President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 15 April 2026, address the two-day National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit, which takes place at Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg.

The summit is convened by the Department of Small Business Development, in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

The theme for the event is  “Re-engineering Local Economies: A Collaborative Blueprint for Small Enterprise Growth and Ease of Doing Business.”

The summit serves as a high-level national platform that brings together government, the private sector, academia, development finance institutions and other key stakeholders to advance coordinated and practical solutions for inclusive local economic growth.

The gathering takes place at a critical juncture as government seeks to reposition local economic development as a central pillar of South Africa’s developmental agenda. 

This focus aims to accelerate economic growth, support job creation and strengthen the resilience of local economies, particularly in townships and informal sectors such as rural areas.

Deliberations will focus on strengthening the implementation of local economic development, improving intergovernmental coordination through the District Development Model, and unlocking opportunities for small, medium, and micro enterprises (MSMEs). 

Details of President Ramaphosa's participation are as follows:
Date: 15 April 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Excellency President Pedro Sánchez,
Leaders from across the world and across society,
Distinguished guests,
Friends,
 
We gather here in Barcelona when the world is in crisis.
 
This is a time of aggression, war, conflict and destruction. 
 
The laws and norms that have long defined relations between nations are wilfully violated. Institutions of global governance are being undermined or maliciously repurposed.
 
The principles of solidarity, cooperation and friendship are being challenged by the resurgence of narrow nationalism, prejudice and intolerance.
 
The resurgence in unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine are linked to ideologies of superiority that continue to treat the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America as second class global citizens – and regards the resources of their countries as goods to be used in service of former colonial and imperial powers. 
 
At the same time, the climate crisis is deepening. Sea levels are rising and severe weather events are becoming ever more frequent.
 
Billions of people across the world go hungry, have no work and few skills.
 
Inequality within and between countries is growing.
 
Many societies are becoming more fragmented and isolated.
 
Political discourse is being reshaped by algorithms that fuel extremism and hate.
 
These are not separate crises. They are connected.
 
They reflect a world that has yet to overcome the severe imbalances of power, opportunity and material well-being that have for so long held back inclusive and sustainable human progress.
 
This may be a time of crisis, but this not a moment for doubt or despair.
 
This is a moment for action, for mobilisation, for renewal.
 
For most of us alive today, there has never been a more important moment than now for a global progressive revival.
 
A revival that is confident in its values, clear in its purpose and united in its resolve.
 
This moment of severe crisis is at the same time a moment of unique opportunity.
 
It is an opportunity to galvanise the forces of progressive change to forge a new path of peace, democracy and social justice.
 
It is an opportunity for a new generation of progressives to emerge and to develop a vision of a better, more justice and more inclusive world.
 
This is an opportunity to confront the forces of reaction, who have gained much ground by offering people easy answers to complex problems. 
 
They have exploited legitimate grievances — about jobs, about security, about identity — and they have redirected people’s fears and anger toward the most vulnerable.
 
The progressive response cannot be only to oppose. We must offer something better. 
 
We must speak to the real concerns of working people, of communities that feel left behind, of young people who cannot see a future that makes sense to them. 
 
We must present a vision that is grounded in people’s experiences, that recognises their concerns, that addresses their pain and overcomes their fears. 
 
We must pursue a path that is empowering and inclusive.
 
Across the world, we must build a united front of governments, political parties, social movements, community organisations, think tanks, influencers and social activists bound together by a shared desire for a better world.
 
This must be a united front against inequality and poverty. It must revive the drive towards the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
 
This must be a movement for climate action. It must ensure that countries honour their commitments to curb emissions and to provide meaningful finance and support for mitigation and adaptation.
 
We must build a global movement that enables countries to undertake just and inclusive transitions that drive social and economic development while protecting affected communities, workers and businesses.
 
We must build a world of genuine multilateral cooperation, with global institutions that are representative, democratic and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future.

We must restore the United Nations to its position at the centre of international relations. 
 
We must advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy, through the consistent application of international law and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
 
We must address the debt burden that holds back many developing economies. We must reform the financial architecture and close the financing gap for development. 
 
Most importantly, we must speak directly and honestly to the people we seek to mobilise to be part of this global progressive movement.
 
A global progressive revival is underway. 
 
In far-flung communities, in social formations and political parties, on university campuses and factory floors, on social media and across the airwaves, the clamour for progressive change is growing.
 
This gathering in Barcelona provides greater impetus to this revival.
 
I am certain that we will leave here more united, more purposeful and more determined than when we arrived.
 
I thank you.

Your Excellencies,
Mr Jordi Hereu, Minister for Industry and Tourism of Spain;
Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa;
Mr José Luis Bonet, President of the Spain Chamber of Commerce;
Mr Antonio Garamendi, President of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations;
Business leaders from Spain and South Africa;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen.
 
It is a great honour to address this Spain–South Africa Business Forum.
 
I wish to thank His Majesty King Felipe VI, the Government of Spain and the Spanish business community for the warm hospitality extended to the South African delegation during our visit.
 
This visit reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to building a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship.
 
Spain is a valued partner to South Africa.
 
Our relationship is built on shared values and a common belief in inclusive growth, industrial development and sustainable prosperity.
 
Today, we meet not only to celebrate our partnership, but to shape its next chapter.
 
In 2025, total trade between South Africa and Spain reached approximately 2.8 billion Euros. 
 
South Africa’s exports to Spain reached 1.3 billion Euros, a 10 percent increase over the previous year.
 
This makes Spain our fastest-growing major trading partner within the European Union.
 
Our countries do not compete. We complement each other, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can strengthen global value chains.
 
Over 150 Spanish companies currently operate on South African soil, supporting more than 20,000 jobs across sectors that range from renewable energy and infrastructure to financial services, technology and tourism.
 
Added to this is Spain’s commitment of over 2.1 billion Euros to South Africa’s just energy transition. This is directed at green hydrogen, electric vehicles, renewable energy and grid infrastructure.
 
It is a statement of confidence not merely in our economy, but in our future.
 
Even though our trade relationship is strong, it remains structurally imbalanced. It is concentrated in a narrow range of products.
 
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods account for nearly half of South Africa’s exports to Spain.
 
Such concentration creates vulnerability.
 
If we are to strengthen this relationship, if we are to make it sustainable, we must focus on diversification.
 
South Africa holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals.
 
These critical minerals sit at the heart of hydrogen fuel cell technology, clean energy systems and the future of electric mobility.
 
At the same time, Spain is rapidly positioning itself as one of Europe’s leading players in the hydrogen economy.
 
This creates an opportunity for an alignment of our strengths.
 
South Africa brings the resource base. Spain brings technological capability, investment and market access.
 
Together, this creates the foundation for a new kind of partnership, a collaboration across the value chains of the future.
 
Spain has demonstrated global leadership in economic sectors where South Africa has its most urgent and growing needs.
 
In renewable energy, Spain ranks among the top five countries in the world.
 
In water management and desalination, it is the leading country in Europe, using technologies that South Africa needs as it confronts growing water stress.
 
In infrastructure, hydrogen, and tourism, Spain sets standards that the world follows.
 
South Africa, in turn, offers a sophisticated industrial base, abundant natural resources, and world-class financial institutions. 
 
We offer a strategic position as the gateway into a continent of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion.
 
South Africa and Spain are not just two countries trading goods.
 
We are two economies with the potential to build value chains that serve markets far beyond our own borders.
 
We see strong opportunities to grow South African exports to Spain and to the broader European market in several areas.
 
These include agro-processing and high-value agricultural products.
 
They include specialty chemicals and sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals and health technologies.
 
As we look to the future, we see expanding opportunities for the export of beneficiated critical minerals, green industrial materials and renewable energy inputs, and electric vehicles and components.
 
What we seek is deeper industrial cooperation, expanded market access and integration into value chains that connect our productive capacity to European consumer and industrial markets.
 
To take one example: South Africa’s automotive industry is the largest on the African continent.
 
As the world transitions to electric vehicles, the question is not whether South Africa will be part of that value chain but whether we will be a raw material supplier or a manufacturing partner.
 
We want to be manufacturers and assemblers.
 
And we look to Spanish companies to travel that road with us.
 
Spanish companies have already proven what investment in South Africa can achieve.
 
Construction is underway at Acciona’s wind farms at Zen and Bergriver, totalling nearly 200 megawatts of clean energy capacity. They are expected to be commissioned by mid-2027.
 
Iberdrola’s Jasper Solar Plant in the Northern Cape province was the largest solar plant in Africa when it was commissioned.
 
Projects like these are the cornerstones of an industrial partnership.
 
South Africa offers policy certainty and strong institutions.
 
We offer a diversified industrial economy, a sophisticated banking sector, a robust legal framework and deep experience in managing complex industrial projects.
 
We are implementing reforms to improve our logistics network, strengthen our electricity system and create a more competitive business environment.
 
We are making it easier to invest, easier to trade and easier to grow.
 
As we expand trade, we must ensure that the rules governing global commerce are fair and support development.
 
South Africa supports climate action.
 
We are committed to a just transition toward a low-carbon economy.
 
But new regulatory frameworks, including the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, must not become instruments that inadvertently punish developing economies for emissions they did not historically cause.
 
We are not opposed to the principle of carbon accountability.
 
What we ask is that climate measures be accompanied by the necessary climate finance, technology transfer and transitional arrangements that the Paris Agreement and successive COP commitments have promised.
 
We look to Spain to champion a just and equitable approach within EU institutions.
 
This Business Forum is about practical outcomes.
 
Alongside the engagements we are having with Spanish business, we present a high-impact pipeline of 85 investment projects valued at over 62 billion Euros.
 
Through our investment promotion agency – InvestSA – these opportunities have been developed into structured, investment-ready projects designed for partnership and phased implementation.
 
These projects span energy transition infrastructure, green industrialisation, critical minerals beneficiation, agro-industrial value chains, sustainable fuels, digital connectivity and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
 
They are underpinned by clear policy frameworks, targeted investment incentives and dedicated one-stop facilitation mechanisms to ease implementation.
 
We invite Spanish capital, technology and industrial expertise to partner with us in advancing these projects and building integrated value chains between our two economies.
 
Our message to every Spanish company in this room is that South Africa is open for business.
 
We invite you to partner with us not only as investors, but as long-term industrial partners, as co-builders of industries that will serve our people and yours for generations.
 
We have an opportunity to connect European technological strength with African growth.
 
We have an opportunity to build supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and inclusive.
 
Most importantly, we have an opportunity to create prosperity that is genuinely shared in Madrid and in Johannesburg, in Seville and in Durban, in the farming towns of Andalucía and in the mining communities of Limpopo.
 
Let us leave this forum with a shared commitment to turn dialogue into meaningful action.
 
Let us harness our respective strengths and capabilities to build a partnership for the future.
 
I thank you.

Programme Director, Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube;
Gauteng Acting Premier, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko;
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr. Buti Manamela;
Ministers, Premiers and MECs in attendance;
Deputy Chairs of the HRD Council, Mr. Duncan Luvuno and Dr. Thembi Xaba; 
Former Deputy Chairs who are present this morning;
Head of Secretariat of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa, Mr. Maliviwe Lumka;
Director-General in The Presidency, Ms Phindile Baleni, and other DG’s Present;
Leaders of labour, business, and civil society;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Dumelang/ Avuxeni.

It is both an honour and a privilege, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, to welcome you to the Fifth Human Resource Development Council Summit. We have gathered under the timely and compelling theme, “Living and Working in a Changing World.”

We convene during a period of significant transformation, both globally and domestically. Equally, the meeting of the Human Resource Development Council takes place shortly after the successful launch of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Gert Sibande TVET College in Mpumalanga. This initiative adds to a growing number of interventions aimed at aligning skills development with emerging technologies and the evolving needs of the economy.

These efforts include the expansion of Centres of Specialisation at TVET colleges in areas such as digital electronics, automation and advanced manufacturing; the integration of coding, robotics and data analytics into basic and post‑school education curricula; partnerships with the private sector to establish digital skills academies and industry‑aligned training hubs; and the use of online learning platforms to widen access to scarce and future‑oriented skills. 

Collectively, such initiatives demonstrate the importance of scaling technology‑driven skills programmes so that South Africa’s human resource development system remains responsive to rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence, digitalisation and automation, while preparing young people and workers for the jobs of the future.

The ways we learn, work, and engage in society are undergoing significant transformation. Technological innovation, demographic shifts, environmental challenges, and economic uncertainty are realities that are reshaping the definition of work itself. In such a context, these realities compel us to rethink not only skills for jobs but also human development for life. 

Against this backdrop, this Summit represents an important turning point. It coincides with the launch of the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy 2025–2035, alongside its implementation framework, the Master Skills Plan 2025–2030, and it will culminate in the adoption of a Summit Declaration that reaffirms our shared responsibility as social partners.

Minister Manamela, we wish to acknowledge and commend your leadership in finalising this Reconceptualised Strategy and the accompanying Master Skills Plan. Together, these instruments will guide and energise our collective efforts to advance human resource development over the coming decade.

This fifth iteration of the HRD Strategy, first introduced in 2001 and periodically reviewed, confronts lessons that have emerged over time, among them, uneven ownership, fragmented implementation, and a limited appreciation of human development beyond narrow skills acquisition.

In earlier phases, particularly within the Post-School Education and Training System (PSET), the focus rested heavily on employable skills, especially within colleges. Since the 2021 Summit, however, the pace and scale of global change, most notably the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), have compelled a decisive shift in emphasis.

Today, success in a dynamic and uncertain world increasingly depends on human and social capabilities such as analytical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, resilience, and adaptability. Automation and AI are transforming industries at a speed that often exceeds the ability of education and training systems to respond, leading to a growing skills gap that threatens workforce readiness and economic stability. 

At the same time, South Africa’s youthful population is reshaping workplace culture and expectations, while climate change is redefining how and where people live, learn, and earn, necessitating a shift in educational approaches to better prepare individuals for these evolving challenges.

In this environment of a changing world, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient. Ethical leadership, critical thinking, and social capabilities are now equally essential. Our challenge, therefore, is not simply one of skills alignment but of capability expansion as well.

It is precisely for this reason that the reconceptualised HRD Strategy moves deliberately beyond a narrow, supply-side understanding of human resource development. It embraces a holistic value chain from early childhood development to lifelong learning; from employability to productive citizenship; and from economic participation to social cohesion.

These instruments, the reconceptualised HRD Strategy and the MSP, are launched under the unifying banner of “One Country, One Strategy, One Plan.” This is a conscious response to the fragmentation, duplication, and uneven execution that have, in the past, weakened our collective impact. It is also an apt vision for a nation governed through a Government of National Unity, one that recognises human development as a shared, all-encompassing national endeavour.

As we advance the Medium-Term Development Plan, we are acutely aware of the urgency of confronting South Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. This Summit must therefore, do more than diagnose problems; it must help us determine how we act together decisively, coherently, and at scale.

The reconceptualised HRD Strategy and the MSP are intended to be practical guides for this joint endeavour, and I trust that by the conclusion of this summit, we will all stand ready to commit to their implementation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In support of these core policy documents, we are introducing an addendum. A dynamic supporting instrument that the Council will update as circumstances evolve. These documents are the product of extensive consultation across all constituencies. In the interests of progress, the HRD Council has already endorsed the Strategy for implementation.

In a moment, I will formally hand over copies of the Strategy to leaders of business, organised labour, Government, and civil society. I invite every constituency to reflect carefully on how and where it can contribute to advancing these priorities.

This Strategy does not replace existing plans and programmes; rather, it aligns them, clarifies national priorities across each thematic area, and strengthens our ability to monitor progress at a macro level.

The Strategy must be understood as a guide for how we work together. Reports to Council should not be treated as compliance exercises but as opportunities to highlight collaboration, problem-solving, and shared impact.

Guided by the National Development Plan, the reconceptualised Strategy identifies four goals and twelve interventions across the HRDC’s three thematic areas.

In schooling, these include early childhood development, reading for meaning, and curriculum differentiation, each requiring deep collaboration. In youth development, the emphasis falls on relevant short courses and expanded workplace experience, particularly within growth sectors such as the green and digital economies. Building a capable state, the third thematic area, demands close coordination across Government, supported by institutions such as the Public Service Commission and the National School of Government, with active participation from labour and business.

Therefore, what we seek from this Summit is a simple but powerful commitment that whatever we do in the field of human development, we will do together, in partnership with relevant social actors. A draft declaration reflecting this commitment has been circulated, and we hope constituency leaders will formally signal their support as we conclude the Summit.

We recognise, without hesitation, that Government alone cannot deliver human development. Skills, employability, and state capability require deep social compacts grounded in trust, accountability, and shared ownership.

This understanding is formalised in the Summit Declaration, through which we should commit to affirming the Strategy and Master Skills Plan as our collective blueprints; strengthening implementation of existing social compacts; refreshing them to respond to technological and labour market change; and reporting annually to demonstrate real, collaborative impact.

The declaration is significant because it shifts us decisively from policy intent to shared accountability. It recognises that “living and working in a changing world” demands that we work differently together.

Our work should remain firmly grounded in South Africa’s lived realities. While recent labour force data offers modest encouragement, it also reveals a sobering truth. Millions of discouraged work seekers, particularly young people, have disengaged entirely from the labour market. For them, exclusion from work represents not only an economic loss but also a loss of dignity, purpose, and hope.

It is for this reason that the Strategy identifies four catalytic goals with the potential to unlock system-wide impact:

· Improving early learning and schooling outcomes, recognising that foundational capabilities determine life opportunities.
· Improving the employability of youth who are not in employment, education, or training, especially through short courses, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship.
· Enhancing the responsiveness of the post‑school education and training system, particularly to skills demanded by the green, digital, and care economies.
· Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, without which no reform can be sustained.

Together, these catalytic goals are designed to trigger system-wide impact, to ignite renewal, and to ensure that our people live and work with dignity in a changing world.

Colleagues, 

South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of plans. Our vulnerability lies in implementation gaps, weak coordination, and uneven ownership, which hinder the effectiveness of existing plans and prevent us from achieving our development goals. That is why the HRD Council, supported by its Secretariat and Standing Committees must now intensify its role as convener, monitor, and problem‑solver. Reports to Council must help unblock constraints, leverage partnerships, and demonstrate real progress on the ground.

The Strategy and the MSP are explicit; they are living instruments, and their custodians will be held accountable over the next decade. This Summit therefore marks not the end of a planning cycle but the beginning of a delivery phase. We need to get things done with no procrastination.

The idea of living and working in a changing world is about agency. It is about ensuring that South Africans, especially the youth, are not passive victims of change but active shapers of their futures. Our responsibility is to keep development pathways open, relevant, and dignified.

Allow me at this stage to formally recognise the members of the newly appointed HRD Council, who will be the custodians of this strategy. This Council represents all constituencies, and we have already witnessed their collaborative efforts to enhance human resource development in South Africa. We trust that Council members will take ownership of the Strategy and ensure that it is properly “socialised” among their members.

Honoured guests, ladies, and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to formally launch the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy 2025–2035 and to declare the 5th HRDC Summit officially open. 

I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to receiving your resolutions and recommendations.

I thank you, Inkomu.

Programme Director, Ms Mpho Mashego,
Principal of Kaalfontein Secondary School, Mr Ribalani Makhubele,
CEO of Honor South Africa, Mr Zhou Lefeng,
Representatives from the Technology Youth Development Agency (TYDA),
Members of the School Governing Body,
Distinguished guests,
Educators and staff,
Parents and community members,
And most importantly, the learners of Kaalfontein High School,

Good morning.

It is truly a pleasure and a privilege to be back here at Kaalfontein High School. This is not just another visit it is a continuation of a meaningful journey that we have been walking together.

Today marks our fourth visit to this school, and each time we come here, we are reminded that our relationship with this community is not symbolic—it is real, it is growing, and it is built on trust. We are not visitors here; we are partners, and indeed, we are friends.

Over the past engagements, we have worked together to open doors of opportunity. We have hosted career expos, we have supported application drives, and we have engaged with learners to help shape their futures. Each of those moments was guided by a simple commitment: that we would not leave you behind.

And today, we return to honour a promise.

We said we would come back with tools that would make a tangible difference in your lives and today, we are proud to hand over these laptops.

This initiative is about more than just devices. It is about access. It is about opportunity. It is about bridging the digital divide that continues to disadvantage many of our young people.

In today’s world, access to technology is no longer a luxury it is a necessity. It is the gateway to education, to innovation, and to participation in the global economy.

These laptops represent:

• The ability to research and learn beyond the classroom 
• The opportunity to apply to universities and colleges with ease 
• The chance to develop digital skills that are essential for the future of work 

To the learners, this is your moment. These tools are placed in your hands not just to use, but to transform your lives. Use them with purpose. Use them with discipline. Use them to dream bigger than your circumstances.

Let me take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Honor South Africa for their generous donation and their commitment to empowering young people through technology.

Your partnership demonstrates what is possible when the private sector joins hands with Government and communities to invest in the future of our country.

We also acknowledge the important role played by the Technology Youth Development Agency (TYDA) in facilitating initiatives such as these, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

To the educators and school leadership, thank you for your continued dedication. You are shaping the minds and futures of these young people every single day. These laptops will support your work, but it is your guidance that will ensure they are used effectively.

To the parents and the broader community, your encouragement and involvement remain critical. Let us work together to support these learners so that they make the most of this opportunity.

As Government, we remain committed to building an inclusive society where no child is left behind. Initiatives like this are part of a broader effort to ensure that all young people regardless of where they come from have access to the tools they need to succeed.

In closing, let me say that Kaalfontein Secondary School is no longer just a school we visit; it is a community we believe in. And today’s handover is not the end of our engagement; it is another step forward in a partnership that will continue to grow.

Let us move forward together as Government, private sector, educators, parents, and learners to build a future that is brighter, more inclusive, and full of opportunity.

I thank you.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, together with the CEO of HONOR Technologies Africa, Mr Zou Lefeng, will hand over laptops to learners at Kaalfontein High School in Ebony Park on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

The handover forms part of a collaboration between Government and the private sector aimed at advancing digital inclusion and enhancing access to technology for learners. Through this initiative, learners at Kaalfontein High School will receive laptops to support teaching and learning, and to empower students with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

This partnership shows a shared commitment to bridging the digital divide, fostering innovation in education, and equipping young people with critical skills for the future economy.

Event Details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Kaalfontein High School, Ebony Park

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
iNkosi Zanoxolo Meji, our esteemed traditional leader,
Dr. Peyana, District Director: O.R. Tambo Coastal,
Councillor Cebisa Mazuza, Mayor of Majola,
Mr. Majola, Principal of Gcinibandla Primary School,
Mr. Hakata, Chairperson of the School Governing Body,
Ms.  Sigwavu, representing SADTU,
Mrs. Ahmed, representing parents,
Mr. Mukwevho, HWPL Southern Africa Branch Manager,
Distinguished guests, educators, parents, members of the community, and most importantly, the learners of Gcinibandla Primary School,

Good morning.

It is both a privilege and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you today in this beautiful part of our country, as we gather to mark an important milestone for Gcinibandla Primary School and the broader community of Port St Johns. Today is not merely a ceremonial occasion it is a moment that signals progress, possibility, and a shared commitment to the future of our children.

We are here to hand over laptops as part of establishing a technology lab at this school, but more importantly, we are here to plant a seed. This is the beginning of an ongoing programme one that will continue to grow and evolve over time. What we are launching today is not the end, but the start of a journey towards building a fully equipped digital learning environment. While today we place laptops in the hands of learners and educators, tomorrow we envision a fully developed lab with large digital screens, enhanced connectivity, and expanded resources that will transform how teaching and learning take place in this school.

Programme Director,

As highlighted in today’s programme, “in the digital age, learning ICT is not an option, but a necessity”. This statement captures the urgency of the work before us. The world is changing rapidly, and the skills required for success are evolving just as quickly. If we are to prepare our young people for meaningful participation in the economy and society, we must ensure that they are digitally empowered.

For too long, many rural and under-resourced schools have been left on the margins of technological advancement. Today, we are taking a decisive step to change that reality. This initiative is about closing the digital divide. It is about ensuring that a child in Gcinibandla has the same opportunity to learn, explore, and innovate as a child anywhere else in South Africa or indeed, anywhere in the world.

To the learners gathered here today, this is your moment. These laptops are not just devices they are tools of empowerment. Through them, you can access knowledge, develop skills, and unlock opportunities that were once beyond reach. I urge you to use them with discipline, curiosity, and purpose. Let them inspire you to dream boldly and to work hard towards those dreams.

The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today, we are helping you to prepare.

To the educators and the leadership of this school under Mr. Majola, we recognise and appreciate the critical role you play. Technology alone does not transform education — it is the dedication of teachers that brings learning to life. We trust that you will embrace these tools, integrate them into your teaching, and use them to enrich the educational experience of every learner in your care.

Programme Director,

This initiative would not have been possible without strong partnerships. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, Sentech and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), whose support and collaboration have made today a reality. Your contribution goes beyond infrastructure you are helping to shape futures and build hope in communities that need it most.
This is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when Government, the private sector, and civil society work together towards a common goal.

As Government, we remain committed to building a capable and inclusive society one in which every child has access to quality education and the tools needed to succeed in the modern world. Initiatives such as this are aligned with our broader vision of equipping young people with the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

But we are also mindful that this work requires continuity. Today’s handover must be followed by sustained support, ongoing development, and continuous improvement. This is why we emphasise that this is only the beginning. We will continue to work with stakeholders to expand and strengthen this programme, ensuring that the vision of a fully resourced digital lab becomes a reality.

In closing, let us remember that the true value of what we do today will be measured not in the equipment we hand over, but in the impact it has on the lives of these young learners. Let this school become a centre of excellence in digital learning. Let it inspire other schools and communities to follow this path.

And let us continue, together, to walk this journey of progress Sohamba Ekukhanyeni we walk in the light.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Members of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC),
Acting Coordinator for Intelligence,
Leaders of our intelligence and security services,

Today is not a ceremonial indulgence. It is a reaffirmation of mandate, of law, and of responsibility.

We gather under the authority of the National Strategic Intelligence Act 39 of 1994, specifically Section 4, which does not merely constitute a committee, but establishes the Republic’s central nervous system for intelligence coordination. NICOC is where the fragmented becomes unified, where information becomes insight, and where insight must become action.

The coins I present to you today, bearing the insignia of the National Centre for Intelligence Coordination (NCIC), (which is in all intents and purposes, the Office of the Coordinator for Intelligence), are not tokens. They are markers of duty.

Each element on this coin reflects the mandate you carry. The five stars represent you, the statutory members of NICOC, drawn from the core intelligence disciplines of the Republic. Domestic intelligence, Foreign intelligence, Defence intelligence, Crime intelligence, and the coordinating authority vested in the Office of the Coordinator.

You are not parallel structures. You are one system, defined in law and bound in purpose.

At the centre stands the secretary bird, not a passive observer, but a decisive hunter of threats. It does not merely watch. It identifies, engages, and neutralises. This is the standard expected of our intelligence community, not reaction, but anticipation and disruption.

Beneath it lies the protea, the enduring symbol of our nation, resilient, diverse, and sovereign. It is not the state alone that you serve, but the constitutional identity and integrity of the Republic. The protea reminds us that intelligence exists to protect the people, the Constitution, and the future of South Africa.

Encircling all of this is the mark of NCIC, the Office of the Coordinator, where your efforts converge, where national priorities are defined, and where coherence must prevail over fragmentation.

Let me be clear, coordination is not a bureaucratic exercise. It is a strategic function. Where coordination fails, threats are missed, signals are ignored, and the State is exposed.

Conversely, where coordination succeeds, threats are pre-empted, resources are aligned, and the Republic is secured without noise.

NICOC must never become a forum of reports. It must remain a centre of decision, integration, and direction.

As you receive this coin, you are reminded that intelligence must be timely, actionable, and relevant. Rivalry between structures must give way to national interest. Silence in the face of threat is failure. Coordination without consequence is complacency. This coin binds you not to symbolism, but to performance.

Let it be a reminder to all of us that you operate in an environment defined by complexity, characterised amongst other, by transnational criminal networks, espionage and foreign interference, economic sabotage, as well as emerging technological threats.

These are not abstract risks. They are active, evolving, and deliberate. Your duty, as constituted under law, is to ensure that the Republic is never blind, never surprised, and never unprepared.

Let me conclude by stating that today, as I hand you this NCIC coin, I do so with a simple expectation:

That you will embody the unity it represents,
That you will execute the mandate it reflects,
And that you will protect what it stands for, the sovereignty, security, and constitutional order of South Africa.

This coin does not grant authority. It reminds you of the authority you already carry, and the responsibility that comes with it.

I thank you.

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, will officially hand over a fully equipped Technology Lab to learners and educators at Gcinibandla Primary School.

This initiative is part of government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, enhance access to technology in rural schools, and empower learners with critical digital skills for the future.

The handover details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: Gcinibandla Primary School, Majola, Port St John’s, Eastern Cape

Media enquiries & RSVP's: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Professor Barney and Mrs Pityana,
Professor Sizwe Mabizela,
Professor Siphwio Mahala, Chairperson of the National Arts Festival,
Monica Newton, Ceo of the National Arts Festival,
Board Members of the National Arts Festival,
Honoured guests,
National Arts Festival board members,
Ladies and gentlemen.

I am truly delighted to join you this evening at my very first Masicule.

From everything I have heard about this uniquely special event here in Makhanda, I have no doubt that I will leave feeling moved, inspired, and uplifted. This is something we all deeply need in these turbulent and uncertain times.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Music, throughout the history of the world, has played many powerful roles. It has been present in our fireside gatherings, helping us tell our stories, preserve our memories, and remind us who we are and where we come from.

It has stood at the forefront of protest, resistance, and change, giving voice to our suffering, our struggles, and our dreams of a better future.

It is also a language that transcends boundaries, reaching across time and space, beyond walls and divisions, beyond age, gender, culture, and experience, to speak directly to our hearts and souls.

South Africa’s musicality and rhythm are legendary, and we have been privileged to witness extraordinary artists who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. Many of them have graced the Masicule stage, including the late great Sibongile Khumalo, the renowned Vusi Mahlasela, the Eastern Cape’s own Dumza Maswana, and the incomparable Zoë Modiga.

Their presence here reminds us that supporting music in our communities, in our schools, in our universities, and at a professional level is not a luxury. It is something we must actively nurture and encourage in others.

Tonight, we also celebrate Makhanda, a city of deep character and undeniable challenges. It faces real difficulties, but it is also a place of extraordinary resilience and collaboration.

As highlighted by the work of the National Arts Festival, the story of this city is being reshaped through collective effort, with communities, organisations, and residents working together to build hope and create a better future. Makhanda is known for its outstanding schools, its pioneering university, the vibrant National Arts Festival, and its remarkable choral tradition.

Distinguished guests,

The choirs performing tonight have dedicated months to preparing their pieces and to coming together as one massed choir. This is no small achievement. There are many ways they could have spent their time, scrolling, tapping, and swiping.

In all seriousness, in the midst of demanding school schedules, it is truly inspiring to see so many young people commit themselves to something so meaningful. It is equally heartening to recognise the dedication of their teachers, who invest their time and passion in nurturing this talent and guiding these choirs.

I am genuinely looking forward to sharing this experience with all of you tonight, and I have a strong feeling that this will not be my last Masicule.

I Thank you.
 

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will deliver remarks at the Masicule Festival Cocktail Event, a gathering of stakeholders, artists, Government representatives and community leaders in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

The Masicule Festival forms part of the broader work of the National Arts Festival, which promotes arts, culture and local economic development in the Eastern Cape. Through initiatives linked to the Social Employment Fund, the Festival continues to contribute to community upliftment and employment creation in Makhanda.

Event details:

Date: Sunday, 19 April 2026
Time: 17h00
Venue: First Floor Council Chambers, Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Programme:

- Welcome remarks by Professor Siphiwo Mahala, Chairperson of the National Arts Festival
- Address by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli
- The cocktail function will provide an opportunity for engagement and networking among attendees.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 16 April 2026, arrived in the Kingdom of Spain on a Working Visit from 16 to 18 April 2026 to participate at the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

On consecutive days, the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe VI, in Madrid, followed by a bilateral engagement with the President of the Government of Spain, His Excellency Dr Pedro Sánchez, in Barcelona, ahead of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

The initiative "In Defence of Democracy" is an international effort initially launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the rise of extremism, polarisation, and disinformation — phenomena that erode social cohesion and threaten democratic institutions.

The first meeting was held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing together countries from different regions and representatives of international organisations, who agreed on the need for permanent coordination to safeguard democratic values.

The forthcoming Initiative will be a meeting in response to attacks against the multilateral system, disdain for international law, threats of territorial expansion and normalising the use of threats and coercion in international relations.

President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the plenary on Extremism and Inequality, following commissioning the The G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

In Madrid, the President’s diary includes championing South Africa's investment drive through engagements with Spanish companies and addressing the South Africa-Spain Business Forum.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau.

President Ramaphosa will also have an engagement with the Global Progressive Mobilisation Group on the margins of the In Defence of Democracy Initiative.

The Working Visit comes after President Sánchez undertook an Official Visit to South Africa in 2022, during which an invitation to undertake a reciprocal visit was extended to President Ramaphosa.

South Africa and Spain maintain close and friendly bilateral relations, underpinned by strong and significant political ties.The relations consistently upholds the values of unity and dialogue, and that stands firm in defence of multilateralism at a time when these principles are increasingly under strain.

Spain’s commitment to cooperation, respect for international law, and constructive engagement on global challenges reflects values that resonate deeply with South Africa.

Spain recognises South Africa as a strategic partner as it seeks to significantly strengthen its political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation with the African continent.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain increased by 8.3% from US$2,9 billion in 2024 to US$3,1 billion in 2025, which is an important indicator of the strengthening economic partnership between the two countries.

Over the past decade, more than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20 000 jobs.

President Ramaphosa’s engagement with both King Felipe VI and President Sánchez will provide opportunities to review the current status of bilateral cooperation and to advance discussions on the areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Spain, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, multilateralism and peace and security.

MEDIA PROGRAMME

FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 2026

Address to the South Africa - Spain Business Forum
Time: 09h30
Venue: Spain Chamber of Commerce, Madrid

President Cyril Ramaphosa audience with His Majesty  King Felipe VI
Venue: Zarzuela Royal Palace, Madrid

SATURDAY, 18 APRIL 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa bilateral meeting with President Pedro Sánchez of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain
Venue: Fira de Barcelona

Remarks to the plenary on Extremism and Inequality
Time: 10h30
Venue: Fira de Barcelona

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni,
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Acting Premier of Gauteng, Ms Nomantu  Nkomo-Ralehoko,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
President of the South African Local Government Association, Cllr Bheke Stofile,
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo,
Executive Mayors, Councillors and local economic development practitioners,
Representatives of development finance institutions,
Representatives of business, academia and civil society,
Representatives of the SMME sector,
Officials,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is a great pleasure to attend this crucial summit on re-engineering local economies with small business growth at the centre. 

This summit is taking place two weeks after we held a successful sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where we were able to showcase the many opportunities for investment in our country. 

The conference secured a record R890 billion in investment pledges across all provinces.

When investors build their business in our country, they don’t set up factories or open call centres on the lawns of the Union Buildings or in front of the Houses of Parliament. 

This investment takes place in metros, cities, towns and villages. 

Just as local government is the engine room of development, metro, district and local municipalities must see themselves as incubators of economic activity.

When an entrepreneurship culture is strong and supported in cities and towns, it contributes to job creation and small business development. 

South Africa has a burgeoning entrepreneurial sector that continues to increase its contribution to economic activity and job creation.

Yet the entrepreneurship ecosystem as a whole still faces challenges with funding, skills training, bureaucratic barriers and integration into larger value chains. 

It also faces challenges within local government that constrain economic opportunity and potential. 

The Auditor-General’s report on local government highlights persistent weaknesses that directly undermine service delivery and constrain local economic development. 

These include weak financial management and revenue collection, failure to maintain infrastructure, ineffective supply chain management, irregular and wasteful expenditure and weak consequence management.

These challenges translate into unreliable electricity, water insecurity, poor roads, poor service delivery and unsafe trading environments. 

Without fixing governance, we cannot fix service delivery and without fixing service delivery, we cannot unlock local economic development. 

The task of this summit is to shift the discussion from the problems to the solutions.

As my contribution to the deliberations of the summit, there are four sets of actions that I would like to put forward. 

The first of these is to unblock service delivery constraints at local government level, especially with regards to basic infrastructure. 

Energy security, water provision, roads and rail lines are the foundation of growth. 

We have made much progress in tackling load shedding and improving the efficiency of our logistics sector.

This summit must now translate national progress into local success. 

Municipalities must be the frontline in unblocking infrastructure constraints, ensuring that the local industrial park has the power it needs, that tourists can enjoy clean and safe beaches, and that township businesses have streetlighting to trade safely beyond daylight hours.

It is a major concern that we have not adequately prioritised infrastructure maintenance. 

National Treasury Guidelines require municipalities to budget 8 percent of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment. 

Many municipalities are budgeting less than 1 percent. 

To correct this, we need to improve debt collection and revenue management systems. We need to leverage private investment for infrastructure. 

The second set of actions I would like to see emerge from this summit revolve around the ease of doing business. 

Cutting red tape is crucial both to attract large scale investments and also to enable informal traders and small township entrepreneurs to succeed. 

Some of our cities and municipalities have done well in improving the ease of doing business. 

They have systems and targets for zoning approvals, issuing construction permits, connecting businesses with water and electricity, issuing trading and business licenses, including using e-registration systems. There is regulatory certainty. 

However I worry that these municipalities are the exception rather than the rule. 

More often than not, bureaucratic delays at municipal level prevent local investments from getting over the line. 

There are backlogs in issuing business licenses, which, among other things, prevent micro enterprises accessing government support. 

This must change. 

As we finalise the Business Licencing Bill and roll-out the Red Tape Reduction Framework, we call on local government to drive its own red-tape reduction reforms. 

We would also like to see continuous engagement with local business associations and forums, so that we may understand their frustrations and address their concerns. 

Investment will always gravitate towards municipalities that make it easy to do business.

The third set of actions I would propose focus on what could be called the Operating System of Growth. 

For too long, local economic development has been treated as an isolated municipal project function. 

But economic growth is an outcome of a functioning operating system. 

Our municipalities contribute most effectively to growth not through isolated grants or projects, but through reliable basic services and predictable infrastructure maintenance.

They contribute through transparent and time-bound development approvals and effective urban management.

Municipalities contribute to growth by using procurement and ensuring supplier payment discipline to support local small businesses. 

This summit seeks to reposition the municipal contribution to growth as an operating system outcome, not a project function. 

To achieve this, we are formalising the District Development Model’s One Plan as a binding economic transformation compact. 

These compacts will be implemented through specific Area Compacts targeting priority nodes and corridors with sequenced investment in transport, bulk services, and enabling business infrastructure. 

These DDM One Plans need to clearly articulate local growth drivers and how these can be supported, aligned to our country’s broader industrial policy.

Functional economic regions do not stop at municipal boundaries. 

We need to shift from competition between neighbours to structured regional economic partnerships. 

These will align the planning pipelines of state-owned companies and national departments with local priorities. 

These regional economic partnerships must consider how small enterprise, township and village economies can be better integrated into markets and value chains.

This must include the broader African market, which we are unlocking through the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

We need to build regional eco-systems where government, universities, incubators, traditional leaders and the private sector all work together to unlock local growth drivers.

The fourth and final set of actions that I suggest be reflected in the summit outcomes deal with the critical question of capacity.

Specifically, how do we equip local government and communities to fully realise these coordinated plans?

The answer lies in professionalising our municipalities and ensuring that our governance structures are capable, accountable and inclusive. 

We must professionalise the local economic development function. 

Appointments must be made based on merit, relevant skills, experience and qualifications, while holding people to strong ethical standards. 

The scale of the challenge before us requires a national compact for Local Economic Development. 

All stakeholders have a role to play.

For state-owned entities, this means that their infrastructure investments must drive local economic participation. When infrastructure is built, we must see local suppliers, local contractors and local jobs. 

Our development finance institutions must help to de-risk municipal infrastructure and develop blended finance solutions that turn plans into bankable projects, and projects into delivery. 

We need a stronger compact with the financial sector to expand MSME financing, especially in townships and rural areas. 

We call on established businesses to partner with municipalities, develop local suppliers, invest in skills and open value chains. 

We must leave this summit with a programme of action that binds us to clear deliverables and timelines. 

We must ensure that the collaborative blueprint we draft here over the next two days contributes to a new reality for every South African, for every business, in every municipality, in every corner of our land. 

South Africa is a country of entrepreneurs. 

Our task is to unleash their potential and, in so doing, to build an inclusive economy that creates opportunities for all.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
iNkosi Zanoxolo Meji, our esteemed traditional leader,
Dr. Peyana, District Director: O.R. Tambo Coastal,
Councillor Cebisa Mazuza, Mayor of Majola,
Mr. Majola, Principal of Gcinibandla Primary School,
Mr. Hakata, Chairperson of the School Governing Body,
Ms.  Sigwavu, representing SADTU,
Mrs. Ahmed, representing parents,
Mr. Mukwevho, HWPL Southern Africa Branch Manager,
Distinguished guests, educators, parents, members of the community, and most importantly, the learners of Gcinibandla Primary School,

Good morning.

It is both a privilege and a deeply humbling experience to stand before you today in this beautiful part of our country, as we gather to mark an important milestone for Gcinibandla Primary School and the broader community of Port St Johns. Today is not merely a ceremonial occasion it is a moment that signals progress, possibility, and a shared commitment to the future of our children.

We are here to hand over laptops as part of establishing a technology lab at this school, but more importantly, we are here to plant a seed. This is the beginning of an ongoing programme one that will continue to grow and evolve over time. What we are launching today is not the end, but the start of a journey towards building a fully equipped digital learning environment. While today we place laptops in the hands of learners and educators, tomorrow we envision a fully developed lab with large digital screens, enhanced connectivity, and expanded resources that will transform how teaching and learning take place in this school.

Programme Director,

As highlighted in today’s programme, “in the digital age, learning ICT is not an option, but a necessity”. This statement captures the urgency of the work before us. The world is changing rapidly, and the skills required for success are evolving just as quickly. If we are to prepare our young people for meaningful participation in the economy and society, we must ensure that they are digitally empowered.

For too long, many rural and under-resourced schools have been left on the margins of technological advancement. Today, we are taking a decisive step to change that reality. This initiative is about closing the digital divide. It is about ensuring that a child in Gcinibandla has the same opportunity to learn, explore, and innovate as a child anywhere else in South Africa or indeed, anywhere in the world.

To the learners gathered here today, this is your moment. These laptops are not just devices they are tools of empowerment. Through them, you can access knowledge, develop skills, and unlock opportunities that were once beyond reach. I urge you to use them with discipline, curiosity, and purpose. Let them inspire you to dream boldly and to work hard towards those dreams.

The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today, we are helping you to prepare.

To the educators and the leadership of this school under Mr. Majola, we recognise and appreciate the critical role you play. Technology alone does not transform education — it is the dedication of teachers that brings learning to life. We trust that you will embrace these tools, integrate them into your teaching, and use them to enrich the educational experience of every learner in your care.

Programme Director,

This initiative would not have been possible without strong partnerships. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, Sentech and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), whose support and collaboration have made today a reality. Your contribution goes beyond infrastructure you are helping to shape futures and build hope in communities that need it most.
This is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when Government, the private sector, and civil society work together towards a common goal.

As Government, we remain committed to building a capable and inclusive society one in which every child has access to quality education and the tools needed to succeed in the modern world. Initiatives such as this are aligned with our broader vision of equipping young people with the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

But we are also mindful that this work requires continuity. Today’s handover must be followed by sustained support, ongoing development, and continuous improvement. This is why we emphasise that this is only the beginning. We will continue to work with stakeholders to expand and strengthen this programme, ensuring that the vision of a fully resourced digital lab becomes a reality.

In closing, let us remember that the true value of what we do today will be measured not in the equipment we hand over, but in the impact it has on the lives of these young learners. Let this school become a centre of excellence in digital learning. Let it inspire other schools and communities to follow this path.

And let us continue, together, to walk this journey of progress Sohamba Ekukhanyeni we walk in the light.

I thank you.

Programme Director, DDG Zungu;
Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela;
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindiswa Chikunga;
Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment, Ms Judith Sithole;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Premier of Mpumalanga Province, Hon Mandla Ndlovu;
Gert Sibande District Executive Mayor, Cllr WM Mngomezulu;
Principal of Gert Sibande TVET College, Ms Zine Beku-Matlala;
Leadership of the College Council and Management;
Representative of SASOL, Ms Thabile Makgala;
Representative of FESTO, Mr Brett Wallace;
Chairperson of the NYDA, Dr Sunshine Myende;
All Representatives from Industry and Organised business present;
The Students, Academics and Members of the community;
Distinguished Partners and Donors;
Community Leaders;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good Afternoon!

It is a great privilege and an honour to stand before you today as we gather to mark the launch of this Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory.

The establishment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Digital Innovation Lab, along with the Centre of Specialisation for artisan training, represents a significant advancement in our efforts to cultivate a capable, skilled and competitive South Africa.

These centres connect education with industry, empower young people with forward-looking skills, and position Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of economic growth and social transformation.

The work beginning here will ripple outward, motivating communities, empowering youth, and strengthening South Africa’s voice in the global dialogue on technology and human progress. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping cognition, operations, and problem-solving at a pivotal moment in history. 

However, this transformation is uneven. Access, opportunity, and ability are not equitably distributed. The benefits of AI remain concentrated in centres of excellence, while rural schools, township innovators, and many communities remain excluded. 

If AI is to serve humanity, it must be inclusive, bridging divides, empowering the many, and ensuring South Africa’s voice is influential in shaping global progress.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that by 2030, tasks will be nearly evenly divided between humans and machines. AI may displace 92 million roles but create 170 million new jobs globally, a net gain of 78 million. 

For South Africa, however, unemployment, inequality, and poverty, compounded by the digital divide, risk deepening exclusion. New jobs will arise in skilled sectors, leaving unskilled workers vulnerable to automation. Access to digital tools, affordable internet, and advanced skills remains inconsistent, limiting adaptation.

Please hear me with an open heart. I do not speak of AI to discourage its use, but to elevate the importance of readiness for the transformation already upon us. 

AI is not here to reduce human dignity, but to expand human potential. It is a partner in progress, a catalyst for creativity, and a bridge to new horizons. The question is not whether AI will transform society, but how and who will benefit.

AI must be seen as a driver of economic development, enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities. 

This laboratory therefore matters because it allows us to shape outcomes rather than react to them. It creates a platform for the institution to evolve into a hub of inclusive innovation, where research addresses societal needs and the future of work is shaped around people.

Ladies and Gentlemen, technology is a valuable tool, but it cannot lead development alone. Genuine advancement requires integration with human agency, cultural context, and moral leadership. Individuals, policies, and leaders are essential. 

History warns us of transitions unmanaged that led to industries collapsing, communities left behind, jobs lost, trust broken. 

We cannot afford to repeat those mistakes. This transformation must be guided by wisdom, compassion, and responsibility, ensuring technology becomes a bridge to inclusion, not a barrier to dignity.

The success of AI will be judged not by efficiency alone, but by its ability to strengthen social cohesion, expand opportunities, and restore confidence in our collective future. That obligation lies in places like this lab, where we must ask:
• How do we build AI systems that help people, not just businesses?
• How do we ensure workers gain new skills instead of being replaced?
• How do we close the digital gap so all may benefit?
• How do we share AI’s benefits widely across society?

These are moral, financial, and human questions requiring collaboration.

I must indicate that South Africa’s successful adoption of AI will depend less on algorithms than on building a workforce skilled in data literacy, cloud computing, ethical governance, and applied AI integration. We must embed 4IR technologies into artisan training to ensure graduates are industry-ready. 

Our Government is developing a comprehensive response through the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy, released for public comment in April 2026. Once approved, it will establish national priorities, norms, and sector-specific strategies across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transport, and trade.

The policy introduces interventions for capacity building and digital infrastructure, integrating AI into all levels of education to create a pipeline of talent. It envisions AI hubs and super-computing facilities to empower startups and small enterprises, democratising access and distributing benefits across communities.

In Addition, last month, I challenged federations to draft a Digital Workers’ Charter, a covenant entrenching the Right to Retraining, Data Sovereignty, and Digital Dignity, and safeguarding the principle of Human in the Loop. The Charter should ensure technology serves workers by:
• Mandating consultations with workers on automation decisions.
• Establishing binding transition plans with impact assessments.
• Creating reskilling funds supported by an automation levy.
• Targeting rural investments to combat inequality.

Higher education institutions must partner in preparing people for jobs in the AI-driven economy. Those displaced must have pathways to retraining, strengthening resilience. 

AI must also serve as a transformative force in rural industrialisation, evolving traditional economies into modern, diversified hubs. Integrating AI into agriculture, manufacturing, and services can enhance productivity, elevate product value, and expand market access. This is how we make the digital future equitable, inclusive and considerate. 

We also need to make ethical oversight a top priority so that conscience, openness, and responsibility drive innovation. This AI laboratory, as an innovation centre, will be a catalyst to improve learning and productivity but also form part of our path into an inclusive digital future.  

Through the 4IR Digital Innovation Lab and Centre of Specialisation, we declare that AI will be harnessed to empower, not erode; to strengthen, not weaken; to ensure all stand as beneficiaries of transformation, not casualties of change.

To the students here today: you are not just preparing for the future; you are being called to shape it. Use this laboratory to experiment, to question, and to lead.

To the researchers and faculty, your role in guiding this transformation is critical. The knowledge you produce here has the potential to influence not only industries but lives as well.

To the leaders and partners: your investment demonstrates foresight and responsibility. Its true return will be measured in impact, not just innovation.

Let this LAB be a sign of South Africa's readiness, a site where we tell the world that we are ready for this transformation. To more of such transformative and futuristic initiatives!

I thank you, Inkomu.
 

The Office of the Deputy President welcomes the Public Protector’s findings that cleared Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, of any alleged wrong doing regarding the appointment of outgoing South African Airways (SAA) CEO, Professor John Lamola.

According to the Public Protector, an investigation found no evidence that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy improperly interfered in the recruitment process or breached the Executive Ethics Code.

This ruling confirms and reiterates the Deputy President’s assertion that the media reports regarding the matter were misguided, misleading and mischievous to suggest that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy held “private interviews” outside of the formal selection process for the position of SAA CEO.

The Office of the Deputy President remains committed and supports any internal recruitment and appointing processes of qualified candidates for any positions in the SEOs.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa;
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu;
Chairperson of the Eskom Board, Mr Mteto Nyati;
Group CEO of Eskom, Mr Dan Marokane;
Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Thomas Ngwenya;
Executive Mayor of the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Vusi Nhlapo;
Leaders of organised labour;
Representatives of business and industry;
Traditional leaders and Amakhosi present;
The staff and leadership of Kusile power station and all Eskom employees;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; 

It is a pleasure to be here to bear witness to the great strides Eskom has made towards restoring our country’s energy security. 

In September last year, the final unit at Kusile was brought online. 

This is now a fully operational station contributes a total of 4,800 megawatts to the national grid. 

Kusile means “the dawn has come”, which speaks directly to this moment in our national journey.

Kusile’s performance benchmarks are impressive. 

It is now one of the most reliable stations in the Eskom fleet, achieving an average Energy Availability Factor of 74 percent, increasing to 90 percent on occasion.

With the final unit coming online last year, Eskom’s build programme is now complete. 

The build programme created nearly 40,000 jobs, with more than half of these directly linked to Kusile, and Eskom has invested heavily in surrounding communities. 

Eskom now operates and manages Kusile with a permanent workforce of over 600 full‑time employees, supported by approximately 1,000 contractors during major plant maintenance periods.

These are valuable jobs, skills and opportunities, supporting families, strengthening communities and building local economies.

This station, together with Medupi in Limpopo, is the backbone of South Africa’s electricity supply. 

When operating at full capacity, these two stations are capable of delivering 9,600 megawatts. 

Both of these stations are designed for an operational lifespan of 50 years and will remain key to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. 

What has been achieved here at Kusile – and indeed across all Eskom’s power stations – is a testament to discipline, consistency and resilience. 

These achievements justify our decision to prioritise Eskom’s recovery in the National Energy Action Plan that we announced in 2022. 

At the time the plan was announced, our country was experiencing severe load shedding, which disrupted peoples’ lives, constrained economic growth and eroded business and investor confidence. 

Today, we are approaching 365 consecutive days without load shedding.

In the last financial year, Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor increased to 65 percent. 

South Africa’s improved energy supply is a welcome relief for millions of households and businesses across the country.

It is also part of a wider economic recovery that is bringing renewed confidence to investors, and part of our broader goal of achieving higher, inclusive growth that creates jobs. 

This restored capacity is now being put to productive use, supporting industry and safeguarding jobs. 

This power station is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce harmful emissions, and will play a key role as part of a diverse and low-carbon energy mix alongside renewable energy technologies. 

All of this progress is the result of tough choices, rigorous maintenance and operational discipline across the generation fleet. 

It is thanks to the visionary leadership at Eskom and to the hard work of Eskom’s 40,000 employees, engineers, technicians, artisans, operators and support staff.

For this our nation thanks each and every one of you. 

We must also thank our social partners, who, among other things, have provided resources and expertise to support Eskom’s recovery efforts.

We must acknowledge that Kusile has had a difficult journey. 

Kusile has been plagued by challenges nearly throughout the project lifespan, including overruns, massive cost escalations, technical problems and issues with contractor performance. 

The State Capture Commission uncovered widescale corruption and looting at Kusile that nearly brought Eskom to financial ruin. 

I wish to acknowledge Eskom’s leadership for supporting the efforts of our law enforcement authorities to recover stolen money and hold those found guilty accountable. 

This experience has sharpened our resolve to ensure that projects of this scale adhere to the highest standards of governance, due diligence, proper financial controls and accountability. 

This is all the more critical at a time when we have embarked on the most ambitious infrastructure build in South Africa’s history. 

Over the next three years the state will be investing R1 trillion to build and maintain public infrastructure across the country. 

We are determined that all infrastructure projects deliver value for South Africans and are planned, financed, constructed and maintained in the strictest compliance with the law. 

Let us ensure that this power station and all our strategic assets are managed with integrity and foresight, so that they may serve the country into the future. 

Energy security is vital to the security and well-being of our nation. 

It underpins economic growth, job creation and social stability. It shapes the prospects of families and communities across our country.

That is why we are in the process of the most fundamental reform of our electricity sector in more than a century, which will modernise our energy system, enable significant new investment and lower the cost of electricity for all South Africans.

Eskom is at the heart of this transformation, providing reliable power to millions of homes and businesses while positioning itself for the energy system of the future.

As we undertake this reform process and as we introduce competition, we will ensure Eskom’s sustainability and the security of our electricity supply for future generations.

The completion of Kusile marks a new beginning. 

Exactly 120 years ago this week, Pixley ka Isaka Seme delivered his seminal speech on the ‘Regeneration of Africa’ at Columbia University in New York.

He said: “The brighter day is rising upon Africa.”

As we stand at Kusile, as we stand at this dawn, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to ensure that these first rays of light prove to be the beginning of a brighter day for all our people, for our country and for our continent.

I thank you.