The Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 21 October 2026, open and participate in a Virtual Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government from Cape Town.

The Extraordinary Summit is convened outside the regular annual schedule to address pressing regional matters, including outstanding institutional matters such as the appointment of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration and the election of the incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

In accordance with SADC practice, invitations to Heads of State and Government have been issued by the Chairperson of the Summit.

The meeting follows South Africa’s hosting of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from 3 to 18 August 2026.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola.

The President’s opening address will take place as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 16h00
Platform: PresidencyZA digital platforms

The opening ceremony will be livestreamed on The Presidency’s digital platforms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will lead the Youth Career and Services Expo in Tembalethu, George.

The expo aims to provide young people with access to career guidance, information on available opportunities, and services that can support their personal and professional development.

Details of the Event are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Zone 9 Hall, Ward 15, Tembalethu, George.


Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@presidency, 082 580 2213 or Wandiswa Nyawuza, 067 237 3630
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul,
Your Excellency Shri Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India,
Executive Mayor of the Namakwa District Municipality, Ms Alinda Beukes,
Mayor of the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality, Ms Estella Cloete,
Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Resources, Ms Priya Agarwal Hebbar,
Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Zinc International, Mr Vijay Kumar,
Traditional and religious leaders,
Representatives of organised labour,
Management and workers of Vedanta,
Members of the Khâi-Ma and Namakwa communities,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Goeie môre. Dumelang. Molweni. Namaskar. Good morning.

It is a great pleasure to return to Aggeneys and to the Gamsberg mine.

When I was here in 2019 to officially open the first phase of this mining operation, we celebrated the beginning of an ambitious investment in the future of the Northern Cape and our country.

Today, seven years later, we have returned to witness another important milestone in that journey.

We have come to inaugurate a major expansion of one of the most significant zinc mining operations on the African continent.

We have come to celebrate an investment that has moved from commitment to construction, and from construction to production.

Above all, we have come to recognise what can be achieved when government, business, workers and communities work together in pursuit of a common purpose.

The theme of today’s inauguration, Partnerships for Progress, is therefore particularly appropriate.

This investment tells an important story about South Africa.

It is a story of confidence in our country’s future.

It is a story of resilience in the face of economic challenges.

It is a story of the enormous possibilities that exist when we harness our mineral wealth, our industrial capabilities and the talents of our people.

And it is a story that must continue to unfold, not only here in Aggeneys, but across the length and breadth of our country.

When we launched our national investment drive in 2018, we did so at a particularly difficult moment in our country’s economic history.

We were emerging from a period of state capture that had weakened important public institutions, undermined confidence and damaged our economy.

Our electricity system was under severe strain.

Our railways and ports were becoming increasingly inefficient.

Economic growth was weak, investment was subdued and unemployment remained unacceptably high.

We understood then that South Africa could not achieve the growth and employment our people needed without rebuilding confidence, restoring the capability of the state and undertaking fundamental economic reforms.

We also understood that government could not accomplish this task alone.

We needed a partnership with the private sector, with investors, with organised labour and with society as a whole.

It was in this difficult environment that Vedanta demonstrated its confidence in South Africa.

At the first South Africa Investment Conference in 2018, Vedanta Zinc International was among the companies that made substantial commitments to our investment programme.

Its commitment of approximately R21 billion was an important endorsement of South Africa’s economic potential.

Vedanta did not wait for every challenge to be resolved before investing.

It recognised that South Africa possessed enduring strengths: abundant mineral resources, a substantial industrial base, sophisticated financial institutions, skilled people and access to growing African and international markets.

It recognised that our country’s economic difficulties were not insurmountable.

And, importantly, it chose to become part of the effort to overcome them.

Today, we are witnessing the tangible results of that confidence.

We are seeing what happens when investment commitments are translated into productive assets, employment opportunities and economic activity.

This is precisely the outcome we seek from our national investment drive.

We do not pursue investment pledges merely to announce impressive figures.

We pursue investment because we want to see mines opened, factories built, infrastructure developed, businesses established and jobs created.

We pursue investment because we want to improve people’s lives.

At the South Africa Investment Conference earlier this year, we secured commitments amounting to approximately R890 billion, including development finance commitments.

Building on the achievements of our first investment drive, we have now set ourselves the ambitious target of mobilising R3 trillion in investment over five years.

But the true measure of success will not be the value of the commitments we announce.

It will be the investments that materialise, the businesses that grow and the opportunities that are created for our people.

That is why today’s inauguration is so important.

It demonstrates that South Africa is not only a country of investment opportunities.

It is a country where major investments can be successfully undertaken and brought into operation.

Over the past several years, we have undertaken far-reaching economic reforms aimed at addressing the constraints that have held back investment and growth.

We have made substantial progress in overcoming the electricity supply crisis.

We are undertaking fundamental changes to the structure of the electricity industry, opening the way for greater competition, new investment and a more secure and sustainable energy future.

We are improving the performance of our railways and ports, while introducing reforms that will enable greater private sector participation in freight logistics.

We have taken steps to stabilise the public finances, rebuild critical institutions and restore the credibility of economic governance.

We are also embarking on an extensive programme of public infrastructure investment.

Government has committed approximately R1 trillion to infrastructure development over the medium term.

Our intention is to modernise and expand the infrastructure on which economic development depends.

We are investing in electricity transmission, railways, ports, water systems, roads and other strategic infrastructure.

These reforms are essential to increasing the productive capacity and competitiveness of our economy.

Yet we know that much more remains to be done.

Electricity must not only be available. It must also be affordable and competitively priced.

Our railways and ports must not only function better. They must become efficient enough to enable our exporters to compete successfully in global markets.

Investors must be able to obtain the necessary approvals and regulatory certainty without unnecessary delays.

And municipalities must be capable of delivering reliable water, electricity, roads and other services to industries and communities.

The task before us is to turn the progress we have made in stabilising the economy into a sustained period of higher growth, industrial expansion and large-scale employment creation.

It is investments such as Gamsberg Phase II that will help us achieve this.

The expansion will double the mine’s annual ore capacity from approximately 4 million to 8 million tonnes.

Its annual zinc-in-concentrate production capacity will increase to approximately 500,000 tonnes.

This positions Gamsberg among the major zinc-producing operations in the world and reinforces South Africa’s standing as an important producer of this industrial mineral.

It is an achievement of which Vedanta, its employees, its contractors and its partners can be justifiably proud.

But the significance of this investment extends well beyond the increased volume of zinc that will be produced.

It points to something much more important for South Africa’s economic future.

It points to the opportunity to transform our mineral wealth into a foundation for industrialisation.

For too long, South Africa and many other African countries have occupied the lower end of global value chains.

We have extracted minerals from our soil and exported them for processing and manufacturing elsewhere.

We have then imported finished products made from those same minerals, often at a considerably higher price.

In the process, other countries have captured much of the value, the technology, the industrial capability and the employment opportunities associated with our natural resources.

This is a pattern that we are determined to change.

South Africa must progressively move beyond being primarily a producer and exporter of raw and semi-processed commodities.

We must become a country that adds greater value to its mineral resources through processing, refining, manufacturing and technological innovation.

Zinc is a particularly important mineral in this regard.

It is essential for galvanising steel and protecting it against corrosion.

It is used in construction, transport infrastructure, automotive manufacturing and a wide range of industrial applications.

It also has an important role in emerging energy technologies.

As countries across the world invest in infrastructure, industrial development and the energy transition, the demand for the products and applications that rely on zinc will continue to create opportunities.

South Africa must position itself to benefit from these opportunities.

We must ask ourselves a fundamental question:

Why should the mineral wealth beneath our soil create more industrial opportunities elsewhere than it creates here at home?

Our ambition must be to ensure that a growing share of the value generated from our minerals remains within our economy.

That means developing refining and smelting capacity.

It means attracting downstream manufacturers.

It means supporting South African suppliers, engineers, artisans, entrepreneurs and technology companies.

It means establishing industrial clusters that link mining with manufacturing, energy, logistics and other productive sectors.

And it means ensuring that our young people acquire the skills to participate in these industries.

The Gamsberg operation provides an important foundation for this transformation.

But the establishment of the Phase II concentrator must not be the end of the investment journey.

It should be the beginning of a new phase of industrial development.

We therefore welcome Vedanta’s ambition to establish zinc smelting capacity in the Northern Cape.

Such an investment would enable South Africa to move further along the zinc value chain, from producing concentrate to producing refined zinc metal.

It would create new opportunities for industrial production, local procurement and employment.

We recognise that an investment of this magnitude requires commercially viable electricity, reliable infrastructure and other enabling conditions.

Government must work with Vedanta and other partners to address these requirements.

Our objective must be to create the conditions in which further beneficiation investments become viable and competitive.

We want the zinc that is mined here to become the foundation of industries that manufacture here, employ here and create prosperity here.

The Northern Cape is exceptionally well positioned to become one of South Africa’s next major centres of industrial growth.

It possesses extraordinary mineral resources.

It has some of the country’s best solar and wind energy potential.

It has vast land resources and opportunities for the development of new industrial, energy and logistics infrastructure.

And it is strategically positioned to link inland mineral production with export markets.

These advantages must be brought together in a coherent programme of regional industrial development.

The Namakwa Special Economic Zone is central to this vision.

With Vedanta as an anchor investor, the Special Economic Zone has the potential to become a major centre for mineral beneficiation, industrial manufacturing and related economic activity.

It must serve as a catalyst for attracting other investors and establishing a broader industrial ecosystem.

The development of the Namakwa Special Economic Zone must also be integrated with the proposed Boegoebaai port and industrial developments, the Upington industrial and energy initiatives, and other components of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor.

Our vision is of a province in which mineral extraction, renewable energy, industrial production and modern logistics reinforce one another.

A province where new mines create opportunities for factories.

Where renewable energy supports competitive industrial production.

Where improved transport infrastructure connects producers to domestic, regional and international markets.

And where the expansion of industry creates new opportunities for small businesses and local communities.

This is how we can unlock the full economic potential of the Northern Cape.

The challenge is to ensure that these projects do not remain separate initiatives, each advancing at its own pace and without sufficient coordination.

They must form part of an integrated development programme, with clear responsibilities, coordinated investment and effective implementation.

National government, the provincial government, municipalities, state-owned enterprises and private investors must work together to make this vision a reality.

We must be deliberate in our efforts to build new centres of economic activity beyond the country’s traditional industrial heartlands.

The Northern Cape must become known not only for the wealth beneath its soil, but for the industries, innovation and prosperity that grow above it.

We must never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate purpose of economic development is to improve the lives of our people.

The mining industry remains one of the pillars of South Africa’s economy.

It provides employment to hundreds of thousands of people, contributes significantly to national income and remains a major source of export earnings.

But the importance of mining cannot be measured only by the value of minerals extracted or the revenue earned.

It must also be measured by the opportunities created for the communities that live alongside mining operations.

It must be measured by the quality of employment, the development of skills, the growth of local enterprises and improvements in living conditions.

In this regard, Vedanta’s investment has already made an important contribution.

More than 1,500 people were employed during construction of the Phase II expansion.

The expanded operation is expected to sustain between 800 and 1,000 jobs during its operational phase.

These jobs are of immense importance in a province where economic opportunities, particularly for young people, remain limited.

They represent incomes for families, opportunities to acquire skills and the prospect of a more secure future.

We welcome Vedanta’s commitment to recruiting from local communities and developing the capabilities of people in the Northern Cape.

But we must continuously raise our ambitions.

The people of Namakwa must not be confined to the lowest-skilled jobs in the mining industry.

We want to see more young people from this region becoming engineers, geologists, metallurgists, electricians, technicians, managers and entrepreneurs.

We want to see local businesses move beyond providing basic services to becoming competitive suppliers of equipment, components and specialised industrial services.

We want to see young women entering occupations and industries from which they have historically been excluded.

We want to see investment in training institutions, apprenticeships, bursaries and workplace learning.

The greatest legacy of a mining investment is not only what it produces during the life of the mine.

It is also the productive capacity, the skills and the economic opportunities that remain long after the mineral resources have been exhausted.

This is the legacy that we must seek to build here in Aggeneys and throughout the Namakwa District.

Mining communities must be active participants in development, not passive observers of economic activity taking place around them.

Their needs, aspirations and concerns must inform the development of mining operations and the investments made in surrounding communities.

We therefore welcome Vedanta’s continuing commitment to social investment and community development.

I am particularly pleased by the establishment of the JF Boeboe Van Wyk Oncology Centre in Springbok.

This is an important investment in the health and dignity of the people of Namakwa.

For patients and their families, access to specialised cancer care closer to home can make an enormous difference.

It reduces the burden of travelling long distances for treatment and provides greater support to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This is a practical example of how a partnership between business and government can deliver a lasting benefit to a community.

We also commend Vedanta’s investments in early childhood development, education, bursaries, skills training and water security.

These initiatives must continue to grow in their reach and impact.

They must form part of a sustained effort to improve the quality of life of the communities that have welcomed and supported this investment.

We must also ensure that mining takes place in a manner that protects the environment and preserves the natural heritage of this remarkable region.

The Northern Cape is home to unique ecosystems and biodiversity that must be protected for future generations.

Mining development and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand.

We welcome Vedanta’s biodiversity conservation initiatives and its efforts to protect threatened species and important conservation areas.

We also commend the company and its workforce on the reported achievement of completing the construction of Gamsberg Phase II without a fatality and on maintaining a strong safety record.

This is an achievement that deserves recognition.

But it must never lead to complacency.

No tonne of ore, no production target and no financial return can ever be worth the life of a worker.

The health, dignity and safety of every person who works at this mine must remain the highest priority.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This occasion is also an important affirmation of the enduring relationship between South Africa and India.

Our two countries are bound together by deep historical ties, common democratic values and a shared commitment to development.

Our relationship was forged through struggles against colonialism and oppression and has grown into a partnership encompassing trade, investment, technology, education and international cooperation.

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi last month, we engaged Indian business leaders on expanding investment and trade between our countries.

We spoke of the opportunities that exist in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, technology and mineral beneficiation.

We also recognised the contribution that Indian companies are already making to South Africa’s economic development.

Today, more than 150 Indian companies have established a presence in South Africa, contributing investment, employment and industrial expertise.

Vedanta stands among the important examples of this partnership.

Yet what is especially significant about Vedanta’s presence here is the manner in which it has become part of the economic and social fabric of South Africa.

Through its investments, its employees, its partnerships and its community programmes, the company has established roots in this country.

We welcome this commitment.

And we hope that it will encourage other Indian and international investors to recognise the opportunities that exist in South Africa.

Our message to investors is clear.

South Africa is open for investment.

We are committed to creating a more competitive, predictable and supportive environment for productive enterprise.

We recognise that investors need policy certainty, efficient infrastructure, capable institutions and a government that responds effectively to the challenges they encounter.

We are determined to provide these conditions.

At the same time, we look to investors to become partners in our broader development objectives.

We want investments that create decent employment, develop local industries, transfer skills, support transformation and contribute to the prosperity of surrounding communities.

For investment to be sustainable, it must create value not only for shareholders, but also for workers, communities and the country as a whole.

This is the foundation of the partnership we seek between government and business.

As we inaugurate this magnificent plant today, we should reflect on what it represents for the future of our country.

It represents confidence in South Africa.

It represents the determination to overcome the constraints that have held back our economy.

It represents the opportunity to convert our natural resources into greater industrial capacity.

And it represents the possibility of building new centres of economic opportunity in regions that have not yet realised their full development potential.

But we should also recognise that this achievement carries a responsibility.

The responsibility to build on what has been accomplished.

The responsibility to move beyond extraction towards greater beneficiation and manufacturing.

The responsibility to ensure that our infrastructure, energy and logistics systems support industrial expansion.

And the responsibility to ensure that the people of this region experience the benefits of development in their everyday lives.

I would like to see the day when a young person growing up in Aggeneys can complete their education, acquire advanced technical skills and find meaningful employment in a thriving local industrial economy.

I would like to see local entrepreneurs building successful businesses that supply not only this mine, but industries across South Africa and beyond.

I would like to see the Namakwa region become internationally recognised as a centre of modern mining, mineral beneficiation, renewable energy and advanced industrial production.

This is an ambition that is within our reach.

But it will require the same qualities that have brought us to this moment: confidence, perseverance, partnership and a willingness to invest for the long term.

To Vedanta Resources and Vedanta Zinc International, I extend our appreciation for your continued confidence in South Africa.

To the engineers, contractors, managers and workers who have brought this project to completion, I offer our congratulations.

To the provincial and local government leaders, I urge you to continue working with business and communities to realise the full potential of this investment.

And to the people of Aggeneys, Khâi-Ma and the greater Namakwa District, I say that the future we are building must be a future in which you share.

We must build a South Africa in which our mineral wealth becomes the foundation of industrial wealth.

A South Africa in which investment becomes employment, production becomes prosperity, and economic growth becomes a better life for all.

Why should the mineral wealth beneath our soil create more industrial opportunities elsewhere than it creates here at home?We want the zinc that is mined here to become the foundation of industries that manufacture here, employ here and create prosperity here.

The Northern Cape must become known not only for the wealth beneath its soil, but for the industries, innovation and prosperity that grow above it.

We must be a country that does more than extract the minerals that the world needs.

We must become a country that uses those minerals to manufacture the products that the world needs.

That is the opportunity before us.

That is the ambition that must drive us.

And that is the future we must build together.

It is now my honour and privilege to declare the Vedanta Gamsberg Phase II Concentrator Plant officially open.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
President of FEDUSA, Mr Godfrey Selematsela,
General Secretary of FEDUSA, Ms Riefdah Ajam,
Members of the National Executive Committee,
Leaders of affiliated unions,
Representatives of organised labour, business and Government,
International guests,
Delegates,

Comrades and friends,

Allow me to convey the greetings of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had intended to join this important occasion. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, he was unable to attend and delegated me to represent him.

At the outset, let me wish the Federation of Unions of South Africa a successful 8th National Congress.

Since its founding, FEDUSA has grown significantly, with its affiliated unions representing workers across the economy, including education, health, finance, manufacturing, transport and public administration.

This year marks thirty years since our democratic Constitution was signed into law, ushering in a new era of dignity and justice for South Africa’s workers.

It marked a fundamental break with one of apartheid’s most insidious features: the industrial colour bar.

In his statement from the dock at the Rivonia Trial in 1964, President Nelson Mandela described how the colour bar reserved the better jobs in industry for whites, while Africans were confined to semi-skilled and unskilled work.

They were denied the right to form recognised trade unions or to strike.

“The complaint of Africans,” he said, “is not only that they are poor and the whites are rich, but that the laws which are made by the whites are designed to preserve this situation.”

Our Constitution now guarantees the right to fair labour practices, to form and join trade unions, to collective bargaining and to strike.

These are the very rights denied to workers when President Mandela spoke at Rivonia. These protections are among our democracy’s greatest achievements.

While we celebrate the progress made in overcoming the injustices of apartheid and building a democratic society, a journey throughout which FEDUSA has steadfastly defended and advanced workers' rights for nearly three decades, we must also recognise that South Africa and the world face a new generation of challenges.

Geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and changing trade policies are disrupting established economic relationships, affecting our export markets, investment and industrial competitiveness.

The International Labour Organisation, which for more than a century has championed freedom of association and collective bargaining, faces one of the most serious financial crises in its recent history.

Artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms can raise productivity, but they can also displace workers.

The rise of artificial intelligence presents organised labour with a historic challenge and opportunity. Those who anticipate change and prepare workers with the skills, protections and voice needed in the digital economy will help shape the future.

Those who fail to do so risk allowing technological change to deepen inequality and exclusion. It is therefore imperative that trade unions position themselves at the forefront of this transition, championing policies that place people at the centre of technological advancement.

Subsequently, trade unions must prepare to bargain over workplace data, technological restructuring and access to upskilling and reskilling.

They must be able to represent workers in informal, digital and other insecure forms of employment.

The theme of this Congress, “Reclaiming and Organising the Future: Workers’ Dignity, Power, and Justice through Conscious Unionism in an Age of Crisis”, speaks directly to these circumstances.

It challenges us to ask whether the institutions established to advance workers’ interests are fulfilling their purpose.

Despite our progressive labour laws, the labour market still reflects inequalities of race, gender and disability, particularly at senior management levels.

Legislation alone will not achieve transformation.

Employers must address unequal recruitment, pay disparities and inadequate skills development. Trade unions must actively monitor whether employment equity plans deliver results.

Transformation must be reflected in the structure of our economy, not merely in formal compliance.
We must acknowledge that relations between government and social partners are at times under strain.

We must acknowledge legitimate frustrations about the pace of reform, inadequate consultation and agreements that aren’t implemented.

We do not serve our country by pretending these frustrations do not exist.

Our most urgent national task is to achieve stronger growth and create jobs on a scale that substantially reduces poverty and inequality.

The economy contracted by 0.2 percent in the second quarter of 2026, with mining, manufacturing and trade under considerable pressure. Some 8.5 million South Africans are unemployed. The official unemployment rate has risen to 33.6 percent.

These figures represent people unable to provide for their families, graduates unable to enter the labour market, and communities where opportunity is limited.

When a factory closes, suppliers lose business, local enterprises lose customers and entire communities decline.

We cannot treat retrenchments as an unavoidable consequence of restructuring.

Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act requires meaningful consultation before dismissals for operational requirements.

Employers must engage in good faith, while trade unions should consider credible alternatives such as retraining and redeployment.

We need to ensure that instruments like Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (TERS) work with greater speed and transparency.

It must swiftly provide short-term financial assistance to workers and distressed companies to prevent retrenchments and avoid total loss of income.

Government, employers and unions must engage before retrenchment notices are issued.

Employment preservation must become a more deliberate part of our industrial policy.

We are focusing on increasing the quantity and improving the quality of opportunities created through Government’s Labour Activation Programme.

We are expanding apprenticeships, artisan development and workplace learning.

Inclusive growth and job creation is the apex priority of the Government of National Unity. We are pursuing reforms to strengthen electricity supply, improve freight logistics and expand infrastructure investment.

We have made important progress in stabilising electricity generation. But electricity has become increasingly expensive, weakening energy-intensive industries such as steel, ferroalloys and chemicals, and straining household incomes.

We cannot build our industry without addressing electricity affordability.

Government is therefore reviewing electricity pricing policy to balance the needs of vulnerable households, the sustainability of supply and industrial competitiveness.

We are also tackling poor maintenance, theft and weak revenue management in municipal distribution so that responsible consumers do not bear the burden of avoidable losses.

The cost of living remains a serious concern.

The National Minimum Wage is both a great achievement of labour and an important protection, but it cannot resolve every pressure facing working families.

We need affordable public services, effective social protection and sustained improvements in real incomes.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund exists to protect workers during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Funded by workers and employers, it must be managed to the highest standards of integrity.

We are therefore troubled by recurring allegations of corruption and irregular procurement at the Fund, and by the delays workers face in accessing benefits to which they are entitled.

A worker who has lost their job should not have to struggle for months to obtain assistance.

In June, President Ramaphosa authorised the Special Investigating Unit to investigate alleged wrongdoing at the UIF.

Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the consequences.

Restoring confidence in the Fund is a matter of utmost urgency, and organised labour and business must participate meaningfully in improving its governance.

The problems at the UIF point to a broader question about how our institutions of social dialogue function. South Africa has a distinguished history of negotiation between Government, labour and business.

Yet confidence in social dialogue has weakened.

Unions are frustrated by agreements left unimplemented, Government by negotiations that drag on without outcomes, and business by policy uncertainty.

NEDLAC must remain a forum for serious engagement, but it must also become more effective in producing practical outcomes.

Social dialogue requires each partner to exercise their responsibilities with an understanding of the interests of others. We will not always agree, but we must be able to disagree without destroying the institutions that enable us to work together.

Workers depend on functioning water systems, electricity, public transport and municipalities.

Restoring effective local government is therefore also an economic priority.

I acknowledge the public servants who continue to provide essential services under difficult circumstances. They deserve fair treatment and competent leadership.

Labour migration also requires responsible engagement.

We are committed to managing lawful migration, protecting the integrity of our labour market and ensuring that employers comply with the law, while respecting the constitutional rights of all who live and work here.

The Employment Services Amendment Bill now before Parliament seeks to strengthen public employment services, regulate private employment agencies and provide clearer rules on the employment of foreign nationals.

I encourage FEDUSA to participate in the parliamentary process.

The theme of this Congress challenges all of us.

For government, it requires competent administration and accountability. For business, it requires responsible investment and fair employment practices. For organised labour, conscious unionism requires democratic leadership, accountability to members and ethical conduct.

Government must show through its actions that it takes organised labour’s concerns seriously. We must create opportunities for young people, protect existing jobs, make electricity more affordable, expand industrial production and ensure that the transition to a sustainable economy is fair.

Our democratic settlement was built on the conviction that negotiation could resolve differences. We must renew that conviction through our actions.

I wish you constructive deliberations and a successful 8th National Congress.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde;
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath;
Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Prof Thuli Madonsela;
Representatives of the United Nations in South Africa;
Leaders of SALGA;
Development partners;
Members of the Executive, Legislatures and Judiciary;
Mayors, Councillors and Local Government Representatives;
Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders;
Religious Leaders;
Representatives of Civil Society, Labour, Business and Academia;
Young People and Community Representatives;
Distinguished Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning,

It is an honour to address the 8th Social Justice Summit on behalf of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Paul Mashatile. 

The Deputy President extends his warm greetings and appreciation to the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and its partners for convening this important gathering.

Over the years, the Social Justice Summit has become a valuable platform for dialogue, reflection and collaboration on issues that affect the wellbeing and future of our nation. It continues to provide an opportunity to assess our progress in advancing the constitutional vision of a just, inclusive and equitable society.

This year's theme, "The District Development Model (DDM) Inter-Governmental Relations as Catalysts for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Social Justice,"underscores the importance of cooperation across all spheres of government in driving development, improving service delivery and advancing social justice.

The theme speaks to a simple but important reality: the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and uneven access to services cannot be addressed by any institution acting alone. They require coordinated action, shared responsibility and a steadfast focus on the needs of our people.

As we mark 30 years of our Constitution, we are reminded that its promise extends beyond the protection of rights. It calls on the state to create the conditions necessary for every person to live with dignity, equality and opportunity.

This Summit therefore provides an opportunity for honest reflection. We must ask whether the gains of our democracy are being felt in the everyday lives of our people and whether the promises of our Constitution are becoming a lived reality for all.

South Africa has made notable progress over the past three decades. Access to services has expanded, democratic institutions have matured, and fundamental rights are firmly protected. Yet many citizens continue to experience poverty, unemployment, inequality and inadequate access to opportunities.

Ultimately, social justice is measured not by policies or programmes, but by people's lived experiences. It is reflected in the quality of education children receive, access to healthcare, reliable water and sanitation, decent housing, safe communities and opportunities for economic participation.

It is also reflected in whether young people can realise their potential, whether women and vulnerable groups can live free from discrimination and insecurity, and whether every South African has a fair opportunity to succeed irrespective of where they live or the circumstances into which they were born.

Against this backdrop, the District Development Model offers a practical framework for translating constitutional commitments into tangible outcomes. By strengthening cooperation between national, provincial and local government, the DDM seeks to improve planning, align resources and ensure development reaches communities more effectively.

It was introduced to improve coordination across the three spheres of government and address fragmented planning and implementation. Through a district-based approach covering all 44 districts and eight metropolitan municipalities, the DDM seeks to ensure that development is responsive to local needs and aligned with national priorities.

Its guiding principle, "One District, One Plan, One Budget," is aimed at improving coherence, reducing duplication and accelerating service delivery. The success of the DDM will not be measured by the number of plans produced, but by the positive impact it has on people's lives.

All district and metropolitan spaces have now developed One Plans, providing a foundation for integrated planning and investment. The task before us is to ensure effective implementation and measurable results.

Encouraging progress has already been recorded in areas such as infrastructure development, water security, healthcare and local economic development. These examples demonstrate the value of coordinated action and partnership across government.

However, communities rightly judge success by outcomes. They want reliable services, quality infrastructure, access to economic opportunities and safer neighbourhoods. Development must be visible and tangible in everyday life.

As we strengthen implementation of the DDM, five priorities should guide our efforts:

* Accelerating implementation of funded and achievable projects;
* Strengthening alignment between planning and budgeting;
* Building institutional capacity, particularly in infrastructure delivery and financial management;
* Expanding partnerships with business, academia, civil society and communities; and
* Measuring success through improved services, economic inclusion and better living conditions.
At its core, the DDM is about building a capable, responsive and developmental state that works as one to serve the people of South Africa. 

The Constitution establishes a system of cooperative governance founded on partnership, accountability and shared responsibility. It envisions a developmental state committed to improving the quality of life of all citizens.

The DDM gives practical effect to this vision by promoting integrated planning and coordinated implementation. It recognises that challenges such as housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic development are interconnected and therefore require integrated solutions.

This approach remains particularly important as South Africa continues to address the enduring legacy of apartheid, which left deep spatial, social and economic inequalities. Advancing social justice requires deliberate efforts to overcome these disparities and expand opportunity for all.

The Sustainable Development Goals reinforce this imperative. Their focus on eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and promoting inclusive development aligns closely with both the constitutional vision and the objectives of the DDM.

For South Africa, this means ensuring that development reaches communities that have historically been excluded from economic opportunities and essential services, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups.

Both the Constitution and the SDGs remind us that development is ultimately about people. Success must be measured by whether it expands opportunity, reduces inequality and improves the quality of life of our citizens.

Locally within our borders, we should acknowledge the key success we have achieved in the democratic dispensation. Since 1994, South Africa has made progress in building democratic institutions and improving access to essential services, with over 90% of households having mains electricity and substantial access to water and sanitation by 2025. 

However, disparities persist, with many citizens facing inadequate services and living below the poverty line. The official unemployment rate was 33.6% in mid-2026, disproportionately affecting women. Despite advancements, inequalities rooted in apartheid continue to affect the population. 

These realities remind us that social justice requires more than progress in aggregate indicators. It demands focused action to address structural inequalities and ensure that the benefits of development are shared more equitably across society.

We must also confront the reality that many municipalities remain under severe strain. Financial distress, weak governance, poor planning and capacity constraints continue to undermine service delivery and development.

The impact is felt directly by communities through unreliable water and electricity supply, deteriorating infrastructure, delayed housing projects and limited economic opportunities. When local government falters, it is ordinary citizens who bear the greatest burden.

Communities have a right to expect ethical, accountable and capable local government. Our task is therefore not simply to rescue struggling institutions, but to build municipalities that are sustainable, well-managed and responsive to the needs of the people.

This requires stronger support from national and provincial government, together with decisive intervention where failures persist. Our objective must be to restore institutional stability, improve performance and rebuild public confidence.

The recently approved Revised White Paper on Local Government provides an important framework for reform. Drawing on nearly three decades of democratic experience, it recognises that municipalities face different realities and therefore require differentiated support.

The White Paper places renewed emphasis on professional and merit-based administration, financial sustainability, sound infrastructure management and stronger accountability. It also seeks to strengthen collaboration with traditional and Khoi-San leadership structures and leverage technology to improve transparency, service delivery and oversight.

As we prepare for a new local government term, these reforms must move from policy to implementation. Public office must remain a vehicle for service, while professional administrators must be empowered to perform their duties without undue interference and with full accountability to communities and the law.

Ultimately, effective local government depends on capable institutions, stable leadership and a culture of accountability. Without these foundations, the goals of sustainable development and social justice will remain beyond reach for many South Africans.

In just over three weeks, South Africans will elect new municipal councils in the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. This presents an opportunity to renew our commitment to developmental local government and place communities at the centre of governance.

The true measure of success, however, will not be the election results themselves. It will be the ability of newly elected councils to govern effectively, deliver services and restore public trust.
Government must also listen carefully to the concerns and frustrations of communities and respond meaningfully. 

At the same time, the destruction of public infrastructure such as schools, clinics, libraries, roads and water facilities only harms the very communities that rely on them.
Our collective challenge is to ensure that people have trusted and effective channels through which their voices can be heard, concerns addressed and solutions found before frustration gives way to unrest. In this way, we can deepen our democracy while advancing the social justice and development that our people deserve.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With just four years remaining until 2030, the time for planning must increasingly give way to implementation. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require coordinated action across government, business, labour and civil society.

The six thematic commissions of this Summit provide an opportunity to move beyond discussion and identify practical solutions to poverty, inequality, unemployment, poor development outcomes, governance challenges and climate resilience.
As we move forward, we must ensure that our decisions are informed by credible data. National averages can often hide the realities faced by communities on the ground. We need a clear understanding of where needs are greatest, who is being left behind, and what interventions will make the greatest difference. 

Allow me to place five practical proposals before this Summit.

First, every reviewed One Plan must be backed by a clear project pipeline and an aligned budget. Communities should know who is responsible for delivering each project, how it will be funded, and when it is expected to be completed.

Second, all district plans should be assessed through a social justice lens, ensuring that development reaches those most in need, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities and rural communities.

Third, every district should publish a simple delivery scorecard that tracks priorities, targets and progress, strengthening transparency and accountability.

Fourth, we must give infrastructure maintenance the same priority as new infrastructure. It serves little purpose to build new assets if we cannot maintain those we already have. Strong partnerships will be essential to mobilise the expertise and investment needed to sustain reliable infrastructure and services.

Fifth, we must deepen social compacts at district level. Government, business, labour, civil society, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and communities must work together to drive development and monitor progress.

If we are serious about advancing social justice, we must move beyond consultation to collaboration, and beyond commitments to implementation. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure that development reaches every community and that no one is left behind.

In conclusion, programme director, I must reiterate that this Summit must leave behind more than a record of speeches and discussions. 

It must produce practical outcomesthat improve lives. We should emerge from thisgathering with a shared commitment, a clearunderstanding of where inequality persists, anda credible plan of action towards 2030.

The Summit Declaration should align the objectives of social justice, the District Development Model and the SustainableDevelopment Goals behind a common nationalagenda. 

Equally important, the outcomes of thisSummit must provide practical, evidence-basedrecommendations that strengthenimplementation and accountability across allspheres of government.

The Constitution envisioned local governmentas the sphere closest to the people, their needs,their aspirations and their daily realities. TheDistrict Development Model gives us theopportunity to make cooperative governancemore effective, responsive and accountable.

Our districts must become places wheregovernment works as one. Our municipalitiesmust become institutions that deliver. And ourcommunities must be active partners in shapingtheir own development.

For as long as families lack reliable services, young people remain excluded from economic opportunities, and vulnerable members ofsociety are left behind, our work remainsunfinished. 
These challenges demand capableinstitutions, accountable leadership and asteadfast commitment to delivery.

Let this Summit be remembered not only for itsreflections, but for the actions it inspired; not forthe challenges it identified, but for the solutionsit advanced; not for the promises it made, but forthe progress it helped achieve.

Let us make every district count, everycommunity visible, and every public institutionaccountable.

I thank you.
 

On behalf of the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his warm congratulations to Justice Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has honoured Justice Pillay as “a person who, with exceptional courage and integrity, has led the way towards a more comprehensive legal order. This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted."

Justice Pillay is an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice, where she distinguished herself in the genocide case of The Gambia v Myanmar.

She was a pioneering defence attorney for anti-apartheid activists and leadership including Founding President Nelson Mandela.

Justice Pillay served as a judge and President of the Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1999 to 2003 and served as a judge of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court from 2003 to 2008.

Following her International Criminal Court tenure, Justice Pillay served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

President Ramaphosa applauds the recognition afforded to Justice Pillay by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as a profound tribute to the veteran jurist’s courage, integrity and lifelong commitment to justice.

President Ramaphosa said: “Justice Pillay’s crowning as winner of the Nobel Prize allows us to celebrate the progressive contributions she has made to strengthen peace, uphold human dignity and bring hope in South Africa and to peoples globally.

“She has served humanity with principle and the belief that the world can and should be a better place.”

“The honour bestowed on her reminds us to build a society where every person, whatever their circumstances, can develop their abilities and contribute fully to our nation and the world.

“We are proud that Justice Pillay joins Chief Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mandela and Former President FW de Klerk in highlighting the far-reaching impact of South Africans on peace, justice and the advancement of humanity.

“We congratulate Justice Pillay and wish her well as she continues to participate in various platforms to secure the rights and dignity of all people.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Dr Thulani Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer of the CSIR;
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande;
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Lusizo Makhubela;
CSIR Board Chairperson, Mr Vuyani Jarana;
Members of the CSIR Board;
Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Representatives of industry, academia and the scientific community;
International development partners;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to be here today for the launch of the FuturePHARMA facility.

This is truly a milestone in South Africa’s journey towards health sovereignty.

A nation’s competitiveness rests on its ability to build world-class capabilities and to innovate.

A nation’s progress depends on its ability to harness these capabilities to improve the lives and expand the prospects of its people.

The FuturePHARMA facility signals our resolve as South Africa to harness science, technology and innovation in pursuit of sustainable development.

It signals our resolve to grow our industrial capabilities and to achieve meaningful health security and sovereignty.

Not so long ago, we were in the midst of the greatest global health emergency in more than a century.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many lessons, chiefly that developing economy countries need to strengthen local scientific, technological and manufacturing capabilities if they are to safeguard the health of their people.

The pandemic was a reminder that health security, economic resilience and national development are interconnected.

It is therefore significant that FuturePHARMA represents a shift towards an ecosystem in which research, technology development, process development, clinical development, regulation, manufacturing, investment and procurement work together.

It has been quite an experience to tour the facility and witness first-hand the advanced technologies, pharmaceutical development platforms and specialised capabilities that have been established here.

I have had the opportunity to engage with the many scientists, researchers, engineers and technical specialists whose expertise and commitment have helped bring this vision to life.

South Africa has a proud history of scientific achievement.

Our researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated that our country has extraordinary talent and ingenuity.

Yet scientific excellence alone is not enough.

Too many promising innovations struggle to move from the laboratory into further development, commercial production and broader social application.

That is the challenge FuturePHARMA has been established to help address.

The facility provides specialised infrastructure and expertise for pharmaceutical process development, scale-up and technology transfer.

It occupies an important space between laboratory research and commercial manufacturing.

It will help promising technologies progress towards clinical, regulatory and commercial pathways.

The facility should not be understood as a conventional commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

Its value lies in providing shared capabilities that are often too specialised and costly for individual researchers, universities and emerging companies to establish on their own.

By making these capabilities available to a broader community, FuturePHARMA can strengthen the connection between research, technology development, scale-up and manufacturing.

The facility provides access to specialised infrastructure and expertise and reduces unnecessary duplication of expensive capabilities.

The success of FuturePHARMA will depend on the partnerships that are built around it: partnerships between Government, universities, research councils, industry, regulators, investors and other stakeholders.

The open and collaborative character of FuturePHARMA is critical.

As an asset within our National System of Innovation, FuturePHARMA’s success will ultimately be measured by the technologies developed, the companies supported, the partnerships created, the skills strengthened and the innovations that go on to make a difference.

As we build partnerships across industry and society, we need to ensure in the first instance that all of Government works together.

The pharmaceutical value chain cuts across several institutional mandates.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation leads on research, innovation, technology development, skills and strategic research infrastructure.

The Department of Health leads on our health priorities, medicines and vaccines.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is responsible for industrial development, localisation, investment and manufacturing.

While National Treasury is central in public financing and sustainability.

Regulatory institutions such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority are essential to ensuring that products can progress through the appropriate regulatory pathways.

Our strategies, investments and programmes must reinforce each other.

The emerging Pharmaceutical Roadmap, the Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing Strategy and related initiatives must connect our research and technology capabilities to national health priorities, industrial opportunities and market demand.

We are building a connected system in which each institution and investment contributes to a common national objective.

FuturePHARMA forms part of a wider set of investments aimed at strengthening South Africa’s health innovation, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities.

Established manufacturing bodies and companies have an important role to play.

Facilities such as FuturePHARMA and manufacturers such as Biovac should be complementary components of a broader value chain, with each contributing different capabilities.

Our ambitions extend beyond our borders.

The African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have placed local manufacturing at the centre of the continent’s health security and sovereignty agenda.

South Africa stands ready to use its strong research institutions, universities, regulatory capabilities and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity to contribute to regional value chains and partnerships across Africa.

FuturePHARMA supports this ambition by creating opportunities for collaboration with African researchers, institutions and companies.

Through FuturePHARMA, South Africa is investing not only in infrastructure but in knowledge, innovation and industrial capability.

We are investing in the partnerships, skills and institutions that will allow that infrastructure to create lasting value for the nation and the continent.

To advance inclusive growth and create employment, we must create pathways through which ideas generated in our laboratories become technologies, enterprises, products and industries.

As Government we are committed to creating the conditions in which this can happen.

This means investing in strategic research infrastructure and developing human capability.

It means strengthening partnerships and creating stronger connections between research and industry.

This facility stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when Government, academia and industry come together in pursuit of a common purpose.

Let it inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

Let it strengthen our economy, enhance our resilience and contribute to a healthier, more prosperous South Africa.

I congratulate the CSIR, its scientists and technical teams, and all partners who have contributed to the establishment of FuturePHARMA.

May this facility become a platform where South African knowledge is translated into technologies, where technologies become products, and where products create lasting social, industrial and economic value – both for South Africa and for our continent.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 19 October 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Bana Pele Leadership Summit, to be held at The Galleria Arena and Conference Centre in Sandton, Gauteng.

The Bana Pele Leadership Summit is led by the Department of Basic Education and aims to mobilise and strengthen collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society, communities and philanthropic organisations to accelerate progress towards universal access to quality early learning by 2030.

In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa outlined key commitments to strengthen early childhood development and the basic education sector.

These include expanding the Bana Pele mass registration of ECD facilities, increasing subsidies for eligible ECD learners and making Grade R compulsory to strengthen the foundation for learning during the early years of a child’s life.

The two-day summit to be held under the theme “From Blueprint to Movement,” will bring together stakeholders from across society to advance the Bana Pele Shared Blueprint into a coordinated programme of action. 

Discussions will focus on progress made, outstanding challenges and practical measures to accelerate implementation, strengthen partnerships and build a movement to create pathways to universal access to quality early learning by 2030, and putting children’s first.

The programme will feature panel discussions on Building the Network of Support Every Child Needs, Partnerships for Children and The Shared Narrative for Children.

Breakaway sessions will include discussions on Children’s First; Digital Infrastructure and Community HUBS Communities at the Helm.

The summit will conclude with the symbolic signing of the Bana Pele Charter, reaffirming stakeholders’ collective commitment to advancing the shared vision of ensuring that every child has access to quality early learning and the support.

President Ramaphosa will address the summit as follows:

Date: Monday, 19 October 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Galleria Arena and Conference Centre in Sandton, Gauteng

NOTE TO MEDIA: Members of the media wishing to attend the Summit are asked to contact Mr Kennedy Dube on 078 844 4229

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 15 October 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference and officiate the launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop in Limpopo Province. The conference is scheduled to place at The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane in the Capricon District, Limpopo Province.

Hosted by the Limpopo Provincial Government, with the Limpopo Economic Development Agency as the lead agency, the conference will be held under the theme, “From Pledges to Progress: Accelerating Implementation and Unlocking Investment in Limpopo.”

The theme underscores the importance of translating investment commitments into bankable, investment-ready and operational projects that contribute to economic growth, industrialisation, job creation and inclusive development. 

In this regard, the conference brings together government, investors, development finance institutions and other critical stakeholders, to strengthen project preparation, facilitate financing and approvals, improve coordination across government and accelerate the implementation of investment projects.

Since its inception in 2021, it has provided a platform to promote the province, as an investment destination and mobilises capital across strategic economic sectors. Cumulative investment pledges recorded between 2021 and 2025 has accordingly, amounted to R452.38 billion, of which R71.058 billion in investment has been realised, contributing to the creation of 23,968 jobs.

The 2026 conference will place particular emphasis on converting investment pledges into tangible economic outcomes, strengthening investor confidence and addressing constraints that delay project implementation. Priority sectors include mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, localisation and industrial development, alongside emerging opportunities in renewable energy, automotive industries, legally compliant cannabis-related activities and digital technology. 

At national level, government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa continue to drive investment initiatives with aim of mobilising R3 trillion in investment by 2030, building on the record of close to R890 billion in commitments secured at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in March this year.   

Following the keynote address, Deputy President Mashatile will officiate the launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop Limpopo, an important initiative aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investment facilitation in the province.

The facility is designed to provide investors with a centralised platform to access government support services, navigate regulatory and administrative processes, facilitate coordination among relevant institutions, to address investment-related bottlenecks. 

Its establishment reinforces government commitment, to creating an enabling environment for domestic and international investment, accelerating project implementation and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Members of the media are invited to cover the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference and the subsequent launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Makhulu Hall, The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane, Limpopo Province

Media Programme:
07h30: Media arrives at the Ranch Hotel, Polokwane
08h00: Opening of Limpopo Investment Conference
11h15: Welcome address by Premier Phophi Ramathuba
11h40: Keynote Address by Deputy President Mashatile
12h20: Guided walk-about at the Exhibitions 
13h40: Official Launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop - Limpopo Tourism Agency

For more information and media accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape (The Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or Hitekani Magwedze (Limpopo Dept of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism) on 071 864 8664

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 16 October 2026, officiate the inaugural Vedanta Zinc International’s (VZI) Gamsberg Phase II Expansion in Khâi-Ma Local Municipality in the Namakwa District.

Themed “Partnerships for Progress”, the inauguration will mark a significant milestone in VZI’s long-term commitment to South Africa and highlight the role of collaboration between government, business, employees and communities in advancing inclusive growth and regional development.

The Phase II expansion is among the largest mining investments in South Africa in the past decade and increases Gamsberg’s annual zinc-in-concentrate capacity to approximately 500 000 tonnes per annum.

This expansion positions Gamsberg to become one of the world’s largest zinc-producing operations. It is expected to sustain between 800 and 1 000 jobs during operations, predominantly recruited from the Northern Cape, reinforcing VZI’s contribution to local employment, skills development and economic activity.

Media Programme: 
Venue: Gamsberg Mine, Aggeneys, Northern Cape

Day 1: Media Tour
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 15h00

Day 2: Main event
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Time: 09h00

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are advised to apply for accreditation by completing the online accreditation form accessible through this link: https://mrs.gcis.gov.za/?q=president-ramaphosa-to-inaugurate-vedanta-gamsberg-phase-ii-expansion-project 

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

Northern Cape Premier’s Office:
Head of Provincial Government Communication Services: Mr Monwabisi Nkompela on +27 71 109 2776

Vedanta: 
Ms Tracey Vollmer, Acting Chief Corporate Affairs: TVollmer@vedantaresources.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director, MEC Jabu Mbalula;
Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Members of the Free State Executive Council and Legislature;
Executive Mayors and other leaders of our municipalities;
Traditional leaders;
Representatives of Joylong and YJC;
Representatives of Walk of Life and Drakensberg Fruit Processors;
Leaders of organised business and labour;
Young people, learners and trainees;
Members of the community;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good afternoon.

It is a pleasure to be here at the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialisation Launch 2026.

In March this year during an engagement between the National and Provincial Executives, I said that the Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of South Africa’s economic growth story.

I am most encouraged by the work the province is doing to give effect to that vision.

Because of its strategic position along key freight and transport corridors, Maluti-a-Phofung is particularly well-placed to become a catalyst for the industrialisation of the province.

Until the early 2000s, the Free State was a manufacturing hub.

Yet, due to challenges like deteriorating municipal services and infrastructure, a number of companies closed or relocated to other provinces.

The Free State Growth and Development Strategy aims to reverse that trend and provide a clear roadmap for the reindustrialisation of the province.

The Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone plays a pivotal role.

I understand that there are sites for 65 factories and 58 percent of those are occupied.

But no industrial area can succeed on its own.

It needs to be an integral part of a thriving region.

The strategic location of the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone – in the province that sits at the centre of our country – makes it a vital precinct.

This province is bordered by six other provinces, and it is easily accessible to neighbouring countries.

This Special Economic Zone is connected with other industrial centres across the province, with agricultural producers, with transport and logistics networks, and with markets in South Africa and beyond.

To attract the investment to this area, government is committed to providing reliable electricity and water provision, functioning roads, safe industrial premises, efficient approvals and accountable project management.

Good and reliable infrastructure attracts investors.

The quality of municipal services influences where companies invest.

Today, we are here to launch a provincial programme for catalytic investment and industrialisation.

It is a demonstration of confidence in the provincial economy.

We are announcing three investment initiatives totalling more than R120 billion.

The proposed YJC renewable energy project represents an investment of approximately R100 billion and has the potential to create 6,500 jobs.

The planned Joylong Automotive Manufacturing project, with an investment of approximately R5.5 billion, is expected to create 1,500 direct jobs over five years and produce up to 8,000 electric vehicles per year.

The Walk of Life Apple Juice Concentrate Plant, representing approximately R330 million in investment, is expected to create 100 permanent jobs and approximately 600 seasonal employment opportunities.

These projects demonstrate the type of economic activity we need to build: investment that creates productive capacity, develops local value chains, strengthens exports and expands employment.

And this is particularly important in agriculture.

The Free State is one of South Africa’s major agricultural provinces.

Our objective must be to move beyond primary production towards agro-processing, beneficiation, packaging, manufacturing and market access.

The Walk of Life investment is significant not only because of the jobs it will create, but because it demonstrates how agricultural production can be connected to industrial processing and value addition.

Similarly, our industrialisation agenda must support the transition towards new technologies and industries.

The planned electric vehicle manufacturing investment provides an opportunity to position the Free State within the emerging green economy and new-energy industrial value chain.

Investment must be matched by skills.

The success of any enterprise depends not only on the investments made in factories, equipment and supplies.

It depends fundamentally on the investments made in people.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the 130 learners who are with us today who have received skills training and are progressing towards placement.

These learners have received training from the Free State Development Corporation, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Eskom in a number of areas.

They have been trained in plumbing, environmental practice, construction road work, food and beverage, first aid and the management of electrical systems.

I ask that all you learners please stand up and show us your certificates so we can acknowledge you and congratulate you.

We are proud of you and your achievements.

We need our youth to occupy the opportunities opening up in the space of technology.

Institutions and employers must help young people connect training to further experience and, where opportunities become available, to decent work.

Local businesses must be part of this effort.

We need a firm partnership between Government, industry, training institutions and investors so that skills development becomes a direct pipeline into economic participation.

A factory depends on far more than its production line.

It needs to be part of a broader value chain.

A factory buys components, materials and packaging.

It needs maintenance, cleaning, security, professional services and transport.

Our established manufacturers and our small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should prepare to meet these needs.

This launch brings together all spheres of Government, development finance institutions, infrastructure agencies, investors, organised business, labour and communities.

Each has a contribution to make.

Municipalities must provide dependable services and responsive local planning.

Investors must bring viable plans and honour their commitments.

Communities must be engaged throughout the planning process and given meaningful opportunities to participate.

Development finance institutions and specialised agencies must lay the groundwork and leverage private investment through the effective deployment of public resources.

As I conclude, I want to thank the Premier and the Free State Provincial Government for convening this programme.

Thank you to the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality for hosting us.

Thank you to the traditional leaders present for their ongoing engagement and support.

I thank our Chinese partners, South African project principals, the Free State Development Corporation, the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and all the teams who have brought the programme to this point.

The measure of today’s success will be what happens after the banners come down.

The province is committed to tracking the actions announced here over the next 30, 60 and 90 days.

Where there are barriers, we must identify them early and resolve them through the proper channels.

Our ambition is to build a Free State that makes more of what it uses, processes more of what it grows and creates more paths into productive work.

If we prepare projects properly, invest in enabling infrastructure and give people the skills and information they need, that ambition can become a reality.

Through our collective efforts, we can build a Free State that works for all.

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr. Namane Dickson Masemola, will on Monday, 12 October 2026, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, attend and deliver a keynote address at the 8th Social Justice Summit at the Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape Province. 

Hosted by Prof. Thuli Madonsela, Director of the Centre for Social Justice and Law Faculty Trust Chair in Social Justice, the two-day summit has become South Africa’s foremost multi-stakeholder platform for translating constitutional commitments on social justice into concrete policy and law reform outcomes. 

Themed under, “The District Development Model/Inter-Governmental Relations as Catalysts for Achieving SDGs and Social Justice,” the summit is envisaged to produce five principal outputs: a landmark Summit Declaration anchoring South Africa’s DDM–SDG commitments to 2030; a publicly accessible National SDG Dashboard disaggregated by municipality; a time-bound Plan of Action 2026–2030; six Occasional Papers across the six SDG commission themes; and a Policy Brief on  constitutional governance for the achievement of the SDGs. 

The Summit convenes Government at all three spheres of administration: The Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, as well as Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, religious leaders, civil society, the private sector and youth formations — making it a whole-of-society convening with the authority and reach to drive national policy change.

The 2026 Summit convenes at a pivotal national and global juncture: with Local Government Elections imminent, the 2030 SDG deadline approaching, and the country taking stock of thirty years of constitutional democracy, under a constitution that recognises local government in its own right, amid persisting challenges of apartheid mirroring structural inequality, poverty and food insecurity and periodic unrests.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mr Andries Nel will also be in attendance.

Details of the summit are as follows:

Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Coetzenburg Centre, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape. 

For enquiries and accreditation: Mr Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) on 078 356 4355 or Ms Musa Maud Mkaliphi (Media Liaison Officer to Deputy Minister Dr. Masemola) on 060 204 2563 or Mr Thembalethu Seyisi (Centre for Social Justice) on 072 785 3218. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 9 October 2026, officiate the launch of the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialization Project in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.

The ceremony will take place at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre, Free State Province.

The high-level ceremony will be hosted by the Premier of the Free State Province, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality and the Chinese investors Joy Long-YJC.

The project will mobilise automotive assembly, electric-mobility technologies, components, energy systems, logistics, skills and local suppliers. 

The project represents an investment of approximately R100-billion and is expected to contribute to manufacturing, industrialisation, green economy development and the energy transition, while creating approximately 6 500 permanent jobs.

The event will bring together national, provincial and local government, investors, development-finance institutions, infrastructure provider: businesses, training institutions and delegations from all 35 wards of Maluti-a-Phofung.

Details of the launch are as follows:

Date: Friday, 9 October 2026 
Time: 09h00
Venue: Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre, Free State Province

Media Accreditation enquiries: 

Free State Premier’s Office: Ms Pulane Tsupane on +27 71 302 2595
GCIS: Ms Mpho Phatudi on +27 79 605 2659

Media enquiries:

Free State Premier’s Office
Head of Provincial Government Communication Services: Ms Matshidiso Setai on +27 83 795 6498
Premier Spokesperson: Ms Mpho Sikisi on +27 83 449 9463

The Presidency
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za
 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria