Programme Director, 
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Executive Mayors,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to thank all of you for availing yourself for this meeting.

This is the fourth engagement that we are having as the National Executive with the leadership of a province.

Our journey began with engagements with the provincial governments of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. 

We intend to visit and engage the leadership of all nine provinces. 

These engagements are crucial in strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation. They are important for ensuring better alignment of provincial priorities with the priorities of the Government of National Unity.

We therefore welcome the commitment made by Premier Lesufi, during the State of the Province Address, that Gauteng is fully aligned to the strategic priorities of the Medium Term Development Plan: 

Firstly, driving inclusive growth and job creation;
Secondly, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and, 
Thirdly, building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Cooperative governance is a constitutional principle.

It requires that, as different spheres of government, we must cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith.

We must assist and support each other, and coordinate our actions.

We are meeting in Human Rights Month, which is dedicated to celebrating and actively promoting the protection and advancement of human rights for all South Africans.

The observance of Human Rights Month is particularly relevant in the context of our discussions today. 

The right to water, sanitation, healthcare, housing and education are fundamental to the well-being of our communities. 

It is our duty to ensure that these rights are not just enshrined in our Constitution but are actively realised through tangible and impactful service delivery. 

People should not only be aware of their right to these services but should actively experience them in their daily lives.

We therefore have to continue to harness the power of collaboration to overcome obstacles and implement sustainable solutions that will uplift our communities. 

Through unity and action, we must create a future where the rights of all South Africans are upheld, and where every citizen can access the quality services they rightfully deserve.

The District Development Model, which we introduced in the previous administration, remains our guiding framework for cooperative governance and service delivery. 

This model has fundamentally reshaped how we operate, fostering greater coordination, integration and efficiency across all spheres of government. 

Premier Lesufi, we agree with you that if we do not move with speed to address the critical challenges identified in the State of the Province Address, we risk undermining the progress we have made.

There are recurring problems across Gauteng. Some of these include governance failures, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, crime and lawlessness and unreliable service delivery. 

Our greatest challenges – in Gauteng and across the country – are unemployment and poverty.

These are the challenges we all must face head on. 

Gauteng’s unique position in the national landscape is both an opportunity and a challenge. 

While it may be the smallest province in terms of land size, it is a giant in many other respects. 

Gauteng contributes the largest share of any province to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. It is the single most critical economic hub in the country, serving as a powerhouse of finance, governance, industry and innovation. 

The economic success of Gauteng is integral to the economic success of South Africa. 

Within this dynamic province are among South Africa’s largest and most influential cities – Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni – each playing an important role in shaping our national and continental economic trajectory.

Johannesburg is the financial capital of Africa, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations. It is a city of commerce, investment and economic dynamism.

Tshwane is the administrative capital of our country, housing key government departments, foreign embassies and institutions that shape national policy and governance. It is the anchor of South Africa’s public administration.

Ekurhuleni is the industrial and manufacturing powerhouse, driving logistics, production, and trade that sustain not just Gauteng, but the entire country’s supply chains.

It is here in Gauteng where our policies, plans and commitments must translate into action. 

The Gauteng economy has grown at a faster rate than the national economy.

As you said last week, Premier, this is indicative of the economic strength and resilience of the province. 

We welcome Gauteng’s plans to build on the success of the South Africa Investment Conference and host the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference in April 2025. 

Gauteng’s plans to accelerate and strengthen township economic development, agro-processing and SMME development can accelerate economic growth and create thousands of jobs. 

We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming presentation from the province, which will provide valuable insights into the key priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

What emerges from this meeting must not remain as just plans on paper. 

The outcomes of this meeting must be transformed into practical, measurable interventions that directly benefit the people of Gauteng.

Through a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, we will drive sustainable development, improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life for all who call this province home.

Let us seize this moment with urgency and determination, ensuring that every commitment made here today is followed by decisive action.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Microsoft South Africa Investment Announcement launch in Johannesburg.

The ceremony will take place this afternoon, 06 March 2025, commencing from 16h00. 

Microsoft South Africa has been a valuable partner in South Africa’s digital transformation over the past three decades and the investment launch will enhance South Africa’s standing as a leading Artificial Intelligence hub on the continent.

Microsoft’s announcement is a precursor to the South Africa Investment Conference which will take place later in March 2025.

Since the first Investment Conference in 2018, South Africa has attracted R1.14 trillion in investment commitments across a broad range of economic sectors, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and the digital economy.

Microsoft South Africa’s investment lines up with government’s pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation in partnership with the private sector, and South Africa’s G20 objectives in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development.

The Microsoft South Africa event takes place at 16:00 at the Microsoft Campus, 3012 Winnie Mandela Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

For media accreditation: 
Khutjo Sebata, Presidency Media Liaison Officer — 079 898 4621 / Ashleigh Fenwick, Microsoft South Africa — 083 309 7935 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 06 March 2025, and Friday, 07 March 2025, undertake a visit to Gauteng where he will meet with the Provincial Executive Committee and the leadership of the Johannesburg Metro Council. The President will also engage with various stakeholders in the City of Johannesburg.

President Ramaphosa will commence his oversight Gauteng with a meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 6 March, with the Gauteng Provincial Executive.

The meeting will be the fourth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
 
Tomorrow, the President will meet with the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, and the provincial cabinet.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and will deliver an opening address at the meeting.  

These engagements by the President seek to enhance intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration and the integration and partnership called for by the District Development Model.

The Provincial Executive will present to the President its 5-year program aligned to the priorities of the 7th Administration. 

The meeting will also discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level.

Following his engagement with the Provincial Executive, President Ramaphosa will meet with Johannesburg Metro Council on Friday, 7 March. This will be followed by a stakeholder engagement.

Details of the President’s engagements are as follows:
MEETING WITH PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Date: Thursday, 06 March 2025 
Time: 08h00
Venue: Johannesburg Metro Council Chambers, Johannesburg.
 
MEETING WITH JOHANNESBURG METRO COUNCIL
Date: Friday, 07 March 2025
Time: 08h00
Venue: Johannesburg Metro Council Chambers, Johannesburg.

Media enquiries:  Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za / Vuyo Mhanga,
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Provincial Government on
vuyo.mhaga@gauteng.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Ashwin Trikamjee, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum.

The President offers his condolences to the family, friends and associates of this outstanding icon of service to our nation who has passed on at the age of 80.

Mr Trikamjee was an attorney who served as president of the then Natal Law Society, president of the Association of Law Societies of SA, chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA.

As a Black Consciousness activist, he also led the Durban Central component of the Natal Indian Congress, and he was a vice-president of the South African Football Association.

Mr Trikamjee’s deep spiritual devotion extended beyond his Hindu affiliation as he advocated tolerance and collaboration among the diverse religious communities in our country.

President Ramaphosa said: “Ashwin Trikamjee led a life of diverse pursuits which he exercised to improve the lives of communities and the impact of organisations in which he served.

“We will miss his gentle, serene presence, wise counsel and humble yet industrious service to many sectors of our nation.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Free State Premier, Ms. MacQueen Letsoha-Mathae;
Minister of Agriculture, Mr. John Steenhuisen;
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr. Mzwanele Nyhontso;
Deputy Ministers and MECs Present; 
Former Free State Premier Sesi Ntombela;
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Mayor, Cllr. Conny Msibi;
Dihlabeng Executive Mayor, Cllr. Tseki Tseki; 
Remmoho Farm Representatives Mr Pitso Sekhoto and Mr Kobus du Preez;
Representatives of farmers unions and commodity groups;
Agri-business partners;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by acknowledging that it is indeed a privilege to return after our last visit, which took place in March of 2024. It is a great pleasure to be here as we observe Harvest Day, and celebrate significant milestones in agricultural development, and demonstrate the government’s commitment to growing an inclusive agricultural sector while creating job opportunities.

This visit comes as a result of my commitment to undertake a follow-up visit and at the invitation of Mr. Pitso Sekhoto, the group chairperson of Remmoho Investment Agriculture.

This day is a celebration of a collective hard work, dedication, and commitment to agriculture. We celebrate not just the richness of our harvest but also the essence of teamwork and collaboration.

The work of farmers, from the moment they plant a seed to the time it bears fruit, should remind us that through collaboration and perseverance, we can reach our goals. It is through our shared goals that we can be able to overcome any challenge.

As a conscious effort to underscore our commitment to this industry, I am not here alone. I am joined by key line-function departments at both the national, provincial, and local levels to specifically engage with you on the issues you have raised.

Let me also add that such engagements will become more frequent as we need to deal with both your challenges as well as to identify key opportunities to further grow the agricultural sector.

Since our arrival this morning, we have embarked on a tour to the Maluti Apple Packhouse and the Stead Apple Farm, which are important contributors to the government’s vision enshrined in the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP) of growing an inclusive agricultural sector.

It is commendable that the Apple Production and Agro-Processing project has made significant headway thus far, which includes driving transformation in the apple and other fruit-growing commodity industries.

The demand for Apple Juice Concentrate (AJC) presents numerous opportunities for localisation, the creation of employment opportunities, and the broadening of industry value chains.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Based on the conversation and the input I have been hearing today from you as farmers and commodity organisations, it is encouraging that you are eager to be part of the solution to the socio-economic challenges confronting our country.

What we need to realise is that, as we move this country forward, there will be issues on which we agree and disagree, which is something that is inevitable in any partnership.

Nevertheless, the true challenge lies in our ability to address those different viewpoints with civility and maturity, making certain that we uphold the integrity of our country and safeguard our hard-won gains.

The recently signed Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) Act has sparked significant debate, especially in the agricultural sector.

The Expropriation Bill repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975 and sets out how organs of state may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.

Section 25 of the Constitution allows the state to expropriate property for a public purpose or in the public interest with appropriate and equitable compensation.

This new Act has several checks and balances, including a clause that states that an agreement must be attempted before the state decides to expropriate. This includes an opportunity to object to the intention to expropriate.

As the Government of National Unity, we will continue to provide support through a combination of payments and other aids to the sector. We will continue to support small-scale farmers and integrate them into the economy.

Our commitment lies in growing an agricultural sector that benefits everyone equally.
The agriculture industry contributes to the economy by generating jobs and income. It also supports related businesses, including food processing, transportation, and retail.

Despite some challenges, South Africa’s agricultural sector has achieved notable successes.

One of the most important aspects that has contributed to the development of the agricultural industry in South Africa has been the use of commercial farming practices, which have resulted in better production and efficiency.

In addition, the government has adopted a number of other efforts to promote the industry, including; land reform programmes, subsidies, and infrastructure development.

The country is a net agricultural exporter, ranking in the top ten global exporters of citrus, table grapes, maize, and wool. The industry employs over 800 000 people, making it an important contribution to the country's labour force.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Government, we are dedicated to supporting and collaborating with farmers to fuel economic growth, create employment, and guarantee food security.

Since the establishment of democracy, our government has committed to creating a sector that is innovative, profitable, highly competitive, and, most importantly, capable of enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

The government has also committed to accelerating the country's land reform and agricultural programme. 

In this regard, President Ramaphosa established the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture. The IMC provides political and strategic leadership on land reform implementation, post-settlement support, and the facilitation of urban and rural development as well as human settlement to build a just and more transformed society.

It focuses on redressing historical injustices. It aims to include more producers in agriculture and make more land available for cultivation.

Since the inception of the Land Reform programme in 1994, a total of 5.3 million hectares of land have been acquired through land redistribution, benefitting over 315 000 persons, inclusive of labour tenants, farm dwellers, and Extension of Security of Tenure occupiers.

It is important to note that the 5.3 million hectares include the 2.4 million hectares acquired through the Pro-Active Land Acquisition Strategy.

Government has made great strides to fast-track land reform, anchored on the rollout of an extensive agricultural support programme. This will guarantee that as a country, we continue to invest in the productive and efficient use of land assets, which boost agricultural output and encourage economic growth in targeted areas.

One of the key achievements of the Land Reform Program is the successful redistribution of land among landless farmers and marginalised communities. 

The redistribution of land is indeed transforming the rural landscape for small, medium, and large-scale farmers by promoting efficiencies and the growth of the agricultural producing sector.

We are aware of some of the challenges that exist, especially concerning the post-settlement support, particularly its reach and impact, not only in this area but across the province. Working with the relevant Departments and leaders, we will aim to address this in a way that is beneficial for all those affected. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Proper land management by Communal Property Associations has the potential to alleviate poverty and unemployment for its members and communities, which it is meant to serve. We aim to enhance the effectiveness of CPAs through organised training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, among other forms of support.

We want CPAs and land reform beneficiaries to use their land productively and capitalise on the possibilities of BRICS and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. They have the opportunity to expand the country's exports to international markets.

Last year, in March, we saw considerable progress in agriculture initiatives in the Free State when we visited the Apple Production and Agro-processing project. The project is transforming the apple industry by providing opportunities for localisation, job creation, and industry value chain expansion.

To ensure support for our farming communities, a number of rural infrastructure projects have been delivered by the government in various villages across the nine provinces.

These projects include mechanisation support, infrastructure enhancements, irrigation systems, and community amenities such as pre-schools, community halls, and agri-parks. The program has also involved the development and repair of farmer production support units, including livestock handling facilities, clinics, dipping tanks, boreholes, fences, and other infrastructure.

The government's Land Reform and Agriculture Support Programme has also achieved progress in reducing land inequality and promoting equitable land resource distribution. Land that has previously been provided to landless farmers and disadvantaged populations through open and participatory processes has resulted in greater agricultural productivity and economic growth. This implies that the sector is growing and gradually improving on inclusivity.

Through the Agricultural and Agro-Processing Master Plan, we are building a growing, equitable, inclusive agriculture and agro-processing sector.

We have to work together as social partners to reach the objectives of the Master Plan, which include:
• Increasing food security
• Improving access to local and export markets 
• Promoting and accelerating sustainable transformation in the agriculture and agro-processing sector
• Improving competitiveness and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities by leveraging technological innovation and creative financing models

Improving the safety of the farming community
Rural safety is a key component of the country's crime prevention strategy, as it ensures the long-term protection of our farming communities and food security. This means that we must intensify our efforts to implement the National Rural Safety Strategy to prevent violent crime on farms, working in partnership with critical role players.

As the host of the G20, we must seize this opportunity to tackle some of the sector's challenges through this platform by raising awareness about issues such as climate change, empowering youth, and women in agrifood systems, and developing creative finance structures targeted to the requirements of low-income and resource-poor farmers.

As I conclude, it is imperative that we pay special attention to ensuring that the land released to address historical imbalances is used profitably by guaranteeing proper re-capitalisation through targeted grants and infrastructure improvements.

We encourage those who inherit the land to use it productively.

We need to foreground a closer collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform to ensure that we strengthen post-settlement support that will make land reform farms productive.

We must overcome the remaining obstacles to reach our objectives of redress and achieve equitable access to land while increasing production. I am pleased with the work that is being done here and look forward to seeing the continuation of the agriculture development programme in other parts of the province and across the country.

Ke a leboga, I thank you!

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will be visiting Bethlehem in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, Free State Province, on Thursday 27 February 2025. The visit aims to commemorate the Harvest Day at the Remmoho Investment in Agriculture Farm.  Significant milestones in agricultural development will be celebrated to further demonstrate government’s commitment to growing an inclusive agricultural sector while creating job opportunities.

As the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will engage with approximately 400 local farmers, agricultural stakeholders and commodity groups, to discuss strategies for expanding the agricultural sector, driving economic growth, and supporting job creation in the province. During his visit, the Deputy President will witness first-hand the investments in apple export and processing facilities in the province, which showcases the innovative efforts to enhance agricultural production and support local farmers, especially black farmers, in growing production.

The visit will also highlight the role of Remmoho Investment in Agriculture, which contributes to government’s vision enshrined in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) of growing an inclusive agricultural sector. The company’s investments in the agricultural space are playing a pivotal role in breaking new frontiers to create employment opportunities and achieve food security in South Africa.

The event will also be a celebration of agricultural success stories, as well as an opportunity to underscore how such initiatives align with government efforts to foster economic development and food security.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Mr John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture and Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development. The Deputy President will be received by the Premier of the Free State Provincial Government, Ms Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the Executive Mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municiplaity, Cllr Conny Msibi. 

The media is invited to cover this important event.

For more information about the programme, please contact Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Moliehi Moeng on 073 260 5173.

Media enquiries: Keith Khoza Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 / Spokesperson to the Premier, Matshediso Setai on 076 630 3345/078 363 3631

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Sipokosa Paulus Mashatile has successfully concluded his working visit to Japan aimed at reaffirming the strong cooperation between South Africa and Japan in areas of mutual interest. 

As the two countries mark 115 years of well established diplomatic relations, the year 2025 also marks a special milestone, with both countries chairing important multilateral organisations – South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) Summit led by Japan.

During the working visit, the Deputy President met with Japanese Government officials, including paying a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan and Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr Yoshimasa Hayashi.

The Deputy President expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and looked forward to collaborating with Japan to ensure that TICAD-9 is a success.

“Since 1993, Japan has been hosting TICAD, which focuses on Japan’s support of African development through public and private support of initiatives aimed at peace and stability, and growth in the private sector, infrastructure, human resources, climate change, and education. Indeed, South Africa and Africa have a reliable and respectable ally in Japan,” said the Deputy President.

The Deputy President also met with the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Freindship League with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation between South Africa and Japan.

The meeting emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation and highlighted the importance of the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League in fostering stronger ties between Japan and African countries. 

The Deputy President also had an opportunity to engage with the representatives of the Japanese business community which included Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Keidenran and the Association of the African Economy and Development in Japan Committee (AFRECO), with the objective of promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

During these engagements, the Deputy President highlighted South Africa’s favourable business environment, skilled workforce and strategic location, making it an attractive destination for Japanese investment.

Addressing concerns raised by the Japanese business community, the Deputy President reported on progress made in reducing the backlog and fast racking visa applications, government’s commitment to ending loadshedding and ensuring safety for citizens and investors.

The Deputy President is confident that these engagements will yield positive results, further strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

“As this delegation goes back to South Africa, we have a collective mandate to bring to life some of the discussions and agreements that we have had with our counterparts and other stakeholders here. We are motivated and will do everything it takes to make sure another 115 years, with sustainable economic, cultural and people-to-people benefits for the people of both our countries.” said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Deputy President was supported by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture Mr John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.


Media enquiries: Ms Itumeleng Mafatshe on +27724517490

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya will on Thursday, 20 March 2025, host a media briefing to update on the President’s programme and address recent developments of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday 20 March 2025 
Time: 09:30 for 10:00
Venue: Union Buildings  
 
Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing can send their details to Khutjo Sebata on 079 898 4621/Khutjo@presidency.gov.za by 17:00 Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@enquires.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya will on Thursday, 20 March 2025, host a media briefing to update on the President’s programme and address recent developments of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday 20 March 2025 
Time: 12h00 for 12h30
Venue: Union Buildings  
 
Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing can rsvp to Khutjo Sebata on 079 898 4621/Khutjo@presidency.gov.za by 17:00 Wednesday , 19 March 2025.  

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@enquires.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shiphokosa Paulus Mashatile will on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Human Rights Day commemoration event scheduled to take place on Friday, 21 March 2025, at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Kariega, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. 

The Human Rights Commemorative events this year are held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”, a call for a renewed and strengthened commitment from all levels of society, to accelerate practical solutions in driving inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

South Africa has designated the 21 March to commemorate the National Human Rights Day, in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on the 21 of March 1960, where apartheid police killed 69 anti-apartheid peaceful protesters. This important day also honours 35 people who were killed on 21 March 1985 when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral at Uitenhage and KwaLanga.

In this regard, Government has selected Kariega in the Eastern Cape, to host the national Human Rights Day commemoration, as part of government’s rotation of National Days to ensure that communities in all provinces are able to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle for liberation, and also to reflect and take stock of progress made in building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and united nation. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, Premier of the Eastern Cape Province, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council, Mayors, as well as senior government officials. 
 
The Human Rights Day event will take place as follows:

Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Kariega, Eastern Cape Province

Media Programme:
09h00 Arrival of Political Principals - Kariega Town Hall (Photo Opportunity)
10h00 Wreath-Laying Ceremony- Langa Memorial Site, Kariega (Media in attendance)
11h00 Official Programme - Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Kariega (Media in attendance) 

Media accreditation centre: Drostdy Museum, Kariega (For collection enquiries please contact: Madimetja Moleba on 066 301 4675)

For more information, please contact Sam Bopape, Presidency on 082 318 5251.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria