Your Excellency Prime Minister Frederiksen,
Your Excellency Prime Minister Rutte,
Ambassadors representing South Africa, Denmark and the Netherlands,
Ministers,
Officials,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to South Africa.

It is not every day that we have the privilege of welcoming two Heads of Government at the same time.

This joint Working Visit is indicative of our shared objectives in the areas in which we cooperate.

Both your countries have long and historic relationships with South Africa, which have grown in substance and diversity over recent years.

I know that you appreciate the mutual benefit that we can derive from this relationship, but you also understand the challenges we face.

You will be familiar with the pressure on our electricity network and the impact it has on the South African economy.

For this reason, your visit and our engagements on closer cooperation in the energy space are very opportune and important.

Renewable energy forms an increasingly important part of our energy mix and is vital to both the achievement of a just transition and greater energy security. We hope to benefit from closer cooperation with your countries in this regard.

Given the current challenges in Africa and Europe, it is important that we broaden our dialogue to include regional issues.

Denmark, the Netherlands and South Africa – alongside the African Union and European Union – are important partners in addressing our common and respective challenges.

If we are to bridge the growing divides between nations, between regions and between the Global North and South then we must begin with dialogue.

We must work to create a peaceful and prosperous world by building mutually beneficial partnerships that support the aspirations of all our peoples.

As you would be aware, South Africa was part of a delegation from seven African countries that recently returned from meetings with President Zelenskyy and President Putin.

Among other things, we called for a de-escalation of fighting and for negotiations to commence with urgency; for the release of prisoners of war and return of children; for greater humanitarian support; and for reconstruction efforts to be prioritised.

We used the meetings to highlight the damaging effect that this conflict is having on African countries and economies, contributing to food shortages and a rise in the cost of living.

We believe that our mission was successful in registering the willingness of African leaders to contribute to a negotiated peace and to highlight the broader effects of the conflict. We hope that it will contribute in some way towards international peace efforts.

As South Africa, we are grateful to count Denmark and the Netherlands as longstanding partners in our progress and development.

We look forward to today’s deliberations.

I invite you now, Prime Minister Rutte, to deliver your opening statement.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in terms of section 33 (1) (b) of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership, 2019 (Act 3 of 2019), deliver the annual address to the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (the House).

The annual address will mark the official opening of the House which facilitates the important task of promoting nation building and social cohesion.

The House plays an integral role in streamlining the interests of our communities which are championed by Traditional Leaders as custodians of our heritage and diverse culture.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 February 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber, Parliament, Cape Town
 
Invited guests include Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs responsible for Traditional Affairs, Kings, EXCO Members of Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders, CONTRALESA, Business Sector, Religious Sector, NGOs and representatives from amongst others, SADC countries, National Khoi-San Council as well Chapter 9 institutions.

Members of the media interested in covering the event can RSVP with Mandla Linda (NHTKL) on 079 517 4402 and Tsakane Khambane (The Presidency) 082 084 5566.
 

Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark,
Your Excellency, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Business leaders from the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa,
Representatives of organised labour,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we come to the end of a successful business forum, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Netherlands and Denmark to work together with South Africa to strengthen and deepen our economic relationships.

Both countries have shown great interest to become key trading partners in the green hydrogen and green energy sectors.

At the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh last year, South Africa elaborated on its just transition. We presented our Just Energy Transition Investment Plan as the basis for our pathway towards a low-carbon and a climate resilient society.

While enabling the country to meet its ambitious emission reduction goals, the Just Transition Investment Plan brings about many trade and investment opportunities in the green hydrogen and green energy sectors.

For South Africa, it is important to develop green hydrogen projects that contribute to the export market while developing local economies.

The engagements that have been held during this visit are important for all of our countries.

They provide a glimpse of what South Africa has to offer and allow for direct exchanges on how we can best collaborate on the numerous available opportunities.

It is significant that these engagements have involved government, business, labour and other social partners. It reinforces our view that these developments need to be inclusive and need to benefit all within society.

South Africa today is well poised to attract and implement renewable energy projects and we have the capability to build some of the components that these projects will require.

From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in South Africa.

Such investments are particularly important as South Africa faces severe electricity shortages.

The development of new renewable generation capacity – alongside the recovery of our existing fleet of power stations – is vital for our long-term energy security.

The reforms that are underway in the electricity sector will enable a more competitive, cost-effective and sustainable electricity market.

We also need to acknowledge the investments that are breathing new life into mining, one of the country’s oldest industries and still one of its most important.

Through these investments, we will be expanding our production of platinum group metals and other minerals that are vital to the emerging technologies of the future.

South Africa also offers valuable investment opportunities in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and innovation.

I want to thank the companies and institutions from the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa for the investment announcements and partnerships made today.

From the Netherlands, we welcome the commitment of $1 billion for the establishment of SA-H2 Fund to mobilise green hydrogen investments.

We thank Invest International for their announcement of a concessional financing package for water- and energy-related public infrastructure.

We welcome the establishment of a Climate Smart Horticulture demo facility at Eskom’s Grootvlei power station, which will serve as a hub for agricultural production, packaging and distribution for the surrounding areas.

We also welcome the expansion of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme to build capacity in wind and electricity.

We congratulate Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Mulilo Energy Holdings SA on their announcement to invest $200 million to set up a New Funds Market for investments in green energy infrastructure.

Equally important for South Africa is skills development in the green energy sector.

We therefore welcome the establishment of a Labour Market Consortium to promote social dialogue and skills development for a just and inclusive energy transition in South Africa.

I wish to thank you all for making this business forum a success.

Thank you to our business leaders and delegations from the Netherlands and Denmark for supporting the business forum and advancing its purpose.

As we conclude today, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest shown by the Netherlands and Denmark to work with South Africa in developing a green hydrogen economy.

I am certain that the strong ties between our countries will translate into economic gains for all our people and will contribute to our efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

As the South African government, we remain committed to creating a business environment that is conducive to supporting trade and investment.

In conclusion I wish to thank all of you for your attendance and participation.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, the daughter of King Solomon kaDinuzulu.

Princess Alice is the sister to the late King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon who succeeded King Solomon kaDinuzulu as the Zulu King from 1948 until his death in 1968.

On behalf of Government and  the people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extends his prayers and thoughts to the Zulu Royal Family and the Zulu nation for the loss. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President of the International Labour Conference, Dr Al bin Samikh Al Marri,
Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Mr Gilbert Houngbo,
Heads of State and Government,
Representatives of international agencies,
Representatives of employers and workers groups present,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address this esteemed World of Work Summit.

As South Africa, we carry a profound sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to the advancement of social justice.

This commitment to social justice stands at the centre of our democratic Constitutional order and has guided us over the last three decades as we have sought to build a new nation.

As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration as we work to address the challenges facing our global society.

The International Labour Organization was founded on the principle that universal and lasting peace can only be achieved through social justice. 

And yet, despite our collective efforts, progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been slow and uneven. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, economic shocks, rising costs of living and environmental change have exacerbated poverty, inequality and social fractures in many countries. 

We need urgent action to address these challenges. 

We are therefore encouraged by the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for a new social contract to give effect to our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable society. 

We are encouraged by – and support – the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice, which aligns with the vision of the UN Secretary-General and seeks to promote decent work while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

As leaders, we must prioritise the actions we need to take to advance social justice.

Through this Summit, we should generate renewed momentum towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

South Africa was honoured to participate in the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work.

The Commission’s report highlighted the transformative forces shaping the world of work and the need for decisive action to harness the opportunities they present. 

We fully support the report's human-centred agenda for the future of work and its recommendations, such as increasing investment in people's capabilities and in decent and sustainable work.

We firmly believe that social justice is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

That means we must remove the structural barriers that hamper equal access to opportunities. We must prioritise the removal of discrimination based on gender, age, race, migration status and other grounds. 

Institutions must deliberately work to dismantle these barriers, while actors in society should work towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for all. 

We must create platforms for open and inclusive discussion, where all stakeholders can contribute their perspectives. 

Social dialogue allows us to harness our collective wisdom and find solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of all segments of society.

Income inequality must be addressed. 

Wage policies and collective bargaining have a vital role in reducing income inequalities and ensuring a just distribution of economic progress. 

We must focus on increasing the labour earnings of non-wage workers, who often find themselves at the lower end of income distribution. 

Social partners all have a role to play in narrowing income gaps and promoting fair and equitable societies.

Social partners also need to collaborate to foster productivity and ensure that its gains are shared fairly. 

By narrowing productivity gaps across countries, industries and enterprises, we can contribute to a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities.

We need to ensure our labour market strategies and interventions also benefit people working in the informal economy.

At the same time, we must extend social protection to workers in the informal economy, provide them with access to quality health care and education, and support their transition to formal employment.

By aligning education and skills development with the demands of the job market, we can enhance productivity, sustainability and decent work opportunities.

Trade and investment arrangements should incorporate a social dimension that respects labour and human rights, as well as decent work standards. 

It is important that we pursue transitions to low-carbon economies in a just and inclusive manner. These transitions need to be guided by the needs, interests and views of those workers, communities and industries most affected by the changes that must necessarily take place.

As we develop opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital industries and the green economy, we must ensure that these jobs are decent and provide comprehensive social protection for workers and their families.

As leaders, we must demonstrate our commitment to social justice through concrete actions. 

We need to implement policies and programmes that contribute to job creation, promote entrepreneurship and ensure fair wages and working conditions for all workers.

At a time of great uncertainty, amid heightened geopolitical contestation, we need to work together to safeguard the mandate and critical work of institutions like the International Labour Organization. 

We should  not allow ourselves to be diverted from the path of social justice by partisan interests.

The Global Coalition for Social Justice is a significant step towards collective action. 

It will provide a platform for sharing experiences, learning from each other's successes and challenges, and mobilising resources to address the complex issues that hinder social justice.

Let us therefore use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to social justice and redouble our efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive world. 

Let us use this World of Work Summit as a catalyst for change.

I urge all member states, organisations and stakeholders to join forces and contribute to the realisation of the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice. 

Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance, has equal access to opportunities, rights and a decent quality of life.

May this Summit be a catalyst for the fundamental global change we seek towards the achievement of social justice for all.

I thank you.

Your Excellency, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa,
Chargé d’Affaires of the Portuguese Embassy, Mr Manuel do Vale,
Ambassador-Designate of the Portuguese Republic to South Africa, Mr José Costa Pereira, 
Ambassador Mmamokoena Gaoretelelwe, Head of Mission at the South African Embassy in Lisbon,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the Portuguese and South African delegations,
 
Good Morning,
 
I wish to thank you, Your Excellency, for honouring our invitation to visit South Africa. 
 
We hope that this, your first visit to South Africa will be a productive one.
 
The 10th of June is Portugal Day, and it is no doubt a great honour for South Africa’s Portuguese community that you are here to celebrate this occasion with them. 
 
South Africa is home to the world’s third largest community in the Portuguese Diaspora. The Portuguese community’s culture, traditions, customs and food are very much part of our national life. 
 
One of South Africa’s greatest strengths is that we are united in our diversity. The Portuguese community contributes much to that diversity and to that strength.
 
We congratulate you, your delegation and the South African Portuguese community in advance as you celebrate Portugal Day.
 
The relationship between Portugal and Southern Africa stretches back several centuries and has evolved into a partnership of cooperation and solidarity.
 
Our bilateral relationship is of strategic importance to South Africa. We collaborate in several sectors, such as education, science and technology, trade, investment and defence. 
 
Our meeting today is an opportunity to deepen our collaboration in another important field, namely energy. 
 
Portugal is one of the countries in Europe that has been pioneering the deployment of renewable energy. As we confront our own energy challenges, we are keen to discuss best practice, technology transfer and investment potential in this sector.
 
In recent years, we have come to appreciate how interconnected the global community is, and how we need to work together to solve common challenges like climate change, pandemics and armed conflict.
 
As the countries of the world work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must step up our collaboration to address these challenges.
 
The countries of Africa recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. This anniversary comes at a time when the cause of continental economic integration is finding expression in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
This free trade area will create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion. Not only will it boost intra-African trade and investment, but it will also create opportunities for greater trade and investment between Africa and other parts of the world.
 
It is therefore encouraging at this time to receive visits from countries such as Portugal that are committed to the cause of Africa’s development and prosperity.
 
In our discussions today, we will also take note of multilateral matters of mutual importance.
 
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a global impact. 
 
As South Africa we believe that negotiation and dialogue can indeed play an important role in resolving conflict. We know this from our own experience of our transition to democracy. 
 
We continue to advocate for rules-based multilateralism that should be at the center of global efforts to address common challenges.
 
It has always been our view that peace and security create more space and favourable conditions for development and advancing mutual prosperity.
 
I welcome you once more to South Africa and look forward to our engagement.
 
I now invite you, Mr President, to make your opening statement.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the just-concluded African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a platform that demonstrated the progressive impact of cooperation across the continent in meeting challenges and unlocking opportunities.

The President led South Africa’s participation in the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Summit of heads of state and government, which was framed by the continent’s theme for 2023, “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”.

In the President’s assessment of the gathering, “this has been a very productive Assembly, which paves the way for peace, economic growth and trade and for the African Peer Review Mechanism to start working more effectively so that countries on the continent can be able to review each other’s processes, democratic and otherwise, (and which)  paves the way for the empowerment of women and young people”.

President Ramaphosa said while the continent faced challenges in the economy and in areas such as infrastructure, it was working collectively to deal with these issues – a clear demonstration of which could be seen in the collective response to COVID-19.

President Ramaphosa and South Africa’s participation in the Assembly straddled a number of areas that included his roles as AU Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and COVID-19 Champion.

The President also reported on progress in the operations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On South Africa’s role as Chair of the AU PSC, President Ramaphosa outlined progress with regards to the project of silencing the guns throughout the continent.  

In this regard, the President reported on a breakthrough in the conflict between the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Liberation Front where a process facilitated in South Africa secured a ceasefire agreement and a commitment by the parties to pursue peace.

The settlement was facilitated in South Africa by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya and former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of the Republic of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa also set out progress with efforts to end conflict in the eastern Democratic of Congo (DRC) and said he was encouraged by a report presented by President João Lourenço of Angola on the commitment of all parties to this conflict to work towards a cessation of hostilities.

President Ramaphosa commended steps taken by the Southern African Development Community to end conflict in Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa welcomes AU PSC’s call for an immediate return to peace or to democracy in four Sahel states that have been suspended as a result of unconstitutional taking over of power through force of arms.

In the Summit, South Africa, as AU COVID-19 Champion, presented a number of proposals on how the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) can be strengthened and adopt measures to better prepare the continent for pandemics.

As part of his Working Visit, President Ramaphosa chaired a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council; addressed a high-level breakfast meeting of Heads of State and Government on Africa Centres for Disease Control, and participated in a session on gender advocacy.

The President also held bilateral meetings with a number of leaders to discuss several issues of common interest, including meeting with the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres; President Filipe Nyusi of the Republic of Mozambique; Former President United Republic of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete on facilitation efforts in Lesotho, and President Denis Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied to the Assembly by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister in The Presidency Mondli Gungubele: Minister of Health Dr of Joe Phaahla; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President de Sousa,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the Portuguese and South African delegations,
Members of the Portuguese, South African and international media,

Good morning.

South Africa is honoured that President de Sousa is celebrating Portugal Day in our country this year. It is President de Sousa’s first visit to South Africa and we hope it will leave a lasting impression.

South Africa’s Portuguese community is an integral part of the diverse cultures that enrich our national life and has played an important role in the development of our economy. 

We are enriched by the community’s contribution to the arts, culture, cuisine and music scene in South Africa.

South Africa and Portugal have a strong bilateral relationship that we hope will be strengthened by this visit. 

Our discussions today focused on opportunities of mutual benefit in defence, science and innovation, education and energy.

Portugal is one of the leaders in Europe in the deployment of renewable energy and we discussed opportunities for sharing best practice, investment, technology transfer and skills development. 

We are keen to see higher levels of trade and investment between Portugal and South Africa across a range of sectors.

The Agreement on Defence Cooperation that was signed following the official talks is expected to provide a legal framework for closer cooperation in this area of the relationship.

We also had an opportunity to discuss issues of regional and international importance, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We also discussed effective responses to other issues that confront humanity today, such as climate change.

We consider visits such as this one to be important not only for South Africa, but also for the African continent. The operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will bring great benefits not only to African countries but also to other countries that have trade and investment ties with the continent.

In conclusion, I wish President Rebelo de Sousa and his delegation all the best for the remainder of their visit to South Africa and a safe journey home.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), officiate the annual Armed Forces Day programme at Richard’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, 21 February 2023.

Armed Forces Day is held annually on 21 February in commemoration of the World War I naval tragedy in which 616 black South African troops died when the SS Mendi steamship sank on its way to France.

Armed Forces Day honours women and men who have lost their lives in the course of their patriotic duty in the country or on international missions.

The day also seeks to expand public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate through live simulations of military action the capability of the army, navy, air force and South African Medical Health Service.

Furthermore, Armed Forces Day fuels the imagination of young South Africans in terms of choosing career paths and exercising their passion and abilities.

The President will commence the day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Empangeni World War II Monument.
 
President Ramaphosa will then proceed to the military parade where he will take a salute from the South African National Defence Force and deliver an address to the forces and the public.

The President’s programme is as follows:

First Part: Wreath Laying Ceremony

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Empangeni World War II Monument

Second Part: Military Parade

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Bullion Boulevard Street, Richard’s Bay 

NOTE TO MEDIA: THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS CALL FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION IS CLOSED. MEDIA ENQUIRIES IN THIS REGARD SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT.

Media enquiries:

Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315
Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, Head of Communication for the Department of Defence and Military Veterans - 083 645 4294

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Speaker of the National Assembly,
Deputy President Paul Mashatile,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Members,
Fellow South Africans,

Allow me to begin by thanking the Honourable Members for what has been a spirited debate on The Presidency Budget Vote.

This debate is, as in the past, the sign of a healthy, robust Parliamentary democracy. The debate enabled a frank exchange on some of the key challenges facing our country.

Many of the contributions were useful, constructive and well-informed.

For example, the Hon Groenewald urges Government to prioritise water in our interventions as much as we have prioritised electricity. He is correct. Which is why we have placed investment in bulk water infrastructure, technical support to municipalities and reform of the water sector foremost among our most pressing tasks.

But although there were such contributions, there were also those contributions that sought to misrepresent and distort both the South African reality and the actions of this Administration.

The Hon Steenhuisen quoted at length from my inaugural address in 2019, but made no effort to mention to what has really happened in this country and in the world in the intervening years.

So, I will remind the Honourable Leader of the Opposition.

Before this Administration was a year into its term, a devastating pandemic swept the world, causing the loss of more than 6 million lives across the globe and more than 100,000 in our own country.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered what the OECD described as one of the worst job crises since the Great Depression.

By some estimates more than 225 million jobs were lost worldwide, including a substantial number in our own country.

To appreciate the long-term effects of the pandemic on the entire world one need only look at the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook 2023.

It warns of a rocky recovery, with the residual effects of the pandemic, high inflation, financial sector turmoil and the ongoing effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine all looming large.

Besides the pandemic, we experienced deadly civil unrest in July 2021 that cost over 300 lives and the loss of an estimated R50 billion to the economy.

International instability is fuelling higher fuel and food prices, increasing the cost of living for millions of South Africans.

On top of all this, we are in the grip of an energy crisis that is many years in the making, the seeds of which were planted more than two decades ago.

I state all this not to explain away any of the unresolved challenges we face as a country. I state them because perspective is, as always, critical.

Despite the effects of all of these developments, we have been working with determination to fulfil the electoral mandate given to this Administration in 2019.

We have been forthright about the challenges the country faces.

The anger and frustration that South Africans feel in the face of sustained load shedding is understandable. At times like this, the electricity crisis appears unrelenting, as if there is no end in sight.

Yet, if one considers the work that is being done and the progress that is being made – as outlined yesterday by Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa – it is clear that we have solid ground for hope.

While we have been honest and forthright about the difficult months ahead, we are confident that the measures now in place, including the massive new investment in electricity generation capacity, will enable us to end load shedding and achieve energy security.

Indeed, the pessimism emanating from the opposition benches is not shared by all.

I draw Members’ attention to the Standard Bank Group’s Annual Integrated Report 2022, where Group CEO Sim Tshabalala writes:

“South Africa’s severe shortage of electricity is costing us dearly. The economy has been severely slowed for several years already by this constraint; we will continue to underperform for as long as the constraint continues to bind.

“However, the right set of policies are – at long last – in place and a great deal of new public and private investment in generation is starting to follow. Standard Bank is, therefore, confident that South Africa will, once again, have a fully adequate supply of electricity within the next few years.”

Africa’s largest bank by assets speaks in this report about the value of optimism.

It says that optimism “is a precondition for more accurate analysis, stronger leadership and better outcomes”.

This is a sentiment we share.

As The Presidency, we share the belief that more space should be created for collaboration among social partners to solve pressing economic and human development problems.

We have therefore sought to build a Presidency that is inclusive and collaborative.

We have worked to bring Government, business, labour, civil society and other social formations around a single objective of building a better South Africa that leaves no one-behind.

This is the essence of building a social compact.

We were able to drive a well-coordinated and aligned national response to the COVID-19 pandemic because Government, business, labour and civil society came together instead of working independently.

The impact of the Solidarity Fund is well known, as is the private sector contribution to the national vaccine rollout.

We can also credit such collaboration for the success of other endeavours.

The Youth Employment Service – known as YES – is one of these. It is a partnership between Government and the private sector to address high youth unemployment.

To date, YES has placed over 100,000 South Africans between the ages of 18 and 29 in local businesses for a year of work experience.

Through YES, approximately R6 billion in youth salaries has been injected into the economy and has enabled participants to support their families.

Nearly two-thirds of YES participants come from households reliant on social grants, and an estimated 40 per cent of participants are employed on completion of the programme.

This is a practical example of social compacting at work to respond to the unemployment crisis and provide young people with skills and experience.

I once again call on more businesses to become part of YES and provide work experience opportunities to the many young South Africans who are unable to get work because they have never worked.

Another example of collaboration towards resolving the energy crisis is the establishment of the Resource Mobilisation Fund by Business for South Africa in March this year.

This fund is raising money to provide technical support and capacity to the National Energy Crisis Committee. This will enable Government, through an independent procurement process, to source technical expertise to support the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.

As was the case with the Solidarity Fund, the contributions that are made by the private sector, development agencies and other donors to these collective efforts adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

The respective responsibilities of the partners are clearly defined and no donor is able to exert influence on policies and processes by virtue of their contribution. The responsible Government department provides the lead on any joint project in line with its mandate and the applicable laws.

We have taken every measure to ensure that there is no scope for ‘capture’ or for the advancement of private interests to the detriment of the common good.

Following a number of engagements with business and labour around challenges in the logistics sector, the Presidency, working with the relevant Government departments, is setting up a National Logistics Crisis Committee to resolve the crisis in freight and rail.

There are many such examples of cooperation between Government and business in particular.

Contrary to suggestions of a gulf between this Administration and business, both the Deputy President and I, as well as Ministers, meet with representatives of South Africa’s business community on a regular basis. We meet to discuss their concerns and suggestions, and to forge common solutions to critical problems.

Our experience has been that the leadership of business appreciates the value of partnership and constructive engagement. As Government we do not see the role of business as oppositional.

That is why many companies have been receptive to our call to invest in young people, to support skills development, to provide work experience opportunities and to employee young people in entry level positions without the requirement of prior experience.

We repeat that call today because, as any CEO with foresight would know, an investment in capable young people is an investment in the future of the company.

Cooperation is not limited to the private sector. The Presidency provides leadership to several broad-based bodies that bring together important constituencies.

The Deputy President is chair of the South African National Aids Council, which has been at the centre of the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections.

The Deputy President is also the chair of the Human Resource Development Council, which provides strategic direction to all aspects of the country’s skills development efforts.

The President chairs the Working Group on Disability, which brings relevant Government departments together with stakeholders in the sector to drive the work to advance the rights of persons with disabilities.

The strength of all these bodies is found in the diversity and breadth of participants. They have been able to bind together in common programmes representatives from across society.

This is the spirit that guides the work of the Deputy President as he now works with traditional leaders and military veterans to address their respective concerns and discuss the contribution that each can make towards the development of our society.

Last month, we held the Second Presidential Health Summit. In November last year, we held the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and in August last year, we held the Presidential Social Sector Summit.

Each of these summits has produced programmes of action that are being implemented by a range of partners in pursuit of shared objectives.

In all this, we are deepening and enhancing participatory democracy, working together with key stakeholder to solve problems on an inclusive basis. We are giving effect to the dictum of ‘nothing about us without us’.

The Presidency is also driving collaboration across Government departments, State owned companies, agencies and other public entities.

A good example of this is Operation Vulindlela, which sees the Presidency working with the National Treasury and other Government departments to accelerate key economic reforms.

The latest quarterly progress report on the work of Operation Vulindlela was released earlier this week. It shows that we are moving ahead with reforms that will have a profound effect on the capabilities of our economy into the future.

Honourable Members,

Cooperative governance is a key tenet of the Constitution, and obliges all organs of State to cooperate with one another, consult on matters of common interest and coordinate their actions and legislation.

This is not optional, not for national Government, nor for provinces and municipalities.

Indeed, Chapter 3 of the Constitution says that all spheres of Government and all organs of State within each sphere must: “…co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by – fostering friendly relations; [and] assisting and supporting one another.”

As The Presidency it is vital that in line with our coordinating role, that we bring together provincial and local Government and consult on all matters of national importance.

The President’s Coordinating Council is the pre-eminent forum for consultation and cooperation between national, provincial and local Government.

The President’s Coordinating Council played a pivotal role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing guidance and facilitating coordination as we worked to reduce infections, save lives and maintain livelihoods.

The promotion of cooperative governance has been strengthened through implementation of the District Development Model. This places the district at the centre of an integrated approach to development across the three spheres of Government.

The District Development Model should assist in addressing some of the problems at local level and better use the powers, capacity and resources of national and provincial governments to ensure effective service delivery.

The Deputy President has in recent months visited various areas to see how the District Development Model is being implemented and how the District Champions in the national executive are promoting development in their assigned districts. Cooperation between national, provincial and local Government is an important part of the Presidential Izimbizo programme.

Izimbizo are a vital tool of participatory democracy and allow communities space to interact with the President, Ministers, Premiers and Mayors.

We have structured these oversight visits in a manner where Government leaders listen to and learn from the experiences of communities, report on the work done by government and commit to implementable programmes and interventions.

Importantly, Government uses Izimbizo to constantly improve its systematic feedback processes to the people. It is not yet a perfect system but we are improving it with every Imbizo.

As we promised the people of the Drakenstein municipality two weeks ago, we will work together to address their concerns and that Government, at all levels, will come back to give further feedback on how these concerns will be addressed.

Fundamental to the approach of this Presidency is to draw on the expertise, experience and capabilities of formations and individuals across society.

We have therefore established several advisory bodies, bringing together a wide variety of people to provide insights and inputs based on expert knowledge and sound evidence.

The Presidential Economic Advisory Council continues to play a vital role in advising both the President and relevant Ministers on the most important economic challenges facing the country.

The Council has contributed to the development of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan in the wake of the pandemic and to the Energy Action Plan.

The Presidential State-Owned Enterprises Council is supporting the implementation of the fundamental overhaul of the architecture of our State-owned enterprises. It is undertaking detailed work to identify the actions needed to turn our strategic SOEs around and to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our SOEs into the future.

The Presidential Climate Commission brings together a unique blend of different social stakeholders to guide our climate actions, including our approach to a just transition to a lowcarbon society. Apart from its advice to the President, the Climate Commission has undertaken extensive social engagement and consultation to ensure that those people affected by the actions we take are involved in the decision-making process.

More recently, the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council was established to both advise Government and mobilise society around a comprehensive programme to end corruption in all its forms. The Council proceeds from the understanding that corruption is often embedded in the structures, processes and cultures of our institutions, both in the public and private sectors, and that we need systemic change to rid our society of corruption.

The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council is undertaking valuable work to support the implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.

The Presidential BBBEE Advisory Council that was inaugurated last year is tasked with reviewing progress around BBBEE, reviewing sector charters, advising on the various transformation charters, and overall charting the next trajectory for BBBEE.

It has been critical to The Presidency that there is broad representation on these advisory councils and that they draw on the best in our society.

Each of these bodies brings together talented and experienced South Africans who add value to the work of Government and support the Presidency in particular in the fulfilment of its responsibilities.

We cannot assure mutual prosperity, we cannot overcome poverty and inequality, we cannot emerge from the power crisis and we cannot resolve longstanding challenges, unless we forge such partnerships.

The Presidency is the centre of Government. The executive authority of the Republic is vested in the President.

This means that The Presidency needs to be structured, resourced and capacitated to exercise both its Constitutional responsibilities and the electoral mandate for which it is responsible.

The Honourable Buthelezi encouraged The Presidency to continue its work even under trying circumstances. We thank the Prince for those encouraging words. But he also raised concern about the current composition of The Presidency.

In considering the size of The Presidency, as with Government more broadly, we need to ask how best should Government be organised to meet the country’s needs.

It is not about counting heads, but about attracting the necessary capacity, requisite skills and technical expertise to fulfil our crucial mandate.

Our country has considerable challenges relating to inequality, educational outcomes, joblessness, disparity in the quality of healthcare received by our citizens, gender-based violence and crime, to name but a few.

As The Presidency, it is our responsibility to drive progress on strategic priorities from the centre of Government. This is why The Presidency is coordinating important initiatives on economic reform, employment creation, poverty alleviation and gender-based violence.

Through these initiatives, we ensure that the work of Government is properly aligned, prioritised and effectively implemented.

The Presidency is comprised of specialised staff, including policy advisors, legal experts, communication professionals and researchers.

Within the country’s fiscal constraints, this Presidency has been able to mobilise resources and capabilities from various quarters through secondment and voluntary service. This has enabled us to make progress on several fronts that would not have been possible without such innovative approaches.

We have also put to good effect the power to establish commissions of inquiry.

These have enabled The Presidency to enquire into and establish the facts around various matters of public concern. And these inquiries have led to important reforms.

The recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance were acted upon by SARS and supported the institution’s turnaround.

The recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency are guiding the transformation of the state security architecture. Our law-enforcement agencies and security services are implementing the recommendations of the Expert Panel into the July 2021 Unrest.

Across Government, departments, SOEs and public entities are implementing the many and varied recommendations of the State Capture Commission. This work is crucial for the national effort to eradicate corruption and ensure that state capture is never allowed to occur again.

As we focus our efforts on cooperation, we must attend to the issues on which we remain divided. Even after nearly 30 years of democracy, there are some who misrepresent our country’s history and who thereby misdiagnose its problems.

The Hon Groenewald says that in the past, the 31st of May was known as Republic Day. This, he says, marked the day “on which the yoke of English oppression and colonialism was finally cast off”.

No, Hon Groenewald, it is not true that the 31st of May 1961 was a moment of liberation. It was instead an affirmation of a political and economic system that perpetuated the oppression and dispossession of black South Africans.

It was a declaration that black people had no claim to the country of their birth, no rights and no means to advance their prospects.

To recall Republic Day as a moment of liberation is an affront to the values of the Constitution to which all of us have pledged allegiance. The so-called Republic Day was a day of humiliation for black people in this country.

This is not a matter on which we should agree to disagree. It is a matter on which we should engage each other so that we can properly assert the values for which our democracy stands.

As I conclude, allow me to thank Deputy President Paul Mashatile for the leadership he is providing on several important areas of the work of The Presidency.

Let me also thank the Ministers and Deputy Ministers in The Presidency, the Director-General and Secretary of Cabinet, Ms Phindile Baleni and all The Presidency staff and advisers.

I wish to thank the members of the various advisory and consultative bodies, who have volunteered their time and expertise in the service of the country.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I wish to thank the people of South Africa. It is the people of this country who are the true leaders, who raise their voice, who lend a hand, and who are determined to be their own liberators.

Look beyond the self-serving rhetoric from the opposition benches, look beyond the immediate crises and the negative commentary, and it is possible to see a Government that is leading farreaching reforms that will fundamentally change South Africa for the better.

We can and we will overcome the challenges that face us today. But more than that, we are establishing the foundation for a more capable and responsive developmental state.

Through greater collaboration, we are establishing the foundation for a more inclusive economy and a fairer society.

As this Presidency, we are aware of the great difficulties our country faces. We recognise the weaknesses in many parts of the State. We are prepared to own up to our shortcomings and work to correct them.

But what we are not prepared to do, is to give up.

We are not prepared to surrender to pessimism and doubt.

We are moving forward with rebuilding, with reform, with recovery and with fundamental social and economic change

These are difficult and painful times. But we will overcome our challenges and we will emerge a better, stronger and more united nation.

I invite all Members of this House and all South Africans to be part of that journey.

I thank you.