Distinguished Guests,

Colleagues,

Partners,

It is a great privilege to join you this evening in support of a cause that is vital to the conservation of all life on our planet – the launch of the Africa Keystone Partnership.

We wish to commend the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the Rob Walton Foundation, and the African Wildlife Foundation for their dedication to nature conservation in Africa.

We also welcome the bipartisan support from United States Senators and Congresspeople present here.

Nature knows no political barriers and we are united in a shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.

Nature is an intrinsic part of our cultural and social identity. It is vital to human well-being and progress.

South Africa welcomes support from our friends in the United States.

The 162 areas in Africa that are suggested for additional protection have been identified based on irreplaceability, connectivity, ecological integrity and resilience.

Some of these areas are already supported by African Parks.

However, all have funding and resource gaps.

We have therefore come here to listen to the proposals on the African Keystone Partnership and to say that we are keen on further dialogue.

I therefore invite the champions on this initiative to have in-depth follow up discussions with our relevant department and agencies.

As African countries, we have much to share with our international partners.

As South Africa, we have a proud reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible nature conservation as is our duty as one of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.

Over the past 25 years, in the Southern African region, we have undertaken a remarkable journey and witnessed the many achievements of our Transfrontier Conservation Areas Programme.

These wildlife areas that have been established across national borders have a transformative impact on conservation, regional integration and sustainable development.

The idea behind these transfrontier parks is bold yet simple: “Nature knows no borders”.

The Transfrontier Conservation Areas serve as critical ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife and preserving biodiversity across borders.

These areas have unlocked sustainable tourism opportunities.

Investments in conservation economies have created jobs, improved livelihoods and empowered local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.

These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and benefit the people who live near the parks.

Such parks symbolise unity, cooperation and shared responsibility among our nations.

I am confident that the 162 parks identified for support through the Africa Keystone Partnership will serve the same noble purpose.

Let us continue to champion this model of conservation, integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems and for future generations.

I thank you.

In his capacity as the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government, officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape Province. 

This year’s, Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme: “Re-imagine our Heritage Institutions for a New Era”, emphasising the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

In particular, the 2025 celebration will focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in the light of social, economic, and technological challenges. It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts. 

Over the years, there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement, said the Deputy President.

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation,” said the Deputy President, “so our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices.”

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.
  
“Thus the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Details of the celebration are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Time: 09h00 (media to start setting up from 07h00)

Venue: Bridgeton Sport Grounds, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

For all enquiries regarding media accreditation, please contact Mr Madimetja Moleba (DSAC) on 066 301 4675 or madimetjam@dsac.gov.za  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 18 September 2025, attend and deliver the keynote address during the two-day Public Works and Infrastructure Minister and MECs (MinMEC) sitting scheduled to take place at the Eastcape Training College (ETC), in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province. 

Deputy President Mashatile is attending the sitting at the invitation of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, in order to address the occasion on, “the significance of infrastructure service delivery in driving the economy and creating much needed jobs”. 

The MinMEC is a Government forum chaired by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, and includes the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Mr Sihle Zikalala, as well as Members of the Provincial Executive Councils (MECs) of Public Works and Infrastructure of all the nine provinces. 

Its strategic focus is to reflect on the priorities of the department, mitigate the risks and evaluate progress on all the priority areas, while using public assets for the public good and contributing meaningfully to economic development and job creation. 

The forum also provides a platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange and policy alignment. 

The MinMEC proceedings will be preceded by an oversight visit to the Umoyilanga Energy Project, an innovative energy security infrastructure that combines solar photovoltaic with wind and battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies. Upon completion, Umoyilanga will offer reliable dispatchable renewable power to the national grid. 

This unique combination of wind and solar resources with battery energy storage system, enables Umoyilanga to provide 75 MW reliable energy to the national grid. 

Government continues to upgrade and construct public infrastructure such as water supply facilities, energy, schools and health clinics to improve the living standards, restore dignity of the people as well as foster social cohesion and national unity. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, Premier of the Easter Cape Province, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, as well as senior government officials. 

Members of the media are invited to cover the proceedings as follows:

Site visit: Umoyilanga Dassiesridge Energy Project
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025 
Time: 08h30
Location: Umoyilanga Dassiesridge Energy Project, off R75 Kariega (Gqeberha)
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zYxZmruxcAHB1onZA

MinMEC - Keynote Address by Deputy President Mashatile:
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025 
Time: 11h00 
Location: Eastcape Training College (ETC), Spondo Street, Struandale-Gqeberha
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WgQbAYrxf1bib6t6A

For more information and accreditation, please contact, Sam Bopape (Presidency) on 082 318 5251 or Lesego Moretlwe (DPWI) on 082 957 3677.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors, Mr. Ndlelantle Pinyana and Ms. Yonela Tukwayo;
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca and Members of the Executive Management of Walter Sisulu University;
The Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Councillor Mesuli Ngqondwana;
The Executive Mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani;
Representatives of the Mthatha Business Chamber, including Mr. Wellington Mbalo;
Student leaders and representatives of the Walter Sisulu University community;
Distinguished guests, faculty members, and most importantly, the student body of Walter Sisulu University;

Good afternoon, 

It is a great honour to stand before you today at this esteemed institution, named after one of our greatest liberation leaders, Walter Sisulu. His legacy reminds us that education and activism must always go hand in hand and that knowledge is not only for personal advancement, but for the upliftment of communities and the pursuit of justice.

We meet here at an exciting and historic moment for our country. For the first time, South Africa and indeed Africa holds the Presidency of the G20. From December last year until November 2025, we carry the responsibility of leading one of the most influential gatherings in the world.

Why is the G20 important? The G20 represents 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The decisions taken within this forum reverberate in every corner of the globe, including right here in Mthatha. From the jobs we seek, to the cost of food, to the technologies shaping our future global choices matter, and the G20 is where many of those choices are debated and decided.

This year’s theme is Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. These three words capture the vision we want to see for the world and for our people.

• Solidarity means working together across nations and communities, because the crises of today whether climate change, pandemics, or economic shocks cannot be solved by one country alone.
• Equality reminds us that fairness and justice must underpin our economic systems, so that the accident of where you are born, your gender, or your race does not limit your life chances.
• Sustainability is about securing our planet for future generations by using our resources wisely and ensuring development does not destroy the environment we depend on. 

But as important as the G20 is, let me be clear: the G20 cannot be a meeting of leaders alone. 

It must be a People’s G20. It is for this reason that government is engaging across the country, ensuring that the voices of ordinary South Africans are heard as we prepare to host the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this November. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa said we must take the G20 to all corners of our country. Over 134 G20 Ministerial and Technical Meetings have taken place in various parts of our country since December 2024. These meetings will continue until South Africa hosts the Leader’s Summit on 22nd to 23rd November 2025. 

The Eastern Cape Province hosted, among others, the First Employment Group Working Group Meeting and the Second Digital Economy Working Group Meetings. The province will, on 10th to 11th of October host the Fourth Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity to showcase South Africa to world and for G20 delegates to engage with South Africans in finding solutions to key issues facing the world.

And it is also the reason I am here today - Because you, the students of Walter Sisulu University, must not stand aside from these conversations. Your ideas, your innovations, and your perspectives matter. When we talk about the future of work, about Artificial Intelligence, about sustainable growth, about tackling inequality - We are talking about your future.

We have just hosted the Y20, the official youth engagement group of the G20. It brought together young leaders from across the world to debate solutions and to feed their recommendations into the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

 The Y20 showed us the power of youth voices in shaping global policy. I want to encourage each of you here to follow the work of the Y20, to join the debates, and to add your voice. Because if we are to build a fairer, greener and more equal world, your generation must be at the table.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is also about unlocking opportunities for you. We are using this platform to push for inclusive growth, industrialisation, youth employment, closing the gender gap, and harnessing the potential of technology. The message we are taking to the world is that South Africa is open for business, rich in talent, and determined to reduce inequality while building prosperity.

I know that for many students, the question is: how does this affect me directly? The answer is simple by participating, you shape the future that will affect your lives. The policies agreed at the G20 on trade, jobs, food security, and climate will filter down into the opportunities available in South Africa. When you engage, you make sure that these policies reflect your realities and aspirations.

Walter Sisulu once said, “It is a law of life that problems arise when conditions are there for their solution.” 

We are living in a time of global challenges, but also in a time of unprecedented possibility. As young people of South Africa, you are not only witnesses to these changes, you are leaders in shaping the solutions.

So my call to you today is simple:
• See yourselves as part of the global conversation.
• Take up the opportunities to engage through platforms like the Y20.
• Challenge us as leaders to ensure that this G20 is truly a People’s G20 — one that does not speak over you, but speaks with you.

Fellow compatriots, 

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is first and foremost about advancing our national interests in a rapidly changing global environment. By chairing this powerful grouping, we are placing inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the centre of the global agenda, while ensuring that the benefits flow to our own citizens. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency also comes with distinct advantages as an attractive investment destination. Our business services sector is globally competitive, and our digital infrastructure is among the most sophisticated on the continent. 

With widespread mobile networks and rapidly expanding high-speed broadband, we are well-positioned to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

By presenting these strengths to the G20 community, we can deepen trade partnerships, attract technology investment, and further establish South Africa as a hub for innovation and digital services. 

Food security and hunger remain global challenges that directly affect millions of households across our continent. South Africa is therefore using its G20 Presidency to push for collective solutions that strengthen food systems, stabilise agricultural markets, and promote resilience against climate shocks. Ensuring that people have access to affordable and nutritious food is not only a moral imperative, but also a cornerstone of stability and economic progress. 

Our Presidency further seeks to unlock new possibilities in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation. We are engaging G20 partners to ensure that AI becomes a tool for inclusive development driving economic growth, creating jobs, and providing solutions to social challenges. 

By positioning ourselves at the forefront of these discussions, we aim to harness technology not as a threat but as a powerful enabler of opportunity for South Africans.

Colleagues, 

Our government is determined that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not be an elite exercise, but one that includes the voices of ordinary citizens.

That is why we are hosting outreach engagements across the country to bring the G20 closer to the people. These dialogues ensure that our Presidency is informed by the perspectives and concerns of South Africans in all provinces, not just by policy-makers in Pretoria.

Such outreach events are vital in fostering public dialogue and encouraging participation in our G20 Presidency. They allow communities, businesses, youth, and civil society to engage with global issues in a local context, ensuring that the benefits of international cooperation translate into opportunities that people can feel in their daily lives.

They also help strengthen partnerships across sectors and deepen collaboration between government, industry, and civil society. 

By building these relationships, South Africa ensures that the G20’s outcomes are not abstract global statements, but practical commitments that support national development goals.

Before I conclude, let me give you a glimpse of the work that we have done as a country since taking over the Presidency of the G20 in December last year. 

South Africa has convened a series of high-level G20 meetings in preparation for the Summit in November. These meetings have enabled us to reach consensus on key issues and ensure that our proposals are well represented in G20 Working Documents. 

Several of our proposals have already been reflected in the discussions on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and equitable trade. This shows that South Africa is not just hosting, but actively shaping the agenda in ways that matter for us and for the wider Global South.

The meetings we have hosted span a broad range of issues: 
- Sherpa meetings on Summit readiness; 
- The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group on poverty, employment, and sustainable goals; 
- The Framework Working Group on the global economic outlook and fiscal risks;
- The Digital Economy Working Group on AI; 
- The Employment Working Group on gender disparities and labour income; 
- The Development Working Group on inequality and partnerships; and 
- The Trade and Investment Working Group on inclusive growth, green industrialisation, and trade reform. 

Each of these discussions has been crucial in laying the groundwork for a strong Leaders’ Declaration in November.

Through these engagements, we are ensuring that South Africa’s Presidency leaves a lasting mark. They demonstrate our capacity to convene, to lead, and to influence global decision-making in ways that resonate with our national priorities. The G20 Summit itself will be the culmination of this process, but the legacy will be in the policies and practices that endure long after the Summit has concluded.

As we move towards the G20 Summit in November, let us do so with the spirit of solidarity, with the fight for equality in our hearts, and with the vision of a sustainable world for generations to come.

I thank you. 

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will deliver the keynote address at the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) Q1 2025/26 Results Media Briefing. The event will showcase the progress of the initiative, highlight outcomes from the past quarter, and provide a platform for engagement with key stakeholders, young opportunity holders, and the media.

The PYEI, a flagship intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment, continues to drive opportunities for young South Africans through innovative partnerships and programmes such as Jobs Boost and skills development initiatives.

The media briefing will feature a presentation of the PYEI results, insights from implementing partners, and testimonies from youth who have benefited from the programme. It will also include an overview of BluLever Education’s contribution to technical training and employment pathways, followed by a tour of the facilities.

Details of the media briefing:

Date: Thursday, 11 September 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: BluLever Education, 39 Smit Service Road, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Programme Highlights:

- Opening remarks by Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli

- Presentation of PYEI Q1 Results by PYEI Director, Ms Tshego Walker

- Overview of BluLever Education and Jobs Boost by CEO and Co-Founder, Ms Jess Roussos

- Testimonies from PYEI youth beneficiaries and apprentices

- Media Q&A session and facility tour

Members of the media are invited to attend.

Media Enquiries & RSVP: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 12 September 2025, lead an engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of North West.

The President will meet with the Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi and the Provincial Government Executive.

The Joint National and North West Provincial Executive engagement which will be held under the theme “A Nation that Works for All”, forms part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

The meeting will be the seventh engagement between the National Executive and Provinces following interactions between the President and the Provincial Governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

The meeting will discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level.

The Provincial Executive Committee is expected to present the recently adopted Growth and Development Strategy which is aimed at addressing challenges of unemployment and poverty in the province.

The provincial leadership will also present its Accelerated Service Delivery initiative, Thuntsha Lerole, which aims to assist municipalities address various service delivery challenges impacting their administrative and developmental trajectory. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers and senior government officials.

Media will be able to cover the President's opening address.

Accredited members of the media are invited as follows:
Joint Government Meeting
Date: Friday, 12 September 2025 
Time: 11h00 (media to arrive from 10h00)
Venue: Municipal Chambers of the Rustenburg Civic Centre, North West Province

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, on media@presidency.gov.za OR Sello Tatai, Spokesperson to the Premier of North West Province, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi on 082 450 7842

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Founders of Project Blue, Mr Jack Bedder, Mr Nils Backerberg and Mr Steve Segete, 
Captains of the mining, manufacturing and finance industries, 
Government officials
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honour to join you this evening at the Ferroalloys 2025 Conference Gala Dinner. We would have loved to honour your invitation at your inaugural conference in 2024 but equally happy that we meet a year later, with your platform having grown bigger and better. 

We gather here not only as government, industry, and labour, but as custodians of South Africa’s future. A future that is being shaped by the choices we make today in mining, manufacturing, and industrial development.

For more than a century, South Africa’s mining industry has been the backbone of our economy. From the discovery of gold and diamonds to the development of platinum group metals, manganese, and chrome - mining has fuelled industrialisation, built cities, and created millions of jobs. It has generated the revenues that funded infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, while positioning South Africa as a global player in mineral production.

In fact, just today Statistics South Africa released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the 2nd Quarter of 2025 which indicates that the economy grew by 0,8% with mining being amongst the most significant positive contributor adding 0,2 percentage point to GDP growth. 

Mining output grew by 3,7%, the fastest pace since the first quarter of 2021 (4,4%). Platinum group metals, gold and chromium ore were the main positive contributors. This is testament to the fact that this sector continues to play a crucial role in the growth and development of our economy. 

Colleagues, we find ourselves in a new era. An era defined by green industrialisation, the global push towards decarbonisation, and rapid digital transformation. At the heart of these shifts lies an increasing demand for critical minerals. These are the building blocks of the technologies that will drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

It is within this context that South Africa undertook a comprehensive study on the state of our mining industry, culminating in the development of a Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy. This strategy provides a clear roadmap to leverage our mineral endowments for inclusive growth, industrialisation, job creation, and economic transformation.

Manganese and chrome, which are essential inputs into ferroalloy production, have been identified as high-criticality minerals. The manganese sector alone employs over 14 000 South Africans, contributes billions in tax revenue and foreign exchange, and in 2023 recorded production of 21 million tonnes, with more than 90% destined for export markets.

Chrome too, continues to be a strategic asset, positioning South Africa as a significant exporter and reinforcing our leadership in ferroalloys. 

In 2023, our country produced an estimated 4.34 million tonnes of ferroalloys, consolidating our status as one of major producers. In the same year, export revenues from ferroalloys reached R8.3 billion, driven by strong demand from the global steel industry, infrastructure projects, and industrialisation in emerging markets.

However, these successes are not without challenges. The ferroalloys industry continues to face: 
• Declining global market share in the face of stiff competition;
• High input costs, particularly electricity and labour;
• Infrastructure bottlenecks in rail and ports;
• And limited domestic demand due to subdued local steel production.

These challenges are compounded by global market dynamics, especially the evolution of steel production in China, and the rising demand in emerging economies such as India and Vietnam.

As government, we are not passive observers of these dynamics. Guided by our Critical Minerals Strategy and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, government is implementing catalytic interventions to unlock growth in ferroalloys and allied industries.

Through Operation Vulindlela, we are:
• Addressing electricity supply constraints, including reforms to enable greater private sector participation in generation;
• Modernising our rail and port infrastructure to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and lower export costs;
• Reviewing administered prices to enhance the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries such as ferroalloys; and
• Designing sector-wide incentives that support investment, localisation, and beneficiation.

At the same time, we are working closely with industry players to strengthen value chains, encourage innovation, and build skills for the future. The ferroalloys industry has the potential to be a springboard for downstream manufacturing, from stainless steel to specialised alloys, creating new industries and decent jobs for our people.

The future is not only about exporting raw materials. It is about capturing more value here at home. South Africa must position itself not just as a supplier of minerals, but as a global leader in sustainable mineral beneficiation and advanced manufacturing. We must stop being a point of extraction but a point of production. 

Ferroalloys will play a decisive role in this transformation. They are indispensable in steelmaking, which in turn is the backbone of infrastructure, smart cities, and modern construction. In this sense, ferroalloys are not just a commodity, they are a strategic enabler of the transition to a low carbon economy. 

To achieve this vision, we must deepen partnerships:
• Between government and industry,
• Between investors and workers,
• And between South Africa and our regional and global partners, including SADC, BRICS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

By working together, we can unlock markets, mobilise investment, and build the skills base that will empower the next generation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the ferroalloys industry is at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine whether South Africa remains a global leader or falls behind in a rapidly changing world.

Let us work together and place the needs of our people at the centre of our mineral wealth.

We also recognise that trust is not built on words alone but on concrete action. Government is committed to listening to the concerns of industry, acting on them, and demonstrating that this is a partnership for growth.

Our approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue. We want to create more spaces like this conference where government, business, and global partners can meet openly, exchange ideas honestly, and commit to solving problems together. 

By working together, we will build the foundations for a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive ferroalloys industry.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am conscious that this is a gala dinner and I do not wish to stand too long between you and your meal, or indeed between you and the excellent South African wine that has been carefully chosen for this occasion. 

Allow me then to close by saying that South Africa has the resources, the talent, and the vision to be a global leader in the ferroalloys industry. What we need is to act with purpose and in partnership.

I thank the organisers of Ferroalloys 2025 for convening this significant gathering, and I acknowledge the founders of Project Blue and all the industry leaders present tonight for their continued leadership and commitment. 

May this evening mark not only a celebration of what has been achieved but also a renewal of our collective resolve to build an industry that is globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial to all South Africans as we build A Nation That Works For All. 

I thank you. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Tuesday, 09 September 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply by Members of the National Assembly.

President Ramaphosa will address Members of Parliament on engagement with the United States government to secure a trade deal and reduce tariffs.

The President will also outline government’s position on the future of the Post Bank, and discuss the intended outcome of the National Dialogue.

President Ramaphosa will give an assessment of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in line with the theme of “Solidarity. Equality. Sustainability.”

Oral question sessions with the President are scheduled at least once a quarter during Parliament’s annual programme. 

These sessions are one of the mechanisms Parliament uses to hold the executive to account as stipulated in Section 92(2) of the Constitution, which states that members of the executive are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for the exercising of their powers and performing their functions.

Tomorrow’s engagement will take place as follows: 
Date: Tuesday, 09 September 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Parliament 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Tuesday, 09 September 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply by Members of the National Assembly.

President Ramaphosa will address Members of Parliament on engagement with the United States government to secure a trade deal and reduce tariffs.

The President will also outline Government’s position on the future of the Post Bank, and discuss the intended outcome of the National Dialogue.

President Ramaphosa will give an assessment of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in line with the theme of “Solidarity. Equality. Sustainability.”

Oral question sessions with the President are scheduled at least once a quarter during Parliament’s annual programme. 

These sessions are one of the mechanisms Parliament uses to hold The Executive to account as stipulated in Section 92(2) of the Constitution, which states that members of The Executive are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for the exercising of their powers and performing their functions.

Tomorrow’s engagement will take place as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 09 September 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Parliament

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Monday, 08 September 2025, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), open the 12th SA AIDS Conference at Emperor’s Palace in the Gauteng Province. 

Hosted under the theme: "Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS”, this pivotal event will bring together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa, the continent and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

The Deputy President will lead the Opening Plenary alongside the SANAC Civil Society Forum Chairperson Mr Solly Nduku; the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Ms Mpumi Zikalala; the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi; Gauteng Health MEC, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, as well as Representatives from development partners inclusive of UN Agencies and US Government.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the session as follows:
Date: Monday, 08 September 2025
Time: 14h30 (Media to arrive at 14h00)
Place: Emperors Palace, City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.

Media wishing to cover must please RSVP with the:
Nelson Dlamini(SANAC): 078 731 0313 / nelson@sanac.org.za 
Foster Mohale (Department of Health) 072 432  3792 / foster.mohale@health.gov.za or 
Bongani Majola (The Presidency): 082 339 1993 / bonganim@presidency.gov.za 

Media registration is free and accessible on this link: https://saaids.co.za/register/.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 884

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 19 September 2025, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, convened a virtual meeting of the structure. 

In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member Government of National Unity (GNU), and delegated Deputy President Mashatile to lead the GNU Clearing House.

The purpose of today’s meeting was to review written submissions by Political Parties into the Draft Terms of Reference as per the resolution of the meeting of the Clearing House that took place in March 2025. 

The meeting received a consolidated report on written submissions from the Good Party, Al Jama-Ah, and Democratic Alliance.  

The Deputy President raised his concern about the time that the Clearing House has taken to finalise the matter, and provided the following way forward to expedite the process: 

Establishment of a Task Team to review the current draft TOR’s to report back to the Clearing House in two weeks’ time. The Task Team will be led by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and comprised of the following members: Hon Thomas Walters (DA), Hon Makashule Gana (Rise Mzansi), Mr Apa Pooe (PAC). 

This meeting also serves as an indication that the GNU remains in tact and committed to the shared goals and objectives of each representative party towards which include, but are not limited to driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high rate of unemployment. 

Enquiries on the GNU Clearing House Mechanism: Mr Mduduzi Mbada, Head of Office of the Deputy President on 082 900 1893.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of South Africa, Minister Dean Macpherson;

Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala and other Deputy Ministers present;

Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee;

Government Officials;  

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good afternoon,

On behalf of Government, I wish to convey our sincere message of condolences to Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his family following the untimely death of his mother, uMama Nolandile Mabuyane.

As we mourn her death, we are also comforted by the lexicon of legacy she leaves behind, as it is reflected not only in her family but also through the excellent leadership role played by Premier Mabuyane, shaping the future of this province and promoting the standard of living for many of our people.  

May her soul rest in peace!  

Programme Director,

Today, we began a day with a site visit to the Umoyilanga-Dassiesridge Project. It was remarkable to witness the Energy Generation initiative also known as EDF Renewables' Umoyilanga project, as it approaches its last phase before becoming operational.

These projects, which include solar farms, battery energy storage systems, wind energy facilities, and the construction of a main transmission substation for the national utility, are playing a crucial role in the unbundling and modernisation of South Africa’s energy infrastructure.

The development of critical infrastructure including energy, transportation, water, and telecommunications is undeniably crucial to economic growth. This is because it increases output while decreasing expenditure and broadens market access.

More importantly, it promotes prosperity by providing basic services, reducing poverty, attracting investment, and linking areas, all of which contribute to long-term growth and a higher standard of living for citizens.

It is most likely for this reason that many of you referred to infrastructure as the backbone of the economy, since it really acts as a catalyst for growth and development.

The Infrastructure South Africa has recently released the second edition of the Construction Book 2024/2025, which lists around 250 construction projects with an estimated value of more than R238 billion. This is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to stimulate our economy, to create the much needed employment opportunities, as well as improving the standard of living for our people.

Government has committed to spend over R1 trillion over the next three years by improving public infrastructure throughout our country. Together we should continue to upgrade and construct public infrastructure such as water supply, energy, schools and health clinics, to improve the living standards and to restore dignity of the people and fosters national unity. 

Programme Director,

For this same reason, the Cabinet made the decision to adopt the District Development Model (DDM) in August 2019, with the first district launch in the Waterberg District in Lephalale in November 2019.

This intergovernmental framework encourages collaborative planning and budgeting among all three domains of Government to enhance service delivery and stimulate economic development in specific districts and metropolitan areas.

It prioritises districts and metros for development and allows for a spatially integrated "One Plan" to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality and create jobs by developing infrastructure like water, sanitation, roads, and electricity.

In other words, the DDM's objective is to optimise the impact and align the plans and resources at our disposal by establishing "One District, One Plan, and One Budget." In the context of infrastructure, it guarantees that the budget guidelines are more appropriately positioned within the various sector guidelines for infrastructure plans.

This plainly demonstrates the significance of infrastructure, or the capacity of infrastructure to promote prosperity and stimulate growth. It does so by reducing the costs of production and trade, creating employment, increasing productivity, and facilitating access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean water. Ultimately, this enhances the quality of life and promotes regional integration and investment.

Consequently, it is crucial that we, as an inter-governmental coordination body that convenes Ministers and MECs to deliberate on issues of mutual interest and foster cooperative governance, also prioritise infrastructure development, which is also essential for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are intended to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Given the significance of infrastructure in achieving developmental objectives and providing services, our combined effort across various spheres of Government must concentrate on the strategic deployment of key infrastructure. We need to improve our infrastructure to adequately address the demands of our communities.

Meeting the expectations of the community implies a great deal of responsibility. It includes not just infrastructure development but also addressing skills shortages in the built environment and combating corruption.

We must be purposeful in empowering communities to improve infrastructure service delivery.

This includes training individuals in technical, and administrative skills, encouraging local engagement in infrastructure development and maintenance, and including communities into project lifecycles using inclusive frameworks such as South Africa's Integrated Social Facilitation Framework.

This approach builds community ownership, improves project results, and boosts economic growth, while improving service delivery.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must never forget that the overall objective of our collaborative efforts as stimulated by the DDM is to accelerate and integrate government service delivery to improve its coherence and impact at the district level.

At the core of this objective is the investment in the infrastructure in the form of the Strategic Infrastructure Investment. Such investment not only improves the overall efficiency and productivity of our economy but also creates a ripple effect that benefits various sectors and the general population.

By developing modern transportation networks, we can facilitate the movement of goods and people, thus reducing logistics costs and enhancing trade opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Moreover, robust energy infrastructure ensures a stable power supply, enabling businesses to operate effectively and innovate without interruptions. It also paves the way for the adoption of sustainable energy sources, contributing to environmental conservation and reducing our carbon footprint.

Water resource management is another critical area where investment in infrastructure is paramount. Access to clean water and sanitation services is a fundamental human right, and by ensuring reliable water supply systems, we can improve public health, drive agricultural productivity, and support industrial growth.

Furthermore, the enhancement of communication facilities and digital infrastructure is essential in today’s interconnected world. The expansion of broadband networks can bridge the digital divide, empower our youth with educational opportunities, and open up new avenues for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Government is undertaking a massive infrastructure investment and build programme in the form of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), which are aimed at improving the quality of life for all South Africans.

The SIPs aim to streamline implementation, attract private sector capital, and foster economic recovery and sustainable development by addressing infrastructure backlogs. It is important that as a country we address infrastructure backlogs through improved planning, increased private sector partnerships (PPPs), innovative funding models, and targeted programs like the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), focusing on various sectors.

We have introduced the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to promote infrastructure development at the local government level, particularly in rural areas, to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. The policy prioritises poverty eradication and socio-economic development.

However, there is a need to address the shortcomings faced by municipalities concerning spending of the allocated MIG funds because of capacity constraints, particularly in project planning, despite pressing municipality needs.

Therefore, municipalities that fail to do so should be held accountable for this failure because this failure contributes to poor service delivery, hindering the development and progress of local communities. I must also highlight that the municipalities have the responsibilities of using these funds for the purpose intended for.

Nevertheless, we are happy with the progress made by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) which oversees the implementation of MIG projects.

MISA is making progress in supporting municipalities with infrastructure planning, implementation, and maintenance through technical assistance, capacity building, and the generation of detailed infrastructure assessment reports.

Minister Mcpherson, we are confident that with the recent developments, which include signing the pilot Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the 'Adopt-a-Municipality' initiative, we will be able to fast-track projects and leverage private sector partnerships for infrastructure funding.

We must be deliberate about accelerating infrastructure development and improve service delivery in all municipalities. All spheres of Government have to collaborate to address issues like poor planning, budget overruns, and low-quality work by providing targeted support and oversight to improve project execution and outcomes.  

Ladies and gentlemen, we need to turn this country into a construction site with more infrastructure projects successfully executed to stimulate economic investment, grow the economy and, most importantly, create jobs.

Our people in our communities need tangible results and quality service delivery. This means our investment in infrastructure should be about turning bricks and mortar into hope for a better tomorrow for all.

We need to construct world-class infrastructure to boost economy, attract investment, and create jobs. Creating and building new infrastructure is important, but what us equally important is the maintenance and servicing of existing infrastructure for better service delivery.

A lack of maintenance on existing infrastructure leads to infrastructure failures, which directly disrupt service delivery and create significant backlogs in meeting public demand. Conversely, proper infrastructure maintenance ensures service continuity, reduces costs associated with emergency repairs, and strengthens service delivery by keeping infrastructure in a safe, workable condition.

As part of strengthening service delivery by keeping our cities, towns, and villages clean, we have launched the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign.

For our Government, it is important to strengthen Service Delivery and Intervention through the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign, including infrastructure delivery, and bringing communities on board with the aim to ensure maintenance and protection of infrastructure.

I must emphasise that the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign is not only about cleaning; it is also about service delivery. It is a platform where different spheres of Government come together to address community challenges. The Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign connects with the DDM by implementing the DDM's concepts of collaboration and integrated service delivery.

As I have mentioned when I responded to NCOP Questions for Oral Reply on Thursday last week, this campaign provides us with an opportunity to interact with communities at local government level as part of our efforts to address service delivery challenges, utilising a whole-of-government approach.

Since the launch of this Campaign, we have visited Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province, Moretele Local Municipality in the North-West. We have also conducted an oversight visit in the Western Cape's Overberg District Municipality to advance our land reform programme and promote community development.  

On 6 September 2025, I requested Minister Patricia de Lille in her capacity as a DDM Champion in the Western Cape, to lead the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign at Zwelihle Township in Overstrand Local Municipality.

Through the participation of relevant National Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MEC’s and DDM Champions in the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, we can pull together all relevant stakeholders to report on progress, whilst we interact with communities to understand their service delivery challenges.

In addition, on the 19th of August, I visited the Eastern Cape Province where I had engagements with His Majesty King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of amaMpondo aseNyandeni. This forms part of our Government’s holistic approach to service delivery that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our communities.

We also encourage municipalities and cities themselves, all over the country, to conduct their own cleaning campaigns, promote citizen participation, and partner with local businesses to address community concerns, while promoting cleaner, safe and healthier environments.

Our focus is to reform local government funding and revenue collection model, professionalising municipal management by enforcing minimum competency requirements for senior officials, reviewing the institutional structure of local government through an updated White Paper and the introduction of a utility model for trading services to ensure financial sustainability.

By utilising this approach, we will continue to bring together all three spheres of Government to strengthen collaborative and localised planning to address service delivery challenges.

In conclusion, infrastructure service delivery is not just about constructing roads, bridges, or buildings; it is about building the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

As we continue to focus on infrastructure development, let us remember that every road laid, every bridge built, and every water system installed contributes to the advancement of our nation and the well-being of our people.

I thank you
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting of the National Executive with the Provincial Executive Council of the North West. 

The engagement was held under the theme “A Nation that Works for All,” formed part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

In accordance with the constitutional imperative for deepening cooperative governance, the meeting affirmed close cooperation in ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure such as the rebuilding of roads, provision of water infrastructure and energy availability for powering the province’s industrial ambitions. 

The meeting recognised the improvements that have been achieved in the governance of the province. The national executive pledged to work closely with the provincial government to ensure the resolution of challenges currently plaguing municipalities in the province. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the demonstrated level of developmental ambition by the province. The President encouraged the province to exploit public-private sector partnerships in the furtherance of development in the province. 

Previous sessions between the national and provincial executives include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and most recently, the Northen Cape. 

It is envisaged that the National Executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining two provinces, Free State and Western Cape, by the end of this financial year. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, on media@presidency.gov.za / Sello Tatai, Spokesperson to the Premier of North West Province / Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi on 082 450 7842

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of the North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of the Executive Council (MECs),
Executive Mayors and members of councils,
Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,
 
As the National Executive, we are pleased to be in the North West.
 
This is our seventh formal engagement with a provincial executive.
 
We have previously met with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and, most recently, the Northern Cape.
 
We hope to have met with the leadership of the remaining two provinces, Free State and Western Cape, by the end of this financial year.
 
The Constitution mandates cooperative governance.
 
As the Government of National Unity, we see this as an important part of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
One of the driving forces behind the District Development Model that we established in 2019 was to ultimately do away with three persistent challenges.
 
The first of these is the challenge of working in silos, which has contributed to a disjointed approach by national, provincial and local spheres of Government.
 
The second challenge is what I have termed on a previous occasion as ‘parachuted development’.
 
Here, I am referring to the approach of initiating, scoping and budgeting for projects and programmes without proper project preparation and consultation with relevant stakeholders and, most importantly, the affected communities.

The third challenge has been how projects are funded in the wake of the fiscal challenges our country is going through. The DDM was initiated to enhance co-operation amongst all stakeholders. In addressing the challenge of funding projects we need to identify innovative ways of funding many projects. This we can do through more effective co-operation amongst all stakeholders.
 
These challenges have contributed to projects not being initiated nor implemented, when they are implemented being dogged by huge cost over-runs, projects being discontinued, and communities losing interest in development that does not materialise.
 
These challenges have contributed to a trust deficit between Government and communities.
 
These two challenges have been holding back our progress as a country.
 
Today’s engagement is designed to narrow and ultimately close these gaps.
 
This engagement is meant to help us work together more efficiently, to resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.
 
We hope that this engagement will come up with innovative ideas and lead to tangible action to address problems and challenges.
 
Chairperson,
 
While the provincial executive and municipalities should be commended for growing public infrastructure in this Province, challenges remain.
 
Communities are bearing the brunt of instability at local government level.
 
Municipalities have repeatedly been placed under administration, the Ditsobotla Local Municipality being the most recent of these.
 
The National Executive, working with the Provincial Government, is determined to arrest the current situation and turn the municipality around so that it once again delivers consistent services and enjoys the respect of communities.
 
We were all elected to serve the people and not our own interests.
 
Failure to deliver services is an infringement of the basic rights of citizens.
 
Let me address the issue of running water as an example.
 
No one should go more than a day without running water while there is a deafening silence from the municipal offices about when water will be restored.
 
We must remind ourselves of the National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review which points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty.
 
It also points to a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water.
 
We need to recognise that fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects and programmes, particularly at a municipal level.
 
But nothing can excuse poor governance, maladministration, financial mismanagement, wastage and corruption.
 
If a municipality is put under administration, we need to know what the elected representatives and municipal officials are doing to earn their salaries.
 
The impact of tariffs and other developments on the country’s economy mean that we must intensify our efforts to deliver on the Government of National Unity’s three strategic priorities.
 
These priorities are to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
These priorities must find expression in plans for action at both provincial and local government.
 
We need to unlock the blockages in establishing a Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Municipality, reintroduce the use of railway routes, and expand the airports in Mahikeng and Pilanesberg.
 
We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable more efficient regulatory approval and investment activation.
 
With regard to infrastructure development, we will need to find ways to support high impact projects in the four corridors and elsewhere in the Province.
 
We need to seize on the great opportunities that exist to develop agriculture, tourism and manufacturing in this Province.
 
These are among the issues that we will deliberate on today.
 
Premier Mokgosi, working together with your Executive Council and the municipal leadership here, I am confident that we can drive development in the Platinum Province.
 
In this effort, no person, no community and no industry should be left behind.
 
Once again thank you all for your attendance. I look forward to our discussions.
 
I thank you.

Sha

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will deliver the keynote address at the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) Q1 2025/26 Results Media Briefing. The event will showcase the progress of the initiative, highlight outcomes from the past quarter, and provide a platform for engagement with key stakeholders, young opportunity holders, and the media.

The PYEI, a flagship intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment, continues to drive opportunities for young South Africans through innovative partnerships and programmes such as Jobs Boost and skills development initiatives.

The media briefing will feature a presentation of the PYEI results, insights from implementing partners, and testimonies from youth who have benefited from the programme. It will also include an overview of BluLever Education’s contribution to technical training and employment pathways, followed by a tour of the facilities.

Details of the media briefing:

Date: Thursday, 11 September 2025
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: BluLever Education, 39 Smit Service Road, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Programme Highlights:

- Opening remarks by Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli

- Presentation of PYEI Q1 Results by PYEI Director, Ms Tshego Walker

- Overview of BluLever Education and Jobs Boost by CEO and Co-Founder, Ms Jess Roussos

- Testimonies from PYEI youth beneficiaries and apprentices

- Media Q&A session and facility tour

Members of the media are invited to attend.

Media Enquiries & RSVP: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Monday 08 September 2025, participate in a virtual meeting of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

The Summit is a platform for leaders to exchange views on pressing global issues, with particular focus on the current economic environment and the state of the multilateral system. 

The BRICS Leaders’ Summit chaired by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil met on 6 and 7 July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro under the theme "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance".

Today’s engagement will focus on the challenges faced by the international community and on the role of BRICS in advancing dialogue, cooperation, and constructive responses.

The BRICS Leaders virtual opening country statements will take place as follows:
Date: Monday, 08 September 2025
Time: 14h00
Streaming: PresidencyZA 

The opening country statements will be live streamed on PresidencyZA social media platforms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director;
Families of our Fallen Heroes and Heroines;
The Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia;
Deputy Ministers of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale;
Members of the Executive Committee (MECs) present;
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron and Members of the Portfolio Committee;
The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola;
JCPS Directors-General present;
Deputy National Commissioners present;
Divisional Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners present;
Representatives from Organised Labour, SAPU & POPCRU;
All Members of the South African Police Service;
Distinguished Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Dumelang!! Avuxeni!! Ndi Matsheloni!! Sanibonani!! Goeie more!!

I stand here on behalf of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who, due to pressing State obligations, could not be with us this morning. 

The President asked me to convey his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen Officers, and he expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by the South African Police Service.

This ceremony is one of the commemorations I wish we could skip for a year, not because of its lack of importance, but because it would mean that no officers had fallen in the line of duty. Each year we commemorate this event, my heart is weighed down with sorrow, thinking about the child who has lost a parent, the spouse who has lost a husband or wife, and a brother or sister who has lost a sibling.

Given the young ages of some of these fallen heroes, I see parents who have lost sons and daughters, some of whom were breadwinners. As parents, you had to endure the unimaginable pain of laying your children to rest, grappling not just with the sorrow of your child's passing but also grieving the loss of hopes, dreams, and a future.

To the families gathered here, especially the spouses who now carry the heavy burden of grief, we say: South Africa shares in your sorrow. We know that your loss cannot be measured, for it is a wound that will never fully heal.

To the children of our fallen Officers, some of whom sit before us today, we say: your pain is our pain. Please be aware that your parents died as heroes and heroines, and their sacrifices are acknowledged by the whole country.

To the colleagues, the men and women of the SAPS who stood shoulder to shoulder with these Officers, we recognise your pain. You have lost teammates, mentors, and friends. We honour your courage to return to duty, despite the risks you face every day.

It is because of these kinds of risks that we are all here today at the SAPS Memorial Site to honour and remember 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/2025 financial year. Last year, we mourned 39 of their colleagues. Together, that brings the devastating figure of 66 police officers killed in just two years. Sixty-six lives cut short while protecting our democracy, our communities, and our freedom. These deaths have ruthlessly torn apart sixty-six families.

This statistic is alarming, especially because these people might have led the SAPS to a safer, crime-free South Africa. Their sacrifice reminds us that maintaining the delicate balance between order and chaos is costly. It reveals the merciless nature of the criminals you confront.

Among the 27 remarkable individuals we are commemorating today, let us take a moment to remember two cherished individuals, the eldest and the youngest.
● Constable Boikokobetso Retlotlisitswe Sonopo, just 26 years old, with barely one year of service. On patrol in Mount Fletcher on the evening of 28 June 2024, his team was ambushed. He was robbed of his weapon, his uniform, and his life. He was a young man full of promise, taken from us too soon.
● Lieutenant Colonel Pieter Pretorius, aged 59, was a devoted father and seasoned investigator stationed at the Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit. Just one year before his well-earned retirement, he was ambushed and gunned down on 16 January 2025 while returning from lunch. His killers sought to silence justice, but they will not succeed. To date, ten suspects have been arrested, a testament to our commitment that justice will prevail.

We should not allow these ruthless acts by criminals to continue. Criminals should never be free to roam our streets whenever they choose. Most importantly, as our community's first line of defence, you must always remain vigilant and never let your guard down.

Our Government stands firmly with the men and women of the SAPS. We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime. We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.

Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a Police Officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws.

Fellow Compatriots,

The rate of criminality, especially organised crime syndicates in South Africa, is a major concern. Drug trafficking syndicates, gangs and other forms of organised crime represent an urgent and growing challenge in South Africa. The killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot and killed by more than seven armed robbers at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 08 August 2025, is but one example of the many senseless killings of our Police Officers.

Let me reiterate, as Police Officers, you must not die with your service firearms in your holsters. You have a duty to protect your lives; this means you must use force that is proportional to the threat that you face. You must not surrender to any form of criminality.

The government will continue to promote initiatives that unite society for a safer South Africa, recognising that crime is a shared responsibility between the police, community, and business sectors. We encourage citizens to collaborate with the police and Community Policing Forums to provide crucial information for criminal identification and arrest.

According to the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), approved by Cabinet in 2020, the SAPS will need the support of all branches of Government and all facets of society to fulfil its constitutional mandate, which is to create a safe and secure environment for all inhabitants of South Africa.

The residents of this country are the most significant participants in the fight against crime. Communities must cooperate with, not against, the Police. Families, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civic organisations all have important roles to play. When communities collaborate with law enforcement, they eliminate criminals' hiding places and restore safety.

We are also greatly concerned by reports of collusion between some of our own members and criminals. We encourage all of you to uncover wrongdoing inside your ranks, regardless of who is involved. As a nation, we rely on the SAPS to ensure that there is peace and order. 

We must work together to solve the institution's inefficiencies and lack of public trust. As we memorialise the departed, we must also look to the future and take steps to improve the institution they fought for and dedicatedly served.

We must promote openness, accountability, and integrity within the SAPS. We must instil a culture of professionalism, respect, and compassion among our Police Officers. We must prioritise community participation, collaboration, and inclusion to build trust and enhance partnership between law enforcement and the general public.

The 27 Officers we commemorate today now take their rightful place on the Roll of Honour. Their families must know that, even in grief, there is pride. Their names will echo through generations as symbols of sacrifice and devotion to duty. They may be gone, but their legacy endures in the safety of our communities and in the freedom of our democracy.

As we lower our heads in remembrance and honour, let us lift our resolve through action. Let us stand united against those who threaten the peace of our nation. Let me leave you with this thought: when we protect those who protect us, we protect the very soul of our democracy.

On behalf of the Government, I express gratitude to Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia; National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola; and SAPS Management for their leadership and dedication to the men and women in blue. We urge you to continue leading from the front, ensuring that no Officer’s sacrifice is in vain.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of our brave Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the spirits of our brave heroes and heroines find everlasting tranquillity. Let their bravery motivate us to create a South Africa that promotes safety, justice, and freedom.

I thank you.