Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in the People’s Republic of China, where he is hosted by his counterpart and the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Han Zheng, for the 8th Session of the South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) taking place in Beijing on Friday, 3 November 2023. 

The Deputy President will be in China from 3 to 6 November 2023. During the second leg of his visit, the Deputy President will open the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. 

During these meetings, the Deputy President will be keen to communicate the message that South Africa is open for business, and that it is the most attractive investment destination in the African continent. 

During his visit, it is envisaged that the Deputy President will pay courtesy calls on the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency President Xi Jinping to reaffirm the strong political ties with China, as well as on the State Council Premier Li Qiang, to exchange views on the expanding economic relations between South Africa and China. 

The Deputy President is also expected to engage a Representative of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), and the Mayors of Shanghai and Shenzhen Provinces. 

The 8th SA-China BNC occurs within the context of celebrating 25 years of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung Conference of 1955. It also follows shortly after the successful 4th State Visit to South Africa by President Xi, and the recent 15th BRICS Summit and China-Africa Roundtable from 22 to 24 August 2023 in Johannesburg. 

Other high-level engagements that took place this year include: the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) in February 2023; the Strategic Dialogue in May 2023; and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) in August 2023. 

All these engagements, including the Deputy President’s visit, contribute to the strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

South Africa and China enjoy strong and vibrant economic relations. China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner and South Africa is China’s largest trading partner in Africa. China is a significant investor in South Africa and supports the country’s proposed local infrastructure development projects such as the Small Harbour Development Project and others, while many South African firms are invested in and thriving in the Chinese market. 

Lastly, China has supported South Africa’s initiatives to find a lasting solution to the country’s energy challenges, contributing both expertise and equipment to those efforts.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,  Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Magdeline Sotyu; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela; and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.

Media inquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on +2764 833 8080 (temporary) or vukani@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Radesh Maharaj, Chairman Batseta
Delegates attending the 2023 Batseta Winter Conference
All the CEOs and Captains of Industry present here;
Distinguished Guests; 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this prestigious gathering under the auspices of the Batseta Winter Conference.

I would have liked to join you physically but as you may be aware that there are too many conflicting engagements that require our attention. 

I however told my office I would not miss the opportunity to continue to engage with you because I consider Batseta a critical stakeholder of government and a critical role player in the economy as I have done so before.

The topic given to me to focus on is “the SA blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth”.

We accepted the invitation to come and engage you because in our understanding government alone will not resolve the challenges in the economy. 

We have also joined you because we must continue to engage on the transformation agenda as well as ensuring the continued use of pension funds investment for the growth and development of our economy.

In the discussions over the next few days for the winter conference, I have observed with keen interest the topics and areas of focus, which among others include a discussion on climate change, energy and just transition and on the smart use of investment funds.

These topics demonstrate your commitment to finding lasting solutions in the economy. 

Hence, we believe that by working with you we can build an inclusive and sustainable economy that grows and much higher levels than it is now. 

As you are aware that over the past 29 years as the ANC-led government, we have adopted policies that have contributed to the transformation of the economy.

The policy interventions have resulted in the transformation of key sectors of the economy and indeed society. 

We are however concerned that the economy is not growing at the rate that results in many being absorbed by the economy. 

For example According to the StatsSA, is that the economy after contracting by a revised 1, 1% in the fourth quarter of 2022, real gross domestic product (GDP) edged higher in the first quarter of 2023 (January‒March), expanding by an estimated 0, 4%. 

The manufacturing and finance industries were the major drivers of growth on the supply side of the economy. The demand side was lifted by exports, with smaller positive contributions for household, government, and investment spending.

In the past, especially before COVID, we have had times when economic growth averaged about 3.8% for more than a decade when we experienced the fastest growth of the black middle class; and when we were able to roll out massive social security programmes to cushion the poor from poverty.

There are certain things that we are doing right and this is albeit the global economic challenges.

We must therefore focus on the things that we are doing right and be more innovative if we are to grow a sustainable and inclusive economy.

The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, announced by President Ramaphosa in October last year, remains our lodestar towards a new, inclusive economy.  

Our goal is to make a permanent and decisive break with an economic trajectory characterized by low and declining growth; the exclusion of women, young people and people with disabilities from the mainstream economy; falling per capita incomes; low investment; as well as high and deeply entrenched levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment.    
     
At the centre of our economic reconstruction and recovery efforts is the mobilization of the public and the private sector around an infrastructure-led recovery.

We are envisioning an aggressive expansion of social and economic infrastructure that meets the needs of the people of South Africa.

This includes new investments in energy, mining, water and sanitation, roads and bridges, human settlements, health and education, digital infrastructure and public transport. 

Maintenance of existing infrastructure is also an important part of our infrastructure rollout programme.

Our choice of infrastructure investment as a key driver of reconstruction and recovery is also informed by the reality that, across the government, we already have budgets approved for infrastructure.  

Our challenge remains execution. This is where cooperation with the private sector will be critical.

This does not preclude the business sector from identifying priority projects that will have a major contribution to the achievement of our shared goals.     

Equally, through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program, many young people are being absorbed into mass employment opportunities: in education, arts and culture, global business services, early childhood development, as well as small-scale and subsistence farming.

Work is also continuing to strengthen the security of the energy supply. This includes, among other things:
•    Turning around Eskom including its unbundling;
•    Embedded electricity generation up to 100 megawatts; and
•    The implementation of a Just Transition towards a low-carbon economy  
These developments pose serious policy questions about the future of the electricity supply industry.
For instance, embedded generation suppliers will be allowed to sell to third parties. This will effectively introduce competition in the sector.

Our immediate task must be to achieve the following objectives:
•    Job creation and the reduction in unemployment;
•    Public employment programs to complement our job creation efforts;
•    Skills development to ensure that when the economy recovers we do not import skills; and
•    The provision of income support for the most vulnerable.

As part of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, we are implementing a set of structural reforms housed under Operation Vulindlela: a joint programme between the National Treasury and the Presidency.

In addition to the Vulindlela work, we need to look at new areas of ensuring ease and reducing the cost of doing business in South Africa. 

The journey of structural reforms must touch every level of the government. For instance, are rezoning regulations conducive to a friendly investment environment?

These reforms are not only about facilitating ease of doing business. They are also about transforming how the state itself does business. 

The state must be an enabler. It must enable South Africans to go about their daily lives. The state must continue to build a better for all.

We collect taxes from South African citizens to make their lives better. We also have a duty to allocate them efficiently and spend them effectively. 

This task we are prepared and are going to undertake.  

In conclusion, we are looking forward to the outcomes of this winter conference and we will incorporate them into our plans as we seek to build a growing and inclusive economy. 

Thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 9 November 2023, respond to oral questions in the National Assembly. 

The Deputy President is expected to respond to questions pertaining to his role as Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, his Chairship of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee, as well as the Human Resources Development Council, among others.  

Deputy President Mashatile will join the proceedings of the National Assembly virtually, via Zoom link.  

Details of the National Assembly Sitting:  
Thursday 9 November 2023, 14:00 
Parliamentary Channel 408  

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Honourable Speaker,
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,

I am honoured to address this house on The Presidency 2023/24 Budget Vote.

I would like to reflect on the social and political context in which we are delivering this Budget Vote Speech.

Honourable House Chair,

This year marks the formation of the Union of South Africa, formed 113 years ago exactly on this day. It also marks the 110th anniversary of the 1913 Native Land Act, which displaced our people and excluded them from the economy.

We are on the cusp of 30 years of Freedom and Democracy and nearly three decades since the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

During this period, we have demonstrated our commitment to the principles of the Constitution by, among others, ensuring that we hold free and fair elections, adhering to the rule of law, building credible and innovative democratic institutions and a concerted effort to change the lives of our people for the better.

As we reflect on these milestones, we should acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, the better to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of the South Africa envisaged in the Constitution.

Similarly, we acknowledge the role of heroes and heroines who contributed to our struggle for freedom and millions of ordinary men and women who continue to work tirelessly to realise the South Africa of our dreams.

In particular, we recall the role of three important generations – starting with the 1976 student uprising generation which went on to play a critical role in rendering the apartheid system ungovernable.

This generation inspired the formation of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) whose 44th anniversary we are celebrating today. COSAS would go on to play an integral role in the United Democratic Front which was founded 40 years ago in Mitchells Plain here in Cape Town.

The endurance of these generations in the face of injustice laid the foundations for democratic South Africa.

Honourable Speaker, despite the entrenched colonial and apartheid system, we have made significant gains as a nation. In this regard, I would like to report on the following areas of government responsibility: Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development and Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security. Further, the Deputy President is the Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

We will also outline a roadmap of elevated priorities for the remainder of the term of the sixth administration. Specifically in the next six to twelve months, we are going to implement rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.

As the President indicated in his address, we are here to outline what we have done in realising our mandate as given by the people in 2019 to grow South Africa together in line with our long-standing commitment to building a better life for all.

Working with all spheres of government, we are continuing to strengthen the rollout of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government, which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.

We have been engaged with critical stakeholders to improve coordination and mobilisation in support of service delivery measures in Municipalities and Districts. This includes consultations with Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders on the implementation of Government programmes aimed at accelerating service delivery. We are also strengthening partnerships with businesses, labour and government to source the critical skills required by the economy and the state through the Human Resource Development Council.

Madam Speaker, the work done over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period will contribute towards the 30-Year Review Report of democratic governance, which will be released in 2024.

Our country has registered progress in the areas of electricity delivery, health care, infrastructure development, cushioning the indigent, the provision of free basic water, housing and improvement in literacy:

• More than 85 percent of South Africans have their homes electrified;
• Over 5.7 million people on treatment for HIV;
• 2 trillion rands invested in national infrastructure projects over ten years;
• Over 18 million South Africans benefit from social grants;
• 90 percent of South Africans have access to clean drinking water;
• Over 14 million people have benefited from the 3.2. million free houses built since 1994;
• 95 percent of South Africans can read and write.

We are aware of and working tirelessly to solve problems in electricity generation, water provision, and infrastructure, amongst others.

We will equally be engaging various sectors of society on their lived experiences and provide reflections on the Government’s performance over the last 30 years. Government accepts criticism because as a nation we are a diverse people and believe in the principle that everyone must be heard so that we can forge ahead with the nation-building project of a better South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution.

Honourable Speaker,

The State of Local Government Report of 2023 has presented a challenging picture with regard to service delivery across the country. Overall, municipalities suffer from:

• poor capacity of existing infrastructure to meet the current needs and future needs of the community;
• neglect of maintenance and/or poor operational management of existing infrastructure at the municipal level;
• lack of internal capacity in the form of technical and managerial skills to maintain the existing infrastructure or build new infrastructure;
• weak work processes and governance processes for planning, delivering, operating and maintaining infrastructure; and
• insufficient funding as well as poor financial management practices which render municipalities unsustainable.

We have not only acknowledged the challenges in local government. Central to the responsibilities of the Deputy President is to enforce One-Plan integration across Government, through the District Development Model. It is the whole of government approach, it is the maximisation of resources.

Through the District Development Model and the Service Delivery Rapid Response approach, we have been working to ensure that we have One Plan that is measurable, implementable, and citizen-focused.

Over the last two months, I have visited Gauteng, Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape to help to resolve service delivery problems. In all the six districts and metros where we undertook oversight visits, we received reports on how together, we are addressing service delivery challenges and progress made in the adoption of the One-Plans.

We are pleased that good work is being done; however, there is a need to strengthen partnerships to improve service delivery.

We are committed to building a stable democracy that works for the people.

That is why in response to the unstable coalition government especially in municipalities we have proposed to convene a dialogue on the coalition governments. The intention is to reach a consensus on the principles of coalitions and to ensure that we continue to build a strong and stable democracy in our country.

As we said before, engaging in the development of a coherent framework for coalition government is part of the nation-building project.

Honourable Speaker, our work through the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is bearing fruit. Together as Government, civil society, private sector, labour and development partners, we are on track in mitigating the impact of the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB).

The implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2017 - 2022 has had a positive impact on combatting HIV and AIDS in the last five years. In the latter part of 2022, 94 percent of the estimated number of people living with HIV knew their status, 76 percent of the people who knew their status were on anti-retroviral treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment had suppressed viral loads.

A special focus has been given to accelerating prevention to reduce new HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), providing treatment to reduce illness and mortality, as well as reaching all key and vulnerable populations with interventions, and leaving no one behind.

It is for this reason that SANAC has been holding a series of engagements with civil society, interfaith leaders, traditional leaders, traditional healthcare practitioners, and the private sector on the particular subject of addressing structural barriers and social determinants of the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The new iteration of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023 to 2028, will build on the successes of the previous NSP by way of maintaining the multi-sectoral, people-centred approach to eliminate HIV, TB and STIs as public health threats by 2030.

Honourable House Chair,

Land Reform remains a key programmatic response to effecting restorative justice, and transforming the colonial and apartheid spatial planning.

We will continue to fast-track the land reform agenda, as it relates to access and the beneficial use of land. The Land Reform programme is also aimed at empowering beneficiaries including rural communities.

The success of our work depends on investing in a capable, ethical and developmental state that has the capacity to redirect capital and resources towards development and that has no tolerance for corruption.

In realising our commitment, we have embarked on a process to review career management of Directors-General and Head of Departments with a view to place emphasis on outcomes. Secondly, we are moving with speed to institutionalise the professionalization of the public service, including having ethical leadership and meritocracy as the cornerstones of this administration.

Honourable Speaker,

As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, I will continue to monitor and strengthen Executive Accountability to Parliament. Central to this responsibility is ensuring that Members of the Executive attend to their Parliamentary responsibilities, by appearing before Portfolio Committees, and responding to questions for both oral and written replies within stipulated periods.

Linked to our role in monitoring executive accountability is the development of a realistic legislative Programme with priority Bills.

In April this year, we submitted the 2023 Legislative Programme as approved by Cabinet for introduction to Parliament. Cabinet Ministers have also been requested to identify priority Bills in line with Government priorities to be introduced to Parliament before the end of this administration.

Through our continuous engagements with Presiding Officers of Parliament, we will continue to fast-track and monitor the processing of priority legislation that will improve the planning capacity of line departments to effectively deliver services to the people.

Honourable Speaker,

One of the key priorities we are ceased with is to promote social cohesion and nation-building. In this regard, as the Government we continue to conduct a series of engagements with various partners, including Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Traditional Health Practitioners, Military Veterans, Faith-based organisations, labour as well as the private sector.

We have been engaging with the National House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders to tackle challenges such as the safety of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders in our country. We have also agreed to work with all Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, focusing on the following, among others:

• Uniformity and standardisation in terms of treatment and provisions to Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders across all provinces;
• Speedy finalisation of the Handbook for Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to regulate the provision of the tools of the trade for Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, including vehicles, computers, ICT connectivity, and furniture for Traditional Councils;
• Improvement in the remuneration of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, including pension and medical aid benefits;
• Construction of Chambers for the Provincial Houses that do not have these;
• The State to release land back to the custody of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and their communities;
• Review of Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act;

We will continue to engage and report to this House on the work of the InterMinisterial Task Team to further strengthen our partnership, and address matters of concern to the institution of Traditional Leadership.

Honourable Chair,

At this stage, we must acknowledge the role played by all social partners and individuals at different levels, in responding to various societal challenges that confront us as a country, including disaster relief and community upliftment efforts.

We have no country other than the Republic of South Africa. In our diversity, which in itself is our strength, we must continue to work towards a common goal of a non-racist, non-sexist and prosperous nation.

Our continent requires peace, growth and prosperity. It is for this reason that we will accelerate peace efforts in South Sudan, the Great Lakes, Central Africa, the Horn of Africa and the rest of the continent.

Furthermore, the socio-economic opportunities of our continent will be realised through the implementation of the African Continental Free-Trade Area Agreement (AfCTA).

Equally, we will continue to advocate for a world and a global community based on the principle that all people are created equal and deserve equal opportunities and instruments to realise their full human potential.

Here at home, we are addressing all the factors that impede implementation, including local and departmental government capacity, red tape, governance, poor contract management, long turn-around times, and corruption.

We are equally monitoring underspending, fiscal dumping, and the quality of expenditure. We have begun to implement decisions around insourcing, especially on maintenance, standardisation, the decision on manufacturing of paving bricks for roads and other options.

We are going to strengthen Good Governance by building up capacities for implementation, ensuring ethical processes and addressing the challenges of construction mafias, criminality, and corruption, which lead to nondelivery.

We are not looking back. We are steaming ahead to build a better life for all!

I thank you!

The Premier of the Province, Nomusa Dube-Ncube you have been a wonderful host, and we wish to thank you,
The Principal of Umgungundlovu TVET College, Ms Ntombi Ntshangase, and the Chairperson of the Council of the College Dr Lungile Ntombela and the members in attendance,
Ministers, Dr Nzimande, Ms Motshekga, and Ms Kieviet 
Deputy Ministers, Ms Gina, Ms Moloi
Premiers, and MECs in attendance, 
Deputy Chairpersons, Mr Ntshalintshali and Ms Mayekiso, Members of the Human Resource Development Council,
DGs and senior officials of government 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Thank you all for joining us on this first meeting of the Human Resource Development Council in 2023.  
 
We are at a historic place where President Mandela last addressed a community before he was captured in Howick in 1962. 
 
I have agreed to come back to join the walk in August and that will form part of the commitment to track the work we are doing together to change the lives of the people. 
 
I am pleased to know uMgungundlovu TVET college as an education and innovation centre. In that it has the TVET College, and the Durban University of Technology as well two high schools that are a feeder to the college and the University. I am pleased to know that we are building the imbali precinct the first in the country. 
 
We need more of such across the centre so that we can build education cities and produce skills needed by the economy and ensure that we become globally competitive. 
 
This is a special meeting for me because it is the first time that I am meeting you as Council Members since assuming the role of being the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, as per the responsibilities that have been delegated to me by the President.
 
It is humbling to see the level of commitment by Council Members towards making the work of this body a success, more especially in the current turbulent economic times, as we collectively seek innovative solutions to skills development for the economy, and future of work.
 
We have our work cut out as this Council, as we are meeting three days since Statistics South Africa released the quarter 1 of 2023 results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. 
 
According to these results, the official unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percent when compared to results for the fourth quarter of 2022.  One of the industries that has seen employment decrease is the construction sector.
 
Our ongoing response as Government in this regard has been the anchoring of the District Development Model on the implementation of catalytic projects. 
 
Together with Minister Nzimande and the Deputy Chairpersons of Council, we witnessed the development of a new smart city that isaimed at creating a new economic hub consisting of retail, mixed-typology residential, lifestyle and tourism-based development, new lifestyle estates, high quality office and business parks and logistics.
 
In addition to boosting the construction sector, the initiative is one of the post-apartheid cities that we are building, where people will live and socialise in the same areas that they work in. 
 
Our government supports this project and will continue to provide all necessary assistance for its advancement.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
One of the three sectors that Statistics South Africa has also noted in its recent release as having recorded the largest employment gains is the agricultural sector. 
 
Yesterday we had the opportunity of witnessing the work that the KwaZulu-Natal Province is doing, through the Cedara College of Agriculture, in growing its agricultural sector. 
 
We also recommitted our partnership as Government, with young and emerging farmers that have  engaged with yesterday. 
 
Our conversations with these farmers re-emphasised the spirit of joining efforts across society in the fight against poverty and unemployment. 
 
As this Council, we should take the conversation further, and ask ourselves how the implementation of the Human Resource Development Strategy, which is anchored on the District Development Model approach of partnership, will nurture and advance further the interests and innovative practices that are being led in such important growth sectors of our economy. 
 
We must ensure that our agenda and conversations advance our shared objective of upskilling people so that they can contribute in the economy. 
 
We are content that HRDC is at the forefront of fighting the revival of the economy from the skills and human potential aspect.
 
As a government, we will continue to work with Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, members of the community, civil society, and the commercial sector to build the country’s economy while also developing the skills for ordinary people.
 
It is through the potential and creativity of our people that our country can strive. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
In the same spirit of collaborating around a common objective between government, organised labour, organised business, and civil society, I am pleased that today we are going to witness the signing of Social Compacts in the following areas:
 
1. Building the Foundation for Transformed Economy and Society.
2. Building the Skills for a Transformed Economy and Society.
 
The third compact will be finalised and signed in the next Council meeting, and it relates to working together to build a capable and developmental state.
 
Today’s signing ceremony is aimed at ensuring advocacy for all compacts and also highlights the commitments by each social partner who is a signatory to the compact. 
 
Our country’s foremost social compact is the National Development Plan, which provides the vision for growth and development as well as sets clear targets and timelines in this regard. 
 
Chapter 9 of the NDP acknowledges that ‘Education, training, and innovation are central to South Africa’s long-term development and lifelong learning, whereas work experience improves productivity, enabling a virtuous cycle that grows the economy.
 
The HRDC commitment to developing our people takes precedence in everything we do. 
 
The strides we have made in concluding the Social Compacts will surely guide us towards achieving the outcome of NDP vision 2030.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
To give effect to this vision, the Human Resource Development Council has developed the Human Resource Development Strategy, which focuses on building the human resources required for an improved and competitive economy.
 
As a Council, we should be focusing on programmes that will improve productivity and help people learn the skills they need for our country to become a knowledge and skill-based economy. 
 
As we deliberate issues in this meeting, we need to think critically about the role that this Council plays in skill development and consider if the work we are focusing on will provide individuals the skills they need to be adaptable to big-picture changes such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Certainly, as we adapt to a new and changing learning environment, we also must shine a spotlight on challenges that threaten our skills development agenda. 
 
Amongst others, these include the recent research findings on the concerning high levels of grade 4 learners who are said to be unable to read for meaning in any of our country’s eleven official languages. 
 
Our curriculum programmes must be responsive to these areas to ensure that we adapt to a new and changing learning environment.
 
Moreover, in order to effectively educate today's students, who will work in ten to fifteen years utilising systems that are operated and constantly growing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, teachers must be educated to utilise the most up-to-date teaching software. 
 
Additionally, it implies that workers who are currently employed should also be encouraged to advance themselves and pursue a lifetime of learning and dynamic change.
 
Lastly, in order for our kids to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be productive members of society, we need to find strategies to keep them in school.
 
We must create a conducive environment for learning and invest in education. We must let them know that education does not only open doors for being employed but that it is a personal tool for being a better citizen and human being.
 
As I conclude, we want to thank you all for taking your time to discuss this important issue of skills development. With these few words, I hope that our discussions will bear much needed  fruits. We appreciate everything that you do to help move South Africa ahead.
 
I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to lead the South African delegation to the 1st Saudi-Africa Summit, scheduled for this afternoon,  Friday, 10 November 2023.   

Originally scheduled for 2019, the Saudi-Africa Summit will deal in the main with development issues, key among them being education, health, humanitarian assistance and economic development.

Deputy President Mashatile’s delegation comprises Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ibrahim Patel, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. 

The Deputy President will use the opportunity of his visit to hold bilateral talks with some of the leaders of the delegations, and will also pay a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Bilateral Relations between South Africa and Saudi Arabia
The bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and South Africa is cordial and has strengthened over the years, underpinned by strong political relations which also translate into strong economic engagement.  

Our bilateral relations with the Kingdom are conducted mainly through two mechanisms: the Bilateral Political Consultation (BPC) and the Joint Economic Commisssion (JEC). The inaugural session of the BPC was held in 2021, and Minister Pandor is scheduled to host and co-chair the second session of the Saudi-South Africa BPC on 29 January 2024 with her counterpart, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The 9th session of the JEC was hosted and co-chaired by Minister Patel from 3 to 4 October 2022, just prior to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State Visit to Saudi Arabia from 15 to 16 October.

On the economic front, total trade between the two countries amounted to approximately R80 billion in 2022, with the basket of traded goods consisting largely of commodities between the two countries. 

A big part of the work of our bilateral instruments is to diversify trade between our countries, and explore opportunities that exist in agriculture and agri-processing, mining and energy, tourism, health, aviation and transport, maritime industries, as well as arts and culture.

Saudi Arabia is South Africa's second largest trading partner in Middle East region, coming just behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Media enquiries: Contact Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 064 833 8080 (while in the KSA)

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning, 

Firstly, I would like to once again extend my warm greetings to you, Your Excellency Vice President Márquez and the Distinguished Delegation you have brought from the Republic of Colombia.  

I wish to express my distinct honour and delight to welcome you to South Africa. I am confident that you will enjoy your short stay in our beautiful country – South Africa.  

We consider your visit significant in many ways, especially as we begin to reactivate our bilateral relations following the election of the administration of H. E. President Gustav Francisco Petro in Colombia in 2022.

We offer our warm congratulations and best wishes to President Petro and his government.

I am particularly pleased that my first Official Visit as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa is with you Vice President and that in your Africa tour, you chose South Africa as the first country to visit.

Your Excellency,

Our meeting today is historical, as there has not been this kind of high-level engagement between our two countries since the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Even more so, for us, to host the first Afro-descendent and female Vice President of the Republic of Colombia.  

Indeed, we are very much honoured, Your Excellency and welcome this progress in our endeavour to have more women leaders.

This meeting also represents a significant milestone, as we meet today to lay the foundation and roadmap for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between our two countries. Our countries share similar values of democracy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, sustainable development, the rule of law, and the reform of multilateral institutions.

These shared values provided a good basis for building strong, results-oriented and mutually beneficial relations that will contribute to addressing our national development priorities.

To this end, I look forward to our discussions on ways to achieve a pragmatic roadmap for bilateral cooperation in number of areas such as agribusiness; defence; environment; mining; energy; science and innovation; sports, arts and culture; trade and economic relations; tourism and transport.

Your Excellency,

It is imperative that South Africa and Colombia, as progressive countries of the South and other like-minded partners, should strengthen our resolve to advance the development agenda of the South and global governance reforms with a view of renewing and pursuing our collective global commitment to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

I am particularly pleased with the government of Colombia’s policy to re-activate relations with the African Continent.  

South Africa further welcomes your commitment to contributing to the success of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, as our Continent is advancing peace, security and development in Africa and in particular, to achieving the goal of an African continent free from war and conflict, but rather thrives and develops.   

Once more, I would like to reiterate my profound appreciation to you and your Delegation for visiting our country to map a path of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

I now invite you, Madam Vice President, to make your opening remarks.

I thank you.

Your Excellency Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, it is my distinct honour to welcome Her Excellency Vice President Mrs Francia Elena Márquez, and the delegation of the Government of the Republic of Colombia to our beautiful country.  

Your Excellency we are pleased that prior to this engagement, you have taken time to visit the Freedom Park which is a site of knowledge and heritage aimed at deepening the understanding of our rich history and journey to liberation. 

Your Excellency,

We may be on different sides of the world, yet there is much we can learn from one another and much we can teach each other.

This is especially true when it comes to how we deal with deep structural challenges such as land ownership, as we both share colonial legacies and incredible diversity – in people, culture and ecology.

Therefore, this visit marks an important milestone in strengthening our political and economic relations, as it is also the first meeting between South Africa and Colombia since President Gustav Francisco Petro took office in August 2022.

We are optimistic that the election of President Petro and Vice-President Márquez, will create a new opening to revitalise ties with South Africa and with Africa as a whole.

We are confident that the new Colombian government will continue to expand the bilateral relations that were established in the 1990s, when our countries began to develop strong political and economic connections.

On the economic front, South Africa and Colombia have engaged in trade and investments in various industries, including mining, agriculture and manufacturing. 

Both countries have also signed several bilateral agreements that focus on enhancing economic cooperation.

Bilateral cooperation with Colombia is, furthermore, in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objective of the South-South Cooperation to develop mutually beneficial political and economic relations as well as technical cooperation to advance the development agenda of the South.  

The concluded various legal instruments include the following:

•    Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations,
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Parks,
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology, and
•    Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Academies.

However, we acknowledge that the enormous challenge of boosting economic growth and generating new employment opportunities remains a reality for both of our countries.  

We are aiming to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements and high‐level engagements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda and South‐South cooperation. 

In this regard, we are pleased that Vice President Márquez will be joining the Business Forum later tomorrow, which brings together business people from our respective countries.

We are looking forward to engage our two countries' business sectors, as they are our socio-economic development partners.

The two nations will continue to facilitate mutually beneficial trade, investment, and technical cooperation in the following sectors through their Ministers and Senior Government Officials:

•    Agribusiness
•    Defence
•    Mining
•    Science and Technology
•    Sport, Arts and Culture
•    Tourism
•    Transport

Your Excellency,

On the basis of our respective countries' priorities and competitive advantages, we agree on the need to increase investment in value addition in agriculture and agro-processing, mining equipment and related services.

Madam Vice President, South Africa welcomes the steady growth of investments from Colombia, especially in the agribusiness sector, which is significantly contributing to job creation and to our country's growth and development. 

As a country, we view Colombia as an important partner in the Latin American region that has potential for improved bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Similarly, we have been assured  that the political and economic decision-makers, stakeholders, and role-players in Colombia see South Africa as a valuable partner, and are eager to strengthen and expand political, economic, and social relations to a more robust and strategic level.  

During our official talks, we also had an opportunity to consider broad areas of cooperation and evaluated progress in the implementation of previous decisions and agreements.

In this regard, we reaffirmed our commitment of promoting peace, and objectives of sustainable development to improve the wellbeing of our citizens and multilateralism, which provide a basis for strengthening our bilateral relations.

We therefore hope that Her Excellency’s visit will increase these bonds of friendship and go a long way in improving the lives of the citizens of our respective countries and carry on the fight against inequality, unemployment, and poverty as envisioned in our National Development Plan. 

In conclusion, Your Excellency, I wish you and your delegation, a pleasant stay here in South Africa, and look forward to working together to advance the development agenda of the south. 

I thank you.

Part one: Deputy President Mashatile conducts a Land Reform Outreach visit in Hoedspruit
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, will on Friday, 17 November 2023, lead the IMC on an outreach visit to the Mopani District Municipality in the Limpopo Province.

The Land Reform outreach programme will focus on strengthening partnership and fostering a positive collaboration between Government and social partners to accelerate the land reform programme and enhance agricultural productivity.

In particular, the oversight visit will provide the IMC on Land Reform and Agriculture the opportunity to assess progress achieved by government, in the implementation of the Land Reform programme.

Deputy President Mashatile will interact with the organised farming community as part of strengthening a coordinated government approach and towards ensuring that restituted land is complemented with a targeted package of development support, and to further ensure that the beneficiaries of restituted land are empowered to utilise their land productively.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:
09h00: The Deputy President arrives at Selwana Nature Reserve, Phalaborwa
09h40: Site visit of the Selwana Nature Reserve.
12h15: Deputy President and delegation visit the Moletele farm, located around Hoedspruit (approximately an hour’s drive from the Selwana Nature Reserve).
14h00: Engage with the Farming Community at Grovedale 239KT Sports Ground near Moletele Packhouse, Hoedspruit.

For accreditation please contact, Pontsho Mantlhakga on 081 589 4369 or Avhashoni Magada on 082 465 7848

Part two: Deputy President Mashatile participates at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and launches 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament and officiate the launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme of Action, scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
 
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a resilient partnership which includes Government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector, and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society, under the theme: “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments” #MenChampioningChange

“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “Let Us Stand Up Together”, a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the Official Launch of the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action, which represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, and advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. 

In recognition of organisations committed to Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present Certificates of Recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials.

Members of media are invited to cover the event and to confirm their attendance by sending their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Ndavhe Ramakuela on 082 200 5357 no later than 17H00 on Friday, 17 November 2023
 
The event will be divided into three sessions as follows:
• Session one: Traditional Men’s Council at Masia Traditional Council
Time: 08h30 – 10h20
Venue: Masia Traditional Council, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
• Session two: Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to NPOS
Time: 08h30 - 10h00
Venue: Masia Traditional Council Hall, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.

• Session three: Formal Programme & Launch Of The 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme Of Action
Time: 11h00 -14h00
Venue: Masia Village, Multi-Purpose Resource Centre, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo.
 
For media interviews prior to the event, please contact:
1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape, 082 318 5251
2. Modise Kabedi – Parliament, 081 715 9969
3. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini, 078 731 0313
4. Limpopo Office of the Premier – Ndavhe Ramakuela - 082 200 5357
 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director Dr Sedise Moseneke,
Former Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe,
Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi,
Minister of Health, Joe Phahla,
Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi,
Premier of Gauteng
My Sister Koketso le bana, 
Former Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke and Mme Khabonina Moseneke and the entire family, 
Archbishop Thabo Cecil Makgoba and the clergy here present,
The CIC Malema and leaders of all political parties present,
Former UDF Leaders and veterans,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Friends of Tiego,
Bereaved friends

Our hearts are broken. 

It is never a pleasant experience to meet under the dark clouds of sorrow and sadness, because of the loss of a loved one. 

On the morning of 20 April, we were informed that Tiego, our brother and comrade, had passed on. It was the most devastating and depressing news to process. 

As a result of his enormous impact on our lives, many of us still find it difficult to fathom what it would be like to go through life without this son of our land.

I have known Tiego for more than 40 years, always referred to him as “Ticks”. We served in the Transvaal UDF and the PWV Executive Committee of the ANC and ended in prison during the state of emergency in 1986. 

I have come to respect his political and business acumen. He lived a life worth celebrating. He came from a tenacious generation that stood against the apartheid system. It is a generation that, even post-1994, never stopped to serve. They are all, as Tiego was until the end, activists to the core.

Tiego was a comrade and a brother in arms. As we grew, he also became an advisor and counsellor. Together with a handful of friends and Comrades, including Mandla Nkomfe, Isaac Shongwe, and Nkenke Kekana, to name a few, he formed a team that provided me with wise counsel when I was approached to consider availing myself for the position of Deputy President of the ANC. 

Tiego became part of the team because of his selflessness and deep love for the people and the movement. 

On 16 April at 17:34, Tiego shared the following insights with our group:

"We have a wonderful story of Triumph against colonial annihilation over the last 500 years. They, the dominant global military and political and economic forces of the last 500 years, literally annihilated indigenous Americans (Red Indians) and the Aborigines in the Australias and many indigenous societies across the globe. They could have done the same to us, but 500 years of glorious struggles by many generations of our glorious peoples ensured that we are not obliterated and can ultimately determine our destiny. We need to document, write, celebrate and make this history of Triumph our essence. We must commend ourselves for surviving the dominant military and global force of the last 500 years. It is no mean feat. Our forebears have gifted us with an appreciation of this that can fortify us for the next 500 years as the new battle for global domination starts again". 

I have quoted Tiego extensively because I want everyone to remember that we have lost a great mind, a servant of the people, a true revolutionary and a gallant freedom fighter—someone who was forever measured both in thought and in speech, with a lucid mind. 

Those of us who sat in the shadow of his wisdom will never forget him for his clear intellect and ability to assess any situation to provide a lasting solution. 

Tiego could see over the furthest horizon and thought and planned long-term. He had a mind that could synthesise the past with the present and draw historical significant lessons for the future. 

In the quote I gave above, Tiego, instructs us not to betray the cause but rather stay the course for 500 years. This he does because he believed and remained committed to the task of building a national democratic society, no matter how long the journey, no matter how demanding the task. 

He thought and dreamed in vistas that stretch over hundreds of years, a man to whom history was deeply personal, and the mission of its fulfilment immediate. 

Dr Martin Luther King once noted “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends inevitably towards justice.”  No one I have known embodies this truism like Tiego Moseneke did. 

On the same day of 16 April at 19h30, commenting on the death of Comrade Mbulelo Musi, Tiego said, “The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture must chronicle the lives of cadres meticulously for generations to come. It is a mystery why it is not done – and properly." 

We didn't realise he was saying goodbye to us. We now know that he was instructing us to invest in promoting and preserving our collective memory as a people. 

Tiego, we are committing to do everything in our power to chronicle the lives of those who have contributed to the struggle for generations to come. 

The profound words of wisdom that Tiego left us with suggest that we must change the narrative about who we are as a people. Tiego reminded us that we are victors, and in us, greater spirits live. Nothing shall defeat us as a people if we continue to work together.

His statements show that Tiego was worried about how we should renew his movement, our country, and Africa to construct the world we want. 

We take the wise counsel of Tiego. We are as he suggested setting ourselves on the path for the next 500 years to renew and rebuild our country for future generations to come. 

Fellow mourners, dear friend of Ticks and many of you here today, 

I offer my deepest condolences to each one of you here friends. None of you would be here if you have not been touched in some way by this gentle revolutionary giant. My spirit is wounded as much as yours is, I see and feel your loss. 

Most importantly, I would like to once again offer words of comfort and encouragement to our sister Koketso, Tiego’s children. To you I say: the void that Tiego is leaving will be filled by the beautiful memories you have shared with him as your husband and father.  My brother Dikgang and the entire family and relatives, re re gomotsegang.

I want to share a verse from Psalm 34:18: 
"The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

We, too, will continue to reminisce about the life we shared with Tiego in prison, in the trenches, underground and golf courses, as well as post-1994, and more recently, what he would advise us to do. 

We dare not fail him and our people. 

The only way we can honour Tiego is to renew the movement he loved and served, HIS movement must continue to be an instrument at the hands of the people he loved and served, in order to bring about a better life for all. 

To honour a man who thought and acted according to the grandest of vistas, we must think and act boldly for the long-term. Where shall we be, as a people, in another 500 years? Will we be the victors that Tiego so desperately fought for us to be? 

A moea oa senatla sena o phomole ka khotso e sa feleng! 

Fare thee well my brother, you will always live in our memories

Robala Mokwena

Ke a leboga