Programme Director, COSATU President Ms Zingiswa Losi;
Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi;
Honourable Ministers present;
NEDLAC and PCC Executive Directors;
Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee;
Leadership of Labour here present;
Distinguished Guests;
Members of the media;
Good Morning:

It is a distinct honour and pleasure for me to be here today to address the 28th National Economic Development and Labour Council, the NEDLAC Annual Summit, focusing on social partnership in the current context.

In the scholarly publication authored by Wolfgang Streeck and Anke Hasse, titled "The crumbling pillars of social partnership", they define partnership as "stable relations of mutual recognition, institutionalised co-operation and regulated conflict between organised labour, organised business and government".

This definition underlines the intricate relationship between organised labour, organised business, and the government, highlighting the crucial role that each entity plays in fostering a harmonious and productive social ecosystem in the midst of challenges.

We believe that it is through our collective efforts, united in purpose and driven by our shared values, that we hold the power to influence and determine the trajectory and direction of our country.

Since I became the Deputy President earlier this year, I have interacted with social partners in many different contexts such as the recent National Dialogue on Coalitions, an interaction with business at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Human Resource Development Council which I chair, in an endeavour to strengthen our relations and find solutions to the challenges we face as a country.

Today I am pleased to be here at the apex body of social dialogue, the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), which is the place where the government, businesses, labour unions, and community groups try to work together through problem-solving and negotiation on economic, labour and development issues as well as related challenges facing our country.

The NEDLAC has a long history of fostering social partnerships in diverse national landscapes, shaping the labour market since the dawn of democracy.

It was instrumental in the talks that resulted in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act.  All these pieces of legislation were enacted to give effect to the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in our Constitution.

You have also promoted inclusion, consensus, and sustained socio-economic development in South Africa through your persistent efforts. However, our labour market has experienced several obstacles.

The current condition of the labour market is indicative of the abiding legacy of our apartheid past which presents a significant challenge today. We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates particularly among Africans.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified economic setbacks, resulting in increased unemployment and loss of jobs affecting various groups differently and causing a complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon that affects different groups of people differently.

Nevertheless, we are pleased to note that the unemployment rate has declined to 32.6% in the second quarter (Q2) of this year, down from 32.9% in the first quarter (Q1). The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such job losses in manufacturing remain.

In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.

This happened at the Presidential Jobs Summit in 2018 and most recently in the development of an Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan in 2020, where social partners came together to commit to actions, both individually and collectively, in response to the impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods.

It is further encouraging that NEDLAC social partners have taken collaboration to a new level, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, a rapid response task team was set up, which moved beyond the traditional role that NEDLAC has continued to play.

Arising out of the partnerships forged in recent years, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

However, the deadlines for the establishment of a written declaration of commitments and actions have not been met. Nonetheless, since assuming the position of Deputy President, I have witnessed encouraging moves towards social compacting, such as the recent commitment of more than fifteen CEOs to work with the government to reconstruct the economy.

In the area of skill development, we have signed three social compacts through HRDC in the following areas:
•    Building the Foundation for Transformed Economy and Society
•    Building the Skills for a Transformed Economy and Society.
•    Building a capable and developmental state.

These compacts support our country's most important social compact, the National Development Plan, which outlines growth and development goals as well as timelines.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to talk about four dimensions of social partnership and compacting, namely the ‘’what’’, ‘’how" "who" and the "why".

What should we be partnering about? 

NEDLAC has historically sought to partner about the big policy choices that face our country. We have sought to follow the example of social democratic countries elsewhere that agreed to trade off wage increases for job stability.

However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners in respect of the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.

We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.  

Through the Presidency, Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with the Government. With its focus on three critical areas of energy, logistics and crime, it has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth. The government is pleased with this development, as it is a direct result of the successful partnership and collaborative efforts of NEDLAC.

Which brings me to the "who" question. Who should form social partnerships and social compacts? I do not believe that there is a finite list of stakeholders that can be eligible, nor that all social compacts must be tripartite, or tripartite plus one.

For example, the sector master plans on sugar, agriculture, clothing, retail and more recently the renewable energy sector often has many signatories, including partners that are not national or not in NEDLAC but can bring something or gain something from committing to a common plan.

The more important question to answer is whether the parties to the social compact can obtain a mandate from their constituents and whether they have the capacity to fulfil their commitments.  When this does not happen, social compacts amount to nothing but "talk shops,” something we must at all costs avoid.

On the ‘how’ question: Recently, in the National Dialogue on Coalitions Government in the Western Cape, several countries shared their experiences with us on coalition building. A coalition agreement is not dissimilar to a social compacting agreement where there needs to be a give-and-take, and roles and responsibilities are defined and agreed to.

These comparative experiences referred to the need for principles, trust-building, transparency, pragmatism and patience. These are principles which are codified in the work of NEDLAC. There is an opportunity for NEDLAC and its social partners to share these across society while also recognising that they cannot be taken for granted and in fact need to be reinforced in each and every social compact.

NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.

We are facing a changing world where the impact of climate change is increasingly felt by all of us whether it is the possibility of flooding in KZN or persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, whether it is high temperatures in Upington, making it impossible to cultivate fields or poor air quality in Mpumalanga, climate change is here.

The Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future. 

We have been ably assisted in this task by the Presidential Climate Commission which has provided key recommendations to the President to implement and has worked tirelessly to build social compacts with stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels. 

It will only be through partnerships that we can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms. If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations. 

I am sure that the traditions of social partnerships from NEDLAC are being carried forward by the PCC while focusing on new issues that require new tactics that can be shared by social partners and stakeholders.

Participative policy initiatives that search for and build consensus with key players in society have a good chance of sustainable implementation.

It is important for NEDLAC social partners to seize the opportunity of commemorating thirty years of democracy to reflect on past achievements, assess the current situation, and voice their opinions on how the government should tackle major policy issues in the next decade.

In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.

The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access. 

In closing, Martin Luther King once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy".

I hope that arising from the deliberation later this morning, you will all emerge wiser and more resilient to stand and deal with the challenges of our era.

I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on the evening of Saturday,16 September 2023, at the invitation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), Alexandra Parish, deliver a keynote address at its 100-year Celebration and Fundraising Gala Dinner. 

This is in line with the Deputy President’s delegated responsibility of social cohesion and nation-building.

The ELCSA is one of the mainstream churches in South Africa, and the Alexandra Parish – 3rd Avenue Congregation in particular, was founded in the early 1900’s and will accordingly be celebrating its centenary.

Under the theme “The Relevance of the Church in Today’s Society”, the Deputy President is expected to reiterate Government’s commitment to working with all sectors of society on initiatives aimed at ensuring that the country achieves its objectives of fostering social cohesion and creating safer neighborhoods in order to advance as a nation.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Pinky Kekana, the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Obed Bapela, and senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:

Date: Saturday, 16 September 2023
Time: 18h00
Venue: Marlboro Community Hall, Sandton

Members of the media covering the event are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.
 
Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

This serves as a formal invitation for the 2023 National Heritage Day Celebration under the theme, “Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa.”

The purpose of this session is to finalise media logistics around OB parking arrangement, camera positions / angles, and other media logistics in preparation for the national celebration’s broadcast. This year, the national day programme is also fused with the official opening ceremony of Indigenous Games Festival also taking place in KZN.

Members of security cluster / Safety Officer will take us through the plan.

Details of the session are as follows:
Date: Monday, 18 September 2023
Time: 12h30 
Venue: Princes Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu, eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu Natal Province  

Members of the media (Broadcasters) are urged to send their representatives for this session.

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

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

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, attend and deliver the Opening Address at the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), at the Westin Hotel, Cape Town.

The three-day AGM will bring together various leaders from the global health industry, government representatives and multilateral organisations, and will be held under the theme “Accelerating Sustainable Regional Vaccine Manufacturing Through Global Partnerships”.

This important event, envisaged to be attended by over 300 delegates, is co-hosted by the secretariat of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing Network together with Biovac. 

The latter is a bio-pharmaceutical company formed through partnership with the South African government in 2003, to establish local vaccine manufacturing capability for the provision of vaccines for national health management and security.

Founded in 2000 as a voluntary alliance of over 40 vaccine manufactures from 15 developing countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Senegal, and Argentina amongst others, this global network leads in innovation, research, development, manufacturing and the supply of high quality vaccines.
 
The 24th AGM will, amongst others, discuss the following key development topics:
• Accelerating Sustainable Regional Vaccine Manufacturing
• Access to capital: Removing financial barriers for local manufacturing in developing countries
• Strengthening Vaccine Production Capacity & Pandemic Preparedness
• Learning & development of a Vaccine Workforce in the Global South
• Harnessing Women Power in Expanding Immunization Coverage
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the inaugural session as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Time: 11h00 (Media to arrive at 10h00)
Venue: The Westin Hotel, Cape Town
 
For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association, Ms. Andisiwe Makinana;
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni;
Members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Evening, Ndi Madekwana, Riperile,

I wish to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Leadership of the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association for extending this gracious invitation to engage with us. 

The significance of your work to my responsibilities as the Leader of Government Business, as delegated by the President, is of great magnitude.

Your role in reporting on the intricate workings of our parliamentary processes cannot be overstated because you are the conduit through which vital information is disseminated to our citizens, ensuring executive accountability to Parliament.

Challenges and progress

Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently in the 3rd term of the 6th Democratic Parliament and nine months away from the end of the sixth administration. We are also approaching a critical milestone of thirty years of our democracy.

For many of us who lived through the transition from apartheid-to-democracy, we cannot forget the events that led to the 1994 elections. 

The attainment of free and fair elections was made possible through the involvement of several stakeholders, including the media.

Some media outlets played a major role that framed issues in such a way as to encourage negotiation, reconciliation, free and fair elections, and the formation of an all-inclusive government. 

By contrast, the media discouraged violence, belligerence, and separatism.
Collectively, we have demonstrated that we can overcome any obstacle. As we look back on the past few decades, it is evident that we have been a nation of immense resilience, overcoming numerous obstacles on our path towards progress.

Working together with various stakeholders under the umbrella of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), we have made substantial progress in the fight against the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, South Africa had one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world. We are currently implementing the National Strategic Plan (2023-2028), which highlights bold strategic objectives that aim to reduce barriers to accessing health and social services. It promotes a new and urgent focus to reduce inequalities for all people living with HIV, TB, and STIs who are not benefiting from treatment and care services.

In this regard, we can proudly say that South Africa is making progress in the fight against HIV, TB, and STIs, as envisaged by the National Development Plan 2030.
In terms of the economy, 

South Africa has made remarkable progress in attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth, despite the challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our country's evolution from a primarily resource-based economy to a diversified one has led to the expansion of sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and tourism. However, challenges such as unemployment, income inequality, and load shedding still persist.

As government, we are currently implementing targeted measures to deal with these and other challenges that are hampering the economic growth of our country. Efforts have also been made to address historical injustices by implementing land reform initiatives to rectify the imbalances resulting from the apartheid era.

We are at work reversing the 1913 Native Land Act, which forced thousands of African families out of their property. 

We are focusing on utilising unused land for agricultural output through the Land Reform programme, with 1.5 million hectares acquired for redistribution, restitution, and tenure reform.

In 2020, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform released 700,000 hectares of state land, with 896 farms designated for the Agricultural State Land Allocation Project, with 11,749 allocated to women and 2,634 to youth.

In a nutshell, our government has evidently made strides in reversing apartheid's spatial, social, and economic challenges. For example,
• More than 84% of South Africans have their homes electrified
• 4.5 Million South Africans living with HIV receive ARVS
• 1.2 Trillion invested in national infrastructure projects over ten years
• 17.5 Million South Africans benefit from social grants
• 88.6% of South Africans have access to clean drinking water
• 3.2 Million free houses have been built since 1994 and
• 94.35 South Africans can read and write.

In addition, despite having gained material prosperity, we have achieved the most important freedom, which is the freedom of movement for our people as well as their dignity.

Our role as Leader of Government Business.
Fellow compatriots, as I have mentioned, one of my delegated responsibilities is that of Leading Government Business in the National Assembly, as provided for by Section 91(4) of the constitution.

Through regular reports (LoGB) to the Cabinet, we are able to monitor and track executive accountability to Parliament. This we do by presenting reports on outstanding responses by Members of the Executive to questions for written reply in both the National Assembly and the NCOP.

Commendable work has been done in this area to reduce the number of questions endorsed as unanswered and thereafter lapsed at the end of each Parliamentary session from 403 in 2019 to 83 at the end of the 2022 Parliamentary session.

However, much more needs to be done to ensure that Members of the Executive prioritise their parliamentary responsibilities by appearing before various Committees of Parliament when required and submitting reports and other documentation within stipulated timeframes as provided for by the Rules of Parliament.

 In line with the responsibilities of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament as defined by the Joint Rules of Parliament, I have undertaken to perform the following important tasks:
• Monitor the implementation of the Legislative Programme by Parliament.

• Introduce measures to effectively monitor and improve the quality of legislation submitted by the executive for Cabinet approval.

On March 29, 2023, Cabinet approved the 2023 Legislative Programme with 42 Executive Bills. Cabinet further instructed Members of the Executive to advise the Leader of Government Business about priority legislation that needs to be approved by Cabinet and introduced to Parliament before the end of the 6th Administration.

In this regard, we are working tirelessly to expedite the processing of priority legislation by Parliament before the end of the 6th Administration. As of August 31, 2023, eleven (11) out of 42 bills in the 2023 Legislative Programme had already been introduced to Parliament.

Members of the Executive with priority bills have been able to submit their legislative proposals for introduction to Parliament before the September 4 deadline, as agreed to by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In terms of our plan, critical legislation like the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, and the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Bill, to mention a few, will in all likelihood be processed by Parliament before the end of the Sixth Administration.

Esteemed Members, 

We must all be dedicated to the principle of building a democratic government that is stable for the benefit of our communities. It is for these reasons that we have recently convened the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments to ensure that together we build strong, stable, and resilient governments, especially at the local level.

Other delegated responsibilities to the Deputy President 
As part of addressing the skills shortage required to advance economic growth in our country, President Ramaphosa has entrusted me with the leadership of the Human Resource Development Council. This council serves as a collaborative platform, engaging multiple stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, the private sector, academia, and representatives of civil society.

To give effect to this vision, the council has developed a strategy that focuses on building the human resources required for an improved and competitive economy. The strategy focuses on the following programmes:

• Strengthening basic education and foundation programmes in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, languages, and life orientation and skills;
• Higher Education and Training, Research, and Innovation;
• Developing the skills needed for the economy and society
• Building a developmental and capable state.

Having established consensus with our social partners through the signing of three social compacts, we have now agreed to move with the necessary speed to improve the discipline of execution in order to strengthen existing programmes and develop an appropriate and tangible action plan. 

The first signed social compact focuses on intensifying economic and social transformation efforts. 

The second seeks to focus our energies on creating the skills necessary to get the country on a positive economic trajectory, whereas the third compact focuses on developing a capable and progressive state.

These compacts are crucial because they symbolise our country's collective commitment to addressing the skills crisis, increasing the economy, and building an inclusive society through strengthening collaboration between government and social partners.

In this regard, since assuming the position of deputy president, I have engaged with various social partners, including JSE, and tomorrow we are going to meet with NEDLAC.

The collaboration among business, labour, community, and government, facilitated by the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in overseeing the execution of the framework agreement.

Furthermore, we are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with social partners to expedite the implementation of the framework agreement, including the Eskom Social Compact that was signed in 2020. The objective of this agreement is to stabilise Eskom, ensuring the provision of an efficient, reliable, and affordable energy supply.

This, in turn, will facilitate sustainable job creation and foster inclusive economic growth. These compacts support our country's most important social compact, the National Development Plan, which outlines growth and development goals as well as timelines.

In terms of service delivery, the government seeks to increase non-governmental organisations, (NPOs) and the private sector's participation in local development and service delivery programmes. This work also includes tailored training and skill-building programmes to make sure that people can access their basic social and economic rights. In addition, the government keeps running a number of projects that are meant to make the lives of ordinary South Africans better. 

Part of our delegated responsibilities include, amongst others, the implementation of rapid response interventions in service delivery and troubleshooting in service delivery hotspots.

Since we assumed office in March 2023, we have engaged in outreach programmes in various provinces and municipalities as part of our responsibility to troubleshoot service delivery hotspots. This area of work is coupled with our efforts to assist the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective coordination of the different spheres of government in order to improve the functioning of municipalities.
Moving forward, it is essential for all of us, as government, civil society, the private sector, and the media, especially the PGA, to work together as we navigate solutions to address the remaining challenges and construct a more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable South Africa.

As the world rapidly evolves and expands, your role as a media professional becomes increasingly vital. This is evident in the halls of Parliament, which is where democracy and governance intersect.

As journalists and media professionals, you are obligated to reaffirm your commitment to the truth and ethical standards. It is important for us to remember that journalism is not mere entertainment or clickbait; it is a powerful tool for educating the masses, fostering dialogue, and building bridges between communities.

Journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards, maintaining accuracy, independence, fairness, and accountability in their reporting. 

Therefore, I urge you to tirelessly pursue journalistic excellence.

Hold our elected officials accountable, reveal the truth, and provide the public with impartial information.

In conclusion, a well-known poet named Lord Byron once said, "Words possess a tangible impact, as even a small droplet of ink, akin to dew upon a thought, has the power to inspire countless individuals, perhaps even millions."

As journalists and editors, it is your responsibility to share accurate information with the public so that people can make decisions based on accurate information. Together, let us shape a brighter future for South Africa and its democracy.

I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 22 September 2023, brief Members of Parliament (MPs) on progress achieved by Government in resolving land claims as part of the Land Reform programme, and further on efforts to find lasting peace for the people of South Sudan, amongst others, during oral replies to questions in the National Assembly.

In his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, Deputy President Mashatile has been leading initiatives that support the acceleration of land reform in the country. During this session, the Deputy President will update members on Government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to land, to reverse apartheid spatial planning and increase participation of historically disadvantaged communities in agriculture and other land-based industries.  
 
Deputy President Mashatile is also leading the implementation of rapid response interventions in municipalities to improve service delivery to communities. In this regard, the Deputy President will further apprise members on Government programme to bring stability within identified dysfunctional municipalities that require immediate support from the Government.
 
Following his recent successful Working Visit to the Republic of South Sudan, the Deputy President will brief members on the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. 

Deputy President Mashatile’s oral question reply session in the National Assembly is scheduled as follows:

Date: Friday, 22 September 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Goodhope Chambers, Parliament

For more information please contact Sam Bopape on 082 18 5251

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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