Programme Director,
The family of Mama Getrude Shope, children and grandchildren,
President of the ANC Women’s League, Cde Sisisi Tolashe,
Members of the ANC National Executive Committee,
Members of the ANC Women’s League NEC,
Leadership of the Alliance and Mass Democratic Movement formations,
Comrades and Friends,
Fellow mourners,

We are here to bed farewell to Mama Gertrude Shope, Isithwalandwe, freedom fighter, trade unionist, icon of the women’s movement. 

Her passing comes less than a week after we buried Cde Lungi Mngaga-Gcabashe, the Deputy President of the ANC Women’s League.

As we laid her to rest, we observed that in an African hut, there’s a pole that stands in the middle of the hut. It is called Intsika, or a pillar. 

Women – our mothers, our grandmothers, our wives, our sisters, our aunts and our daughters – are izintsika. Like the pillar that holds the structure of the hut together, women hold up our homes, our families and the nation. 

To have lost two women leaders – izintsika – in such close succession is a great loss. And yet, even amidst our grief we take comfort in the legacies they left behind. 

We gather not just to remember the name Getrude Shope.

We gather to honour a life that helped to shape our country’s democracy.

Mama Getrude Shope’s life is and was intertwined in the fabric of our of democracy.

Her’s was a life that was quietly and unshakably committed to the struggle for our people’s liberation.

As we pay tribute to Mama Gertrude Shope, one of the outstanding matriarchs of our struggle, we should remember that she was a torchbearer for women’s emancipation. 

We should remember her for her lifelong contribution to the struggle for freedom for all, especially for women silenced in the margins of apartheid oppression and patriachy.

She taught us that liberation without the liberation of women means that our revolution is unfinished. She also taught us that democracy without the voice of women is a fragile and partial democracy.

Today South Africa stands tall as a constitutional democracy that enshrines the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all.

We have stood firm in our conviction that the struggle for racial equality cannot be separated from the struggle for gender equality.

We have made significant progress in advancing women’s rights in education, health, social protection, political representation and economic participation. 

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report has called our country “a beacon of hope” in the quest for gender equality worldwide.

This progress was not achieved by chance. 

Gertrude Shope and others made it happen. She birthed and mothered it. She nurtured it with discipline, wisdom and responsibility.

This progress is the result of deliberate policies implemented by successive democratic governments since 1994. 

This progress is the result of a progressive Constitution and Bill of Rights that was forged in the trenches of struggle – a struggle waged by legions of brave women and men who dedicated their lives to seeing a South Africa that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous and free.

Ma Gertrude Shope was foremost among them. 

At the age of 29, a time when many young people are still trying to find their feet in the world, she was already a revolutionary. 

By her late twenties Ma Shope was a teacher by profession, having received her training in Zimbabwe, and was teaching domestic science at Pimville High in Soweto. 

This brought her into direct contact with one of apartheid’s most insidious policies, Bantu Education. 

To witness the dehumanising of black children in the classroom struck her to the core. She refused to accept the dictates of her role to impart inferior education that prepared black children for little more than a life of menial labour. 

She joined the ANC and became involved in the campaign against Bantu Education in the early 1950s. 

When the Congress of the People adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955, she personally took up its mantra that the doors of learning and culture shall be opened. 

She took to heart the view expressed by Dr AB Xuma that education and political rights must go hand in hand with social justice and equality for all. 

Ma Shope’s resistance to Bantu Education was a bold declaration that every African child was deserving of knowledge, respect and dignity. 

She became involved in the women’s movement, joining the Federation of South African Women, FEDSAW.

A year before the Congress of the People in Kliptown, FEDSAW had adopted the Women’s Charter, setting out a vision of gender equality that found expression in the Freedom Charter itself. 

In 1956, when more than 20 000 women marched on the seat of apartheid power to demand an end to the pass laws, Ma Shope was among the organisers. 

She helped to mobilise women around the country, to inform them about the demands of the protestors and to arrange transport to Pretoria.

She belonged to a generation that took the baton from the pioneering work of women activists like Charlotte Maxeke, who once said: “This work is not for ourselves. Kill that spirit of self and do not live above your people, but with them.”

Ma Shope lived by this creed. 

In its tribute to Ma Shope, COSATU reflected on the great personal sacrifice that commitment to the struggle entailed. She quit her teaching career, her source of income, as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education.

Abandoning one’s personal aspirations in pursuit of a greater cause is the very epitome of servant leadership. 

There are arguably few amongst us who would today do the same. Such was this calibre of leadership, such was this level of commitment to one’s people and to the greater good.
 
Ma Shope’s activities soon drew the attention of the apartheid authorities. She made the decision to go into exile in 1966, where she would join her husband Mark who was active in the trade union movement and the ANC in exile. 

While in exile, she worked tirelessly across Africa and abroad, mobilising support for the anti-apartheid cause.

She played a key role in drawing global attention to our struggle, including participating in the work of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid.

Just as international solidarity helped win us our freedom, just as Ma Shope taught us, we will continue our principled solidarity with peoples everywhere suffering oppression and persecution.

As the head of the ANC’s Women’s Section in exile and later as President of the ANC Women’s League, Ma Shope had a profound grasp of the realities facing women in South Africa.

She knew that the triple burden of oppression based on race, class and gender would not evaporate once apartheid ended.

In the early 1980s, Ma Shope gave an interview where she was asked why she thought it was important for women in the liberation movement to organise separately. 

The interviewer asked if women were organising separately to revolt against men.

Ma Shope said:

“We are not declaring war on men. We know that the society we live in has made men think a certain way. So, men are also victims. Together, men and women must change their attitudes to each other.”

This statement is as relevant today as it was when Ma Shope spoke these words.
 
As president of the ANC Women’s League from 1991 to 1993, Ma Shope was instrumental in revitalising women’s voices within the democratic transition. 

She worked to ensure that gender equity was embedded in the new South African Constitution, refusing to let women’s rights be treated as a secondary issue to national freedom.

Despite our progressive Constitution, despite South Africa having made considerable progress in advancing women’s rights, persistent inequalities threaten to undermine our advance as a society.

Women are still more likely to be poor than men. Women are still more likely to be unemployed than men. Women are the primary victims of intimate partner violence, abuse, rape and other forms of sexual violence.

Ma Shope’s life’s work is not yet complete. 

It is up to us to take forward women’s struggles for full equality, for freedom from violence, and for the right to live in security, comfort and peace. 

And like Ma Shope said all those years ago, this is not a struggle that must be waged by women alone. 

Men must be at the frontlines of the fighter for gender equality. They must alongside their mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters.

The young women of the ANC Women’s League are the worthy inheritors of Ma Shope’s legacy. 

We have seen the great work being done by the League to advocate for the rights of women and children and to empower them. 

The women of South Africa have inherited the bravery, discipline and commitment of the generation that shook JG Strydom, the then Prime Minister of apartheid South Africa.

As we lay Ma Shope to rest, we renew our commitment to realising a South Africa in which women and girls enjoy true freedom. 

Isithwalandwe Ma Shope served South Africa and her movement with distinction throughout her life. 

Her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and her extraordinary leadership laid a firm basis for us to continue building a country that gives voice to the voiceless. 

Her legacy lives on in the ANC, in the ANC Women’s League and in the Gertrude Shope Peacebuilding and Capacity Building Programme that was set up to support women peacemakers and conflict mediators on our continent.

We thank her for her service to South Africa and to the women of our country. 

In the interview I spoke of earlier, Ma Shope was asked what message she had for the women of her country. To which she said:

“My message to women is that we should stand up for our rights. The time for women to be found in the kitchen is long past. Let us, together with our menfolk, correct the wrongs and ills of our society. This is the challenge facing us today. Join your organisation in your thousands, for without you there is no revolution.”

Ma Shope, as men and as women, we will indeed give effect to your clarion call. 

We owe this to you and to the many women and men who gave their all for South Africa to be free. 

Lala Ngoxolo Mbokodo, 

Isithwalandwe-Seaparankwe.

I thank you.

Programme Director, Mr Musa Mathebula,
Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa,The Right Reverend  GS Moyane; Esteemed Members of the Clergy;
Premier of the Limpopo Province, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Members of the Provincial Executive Council:
Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo;
Members of Parliament here present;
Leaders of various organisations;
Members of the EPCSA;
Representatives of Government and Civil Society;
Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is with profound humility and gratitude that I stand before you this evening to commemorate a remarkable milestone—the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. 

This sesquicentennial celebration is not merely a reflection of the passage of time but a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to serving both God and the people of South Africa.

Swa tsakisa ku va laha.

I was fortunate to have been raised by a pastor and have held the values of Christianity close to my heart. As most of you may know, the ANC was launched by believers and has throughout its 113 years of existence been guided by the principles that we have learned from our faith, the most important of these being the instruction to ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. 

The ANC loves and appreciates the work that the Church and other Faith-based Organisations play in social cohesion, nation-building and moral regeneration in our country. I know people like to say we only go to church when it is election season, but we have shown over and over that this is not the case.

Since the establishment of the EPCSA, in 1875 by the Swiss Mission in South Africa, the church has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for countless communities. From its humble beginnings in Valdezia, Limpopo, the church has expanded its reach, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries to serve a diverse and dynamic congregation. 

The EPCSA's dedication to education, healthcare, and social justice has left an indelible mark on our nation's history. By establishing mission stations, schools, and clinics, the church has played a pivotal role in uplifting marginalized communities and fostering social cohesion.

In October 2024, the EPCSA achieved a significant milestone by reuniting after over 30 years of division. This unification, decided at the 42nd Synod held at Bhuba Lodge, symbolizes the church's commitment to reconciliation and unity. 

This act of unity resonates deeply with the words of Jesus in John 17:21: "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." It serves as a powerful reminder that, through faith and humility, divisions can be healed, and communities can be strengthened.

As the Deputy President of the ANC and the Republic of South Africa, I hold a deep understanding that our peaceful nation is not solely a result of our remarkable ideas and leadership. It is also because of God's great mercies that we have not been consumed by apartheid and colonial oppression. As some of you may be following in the news, the fight for our freedom is far from over! We must be united in our efforts to fight for a better and prosperous future for all South Africans. In this endeavour, we as government understand that the role of faith-based organizations, particularly the church, is indispensable.

I believe that in all we do as a country, we must work together as faith-based leaders and political leaders. Historically, politics and religion have always been intertwined. Religion has been claimed to be the source of some of the most remarkable political mobilisations of our times. 

Throughout history, the church has been an integral part of the struggle for justice, dignity, and human rights. The church played a critical role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, standing as a moral compass and a voice for the oppressed. 

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, we do so during Africa Month—a time dedicated to reflecting on the shared histories, cultures, and future of our beautiful continent. Africa Month reminds us that our strength lies in our unity as Africans, in our collective efforts to overcome poverty, underdevelopment, and division. It is a time to affirm our commitment to building a continent rooted in peace, justice, and prosperity. In the same way that this church has transcended barriers to serve diverse communities, so too must we deepen our resolve to foster inclusive growth, cultural pride, and social cohesion across the African continent. 

As we honour 150 years of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, we do so fully aware that the spiritual and moral compass provided by the church has been a guiding light in our journey to build a democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa within a rising Africa.

Even today, in our democratic South Africa, the church remains an indispensable partner in addressing the challenges of poverty, inequality, crime, and social fragmentation. 

Government alone cannot address the multitude of challenges confronting our communities today. From unemployment and substance abuse to crime, poverty, and social fragmentation, these issues require a collective societal response. It is for this reason that the African National Congress (ANC) continues to mobilise the church and faith-based organisations to be active partners in addressing the moral, spiritual, and developmental needs of our people. The role of the church goes far beyond the pulpit—it is a beacon of hope and a centre for healing and renewal in our communities.

On behalf of the ANC, I extend gratitude to the leadership of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa for The EPCSA's commitment to addressing societal challenges—such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice—aligns with our national objectives. Your outreach programs, including food distribution, educational initiatives, and substance abuse counselling, exemplify the church's proactive approach to community development. 

The challenges facing our nation—unemployment, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and more—cannot be addressed by the government alone. It is through collaborative efforts with institutions like the EPCSA that we can create sustainable solutions.

In particular, we must unite in our efforts to combat the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The church has a profound moral responsibility to speak out against domestic violence and to promote a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and family cohesion. 

Through sermons, community outreach, and family counselling, the church can instil values of compassion, responsibility, and peace. Let us work together to ensure that our communities become sanctuaries for healing, restoration, and safety—especially for women, children, and the most vulnerable among us.

Makholwa,

Let us draw inspiration from Romans 12:10-16, which urges us to "be devoted to one another in love" and "live in harmony with one another." These principles are the foundation of social cohesion and nation-building.

As we celebrate this 150-year milestone, let us therefore, remember that our strength as a nation lies in our unity. Let us  reaffirm our commitment to unity, service, and faith. Let us continue to work together—government, church, and civil society—to build a South Africa that is inclusive, just, and prosperous.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa on this momentous occasion. May your legacy of faith and service continue to inspire generations to come.

Inkomo.

Thank you.

May God bless you all.

Programme Facilitator, Prof Somadoda Fikeni;
Director General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni;
Cabinet Ministers, and Deputy Ministers 
Premiers of our Provinces present here;
Directors-General;
Heads of Department;
Facilitators, Speakers and the Panellists;
Representatives of Organised Labour, Organised Business, Academia, Research Institutions and Civil Society;
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my distinct honour to open this important seminar — a timely platform for confronting one of the most consequential and sensitive issues facing South Africa’s state machinery: the political-administrative interface.

This happens just before our one year anniversary as the Government of National Unity (GNU) that is bound together by a quest to attain three strategic priorities: building inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty and building an ethical, capable and development state.

Central to us attaining these three strategic priorities is the ensuring sound institutional design that responsive to the prevailing challenges and the nuances of a modern state that is agile enough to respond to a rapidly changing environment.  

In this vein the synthesis evaluation we are reflecting on today — conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council under the stewardship of the Policy and Research Services in The Presidency — is not a routine performance review. It serves as a sobering mirror held up to the State, revealing systemic vulnerabilities, institutional dysfunction, and a lack of protection for those entrusted to lead departments and drive delivery.

We convene with the recognition that effective governance requires more than good intentions; it demands functional systems, clear accountability, and seamless coordination between those who set policy and those who implement it.

It tells us what many of us have long known but perhaps not yet fully addressed:

• That high turnover among Directors-General (DGs) and Heads of Department (HoDs) erodes institutional memory, undermines policy continuity, and dampens morale.

• That political interference in administrative decisions across Government and State owned enterprises— particularly in appointments, procurement, and financial management — creates a precarious environment, making even our most qualified professionals hesitant to serve or unable to act with integrity.

• That performance management systems and legal frameworks often incentivise short-term, siloed compliance, rather than long-term collaboration and innovation.

• And that career civil servants are being asked to carry constitutional mandates in spaces that lack stability, clarity, or professional respect.

• The net effect of all these institutional weaknesses erodes the trust of the people, undermines investor confidence, and compromises our stranding in the international community as it perpetuates the perception of a failing state. 

The significance of today's engagement cannot be overstated as we progress in our commitment to establishing a capable and developmental state, which continues to be a key priority of the 7th Administration. 

We believe that a capable and developmental state refers to a government that has the essential resources and skills to successfully execute policies that foster economic growth and enhance the well-being of its citizens. This requires a knowledgeable and effective Public Service, strong institutions, and a dedication to tackling the fundamental issues of poverty and inequality.

Thus, a developmental, capable and ethical state requires skilled managers, especially DGs and HoDs, with clear lines of authority and accountability to execute their duties in a way that achieves optimal outputs and agreed outcomes. This requires a political and administrative environment that is free from undue political interference, with effective systems, and with a consistent and fair application of rules. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

In South Africa, the urgency to enhance state capacity has never been more pressing. Our nation has made strides in the past, overcoming immense challenges to secure our democracy and pursue socio-economic progress. Yet, we acknowledge that there are areas where our state machinery still lags behind, hindering our ability to deliver on the promises of our Constitution.

We acknowledge that our ability to deliver on the promises we have made to our citizens in the Medium-Term Development Plan and the National Development Plan 2030 rests fundamentally on the capacity, stability and professionalism of our public service.

This makes it important that we address with urgency the foundational issues that have hampered our progress, thus far. If we are honest with ourselves, we will all agree that tensions and instability in relationships at this interface clearly remain a matter of great concern for all respondents, both Accounting Officers and Executive Authorities. Without doubt, these problems, are compounded by a history of apartheid and its lingering effects, corruption, skills gaps, and a lack of accountability.   

However, the question of political and administrative interface continues to be a source of concern for a well-functioning government that provides services to its citizens. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

In light of the fact that we are aware of the factors that are preventing us from making necessary interventions to obtain the objectives that we have set in out in our blueprint of a development state, achieving a developmental state at a rapid pace, we need to ask ourselves how we can effectively construct a capable state. 

A state that will ensure that citizens have access to basic services, a growing economy that creates jobs and our youthful population is inspired to build viable start-ups that can compete on a global level. 

None of this is abstract. The evaluation findings show that when the interface is unstable, plans remain unfunded, policies are inconsistently applied, and citizens lose trust in the state. When Directors-General are routinely removed or undermined, when procurement processes are politicised, or when coordination efforts fail due to poor design and mistrust — it is not just departments that suffer; it is the South African people.

If we are serious about building a capable, developmental and ethical state, we must recognise that reforming the interface is the precondition — not the afterthought.

We must move:

• From compliance to coherence
• From fear to integrity
• From institutional drift to decisive alignment

This calls, amongst others that we re-visit our institutional design to respond to governance deficits that in certain instances manifest themselves through acts of corruption and malfeasance. The recently launched white paper on local government , which seeks to review the 1998 version, is one among the many interventions being undertaken by this administration. 

Equally, as Government, we must deal with corruption which jeopardises sustainable economic development, ethical principles, and justice. Corruption, in both public and private sector erodes public trust in Government and undermines service delivery, impacting the most vulnerable within society.

In our quest of effectively building a capable state, we also need to put a sharp focus on the leadership. The findings of the report underscore that the instability at the highest echelons of our public service has a negative impact on the state’s ability to deliver on its development objectives.

It is important to highlight that the lack of consistency in leadership and institutional memory, particularly of Directors-General, compromises the Government’s ability to implement and oversee policies in the long term.

To add to this, if we are to make significant strides in the implementation of our development goals, we must work towards the de-politicisation of the Public Service through the recommended policy and legal reforms.

The depoliticisation Accounting Officers and Executive Authorities relationship is a matter of urgency.

It is important to stress that de-politicisation is not about diminishing the importance of political leadership, but rather about role clarification, appropriate devolution of power and clarifying the lines of accountability to enable optimal functioning of both the executive and administrative leadership. This means that the Public Service needs to be immersed in the development agenda but insulated from undue political interference.

We need to institutionalise administrative duties and the ability to carry out Government programmes regardless of political leadership transitions. Transitioning to a capable developmental state necessitates a series of bold actions that place the state at the centre of the transformational process, most notably with respect to leadership.

However, the state needs the skilled workforce to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation. A cornerstone in our skills development strategy is our collaboration with the National School of Government, which has played a significant role in supporting our objective of professionalising the public service.

As Chairperson of Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), we are also playing a key role in the professionalisation of South Africa, particularly within the public sector, by focusing on strategic planning, skill development, and addressing skills gaps. It also monitors the implementation of HRD strategies and provides a platform for social partners to address challenges.

Investing in continuous training and professional development is crucial for public servants to effectively implement sustainable development policies and programmes. This equips them with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Distinguished guests,

We cannot ignore the fact that South Africa stands at a crossroads where institutional stability is no longer merely about administrative goals, but an essential component of our efforts to advance inclusive economic growth, create meaningful employment opportunities, and reduce the persistent poverty that affects so many of our citizens.

Through the discussions to be held at this round table, we hope to work together to accelerate and deepen this professionalisation agenda as we interrogate how the political and administrative leaders can better work together.

The Government is implementing a National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Service to improve service delivery, address poor performance among senior staff, and improve retention. The framework focuses on meritocracy, competency, impartiality, and accountability, aiming to build a capable, professional, and ethical government. 

Approved by Cabinet in October 2022, the framework signifies the Government's commitment to improving the Public Service's capability. The establishment of the Head of Public Administration is a significant milestone in stabilising the political-administrative interface and promoting merit-based appointment of department heads.

Additionally, the Sixth Administration passed the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act and initiated a set of legislation to professionalise local government. Parliament is currently processing amendments to the Public Service Act, the Public Administration Management Act, and the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill. These Bills are currently before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for concurrence.

Through the Public Service Commission Amendment Bill, in particular, the mandate of the Public Service Commission (PSC) will now be extended to include local government and public entities. This will strengthen its powers to support Government efforts in professionalising the Public Service.

Additionally, “The Synthesis Evaluation on State Capacity”, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), provided compelling evidence-based insights into the challenge we face. The report confirmed the issues identified in the professionalisation framework and once again stressed the need for consistency in leadership to realise long-term development goals.

In essence, there is strong recognition that a successful and professional Public Service must be supported and enabled by a sound legal framework, guided by constitutional principles and robust legislation. Equally important is the cultivation of strong intergovernmental relations that enable seamless cooperation across national, provincial, and local spheres.

This is where the issue of intergovernmental collaboration for effective service delivery comes into effect. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides institutions with guidelines on how to collaborate and coordinate among all three spheres of government to avoid conflicts of interest.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would want to end by pointing out that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), especially those from disadvantaged communities, significantly contribute to the construction of a capable state. They drive growth, job creation, and innovation, thus fostering inclusive transformation, supporting marginalised communities, and contributing to the nation's economic diversification. SMMEs are vital engines of growth and development.

Government recognises the importance of SMMEs and provides support through various initiatives, including financial assistance, business infrastructure support, and facilitating market access.

However, we need to improve in how we support our small businesses who contribute to our economy and provide the much-needed employment. This includes ensuring that small business are always paid on time by all Government departments and agencies.

In this regard, I have proposed the establishment of War Rooms in accordance with the three objectives of the MTDP, as decided by the Cabinet. These will include a War Room on the Economy and Jobs, a War Room on Poverty and Hunger, and a War Room on Clean Governance. Part of the main priorities of the Clean Governance War Room will be the prioritisation of the 10 to 15 Day Payment cycles and Transformative Procurement of SMMEs.

We have been working to improve the payment cycle process since my address on 5 May 2025, during the launch of the Transformation Fund. We hope that you will collaborate with us to ensure that this becomes a component of the performance evaluation of the Heads of Department and Political Heads, with consequences for those who do not meet the standard. 

I am of the firm conviction that this is feasible, as there are already municipalities that have successfully implemented short invoice payment turnaround times. 

In driving this process of reducing red tape and maximising efficiencies in supply chain, we must also remember that the livelihoods of many small businesses, women, youth, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups that conduct business with the state rely on these efficiencies for sustenance. It is not just about meeting pay cycle targets, but also about ensuring that workers are paid on time, and that their business are empowered to function optimally.  

The path forward is clear and will require that, as a necessary first step that we stabilise the political-administrative interface through clear legal and policy frameworks. The citizens of our country deserve our full commitment to this vital task. Let us move forward together in service to our nation and its people, guided by the Batho Pele ethos of putting people first.

As we embark on this journey to strengthen South Africa's state capability, let us be guided by a sense of communal purpose and duty. But, in everything we do, we must be motivated by speed of execution. Getting things done while maintaining high levels of excellent service. We must be able to implement the policy that we have rapidly so that they can become alive in the daily lives of our people.

Let us remember that the success of our nation hinges on the strength of our state institutions and the dedication of those who serve within them. 

Always remember that the administrative-political interaction is critical for policy formation and execution, with politicians creating policy and administrators implementing it. We all have a vital role in the creation of a capable state. 

I thank you. 

 
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of theologian, former Member of Parliament and former Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, who has passed away at the age of 76.
 
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Dr Farisani who was a co-founder, alongside the President and the late Tshifhiwa Isaac Muofhe, of the Black Evangelic Youth Organisation in the early 1970s.
 
Rev Farisani was a Lutheran minister who fought apartheid from the pulpit and was arrested for his activism in the Black Consciousness movement and the Black People’s Convention, where he was a close associate of Steve Bantu Biko.
 
After the end of apartheid, Dr Farisani represented the African National Congress in the National Assembly and later served as a Member of the Limpopo Provincial Executive, following which he served as Speaker of the Limpopo legislature.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “Dr Farisani has left us as part of a succession of stalwarts who have passed on recently and whose dedication to our freedom and national development demands both our mourning and reflection.
 
TS Farisani preached the gospel of humanity and liberation in ways that energised our struggle and shook the apartheid regime into targeting him and depriving him of his personal freedom.
 
From the pulpit of his congregations in Venda and the then Transvaal, to the podiums of Parliament and the Speaker’s chair in Limpopo, Dr Farisani’s commanding baritone oratory conveyed his love for humanity and his fearless, sacrificial fight for our freedom.
 
May his soul rest in peace.”

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. 
 
The commission will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe. She will be assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC.
 
The establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. 
 
President Ramaphosa said: “For many years, there have been allegations of interference in these cases. This alleged interference is seen as the cause of an unacceptable delay in the investigation and prosecution of brutal crimes committed under apartheid. This has caused the families of victims great anguish and frustration. 
 
“All affected families – and indeed all South Africans – deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on any further action that needs to be taken.”
 
The Commission must inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on:
 
- whether, why, to what extent and by whom attempts were made to influence members of the South African Police Service or National Prosecuting Authority not to investigate or prosecute cases identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;
 
- whether any members of the SAPS or the NPA improperly colluded with such attempts to influence or pressure them; 
 
- whether any action should be taken by an Organ of State, including possible further investigations or prosecutions, of persons who may have acted unlawfully;
 
- whether the payment of any amount in constitutional damages to any person is appropriate. 
 
The commission will cover the period from 2003 to the present.
 
Interested parties include victims or families of victims in TRC cases who have a substantial interest in these matters, including parties in the current application proceedings against the President and government.
 
The commission will be expected to complete its work within six months from the date of this proclamation and submit its report within 60 days after the completion of its work.
 
While the families of victims and government have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, we were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application.  
 
Government believes that these matters will be addressed through the commission of inquiry while the families want the matters to be determined by a court.
 
The President respects the decision of the families to seek a court order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts. However, government is seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the commission of inquiry.
 
“As the commission undertakes this important task, we welcome the firm commitment by the NPA and the South African Police Service to investigate and, where appropriate, to prosecute the outstanding TRC cases. In recent years, the NPA has reopened and pursued priority cases. It has assigned dedicated resources to ensure these cases are dealt with effectively.
 
“As this government, we are determined that those individuals responsible for apartheid crimes and who were not granted amnesty by the TRC be held to account.
 
“This commission of inquiry is an opportunity to draw a line under a painful period in our country’s history. It is an opportunity to establish the truth and take steps, to the extent possible, to put right what may have gone wrong.
 
“I thank the Commission chairperson and two assistants for agreeing to take on this responsibility and wish them well in their work,” President Ramaphosa said.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

At the invitation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa Moderator, The Right Reverend GS Moyane, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Friday, 30 May 2025, attend and address the 150th Anniversary Celebration Golf Tournament Gala Dinner, scheduled to take place at the Euphoria Golf Estate, Mookgophong, in the Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo Province. 

The EPCSA’s 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which brings together the church community, government representatives as well as various supporters, will be held under the under the theme, “An Everlasting Covenant Founded Upon a Century and Half of Blessings:  Celebrating God’s Faithfulness to the EPCSA”.  The theme expresses an ongoing journey of transformation and spiritual growth to live life that reflects and appreciates the significance of God's covenant.  

Formerly known as the “Swiss Mission Church and Tsonga Presbyterian Church”, the EPCSA has accordingly transcended ethnic boundaries and now serving all communities with equal compassion and dedication.  To these communities, the church continues to stand as a beacon of hope, transforming lives through impactful community projects that have touched thousands of South Africans.  

This historical event marks exactly 150 years since its establishment in 1875. 

As a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, Deputy President Mashatile has on behalf of Government, expressed words of appreciation to the leadership and entire congregants of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, for their continued efforts in deepening the spirit of love, unity of purpose, respect, integrity, and justice for all citizens, in celebration of the 150 years milestone.  .  

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 17h30 for 18h00
Venue: Euphoria Golf Estate, Bazo Boya Hall, Mookgophong, Limpopo

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP with Mr Sam Matome Bopape on 082 18 5251.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 30 May 2025, lead a Roundtable on Strengthening the Political and Administrative Interface. The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Presidency to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030, which emphasises the need for a capable and developmental state to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.

The Roundtable will help advance the work of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), which the Deputy President chairs. The HRDC plays a crucial role in building a capable developmental state in South Africa by focusing on skills development, aligning human resource development strategies with the National Development Plan, as well as promoting professionalisation of the public service.

The Roundtable will bring together senior Government Officials, Organised Business, Organised Labour, Civil Society and Academia, to discuss challenges, best practices, and solutions to enhance effective governance and implement national priorities.

Since 1994, South Africa has been on a path of  balancing state intervention with market-driven growth through policies such as  the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and later Growth, Employment And Redistribution (GEAR) policy as the two most prominent ones. However, globalisation and the dominance of certain (neoliberal) economic policy influences continue to pose challenges to state capacity and transformative development.

Despite these challenges, South Africa has continued efforts to build its state capacity and pursue pro-poor policies so as to address the gaping inequalities and the legacy of apartheid.

The Roundtable is therefore a crucial step towards achieving the strategic priorities set out by the Seventh Administration, which are driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 08h30am (Media to arrive at 07h30)
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria.

Members of the media are requested to RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 29 May 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply from Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town. 

As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, the Deputy President is tasked with, among other things, coordinating the Legislative Programme of the Executive in Parliament - ensuring Executive Accountability by Members of the National Executive; ensuring that Cabinet Ministers attend to their Parliamentary responsibilities, including answering Parliamentary Questions; as well as representing the Executive in the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, ensuring smooth legislative operations.

In terms of the Constitution and Parliamentary Programme, the Deputy President appears periodically in the NCOP to answer questions posed by Delegates to the NCOP, particularly on matters related to his Delegated Responsibilities by the President as well as to account for the work of the Executive, especially in areas that affect the Provinces, and also facilitate cooperative governance by engaging with Provincial Representatives in Parliament on issues that require national-provincial coordination and intervention.

In this regard, Deputy President Mashatile will answer questions on issues related to the South Africa’s Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report and the envisioned National Dialogue; Government’s comprehensive strategy and plans to reduce poverty and create jobs; implementation of rapid response interventions on service delivery to address service delivery failures in water & sanitation in rural and peri-urban areas; the District Development Model’s whole of government approach in resolving service delivery challenges; inter-governmental interventions to assist the City of Cape Town residents and other communities in building and upgrading of infrastructure aimed at benefiting under-serviced areas.

Details of the Question & Answer session are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 14h00 
Venue: Old Assembly NCOP Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

Livestreaming on DSTV Parliamentary Channel 408 and YouTube Parliamentary channel. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 31 May 2025, deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of the late Ma Gertrude Shope, who passed away on Thursday, 22 May at the age of 99.

President Ramaphosa has declared that the Funeral of Ma Getrude Shope be conducted in line with protocols of the Special Official Funeral Category 1.

The late Ma Shope who served the nation as an educator, freedom fighter, trade unionist and Member of Parliament will be honoured with a funeral ceremony that will incorporate military honours.

Media are to cover the Special Official Funeral as follows:
Date: 31 May 2025
Venue: Great Hall, Wits University, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Time: 08h00 for 09h00

Members of the media are requested to forward their names to Mr Ishmael Selemale on ishmael@gcis.gov.za for accreditation by 14h00 on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ma Gertrude Shope, who served the nation as an educator, freedom fighter, trade unionist and Member of Parliament, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1 on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

Ma Shope passed away at the age of 99 on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to Ma Shope’s family and friends and her political home, the African National Congress.

Ma Shope will be honoured with a funeral ceremony that will incorporate military honours.

Closer details of the funeral arrangements will be provided during the course of the coming days.

President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 28 May, to the evening of the funeral.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria