President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday 12 June 2025, address the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit. 

The two days Summit takes place in Cape Town from 12 to 13 June 2025, under the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth”.

This innovative Summit convene African energy ministers, policy makers, investors, developers, technology partners, and research institutions to shape the continent’s emerging green hydrogen sector. 

It is envisaged that the Summit discussions will focus on market approaches, investment opportunities, technology deployment, and Africa’s position in the global green hydrogen value chain.

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s clean energy transition.

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit address will take place as follows:
Date: 12 June 2025
Venue: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town\
Time: 10h00

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of multiple lives in incidents in the Eastern Cape that have been linked to severe weather conditions.

Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape in incidents arising from flooding.

In the aftermath of another incident, three children have been rescued while a number of their fellow learners are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large.

The President says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlights the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.

Residents, businesses, infrastructure and livestock and wildlife in various provinces are currently affected by the annual, seasonal impacts of winter conditions.

Some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with citizens who are affected in diverse ways.

The President assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.

President Ramaphosa said: “While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute.

“I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.

“The devastation that comes with nature’s forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most.

“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.

“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers.

“We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions.

“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.

“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability.

“Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

My Fellow South Africans, 

Today, I wish to address you about the National Dialogue, an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in our country and many other people for some time now. 

This initiative has been gathering great support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year. It has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society. 

Over the last few months, we have been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the National Dialogue. 

In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. 

The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation. 

At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. 

Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. 

We established a democracy and ended apartheid. 

Following the negotiations process, we used dialogue to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division. 

We achieved all this because we came together in dialogue to discuss our difficulties, our concerns, our hopes and our aspirations as a people. 

For more than 30 years, we have worked together to realise the promise of our democratic Constitution. 

We have made great strides as a nation, expanding freedom, deepening democracy and building a better life for millions. 

Yet we face persistent challenges. 

Poverty, unemployment and inequality are deep wounds that prevent us from reaching our full potential as a nation and as a country. 

Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. 

Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society. 

We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. 

We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children. 

We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. 

That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue. 

The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of our country in order for us to reimagine our future. 

The National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of our democracy. 

Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system. 

It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens. 

It is anticipated that the National Dialogue will drive progress towards our Vision 2030 and lay the foundation for the next phase of South Africa’s National Development Plan. 

The National Dialogue itself is not an event.

Rather, it will be a participatory process that unfolds in phases, from local consultations and sectoral engagements to provincial and national gatherings. 

In my capacity as the Head of State, I will be calling a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025. 

This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue. 

It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others. 

Through their various political, social and other formations, in their workplaces, in places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define our nation’s path into the future. 

The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year. 

This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future. 

We expect that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans. 

To guide and champion the National Dialogue, I am appointing an Eminent Persons Group. 

These are leading figures in our society, reflecting the great diversity of our nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. 

The members of the Eminent Persons Group are: 
• Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, 
• Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, 
• Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, 
• Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, 
• Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, 
• Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, 
• Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, 
• Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, 
• Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, 
• Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, 
• Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, 
• His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, 
• His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, 
• The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, 
• Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, 
• Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, 
• Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, 
• Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, 
• Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, 
• Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, 
• Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, 
• Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, 
• Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, 
• Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, 
• Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, 
• Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, 
• Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, 
• Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, 
• Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, 
• Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, 
• Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist. 

UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability. 

I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process. 

An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established under the chairpersonship of the Deputy President to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue. 

We will be establishing a Steering Committee, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the National Dialogue process. 

The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council. 

As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. 

We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity. 

I thank you. 

The Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa wishes to provide clarity regarding Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel expenses which has recently gained much attention in the media, with reports and commentary coming from News24, City Press, Sunday Times/Timeslive, SowetanLIVE, Independent Media/IOL, The Citizen, BusinessLive, ENCA and others. Categorically, the office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel.

This unprecedented matter which involves the international work of the Deputy President’s travel costs, was first raised by Action SA, a political party represented in Parliament, in a written question to the Deputy President.  In light of such an expected phenomena, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details which include; correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President. 

The Office of the Deputy President wishes to reiterate that Deputy President Mashatile undertakes all international working visits, not in his personal capacity but on behalf of the South African Government as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa.  Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries. 

As part of South Africa’s global investment drive, and commitment to contribute to global peace and stability, South Africa, through the President and Deputy President as well as Ministers, have a role to play in advancing the global agenda, an aspect of which includes engagements with counterparts in other countries. For instance, the Deputy President co-chairs the SA-China BNC with Vice President Han Zheng and many other delegated countries including, but not limited to Vietnam and South Sudan.

In summary, in the comprehensive answer to the Parliamentary Question by Action SA, it was stated that since Deputy President Mashatile assumed office on 3 July 2024, he has undertaken the following International official visits:

• Ireland and United Kingdom Working Visits 26 September - 4 October 2024: Ireland 26 - 29 September 2024 and United Kingdom Working 30 September - 4 October 2024
• Standing for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa at the Inauguration of the President of Botswana, H.E Duma Boko on 8 November 2024
• Standing for President Ramaphosa and South Africa at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held on 20 November 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe
• Japan Working Visit 16 - 19 March 2025
• France Working Visit 19 - 24 May 2025

The Working Visit to Japan in particular, being the one raised by most media, was of strategic importance to South Africa, as it focussed on strengthening political, economic and social areas of cooperation between the two countries. The Working Visit came at the back of the two nations celebrating 115 years of strong diplomatic relations. The Deputy President was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.

In addition, the Japan Working Visit achieved several key objectives including representing the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in the last 10 years; signalling an acknowledgement and appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the two countries based on a wide area of cooperation not limited to trade and investment. This visit was beneficial in terms of South Africa’s African Agenda, the current confluence of South Africa’s G20 Chairship and Japan’s hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August, presenting a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan and the expected support and role that Japan could to play in this regard.

Finally, in our response to Parliament, the office has provided a breakdown of the cost to Government of all individual members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President. Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by Timeslive as the “most expensive supporting official”, is said to have cost R580, 582 for Japan alone, when in fact the total cost for that official is less than R66 000 including flights and accommodation. 

While the cost of international travel is generally very high, these figures must always be seen in the context of their original currency in relation to the Rand Dollar exchange, as well as the going rate of such travel expenses, including ground transport, accommodation and flights. 

In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State. Accommodation and incidental expenses of the President and Deputy President whilst on all official journeys abroad is arranged through, and paid for, by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The logistics and choice of accommodation is not the responsibility or competency of the Office of the Deputy President or Presidency. In fact, DIRCO plays an integral role in reviewing, advising and endorsing Government Delegation compositions, ensuring that participation aligns with formal policy guidelines that emphasise relevance, necessity, and cost-effectiveness. These guidelines reflect government directives aimed at optimising resource allocation while maintaining operational effectiveness during international engagements.

Regarding the financial aspects of the visits, responsibility for travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses is generally shared among DIRCO and other participating departments, depending on the officials’ affiliations and roles. Prior to the visit, DIRCO oversees the processing of budget submissions or cost estimates to ensure compliance with approved spending frameworks. This includes strict adherence to National Treasury guidelines on international travel, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other precepts governing public expenditure.

In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations, and has therefore not misused nor extravagantly used State funds as alluded.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 065 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with sadness the passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni.

Judge Sangoni retired in 2017 and passed away earlier today, Tuesday, 10 June 2025, after a short illness.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the extended family of the late Judge Sangoni Aah! Dilizintaba, who was a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council at Mthatha.

President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage.

“Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence.

“Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province.

“Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts.

“We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Tuesday 10 June 2025, engage with youth beneficiaries of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) flagship programmes in Pretoria.

The President will visit three sites: the Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville; the South African Creative Industries Incubator (SACCI) in Eersterust, and the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in Pretoria East.

These visits will highlight innovative implementation models and public-private partnerships that are delivering dignified, high-quality employment and skilling outcomes for youth at scale.

The President will during the visits interact directly with youth beneficiaries, educators, and implementing partners, and see first-hand how the PES and PYEI’s community-based, demand-led approach is reshaping labour market access for the country’s most excluded youth.

The site visits will commence with the Sefako Makgatho Primary School, a part of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) and a flagship programme of the PES, designed to address the dual challenges of youth unemployment and support, for the basic education system by placing young people in roles within public schools as education and general school assistant.

The programme is implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and administrated by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

The President will then proceed to the South African Creative Industries Incubator (SACII) which is a creative hub providing technical skills training, business incubation, production facilities and networking for artists and entrepreneurs in the creative industries.

The organisation is funded by National Pathway Management Network, a grant initiative of the PYEI, led by the National Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and administered by the IDC.

The funding assists with improving and expanding the Visual Special Effects (VFX) programme, which is one of its kind in South Africa, specifically designed to train youth in the highly technical field of VFX.

The programme connects young people to industry jobs in the creative gig economy. One hundred trainees have been enrolled into the programme through the Innovation Fund.

The President will conclude his visit at the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) which provides health sector professionals and unemployed youth interested in the health field access to affordable, accessible quality education through management and clinical skills development courses.

These courses are customised to the needs of healthcare managers, practitioners and organisations.

The programme is funded through the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, an outcome-based instrument to unlock jobs for excluded young people by linking contracted payments with desired outcomes.

This intervention of the PYEI that is led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) with the National Skills Fund (NSF) as the lead implementer.

The media programme will unfold as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Time: 10h00 (Media arrival at 09h00)
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Primary School, 2 Sakweng street, Saulsville, Pretoria

Members of the media wishing to attend are requested to send their details to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on Ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za  by no later than 13h00 today Monday, 09 June 2025.

NOTE TO MEDIA/EDITORS:
The visit to the school will be open to all media to cover the engagement between President and Teacher Assistants.  However, due to space limitations, the other two sites will only be restricted to the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS), which will disseminate the materials to all media post the visits.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Directors,
The Farisani Family,
Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba,
Representatives of the African National Congress and the broader liberation movement,
Leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa,
Traditional and religious leaders present,
Leadership of the University of Venda,
Fellow Mourners,
 
Fellow South Africans, batho ba Limpopo, muta waDean Farisani,
 
We are to bid farewell to Dean Tshenuwani Farisani.
 
His life bears witness to the mission of Christ espoused in the Gospel of Luke chapter 4.
 
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed.”
 
We have lost an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life.
 
He was born in 1948, a year that was a turning point in South Africa’s history. 
 
This was the year the National Party swept to power and ushered in the reviled system of apartheid.
 
Dean Farisani was born into circumstances that mirrored the lives of millions of black South Africans at the time.
 
He was just a child, barely three years old, when his family was confronted with the ugly face of injustice.
 
Many years later, in 1996, he would testify at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on how his family were victims of forced removed from the Songozi Tsapila area near then Louis Trichardt, now Makhado.
 
The authorities arrived one day without warning, and his parents were ordered to vacate the area immediately.
 
He recounted how they had to carry their belongings on their backs and leave, on foot. That which could not be carried, including all the family’s livestock, was left behind.
 
They were relocated to another empty piece of land and told this was their new home. They were never compensated for the land that was stolen from them.
 
Eight years later, in 1959, the family were forcibly removed again. 
 
Two years later, in 1961, again.
 
These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of justice. 
 
They planted the seeds of his political consciousness when he was still in his teens.
 
He only entered formal schooling at the age of 12. Like most children in rural areas at the time, he was a child labourer on the white farms.
 
At school a missionary from the Evangelical Lutheran Church noticed his academic brilliance and he was prepared to enter theological training.
 
It was at Maphumulo Theological Seminary in KwaZulu-Natal that he first became acquainted with the Black Consciousness Movement.
 
Its teachings fired his growing political awareness.
 
For him, there was no contradiction between the teachings of his faith and the mission of national liberation.
 
He soon became attracted to liberation theology, and its message that true Christian faith demands active resistance to all forms of oppression and solidarity with the poor.
 
Apartheid was a great injustice, and he, heroic heart, was not content to choose a quiet life of pastoralism.
 
He was eventually expelled from the seminary after hebecame involved with underground political organisations like the South African Students Organisation, the Black People’s Convention and the Black Consciousness Movement.
 
By then he was at the Beuster Mission at Maungani outside Thohoyandou and a rising figure in the BCM, going on to be elected its president in 1973.
 
I first met Dean Farisani when he spoke at my high school, Mpaphuli.
 
We formed an immediate and lasting bond.
 
For many years we worked alongside each other in the Black Evangelical Youth Organisation.
 
There were many points in the life of the great man we lay to rest today where he found himself sorely tested.
 
During the late 1970s and 1980s was arrested on a number of occasions for his political activities. But it was his third detention, in 1981, that he found his courage truly tested. His faith tested. His principles tested.
 
He was detained by the Venda police on suspicion of being involved in the bombing of a police station in Sibasa. 
 
He was held for more than eight months and severely tortured. 
 
In his book, Diary from a South African Prison, he recounts the unimaginable ordeal of beatings, electricshocks, being forced to squat for days and being smothered.
 
In an interview given years later he recounts how his torturers tried everything to force a confession, even offering him the position of Bishop of Venda.
 
And yet he, strong in will, did not yield.
 
Fellow Mourners, Comrades, 
Fellow South Africans,
 
Dean Farisani was a courageous revolutionary who inspired a generation to reclaim their pride and stand up for their rights. I was amongst them.
 
He was a beloved father and a grandfather who will be sorely missed by his wife, mufumakadzi Mudzunga, his daughters Nzumbululo and Ndamulelo, by his son Zwovhonala and by the entire extended family.
 
He was a renowned academic and prolific scholar whose writings gave voice to the voiceless. 
 
He was a guide and mentor to many. He was a dear friend.
 
And yet it is Dean Farisani’s most salient quality that I will most remember him for: he was a man of unwavering principle.
 
Nothing could sway him from what was right, from his dedication to the cause of the South African people, and to their total emancipation.
 
In detention, he was offered positions and status. He refused them.
 
When he was released and went into exile in the United States, he could have easily put the entire experience behind him and led a quiet life. 
 
Instead he campaigned vigorously against the regime from abroad.
 
When Venda was proclaimed as a so-called independent homeland by the apartheid regime he was outspoken in his opposition, even when this brought him into conflict with church leaders in his circuit.
 
His activism continued into the democratic South Africa.
 
He was determined to be part of the struggle to overcome the injustice and inequality bred of apartheid.
 
He was elected to the first democratic Parliament in 1994. 
 
He would go on to serve further as an MEC here in Limpopo and as speaker of the Legislature.
 
These roles placed him in a position of power and influence. Yet they did not change him. 
 
He did not succumb to the allure of high office. He was never arrogant. 
 
He was a servant leader who came, served and left, and continued to contribute to the betterment of his beloved country.
 
He did not regard loyalty to a political cause or party as being above his own principles.
 
When he saw corruption being perpetrated by those entrusted with public funds, he was vocal and scathing in his criticism. He held power to account.
 
The Foundation that bears his name continues to be an influential voice in the public space in advancing social justice, including for apartheid’s many victims.
 
Fellow Mourners,
 
Neither beatings nor torture could make Dean Farisani surrender his principles. The trappings of power did not interest him. He was content to walk in the footsteps of his Lord with the downtrodden, the oppressed and the marginalised.
 
He understood his life’s mission and it was not negotiable.
 
These are the greatest lessons we take from his life. These are the reflections we take today as we lay this great son of the soil to rest.
 
To the family, we share in your great sorrow. Yet even amidst our mourning we celebrate a man who has left such a deep and lasting impact on all of us. He was an inspiration. 
 
In Dean Farisani’s book of poetry, titled Justice in my Tears, there is a moving poem.
 
It is called “The Lord is my Shepherd: Psalm 23 in Pietermaritzburg and Howick.”
 
It was published in 1977, the period of his first imprisonment.
 
In it he writes:
 
“The Lord is my shepherd, 
I shall not buckle
He rests me in the land of freedom
I drink from the cup of liberty,
Even when I wander in the valley of torture.
I shall fear no human beasts,
 
He shall fight my fight.
His angels and his visions
Guide me through brutal interrogations
He gives me life in the hands of murderers
Giving me a crown for a victory his own”
 
Dean Farisani, yours was a life of service to others. As the South African people we crown you as you go to your eternal rest.
 
In the words of the Psalm 23 you so loved, surely goodness and mercy did follow you all the days of your life. May you dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
 
Fare well brother, comrade, friend, patriot.
 
I thank you.
 

Programme Director,
President of the Black Business Council, Mr Elias Monage,
CEO of the Black Business Council, Mr Kganki Matabane,
National Officer bearers of the BBC,
Ministers and Officials
Representatives of the business community,
Distinguished Guests,
 
Good evening.
 
Allow me to extend my thanks to the leadership of the Black Business Council for the invitation. 
 
The Black Business Council remains one of the foremost voices for the transformation of the South African economy.
 
The BBC understands that this transformation is necessary not only for its members, but for our entire society as we work to undo the inequalities and injustices of our past.
 
Seventy years ago, our forebears declared that the people shall share in the country’s wealth. That must remain among our foremost ambitions as a nation.
 
Fundamental economic transformation is vital to the growth of our economy and to the progress of our nation.
 
This transformation is necessary if we are to unlock the capabilities of all our people and realise the full potential of our economy.
 
We must dispense with the false choice that we urged to make between growth and transformation.
 
Transformation is vital if growth is to be meaningful, inclusive and sustainable.
 
Growth is essential if we are to effectively transform our economy.
 
Our task is to ensure that we pursue both growth and transformation, in concert, with more vigour and to greater effect.
 
This must be a common effort that brings all South Africans together.
 
We must give practical effect to what is contained in the Preamble to our Constitution, which says: 
 
“We, the people of South Africa, recognise the injustices of our past, honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it – united by our diversity.” 
 
If we are to remain true to this solemn declaration, then we must reaffirm our common commitment to empowerment.
 
We must reaffirm our commitment to redress and restitution.
 
We must recognise that economic empowerment is an undertaking that requires deliberate action across nearly every area of our national life.
 
It is not limited to a few laws, policies and regulations.
 
The economic empowerment of black South Africans starts at birth.
 
It begins with the circumstances into which a person is born. 
 
From nutrition to health care, from early childhood development to the quality of basic education, we must ensure that the black child receives the same developmental foundation that all children need to succeed in life.
 
The expansion of fee-free schooling, the funding of students from poor and working class families, school feeding schemes, scholar transport and child care grants all make a vital contribution to black economic empowerment.
 
By the same measure, interventions to reduce youth unemployment – by providing work experience, skills and job opportunities – are directed towards reducing the great divides in economic opportunity.
 
Just this week, over 200,000 unemployed young people started work at thousands of schools across the country – gaining valuable skills and capabilities while helping to improve the educational outcomes of the learners that follow in their footsteps.
 
From the partnerships that we have forged with business to provide workplace experience opportunities to young people to the input vouchers provided to small scale farmers, we are steadily transforming the structure our economy.
 
Across every sector of society, we will continue our work towards a South Africa of equality and equal opportunity for all. 
 
Since the advent of democracy, we have built a comprehensive and robust legislative framework to advance the transformation of the economy. 
 
The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and the Employment Equity Act are essential parts of this legislative framework. 
 
Since these Acts came into being, there have been notable increases in black business ownership as well as in the number of women-owned businesses. 
 
We have seen progress with respect to management control, skills development, and enterprise and supplier development. 
 
On household income, we have seen progress in narrowing the gap between race groups.
 
According to Statistics SA, between 2006 and 2023, black African households experienced real income growth of 46 percent, while coloured households experienced income growth of 29 percent and Indian households 19 percent. 
 
While this can be considered progress, the average income of white households is still nearly five times as high as black African households.
 
On some employment measures, we are also seeing the gap narrowing.
 
In the 20 years between 2003 and 2023, for example, the proportion of senior management positions occupied by black Africans increased from 14 percent to 27 percent.
 
Again, important progress. But not at the scale or at the pace that we need.
 
The data that we have shows that our broad-based black economic empowerment measures have made an impact, but we need to do more and we need to do better.
 
We have to build on the successes we have registered since the laws were introduced. We need to entrench their principles and to improve their outcomes and impact. 
 
Where we need to make changes, where we need to make improvements, we should not be afraid to do so.
 
We need to recognise that there was some concern about the effect that the establishment of the Government of National Unity would have on government’s approach to economic empowerment and transformation.
 
The parties to the GNU reflect a wide range of political, social and economic perspectives.
 
Even now, these parties continue to articulate differing positions in public.
 
These debates are important and should be aired.
 
Yet the agreed priorities of the Government of National Unity provide a platform for meaningful transformation.
 
The Medium Term Development Plan of government has identified three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 
 
The reforms that are underway to improve the capacity and efficiency of our network industries are transformational.
 
By driving investment, improving efficiency and increasing competition in areas like electricity, logistics, water and telecommunication, we will substantially reduce the cost of doing business.
 
We will reduce the barriers to entry for emerging businesses, including businesses in townships and rural areas.
 
Similarly, our focus on expanding infrastructure investment will drive productive activity and expand our economic capabilities.
 
Public infrastructure spending over the next three years will amount to R1 trillion.
 
It is vital that we use this investment to provide opportunities for black businesses not only in construction, but in all the sectors that will provide the materials, goods and services that such an infrastructure drive requires.
 
As we develop our industrial capacity – expanding traditional sectors like mining and agriculture, while developing new industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles and green hydrogen – we will be creating opportunities for the emergence of new black and women-owned businesses.
 
As we support emerging farmers, improve our logistics network and rural supply chains, and open new export markets, we need to be driving the transformation of agriculture.
 
We cannot separate our drive for inclusive growth from our drive for economic empowerment.
 
The creation of a Transformation Fund to fund black-owned and small business enterprises is not only about correcting past wrongs, it is also about establishing a new wave of emerging innovative businesses that can create work and opportunity.
 
The use of the Public Procurement Act to ensure businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts is about unleashing the potential of the South African people.
 
The Black Industrialists programme is promoting the growth and competitiveness of black owned and controlled enterprises in the manufacturing sectors of the economy. 
 
This programme is drawing into the productive economy the skills, initiative, capabilities and energy of people who had been neglected in the past.
 
Such initiatives make our economy stronger.
 
We need to challenge the notion that black economic empowerment is a cost to the economy. We need to demonstrate that it is an investment in the economy.
 
Now is not the time to abandon the measures we have put in place to drive transformation. 
 
Now is the time to move forward with greater purpose and ambition.
 
We must use the lessons we have learnt over the last 30 years to make our empowerment policies and programmes more meaningful and more impactful.
 
They must be ever more effective drivers of inclusive growth and employment.
 
As we undertake this work, we can be certain that the Black Business Council will remain an unwavering champion of empowerment, transformation and progress.
 
We can be certain that the Black Business Council will continue to advance the interests not only of its members, not only of black business, but of all the people of South Africa.
 
By working together, by focusing on growth that is inclusive and transformational, we can make real progress towards ensuring that the people do indeed share in the country’s wealth
 
I thank you.