Programme Directors – Minister Lindiwe Zulu and MEC Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, 
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities - Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities - Ms. Nokuzola Tolashe,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers here present,
Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality – Advocate Sepanya-Mogale,
Premier of Mpumalanga – Ms. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane,
Mayors of Mpumalanga present,
Councillors, 
Members of the Media, 

Good Afternoon, Sanibonani, Lotjhani!

Let me begin by thanking the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities for organising this event and also for their tireless commitment to the protection of women & girls and gender equality more broadly. It is through your activism and those of many present here that we can, as a country, say that the democratic government has prioritised women’s gains. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

For the past 32 years, the 25th of November has been marked as the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, with Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) being a central focus. 

As South Africa, we have participated in this campaign for 25 years. It is important that we, at this stage, emphasise that this period is not merely ceremonious for us. As a government and as a nation, we remain committed to ending the scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide. We will not rest until our communities are safe for all, especially women and girls. 

To mark this important anniversary, the 2023 Campaign under the theme "Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: leaving no one behind" is aimed to achieve the following:

1. Highlight Gender-Based Violence as a pervasive human rights violation;
2. Intensify awareness raising and advocacy; and
3. Champion the prevention efforts to eliminate the scourge by implementing social behaviour change initiatives.

We aim to raise awareness about the devastating impact that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has on women and children and the social fabric of our society.

This is also an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to reclaiming our streets and creating a society where women and children are safe and secure. 

Understanding the interconnectedness of the socio-economic issues in South Africa, this 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign seeks to interface the issues pertaining to "Safe access to clean water for women: a basic human right" as championed by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

This sub-theme underscores the link between water and violence against women and children, emphasising the need for immediate action to ensure safe access to clean water, a fundamental human right, especially for women who are mainly responsible for domestic work and managing households.

Furthermore, the socio-economic status of women makes them vulnerable to sexual exploitation when people in positions of power seek to extract sexual favours in return for water.

It is because of the scourge of GBVF that manifests itself in these ways that water management and service investment are crucial for poverty eradication, long-term economic development, and reducing GBVF susceptibility.

I am happy to have had the opportunity to visit some of the places that show how water resources can be used to empower women. I also want to take this opportunity to encourage the Minister and the Department of Water and Sanitation to continue to make clean water accessible to rural areas. As a government, we must ensure that all enjoy this basic human right.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide occurrences are not isolated incidents. They are systemic issues deeply rooted in patriarchal norms and gender inequality. It is important to acknowledge that GBV is a global phenomenon rooted in the fabric of every society, every culture, and every community, regardless of class, race, or socio-economic status.

On the 19th of November, on International Men’s Day, we launched the Takuwani Riime Programme of Action for 2023 – 2025 in Limpopo. This programme encourages men to take a position to address the many gender-related issues plaguing modern society. 

This Programme acknowledges that eliminating GBVF will require rejecting all forms of violence, no matter how ingrained in custom or how widely accepted they may be. To contribute to the work of addressing GBV, the programme led by the National Men’s Parliament has declared Wednesday as a day when men in all wards come together to discuss and learn about their role in combatting GBVF. It is encouraging to see men keen to learn and unlearn certain beliefs and practices towards ending this scourge. 

We are committing as society, as men and government, because as of the 2022/2023 fiscal year, almost 53,900 South Africans reported being a victim of a sexual crime. 

With 4,726 rape incidents reported to have taken place at either the home of the rape victim or the home of the perpetrator, which is known to the victim, such as a family member, a friend, or a neighbour.

It is also disheartening to note that 293 innocent children have also tragically lost their lives, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. It is mortifying to mention that during the same period, a total of 361 incidents of attempted murder and 1,820 cases of assault causing grievous bodily harm were tragically inflicted upon innocent children.
We must put an end to this! 

This we must do because, as a society, we bear equal responsibility to the perpetrators if we remain ignorant of the infringement of women's freedom by male acquaintances, relatives, and colleagues, as well as those who exploit young women sexually and gloat about sleeping with young girls. 

We must report and condemn the perpetrators who reside within our communities.  Those who violate the rights of women and children should never be granted forgiveness without the application of appropriate punishment.

People of South Africa,

Since the dawn of democracy, this government has consistently shown commitment to addressing GBV by implementing legislative, policy, and other measures to advance equality and empowerment for women, children, and people living with disabilities. 

For example, recently, we passed six pieces of legislation related to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and the ongoing implementation costing exercise underscores our commitment to ending GBVF. 

One significant milestone is the recent assent of President Cyril Ramaphosa to crucial legislative reforms, which are;
  
• the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill;
• the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and 
• the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill

This month marks a historic milestone with the passing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill by the National Assembly. The establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, underpinned by this robust legislative framework, is an urgent and critical task.

In addition, we have established and capacitated the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at provincial and local levels to end the pandemic.

This includes the development of the Comprehensive National Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Prevention and the Integrated Femicide Strategic Frameworks, which signal a holistic approach to turning the Gender-Based Violence tide. 

The National School of Government's (NSG) effort to impart knowledge through a dedicated online course covering gender mainstreaming and gender-responsive planning and budgeting exemplifies our commitment to mainstreaming women's and girls’ priorities. 

The existence of the Intersectional Shelter Policy, the Psycho-Social Support Services (PSSS) Policy, and the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, which is a 24-hour helpline, demonstrates our resolve to provide essential services and support to survivors.

Provinces are identifying and refurbishing underutilised buildings for shelters and interim housing. The Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are being expanded, with three new centres established. 

Our initiatives primarily focus on bolstering women’s economic empowerment across diverse sectors.

Fellow South Africans,

We would further like to express our appreciation for the efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combatting GBV and Femicide.  

The recent identification and takedown of 27 sexual predators in the country and the recent sentencing of Mario Giusti to 6,400 years in jail after being found guilty of more than 1,000 charges of child pornography is a step in the right direction.

Witnessing such law enforcement actions is encouraging, and we hope to observe further arrests of this nature in the future.
 
As government, communities, and civil society, we need to do something about the widespread prejudice against homosexuals and the apathy that allows the victims to be "invisible" and denied basic human rights.
  
Moreover, we must understand that sexual violence is not only about sexism. A woman can perpetrate against a man, a man can perpetrate against a woman, and it can happen between same-sex couples as well.

Today, we must recommit ourselves to ending violence against women and children. We have the ability to shape a future in which women and children are safe and their rights are respected. 

I urge men in our communities, to be role models to young boys. Remember, Boys are Born, and Men are Made. As men, we can help develop men in our society who respect women. 

Men who do not see women as objects. 

Men who recognise the equality of women. 

I also urge traditional leaders to intensify their role as community leaders against unfair inheritance practices and GBVF. 

As custodians of our culture, customs, and origin, you must say NO to cultural practices that are harmful to women and children, such as ukuthwala, child muthi killings, witchcraft burning, and many other practices.

Let us join together, leaving no one behind as a community to accelerate actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Thank you.

Link: 
https://youtube.com/live/jiF0GWt9Chk?feature=share
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Tuesday, 20 June 2023, deliver a keynote address during the Opening Session of the 11th South African AIDS Conference, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province.

The 11th SA AIDS Conference scheduled to take place from 20-23 June 2023, will be held under the theme: “Act, Connect and End the Epidemic”, and it brings together the HIV community such as scientists, researchers, social activists, programme implementers, policy makers and most importantly, people living with HIV (PLHIV), to review and reflect on progress made towards HIV/AIDS and TB epidemic control in the midst of pandemics and other global health threats.

In this regard, the conference will also provide a platform for taking stock of the post pandemic South African HIV/AIDS, TB and STIs response and to deliberate on emerging priorities as the country forges ahead with efforts and strategies to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.

SANAC, chaired by Deputy President Mashatile, has played a leading role in championing response programmes in line with the new 2023-2028 National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs, through a multi-sectoral engagement which includes government, civil society and the private sector.

The Deputy President will lead the Opening Plenary alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Ms Steve Letsike, the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, other government officials and representatives of development partners inclusive of UN Agencies and the African Development Community. 

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

Date: Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Time: 15h30 (Media to arrive at 15h00)
Venue: Main Plenary Hall, Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
 

Media queries: Sam Bopape (The Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or matome@presidency.gov.za, Foster Mohale (Department of Health) on 072 432 3792 or foster.mohale@health.gov.za and Nelson Dlamini (SANAC) on 078 731 0313 or nelson@sanac.org.za

For comments: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Lechesa Tsenoli;
Deputy Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Honourable Tshitereke Matibe;
Our host, Thovhele Nthumeni Masia and all members of the Masia Traditional Council;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers Present;
Premier of the Limpopo Province, Mr Stanley Mathabatha;
Members of Parliament and all Legislators;
Mayors and all Councillors Present;
Traditional Leaders, Religious Leaders, Business Leaders & Organised Labour;
Leaders of the Civil Society Men’s Movement and all Civil Society Leaders Present;
Developmental Partners and the United Nations Family;
The Leadership of organisations working with men and boys;
SANAC Men Sector, Deputy Chairperson, Dr Matome Kganakga;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Avuxeni! Thobela! Ndaa! Ndi Masiari vhathu vhothe!

It is my distinct honour and privilege to be part of this men’s gathering where we will be launching the Takuwani Riime Programme of Action for the period 2023 – 2025, under the theme of “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments”. 

The sitting of this sectoral Men’s Parliament today is a vital step in our ongoing commitment to fostering positive masculinity in our society.

Takuwani Riime is a call for us as men to stand united, in responding to the multiple gendered challenges that exist in our society. 

This national call is aligned with the global calls to end Violence Against Women and Girls, as championed by the African Union and the United Nations.

It is important that we understand violence against women as a global phenomenon, and also appreciate through concerted efforts we can bring an end to this scourge.

We know that Gender Based Violence has negative impacts on the socio-economic status not only of women and girls but on men as well. Ending this scourge is therefore urgent, and critical for our development as South Africa and Africa.

This gathering takes place a week before the African Union’s 3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity under the theme; “Consolidating Commitments Towards the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.”, co-hosted by 2023 AU Chairperson H.E. President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros, and H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

These gatherings are critical steps in addressing some of the social ills that exist and are perpetuated by patriarchy in our communities.

I am delighted that as men, we have convened today to engage in an open dialogue amongst ourselves, to deliberate introspectively, and tackle the responsibility that we bear in moulding the trajectory of our country's future. 

We are here to say that, we will not sit back and watch the futures of men and women in our country be destroyed by the scourge of violence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past few days, I had the privilege to interact with some of the Traditional leaders in the province, and I want to assure them that their concerns will not be ignored by the ANC-led government.  We will continue to collaborate with the Institution of Traditional Leadership on all issues of concern in our society including the issue of land restitution and redistribution.

I wish to also take this opportunity to appreciate the support that our government receives from the Traditional Authorities who play a critical role in the response to Gender-Based Violence.  In our continuous engagements with Traditional Leaders, the issue of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a key focus area. In this regard, the Department of Social Development provides training to Traditional Leaders and their spouses to further support the work done in this area.

We thank our Traditional Leaders, Faith-Based Organisations, and NGOs for the role they play in fighting this scourge in their communities. The transformation of our society certainly relies on multi-stakeholder collaboration across all sectors.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed our moral responsibility, collectively as men specifically, to have a say in the safety concerns, socio-economic & and political issues that confront our nation.  

We are also currently guided by progressive policies such as the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs in shaping a safe and healthy future for ourselves.

In anticipation of World Aids Day, we must use this opportunity to highlight the challenges we have with men within the context of our HIV response. HIV prevalence in Limpopo is the highest in men between the ages of 35 and 59. Across the province, new infections are the highest in men between the ages of 20 and 44.

Allow me to say that there is absolutely no need for this, given the extensive HIV education and treatment that the government has provided over the past 19 years. 

As men, we have a role to play in reducing HIV infections by simply enrolling and being consistent in taking treatment and ensuring that we use condoms and freely available preventative measures such as Pre and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (commonly known as PrEP and PEP) among others. 

We must do this to protect not only ourselves but future generations!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Regarding the launch and implementation of the Takuwani Riime Programme of Action, under the oversight of the Men's Parliament. 

I applaud the work that has been done and also urge that the resolutions of this year’s sitting of the National Men’s Parliament should mark an important turning point in the course of the Men’s Movement, as we enter a phase of implementation at the grassroots level.  

We encourage all traditional leaders, religious leaders, ward councillors, principals of educational institutions, and all men from diverse backgrounds to respond to the call of the Takuwani Riime Men's Movement and unite as engaged citizens in the global expansion of a responsive men's movement.
 
Vhanna vha Afrikha Tshipembe,
It is unacceptable that our country has the highest female homicide rate among the five countries with the highest annual murders.

We cannot continue to be silent when 70 lives will be violently ended by the end of today - three children are killed daily, a woman is abused every 63 seconds and eight women are murdered every day in our country.

Like all cases of Gender-Based Violence, the broad daylight stabbing of Ms Sinoxolo Myalo, at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology last week is a tragedy that requires all of us, as men in South Africa, to examine our role in this heinous crime against humanity.

It is imperative that we engage introspectively by asking ourselves important questions that force us to reflect on;
1. How do we as men contribute to the prevalent culture of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa?
2. In what ways have we normalised the culture of Gender-Based Violence through the problematic language of sexist jokes, victim blaming, and rigid gender stereotypes that devalue girls and women?
3. Why do we allow the loss of women's freedom at the hands of our male friends, colleagues and family members who exploit young women through sexual coercion, who boastfully relate stories of date rape, and who won't take no for an answer?

As part of our concerted effort to eradicate societal problems, we must specifically target the pervasive problem of rape against vulnerable groups, such as women with disabilities, children, the elderly, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

There is no denying that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide have reached a tipping point. Government has been responsive to curb GBV and to this effect, from a legislative point of view, President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to:
(i) the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Bill,
(ii) the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and
(iii) the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill
While legislation plays a critical role in dealing with violence against women and girls, grassroots interventions that support this process are equally important. 

It is therefore this approach that provides for the Men's Parliament and initiatives such as this one to exist that will enhance our efforts going forward.
The Takuwani Riime Programme of Action recognises that to end GBV, we must dismantle the culture of violence by being intolerant to subtle or socially accepted attitudes, beliefs, and actions that tolerate, excuse, and condone violence.

The Takuwani Riime Programme of Action is thus critical in facilitating dialogue and positive social change. Through the Men’s Parliament, the underlying principle is to ensure mainstreaming, coordination and implementation of coherent men’s movement activities, using the Men Championing Change Programme to address concerns that affect men such as:
• Men lagging behind in educational attainment, particularly in higher education, which can have long-term economic and social consequences.
• Issues such as unemployment, wage gaps and occupational hazards that disproportionately affect men in various sectors.
• Men facing health inequities driven by poor health-seeking behaviour and unique health concerns, including prostate cancer and heart disease.
• Men confronted by stigma around mental health issues, leading to high rates of depression and suicide.

As men, we have to talk about mental health!

South Africa is ranked number 10 on the list of countries with the most suicides with 23,5 people per 100 000 population. Of the 13 774 suicides reported, 10 861 were men, whilst 2 913 were women! 

This is concerning and highlights that as a nation we are faced with a serious problem that, requires as a start, a platform that can facilitate ongoing engagement.

We commend the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement for the efforts to roll out Community Men's Parliaments, which is the last tier of the Men's Parliament framework extending from national to community settings. 

This inclusive community initiative seeks to create a designated platform in Traditional Councils, Wards, Institutions of Education, and any other self-described community for men to convene on Wednesdays.

The platform will provide a consistent and predictable schedule for men in fostering dialogue, collaboration and resolution of issues that impact them and their communities. It will also allow men to be vulnerable in a society that demands that men be tough. 

Through this platform, we aim to emphasise that, there is no need to endure hardships in silence.

Gentlemen,
As men, we must confront the anguish we have caused on women and children. We need to get together to pause and reflect on the agony, and the heinous physical and mental abuse we have perpetrated on our society.

We have to meet to admit our wrongdoing and deal with the entrenchment of male power, privilege and patriarchy. It is imperative that we assume collective responsibility, establish boundaries, and declare that "enough is enough"!

As we cascade the Men's Parliament to the provincial, district, local, ward, and community levels, we must work to become credible role models for young boys so that they can learn how to become better men.

We also need to hold each other accountable for our actions and behaviours and redefine what it means to be the protector, provider, and caretaker of the family and society in our modern lives.

Let the “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments” be the turning point that redefines the identity of South African men. 

We must be confident in who we are as men, and we must take actions that will help us to create a positive “new normal”. As we prepare as a nation for the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Girls campaign, may today’s session provide us with a collective mandate as men that we will carry out during this period and beyond.

Takuwani Riime! Let us stand together to Institutionalise a Responsive Men’s Movement!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me conclude by taking this opportunity to thank those who dedicated their time to go and register to vote during this voter registration weekend. 

I also urge those who have not yet done so to register at the voting station for the voting district where they live before they close at 17h00 tonight.

It is of utmost importance that every eligible citizen exercises their democratic right and fulfils their civic duty by participating in the electoral process and registering at the appropriate voting station is an essential prerequisite to ensure that one's voice is heard and their vote is counted in the upcoming elections. 

Your voice counts in making our country a better, and prosperous nation.

Ndo Livhuwa.

Due to urgent government commitments, Deputy President Paul Mashatlile is no longer able to attend the opening session of the 11th SA AIDS Conference scheduled to take place from 20-23 June 2023, where he was expected to deliver the Opening Address.

Deputy President Mashatile was scheduled to address the conference today, Tuesday, 20 June 2023, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).

The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to take stock of the South African HIV/AIDS, TB and STIs response and to deliberate on emerging priorities as the country forges ahead with efforts and strategies to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.

The Deputy President has requested the Minister of Health to deliver the Opening Address on his behalf.

Enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 22 June 2023 attend and address the 2nd Investment Roundtable hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

The Investment Roundtable is aimed at accelerating much investments across various industries, for the benefit of young people on a national, regional and international level. The Roundtable will further bring critical stakeholders to deliberate on commitments towards contributing to the development of young people through various investment pathways.

In his keynote address to the National Youth Day Commemorations, the Deputy President emphasised the need to fight for the development and growth of South Africa’s youth and urged the private sector to continue to work with the Government to provide opportunities for young people.

It is in this context that Deputy President Mashatile will address the 2nd NYDA Investment Roundtable.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 22 June 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

For details and accreditation, contact Pheladi Moruthane on 074 481 8912 or Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, tomorrow, Friday 23 June 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the 11th All Africa Business Leader Awards (AABLA™), taking place in Sun City, North West Province. 

The Awards recognise and celebrate business leaders who have made a difference in the companies, industries, and communities that they serve. These Captains of Industry are dedicated men and women who diligently put their organisations on the map and act as an inspiration to the people that they lead as well as aspiring future business leaders.

The Awards Ceremony boasts a Pan African audience made up of Government ministers, ambassadors, entrepreneurs, CEOs and some of the biggest organisations and influencers in corporate Africa.

Deputy President Mashatile will highlight the critical role played by the business community in collectively resolving challenges facing the African Continent as well as encouraging business leaders to capitalise on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), a flagship project aimed at creating a single continental market that will boost intra-Africa trade.

Continuing to advocate for young people during this Youth Month, the Deputy President will also implore these leaders not to leave the youth behind, as they are a valuable asset in unlocking Africa’s economic growth potential. It is through the changing of the continent’s business environment, which should favour and empower the youth, that Africa is able to lift millions of its people out of poverty.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Friday, 23 June 2023
Time: 18h00 
Venue: Sun City Resort, North West Province

Members of the media covering the event are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Ms. Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635 (The Presidency) and Ms. Yolande Du Toit on 063 298 6554 (CNBC Africa) by Friday, 23 June 2023 at 16h00.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 26 June 2023, give a keynote address at the 150th anniversary of the University of South Africa. 
The event, which will mark a century and half of the celebrated University’s existence, will take place at the ZK Mathews Hall in Pretoria.

Deputy President Mashatile will use the occasion to reflect on the role  the university has played in shaping Africa’s intellectual futures for the past 150 years. 

As the Chairperson of the Human Resources Development Council, the Deputy President will congratulate UNISA and its leadership on its continued commitment to providing quality education to students across the African continent and providing much needed skills for the development of Africa. 

Details of the celebration:

Date: Monday, 26 June 2023
Time: 09:00 (media to arrive at 08:00)
Venue: UNISA Main Campus, Muckleneuk, Pretoria 

Media enquiries: Mr. Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 and Tommy Huma (UNISA) on 072 218 6197 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
His Royal Highness, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud;
Chairperson of the African Union, President of Comoros, H.E. Azali Assoumani, 
Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of the respective Arab and African delegations;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I offer the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia congratulations on their Inaugural Saudi Africa Summit.

Your Excellencies, the world is an interconnected village. The destiny of all human beings is equally connected. South Africa is deeply concerned about the cruel murder of innocent women, men and children and the destruction of civilian infrastructure by the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza. Israel’s continued violation of the UN resolution on the implementation of a ceasefire and the creation of a human corridor in Gaza is causing more deaths, exacerbating human suffering and polarization throughout the region and beyond. The death toll has now exceeded 10,000 people. 

The Government of South Africa has recalled our diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultations. We call on other governments to do the same to communicate the message that humanity will not permit any State, however powerful, to kill innocent people.

I urge you, Excellencies, that we stress the message of support to the people of Palestine when we adopt the declaration of this summit this afternoon. 

As President Mandela said after South Africa's triumph over apartheid that, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

We also call upon the world to work together to stop the war and work for peace in the Middle East and the rest of the world. 

Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen,

The geographic proximity of the Arabian Peninsula and the African Continent captures the essence and offers confirmation of the rich cultural and historical connection between the peoples of our ancient lands. 

Saudi Arabia has initiated and led humanitarian efforts in Africa through the Saudi Fund for Development and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

The Kingdom’s generosity and compassion have been a lifeline to millions on our continent in times of crisis amidst ongoing challenges, including in Sudan.

Saudi Arabia is poised as one of the foremost partners to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which came into force in 2021, and represents a landmark step towards African integration and economic transformation. 

With its strategic position as a gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe, Saudi Arabia can play a vital role in realising the full potential of the AfCFTA. By facilitating trade and investment, the Kingdom can contribute to the transformation of African countries from mainly being exporters of raw materials to producers of finished goods for both continental and global markets. 

To this end, innovation will be the key to unlocking the full potential of our partnership and with their wealth of talent and creativity, our universities should collaborate in partnership to develop cutting-edge solutions to the challenges we face, from healthcare and education to agriculture and infrastructure. 

Your Majesty, we look forward to fruitful outcomes of the first-ever Saudi Africa summit. Between our sister peoples and our ancient cultures, we have a duty to build a better world, the world we want. 

I thank you, your excellencies!

Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, in his capacity as the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, today met with various political parties represented in Parliament. The purpose of the meeting was to initiate discussions regarding the upcoming National Dialogue on Coalition Governments.

This dialogue, scheduled to take place in July, is a direct response to questions raised in Parliament, regarding the need to establish stability within coalition governments in the absence of a legislative framework.

In his response to the parliamentary question, Deputy President Mashatile committed to convening a national dialogue aimed at developing a framework for coalition governments. This framework will serve as a foundation for crafting appropriate legislation at a later stage. Despite the diverse views held by the political parties, there was unanimous agreement on the necessity for a national framework that ensures coalition governments remain responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa.

At present, more than 60 municipalities are governed by coalitions. Some of these coalition governments have encountered difficulties in upholding governance principles and providing essential services to the people. The forthcoming national dialogue aims to bring together all stakeholders under a cohesive approach, ensuring that governments can continue to serve communities effectively.

Deputy President Mashatile thanked all the parties for the positive outcome of the meeting, wherein the parties agreed to fully participate at the national dialogue.

"We appreciate the positive manner in which the political parties have engaged with us as Government so that we can reach an agreement and commit ourselves to serving South Africans collectively. When we enter into co-governing arrangements, we must always remember that we are working toward a common goal: the realisation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous nation. We can be prosperous if we work together," he said.

The political parties further agreed that the general principles previously articulated by the Deputy President, such as putting people first, a commitment to ending poverty, ethical governance, building an inclusive economy, and fostering social cohesion, should form the basis of a framework on coalitions.

The National Dialogue on Coalitions will take place on 27 July 2023, and will include all spheres of government and parties represented in Parliament. This inclusive forum will facilitate meaningful conversations and contribute to the development of a robust framework that ensures effective coalition governance in South Africa.

For more information on the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments kindly contact Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Matshepo@Presidency.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria