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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index (SASCI), Western Cape
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Programme Director;
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa;
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie;
The Telkom Group CEO; Mr Serame Taukobong;
Chairperson of Inclusive Society Institute, Professor Zweli Ndevu; 
Dr. Georgi Dragolov, the lead researcher behind the South African Social Cohesion Index;
Senior Government Officials Present from the Presidency and Departments;
Our Esteemed Panellists;
Distinguished Attendees; 
Fellow South Africans;

Good Evening, 

No matter how hectic my schedule was, I would have never been able to ignore the invitation to be here tonight. 

This is not only because the President has delegated me with the responsibility to promote social cohesion and nation building in our country, but also because I am also of the opinion that the human species would not exist if it were not for social cohesiveness.

According to Peter Guber, a well-known author and film producer, humans are incapable of surviving without the methods, rules, and strategies that enable people to collaborate. In essence, those who unite in purpose resemble threads knitted together, crafting a tapestry of intricate design. In unity, we find our true nature.

Our true nature includes attributes like empathy, diversity, kindness, love, and care for one another, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, religious belief, and any forms of diversity.

As a people, if we can recognise these elements, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and others, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive society. Indeed, the Bill of Rights in our Constitution recognises the rights of all people in their diversity.

The founding father of our democracy, President Nelson Mandela, dreamt of a progressive and inclusive society. He began the vital process of creating a new national identity based on national unity, consistent with the Freedom Charter.

The Charter asserts, “We, the People of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, Black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.”

In the period following the 1994 elections, South Africans came together and started to forge the nation we want—the rainbow nation, as Desmond Tutu described it.

The important question we must ask ourselves is: how far along are we in the process of nation building, and how cohesive are we as a nation?

The launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index is timely because it will serve as a tool to address this subject as we approach another 30 years of our democracy. This will help us assess our society's current state and future direction.

The 2024 Index offers us a picture of where we stand in our collective journey towards social harmony. It provides us with insights into the strengths and challenges facing our nation, highlighting areas where progress has been made and areas that require urgent attention. By understanding these dynamics, we can develop targeted strategies and policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and tolerance among all our citizens.

Despite reflecting an overall moderately high level of social cohesion, the index indicates that much work remains. The overall score of 53.3 index points does not provide a complete picture. There are several areas that warrant serious concern.

1. Acceptance of diversity in the country has steadily declined from an already low 47.1 index points in 2021 to only 46.8 in 2024;
2. Trust in institutions has declined from 50.1 index points to 47.9;
3. Perceptions of fairness have declined from 42.4 index points to a mere 42.7; and
4. Respect for social rules has declined from 40.3 to an alarming 36.6 index points.

The study reveals that the most significant decline occurred in the cohesion dimension, which relates to respect for social rules. Other weakened dimensions include trust in institutions and perception of fairness. The level of solidarity and helpfulness remained stable, whereas civic participation and general trust in people have become slightly stronger.

Compatriots,

Our current reality is that the sentiment that the Rainbow Nation is drifting apart rather than coming together has become stronger.

Numerous challenges continue to test our democracy. For instance, state capture negatively impacted our efforts to promote reconciliation and advance our democratic values. It also resulted in a negative and divisive narrative in the country.

However, some of the recent events in our country have demonstrated that our people are able to stand united for the common purpose. Adversity and triumph have shaped our nation.

We have witnessed defining moments in our history that demonstrate our ability to unite across racial, cultural, and economic divides. We have seen that when South Africans stand together, we are capable of overcoming even the most enormous of challenges.

As South Africa transitioned from the brutal system of apartheid into a new era of democracy, the world gasped in shock. Despite the deep scars of oppression, we chose peace over conflict, reconciliation over revenge, and democracy over dictatorship. The first democratic election was more than a political event; it was a triumph of national unity.

Furthermore, when HIV/AIDS in the 2000s threatened the very fabric of our society, we were able to unite a country in the fight against this epidemic. In this regard, governments, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens worked tirelessly to combat stigma and expand treatment provisions. Today, our successful HIV/AIDS response is a testament to our collective resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic once again put our country to the test. However, South Africans showed remarkable solidarity and unity of purpose in overcoming the pandemic. The response to COVID-19 was led at many levels, including community-based leadership. 

And more recently, I have been encouraged by different political parties, business leaders, and South Africans to stand together to defend our country’s sovereignty and interests in the midst of recent negative utterances about our country.

These moments remind us of who we are: a resilient, united, and determined nation. We must continue to stand together to confront any other issue that threatens to tear our social fabric and our nation apart.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This South African Social Cohesion Index is important in that it points public policymakers to the areas that need focused interventions.

We are encouraged that the development of this index has been thoroughly shared and workshopped with the National Planning Commission. The NPC has indicated that it will use this tool, and others, to drive its development work. Specifically as it relates to:
- Addressing economic inequality through inclusive economic growth strategies.
- Improving public trust in institutions through governance reforms.
- Fostering a shared national identity by promoting social integration and cross-cultural engagement.

Building social cohesion in the country is not the responsibility of government alone or any one sector of society. All must work together to realise the dream we have for a united, prosperous, and cohesive South Africa.

We must all work to close the gap between what South Africans want, which is a united South Africa, and what they currently believe to be the case.

We do that by changing the narrative from a divisive tone to one that encourages nation-building.

We further achieve this by fostering trust in our institutions, cultivating a culture of adherence to social norms, and guaranteeing a sense of equity for all, where everyone contributes equally to the development of a united South Africa.

We are committed to building a united and reconciled South Africa. The constitutional vision of a united and prosperous South Africa drives our actions as a government. 

The more prosperous a country is, the higher the level of social cohesion. When people have hope, they look forward with optimism, they work together, and they unite around common goals. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we delve into the findings and implications of this important index, we must not be despondent or discouraged; we must use the findings as a valuable contribution towards a more unified and harmonious future.

The Index findings will be useful in planning the National Dialogue for South Africa's future. President Ramaphosa has announced that the government is working with various social partners to convene the dialogue.

The Dialogue aims, among others, to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality and forge a new social compact to achieve the National Development Plan's vision. This also in light of the political and economic shifts that have confronted our country and our governance systems. 

Compatriots, 

As a country we are embarking on this crucial endeavour towards a more socially cohesive South Africa. Let us all strive to create a society where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard.

What should remain in our minds is that social cohesion is the cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive society. It is the glue that binds us together, transcending our differences and fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index and to all those who continue to work tirelessly towards building a more cohesive and inclusive nation.

It is through collaboration, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose that we will build a nation that is strong, united, and resilient.

I implore us all to not just treat this report as merely key findings of a research study, but instead treat this as the guiding light to how we chart our way to a better future, leaving no one behind. 

Thank You.
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has  this evening concluded his visit to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to participate at the 38th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the Assembly of the African Union. 

The Assembly took place under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”. 

President Ramaphosa congratulated the newly elected Chairperson Mr Mahmoud Ali Yousouf and Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Salma Malika Haddadi who will lead the African Union during the next four years.

The Assembly also appointed the new Commissioners who will work as a collective in realising the aspirations of the Continent and its people. South Africa congratulates the new leadership cohort of the Union and is especially proud of Ms Lerato Mataboge as the new Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.

The Assembly further deliberated on the state of peace and security on the Continent. It expressed grave concern for the evolving situation in the eastern DRC. The Heads of State called upon the M23 to cease fire to prevent additional loss of lives. The Assembly reaffirmed the urgent need for inclusive negotiations and political dialogue as the only solution to end conflicts on the Continent.

The Assembly took note of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and congratulated South Africa for being the first African country to host this important gathering. It expressed its support for the successful G20 Leaders Summit scheduled to take place later this year in Johannesburg.
The President also had bilateral meetings with a few countries on the Continent to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

The Assembly will continue till Sunday, 16 February 2025 to discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), activities of the Africa Centre for Disease Control, infrastructure development and Institutional Reforms, amongst other matters.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia leading the South African delegation to the African Union Summit
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead the South African delegation to the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government.

This gathering of continental leadership will take place this weekend, 15 and 16 February 2025. 

The Assembly will take place under the  AU theme for 2025, “Justice for African and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

In this context, it is expected that the Summit will review and assess what has been achieved in Africa’s efforts towards the attainment of long overdue justice and reparations and decades of colonialism and apartheid, slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

One of the highly anticipated responsibilities of the forthcoming Assembly will be to elect and appoint the AU Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

The Assembly takes place against a backdrop of a myriad of challenges, including threats to democratic governance, peace and security, through unconstitutional changes of government and post-election violence.

The Continent also suffers from inter and intra-state conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, poverty, food and energy insecurity, the impact of climate change, inadequate infrastructure, low productivity, trade barriers and continued dependence on external aid and markets. 

The Assembly will elect new Members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to replace the current members, whose three-year terms are set to expire.

South Africa is involved in a number of peacekeeping and mediation efforts across the Continent, notably of the AU Ad-hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan; the AU Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee on Libya, and has deployed troops as part of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Mr Dion George; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina and Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Transfer Ceremony and Memorial Service for the SANDF troops killed in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Swartkop Air Force Base
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Programme Director,
The Bereaved families of our fallen soldiers,
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga,
Minister of Defence of the DRC, H.E. Mr Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, 
Ambassador of the DRC to South Africa, H.E. Fidele Mulaja Binene,
Members of Parliament and Chairpersons of Committees,
Former First Lady Ms Zanele Mbeki,
Former Minister Mr Jeff Radebe, the Special Envoy to the Great Lakes,
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya,
Members of the Military Command,
Members of the Plenary Defence Staff Council,
Generals, Admirals, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers,
Fellow South Africans,

Allow me to begin by extending our condolences on behalf of the South African government and people to the families and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi for the loss of their soldiers.

We extend our gratitude to the Ugandan government and the rest of the SADC community for their support at this time.  

Tonight we stand here with heavy hearts. 

Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

On behalf of all the people of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers.

They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent Africa. 

They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless.

Indeed, the SANDF is for the brave, for the proud.

We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers home. 

We must fulfil our duty to complete their mission.

I thank the Ministry of Defence and the leadership of the SANDF for making every effort to repatriate the remains of our fallen troops to their families.

Our thanks go to the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community and other  governments for their assistance. 

This was an operation involving considerable logistical challenges at a time when the security situation in the eastern DRC remains volatile. 

This solemn occasion is a stark reminder of the great cost of building peace, often paid in the lives of our finest.

And yet peace is an ideal for which we will forever strive.

As a troop contributing country to the SADC Mission in the DRC and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa remains firmly committed to supporting all processes to bring this terrible conflict to an end.

We are encouraged by the outcomes of last week’s joint summit of the East African Community and Southern African Development Community, which resolved to prioritise a political solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC.

South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, for a cessation of hostilities and for all the warring parties to resume inclusive negotiations.

As Africans, we are one people. When one part of Africa bleeds, we feel its pain. 

The Congolese people cry out for protection, for an end to war and for dignity.

The gallant soldiers we receive home today answered that call. 

To the families, we say, take comfort that they were heroes. 

Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order. It was about building bridges, fostering understanding and creating pathways to lasting peace.

And so we say to you, in the words of S.E.K Mqhayi in his poem ‘The Sinking of the Mendi’:

“Be consoled, all you orphans
Be consoled, all you widows
Somebody has to die, so that something can be built,
Somebody has to serve, so that others can live,
With these words we say, be consoled,
This is how we build ourselves, as ourselves.”

We will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world. 

The achievement of this vision is the most fitting tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes and the greatest honour to their memory.

Sons of the African soil, Amaqhawe:

Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola 
Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi 
Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe 
Corporal Matome Justice Malesa 
Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani 
Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo 
Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo 
Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi 
Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe 
Rifleman Derrick Maluleke 
Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele 
Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi 
Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe 
Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

Thank you for your sacrifice that others may be free.

You died on the battlefield, far from all you held dear.

But you are home now. 

You have come to your rest.

We are here to receive you with open arms.

I thank you.
 

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President Ramaphosa to officiate transfer ceremony and memorial service for SANDF troops killed in Eastern DRC
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will, as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officiate the handover of the mortal remains of SANDF members who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the families who have lost loved ones.

President Ramaphosa will pay his respects to the families of the departed soldiers alongside Minister of Defence and Military Veterans  Angie Motshekga and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya at the Air Force Base Swartkops.

Proceedings will start at 18h00 today, Thursday, 13 February 2025.

President Ramaphosa will deliver a tribute to the fallen troops at a memorial service at the same venue immediately after the handover ceremony.

President Cyril Ramaphosa  has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country for a period of seven days from Friday, 07 February 2025.

President Ramaphosa has issued this directive as the country mourns the tragic and devastating loss of the  South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 February 2025 
Time: 18h00
Venue: Air Force Base Swartkop 

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President Ramaphosa assents to the Plant Health Bill
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Plant Health Bill which sets out measures to combat plant pests that are of concern to domestic agriculture and may have an impact on South Africa’s ability to export agricultural products.

Among its various impacts, the Bill signed by the President repeals the Agricultural Pests Act of 1983 which up to now regulated the national plant health  (phytosanitary) system.
 
The new law responds to the concern that the introduction and spread of potentially damaging pests in South Africa could have a significantly negative impact on South African biosecurity, agricultural production and food security as well as on market access.
 
The Bill provides for phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of regulated pests to safeguard South African agriculture and plant natural resources. It also provides for the control of regulated pests, regulation of the movement of plants, plant products and other regulated articles into, within and out of the Republic.
 
The law brings South Africa into compliance with the World Trade Organisation Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as well as the International Plant Protection Convention.
 
This compliance will support South Africa’s efforts to enter new markets and maintain current export markets, which will have a positive impact on the South African agricultural sector in terms of job creation and sustainable use of land and other natural resources.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Deputy President Mashatile mourns the passing of nuclear scientist Ms Senamile Masanao
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The Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, has received with sadness news of the passing of a Member of the HRDC, one of South Africa’s few black female nuclear scientists, Ms. Senamile Masango, who passed away yesterday, 09 February 2025.

"Ms Masango's was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science in particular, will be sorely missed," said the Deputy President.

A PhD Candidate, Ms Masango was a globally recognised nuclear scientist, esteemed energy leader, and pioneering entrepreneur. As a trailblazer in nuclear science, she was widely respected for her groundbreaking research at among others the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Her global recognition was a source of pride, as she became the first African woman to conduct experiments at CERN. Her brilliance was further acknowledged on a global scale, earning her the prestigious Women in Science Award in 2022. Her impact extended beyond her scientific achievements as she was also a visionary entrepreneur, serving as the Founder and Executive Chair of Mphathisithele Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an energy consulting firm.

Ms Masango also served on a number of public sector science bodies, including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd (NECSA), and recently became a Member of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).

Owing to her pioneering work in empowering women through science, she earned a number of local and international honours, including recognition as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and as a Women in Tech Global Awards finalist in 2021. Young as she was, Ms Masango made an  immeasurable contribution to the advancement of science and in particular the development of critical skills for our country.

"On behalf of Government and the HRDC, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Masango family, her immediate community and science fraternity at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace," said the Deputy President.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy Minister Mhlauli to brief media on the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative 3rd Quarter Report
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The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will tomorrow on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 brief the media on the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) 3rd Quarter Report. 

The PYEI is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched in 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address youth unemployment in South Africa. It aims to transition young people from learning to earning through structured programs, funding mechanisms, and partnerships.

The Deputy Minister will highlight the success of the various programs detailed in the 3rd quarter report.

Members of the media are invited to cover the release of the report as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Time: 09h00 - 12h00
Venue: Afrika Tikkun Centre, Zolile Malindi Centre, T Tokwana Street, Mfuleni, Cape Town

 

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head of Office, on 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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