Prof Klaus Schwab,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

We would like to thank the World Economic Forum and especially Professor Klaus Schwab for giving South Africa this opportunity to outline our objectives and priorities for the G20 Summit that will be held in Johannesburg in November 2025. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency follows on the heels of Brazil’s very successful G20 Presidency last year and takes place ahead of the G20 Presidency of the United States of America in 2026.

As a leading forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on major international economic issues. 

For the first time in its history, the G20 is being hosted on the African continent following the admission of the African Union as a member of the G20.

This is a moment of great significance for South Africa, the African continent and the world in that it was in Africa where humans developed the capacity and the impulse for cooperation. 

Cooperation has been one of the key markers of human development touching on many aspects of life, from survival and social organisation to technological and cultural progress, which is what the G20 was established for. To foster cooperation to deal with the challenges the world faces.  

Cooperation is the bedrock of human civilisation.  

Without cooperation and collaboration – between individuals, groups, peoples, nations – humanity cannot progress. 

As we confront the challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to pandemics, from poverty to terrorism, from migration to artificial intelligence – we are again called upon to harness that most powerful, and that most enduring, of human attributes: mutually beneficial cooperation and collaboration. 

This is a time of rising geopolitical tensions, unilateralism, nationalism, protectionism, isolationism, rising debt levels affecting poor countries in the world and a declining sense of common purpose.

Yet, this is a moment when we should be standing together as a global community to resolve the problems that confront humanity by ending the wars and conflicts that are causing such hardship and misery to many people around the world.

We are called upon by the exigency of the moment to act together with greater urgency to halt the destruction of our planet.

This is a moment when we should harness the abundant resources we collectively possess and the remarkable technologies that human ingenuity has produced to overcome poverty and inequality, unemployment, especially youth unemployment, and the abuse of women, once and for all.

Thirty-three years ago, the founding president of democratic South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, spoke here at Davos.

He said:

“Our interdependence, bringing us together into a common global home, across the oceans and the continents, demands that we all combine to launch a global offensive for development, prosperity and human survival.”

In pursuit of this objective – and in giving effect to the mission of the G20 – South Africa will focus its G20 Presidency on three themes: solidarity, equality and sustainable development.

It is South Africa’s firm view that these themes can best be taken forward through the collective actions of institutions like the G20 and various multilateral institutions of the world, especially the United Nations, the WTO and global financial institutions which should be reformed and be more representative and responsive to the needs of the citizens of the world.  

We will seek to get the G20 to focus more on how we can enhance solidarity through collective efforts to ensure that in the pursuit of progress for all, no person and no country is left behind.

The rights and freedoms of one people cannot be separated from the rights and freedoms of all peoples. 

This is the foundation on which solidarity is built.

One of the greatest impediments to growth, development and stability is the persistence of inequality within and between countries.

The pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goal on reducing inequality is as much of an economic imperative as it is a social imperative. 

As the G20 we need deliberate and coordinated efforts to focus on inclusive growth based on responsive trade and investment to grow the incomes of poor nations and the poorest in society and to ensure equal access to opportunities especially for women and young people.

For nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to everyone – regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs or economic status. 

In addition to huge gaps in economic capabilities and levels of human development, countries of the Global South face a lack of predictable financing for development and climate change, high levels of debt and vulnerability to pandemics.

Debt sustainability for low-income countries is one of the four priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
 
In the world we inhabit today, the pursuit of equality and the practice of solidarity cannot be separated from sustainable development.

We need to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

It is therefore in the interests of all countries to act with greater urgency to reduce global emissions – and for industrialised countries to support the climate actions that poorer countries must necessarily take in line with and support of decisions of UN climate change summits.

Another of South Africa’s priorities for its G20 Presidency is therefore to mobilise finance for a just energy transition. 

We will seek agreement on increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing economies as agreed at various UN climate change summits. 

We will continue to call on global financial institutions on the redirection of Special Drawing Rights, which are left unused.

It is simply not fair that over 60 percent of Special Drawing Rights go to a handful of wealthy countries.

These drawing rights should be redirected to enable countries in Africa and other parts of the Global South to realise their developmental aspirations – to enable them to invest in infrastructure, in industrial development, in education and training, and in health care.

We need to leverage private capital and use innovative forms of finance and taxation to raise additional resources for sustainable development. 

Global finance institutions should derisk and support more financing for emerging and developing economies

We need to support country initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership that South Africa has entered into with a number of countries of the Global North.

As we accelerate the transition to low-carbon economies in a manner that is just and inclusive, we must recognise the damage that climate change has already wrought. And will continue to wreak.

In light of this, South Africa has therefore made the strengthening of disaster resilience as another of the priorities of its G20 Presidency.

The increasing rate of climate-induced natural disasters is affecting countries that can least afford the costs of recovery and rebuilding.

In order to address this, special financing and insurance mechanisms must be made available to scale up funding for post-disaster reconstruction.

Since the dawn of the industrial age, the benefits to humanity of economic growth have been achieved at the cost of environmental destruction.

If we are to survive and thrive as humanity we must change this.

We must pursue development pathways that reconcile growth with urgent climate action.

Another of South Africa’s priorities for its G20 Presidency is to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and development. 

We need a G20 framework on green industrialisation and investments to ensure progress towards a grand bargain that promotes value addition to critical minerals close to the source of extraction. 

We also need the development of low carbon manufacturing value chains which can support decarbonisation and industrial development.

There is a need to promote beneficiation and local value addition of resources at source resulting in an additive rather than an extractive relationship. 

As minerals extraction accelerates to match the needs of the energy transition, the countries and local communities endowed with these resources must be the ones to benefit the most.

We will use this G20 to champion the use of critical minerals – through a programme of green industrialisation – as an engine for growth and development in Africa and the rest of the Global South.

As this will be the first G20 summit held in Africa, it is a valuable platform to demonstrate Africa’s promise. 

Many agree that Africa is the next frontier of global growth and productivity. 

The African continent has an unrivalled natural resource endowment, with the youngest population of all continents. 

Africa continues to be an expanding market for goods and services.

The African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to change the economic and social fortunes of the continent. 

We will seek G20 support for the  AfCFTA Adjustment Fund that will enhance inclusive growth, sustainability and regional integration.

We will look to consolidate various G20 initiatives related to Africa into a flagship agreement for cooperation focused on implementation of investments in productive sectors in Africa in areas such as infrastructure. 

An infrastructure revolution is propelling Africa’s growth. 

We seek investments in the development of skills for Africa’s youth and the economic empowerment of its women. 

In the health sector we would want the G20 to support the production of pharmaceutical products such as therapeutics and vaccines to deal with pandemics.

The digitisation of the continent to enhance trade and development is a key enabler. 

Through its G20 Presidency, South Africa is well-positioned to advance global cooperation and build partnerships for growth and development. 

South Africa has a rich history of inclusive dialogue and common action. 

Over the last few years, the South African government has been working closely with social partners in business and in labour to address key national challenges and drive inclusive growth.

This cooperative culture and approach was taken to a higher level with the establishment of the Government of National Unity following the elections we held in May last year.

The Government of National Unity, made up of ten political parties, has been vital to stability and inclusive governance, and has contributed to greater interest among investors in South Africa’s economic prospects.

The seeds of human progress were sown in Africa.

In Africa, the earliest forms of cooperation were forged and developed.

As the leaders of the G20 return to Africa, we make a call that we all harness these essential capabilities that will make us take action to build a better and fairer world. 

We intend that the G20 in Johannesburg this year should be a forum where cooperation and collaboration amongst the leading economies in the world will be taken to a higher level.

Acting together we should build an inclusive, just and equal world in which all may prosper, leaving no one and no country behind.

I look forward to welcoming you to the G20 in Johannesburg later this year. 

Even if you do not participate in any of the 130 G20-related meetings, I invite you to come and see South Africa for yourself, the most beautiful country in the world.

I thank you.

Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana,
Chairperson of Exxaro, Mr Geoffrey Qhena,
Chairperson of Brand South Africa, Ms Ipeleng Selele,
Esteemed guests,
Friends,

Good evening. It is an immense honour to welcome you to South Africa Night, a celebration of our nation’s vibrant culture and enduring spirit. 

This is a momentous year for South Africa. We are the first African country to assume the Presidency of the G20. 

Through South Africa’s G20 Presidency we will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to global solidarity, equality and sustainability.

Tonight, under the guiding principle of Ubuntu – the profound belief that ‘I am because we are’ – we are reminded of the interconnectedness of humanity. 

It is this principle of Ubuntu that underpins South Africa’s leadership and vision for our G20 Presidency. 

We recognise that no challenge and no triumph exists in isolation. 

Whether addressing climate change, economic inequality or the pursuit of sustainable development, we are bound together by shared aspirations and mutual responsibilities.

South Africa is undergoing a fundamental transformation. 

We have introduced bold economic reforms to overcome persistent challenges and unlock the vast potential of our country and its people. 

These reforms have underpinned the country’s economic recovery in the wake of more than a decade of stagnant growth, state capture and the worst global pandemic in more than a century.

These reforms are laying a firm foundation for sustained and accelerated growth into the future. 

It is this structural transformation that is sharpening South Africa’s competitive edge, boosting productivity and attracting investment.

The establishment of the Government of National Unity following the elections in May last year has demonstrated the commitment of leaders across the political spectrum to stability, progress and partnership.

While each party campaigned on different platforms, the Government of National Unity has agreed on a common programme to grow an inclusive economy, create jobs and build a capable state.

Surveys have shown that South Africans have confidence in the Government of National Unity to take the country forward. It has also contributed to a marked improvement in business and investor confidence. 

Our journey as a nation has been one of resilience and renewal. 

From the triumph of democracy 30 years ago to our ongoing pursuit of inclusive growth, South Africa has demonstrated that collaboration and determination can shape a brighter future. 

It is this ethos we bring to the G20. 

Our Presidency provides a platform to amplify voices that have often gone unheard.

It is an opportunity to advocate for solutions that prioritise the well-being of all, particularly the most vulnerable.

South Africa is well placed to play this role.

We have a tradition of dialogue and cooperation, of working together to overcome even the most intractable of problems.

As we confront the challenges of the present, social partners have been working together, in various forms and forums, to drive a programme of inclusive growth and transformation.

A concrete example of this is the strategic partnership between the South African government and business. 

This collaboration focuses on innovative solutions to tackle critical issues such as energy security, infrastructure gaps, crime and corruption, and job creation. 

South Africa Night is not just a celebration of our nation’s achievements but also a tribute to the partnerships that make global progress possible. 

Tonight, as we enjoy the richness of South African culture let us also remember the values that unite us. 

Ubuntu calls on us to see each other, to uplift one another and to act with compassion and purpose.

I invite each of you to join us in this journey. 

Let us harness the opportunities before us to shape a world that is not only prosperous, but just and equitable. 

Together, we can turn ambition into action and vision into reality.

Thank you for being part of this special evening. 

May it inspire us all to move forward, united in our shared humanity and determination to build a  better future.

I thank you.