Programme Directors;
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Honourable Mzwanele Nyhontso;
Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Honourable Stanley Mathabatha;
Deputy Minister of COGTA, Honourable Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; 
Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; Cllr Nthatisi;
Members of the Executive at National, Provincial and Local Government level;
The Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo;
Reigning Monarch of the Barolong Boo Seleka, Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka;
The President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Councillor Bheki Stofile;
The Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD, Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas;
Representatives of Organised Labour, Business, Civil Society, Academia, and Development Finance Institutions;
Acting Director-General of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr. Clinton Heimann, and all senior Government Officials;
Distinguished Panellists, Commissioners, Rapporteurs and Moderators;
Members of the community, in whose honour we gather today;
Members of the media;

Dumelang! Lotshani! Sanibonani! Molweni!  Avuxeni! Ndaa! Goeie Middag!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Firstly, let me congratulate the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development for successfully hosting this important and timely engagement that brings together all stakeholders that are key to rural development and reform in South Africa.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development for the North West Province, Mr. Madoda Sambatha, for officially opening this National Rural Development Indaba yesterday on behalf of Minister Nyhontso.

I have been informed that in his opening remarks, a number of specific proposals were made about how the Government can make rural development a tangible reality. I hope these proposals, along with others from the two-day discussions, will be consolidated into concrete recommendations for implementation.

Notably, there was robust and forward-looking engagement focused on advancing rural development, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering inclusive economic growth in our country over the past two days.

This Indaba has pointed out the importance of collaborative efforts among government, business, civil society, and communities in forging constructive routes towards renewal, dignity, and shared prosperity.

It emphasised that rural development encompasses economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions, playing a crucial role in South Africa's democratic agenda to protect the well-being and rights of both present and future generations.

This focus aligns with the Constitution, specifically Chapter 2, which emphasises equality and human dignity. Section 152 mandates local governments to promote social and economic growth while empowering communities.

Moreover, Chapter 6 of the National Development Plan 2030 emphasises rural development as critical to promoting an inclusive economy, with a goal of revitalising rural areas by 2030. As of 2024, it is reported that of the sixty-two million citizens of South Africa, approximately 19.7 million reside in rural areas, representing 30.7% of the entire population, marking a slight decline from 31.18% in 2023.

The slow growth of rural economies leads to migration towards cities, as rural communities struggle with limited access to infrastructure, economic opportunities, and essential services, driving people to urban centers for better prospects. This calls for targeted, coordinated action by civil society, government, and private partners to rebalance urban and rural development.

While urbanisation is a global trend, in our context it often reflects uneven development and limited economic prospects in rural regions. Addressing these spatial and economic imbalances requires a shift toward an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to development.

The Government's 30-Year Review emphasises that our strategy should integrate agriculture, tourism, mining, natural resources, and forestry while being backed by strong economic infrastructure, including roads, water and sanitation, public facilities, and telecommunications. By prioritising the vibrancy of rural economies, the government aims not only to improve local livelihoods but also to curb the increasing migration pressures on urban centres.

It is important to acknowledge yesterday’s deliberations, which looked at important issues contributing to an integrated and inclusive rural economy such as:

• Rural development policy: strengthening institutional coordination and financing to ensure impactful results.

• Economic transformation: driving industrialisation, massifying job creation, and supporting enterprise development.

• Rural infrastructure investment: laying the foundations for connectivity, productivity, and renewal.

• Sustainable development: embedding environmental stewardship, climate resilience, human capital and skills development at the heart of our progress.

Thirty years of our development-based democracy has taught us that we cannot develop rural and urban economies separately. Our rural areas supply food, labour, energy, and natural resources. Our urban centres provide markets, technology, finance, and services. These are bound together in a single economic system.

We must therefore abandon the false choice between rural and urban development and embrace integrated spatial planning, aligned infrastructure investment, and regional value-chain development. Sustainable rural development depends on strong, connected urban centres just as urban prosperity depends on strong rural producers.

At the heart of many rural economies lies agriculture. But we must be frank: subsistence farming alone cannot lift rural communities out of poverty. Our task is to build a productive, competitive, and transformed agricultural sector that creates jobs; supports agro-processing and rural industrialisation; integrates emerging farmers into value chains; and strengthens food security while growing the economy.

This requires secure land tenure, post-settlement support, access to inputs and finance, and real market participation. It is within this context that the work of strategic coordinating departments such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition assumes strategic national importance.

These departments, along with the various institutions and partners they collaborate with, remain essential in ensuring that the country capitalises on its competitive advantages and the growth opportunities it presents.

For emerging farmers and rural entrepreneurs, there is a need to remain ahead of the curve in terms of adapting to new technologies, climate-smart practices, mechanisation, and improving access to markets.

It is for this reason that it is important for the coordination and inter-linkages between government and all sectors of society to be prioritised because transformation cannot succeed in a vacuum. Many of the institutions and representative sectors here today are playing a key role in facilitating dialogue between government and producers, thus supporting partnerships between established and emerging farmers, and ensuring that transformation strengthens rather than weakens productivity and food security.

This Indaba has again made it clear that our people in rural areas are repositioned not as beneficiaries of development, but as critical economic actors, producers, and entrepreneurs. This is the transformation we seek: market-based, inclusive, and sustainable.

It is our shared responsibility to end the dualistic rural economy, where a few commercial farmers dominate output while millions of smallholders remain excluded. We must link subsistence farmers to markets, foster partnerships, and build value chains that unite rather than divide so agriculture becomes a driver of shared prosperity.

Yet even as we strive for unity in our fields, we are reminded of another pressing challenge. Volatile weather such as heavy rains, damaging winds, and prolonged droughts has exposed our climate vulnerability. These shocks threaten harvests and undermine our National Food and Nutrition Security Programme, placing millions of households at risk. We cannot ignore this reality. We must build resilience, embrace climate-smart agriculture, and ensure rural communities are protected.

It is against this backdrop of economic transformation and climate resilience that we can reduce vulnerability to extreme weather, increase productivity, and safeguard the livelihoods of rural populations reliant on agriculture.

Several indicators show a shift toward the vibrant and inclusive rural areas envisioned in the NDP 2030 that this Indaba has highlighted as part of the resolutions and action plan. These include:

• Digital Financial Inclusion: The growth of mobile banking and fintech in enabling rural entrepreneurs to bypass traditional barriers and participate in local trade.

• Renewable Energy Hubs: Rural areas, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Cape, are being leveraged for solar and wind projects, with community ownership creating sustainable income streams.

• Agri-Parks and Industrial Parks: Investment in shared processing and packaging facilities is helping shift rural economies from primary production to value-added agro-processing.

• Leveraging the Green Economy and Tourism: Expanding ecotourism and community-owned renewable energy projects allows rural land to generate economic value while preserving communal tenure.

• Human Capital Development and Rural Women and Youth Integration: Targeted, localised training is central to empowering women, youth and other vulnerable groups, reducing migration to urban areas.

Compatriots,

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development is ceased with ensuring that recommendations of the 2019 Presidential High-Level Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture, and the resolutions of the 2022 Land Summit are implemented by all the departments whose mandate relates to those resolutions.

A progress update on some of the tasks is recorded as follows:

• Since 1998, over 88,300 land claims have been settled. Efforts are underway to fast-track the resolution of the remaining claims.

• Approximately 659,602 hectares of state land have been allocated, nearly fulfilling the Presidential commitment to release 700,000 hectares. This allocation prioritises 50% of land and economic support for women and 40% for youth. 

• The Land Court Act 6 of 2023, a specialised court with jurisdiction to address land rights injustices and streamline resolution, was established and is operational.

• Regulation of foreign land ownership is at an advanced stage, which includes a report on land audits of long-term occupiers by large institutional owners and immediate land donation offers.

• The Land Donation Policy will soon be considered by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting.

• Ongoing consultations with traditional authorities are underway to inform the revised Equitable Access to Land Bill, which prioritises a state-led, pro-poor approach, prioritising allocation to women and 40% to youth, allowing the state to acquire land for equitable distribution as envisioned in section 25(5)(8) of the Constitution.

These are just some of the success stories that the sector can claim thus far.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As I conclude, I would like to highlight a matter that is very important to me: security, specifically rural safety and social cohesion. Development cannot take root where people live in fear. Rural crime, stock theft, gender-based violence, and insecurity discourage investment and weaken the bonds of our communities.

Addressing rural safety requires a comprehensive strategy beyond policing. Key actions include strengthening rural policing through specialised units, empowering community safety structures (like neighbourhood watches and youth forums), and fostering collaboration among SAPS, traditional leaders, and local government.

The strategy should also leverage technology for rural communication and surveillance while prioritising social cohesion programmes to combat gender-based violence and restore confidence in rural communities.

Safety must never be treated as an afterthought. It is an integral pillar of rural development. Without safety, there is no stability; without stability, there is no investment; and without investment, there is no renewal.

Minister Nyhontso, Deputy Minister Mathabatha, and the leadership of the Department,

As we close this session, we look forward to an implementation programme of action to operationalise the resolutions of this National Rural Development Indaba. This should be done through a coordinated and integrated approach at technical and political platforms, across levels of government, in collaboration with communities, the private sector, research institutions, development finance institutions, and international partners.

Let us leave here today with the renewed commitment to building rural communities that are safe, productive, connected, and fully active in the economy. In doing so, we will honour the promise of our Constitution and ensure that democracy reaches every village, every farm, and every rural household in South Africa.

May you travel safely, with a weekend of rest and reflection. As you return home, carry the spirit of dialogue and shared resolve. Let the lessons of this Indaba guide you and inspire renewed action.

I thank you, Ke a leboga, Inkomu.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 7 May 2026, undertake a tour of the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of South Africa’s primary aluminium producer.

President Ramaphosa will also attend a gala dinner highlighting the company’s role in industrialisation, job creation and in supporting the local and national economy.

In 1996, Hillside Aluminium was part of an ambitious vision by South Africa’s new democratic government and industry on the role additional industrial capacity could play in creating jobs, bolstering international trade and contributing to local downstream beneficiation. 

The Hillside Aluminium smelter is the largest in the southern hemisphere and the only primary producer in South Africa, largely producing high-quality, primary aluminium for domestic and export markets.

Through the aluminium value chain, Hillside provides the foundation for an estimated 29,000 jobs across the economy. 

In the last 10 years, it contributed around R35 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product.

Being the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, the company is pivotal in South Africa’s aluminium value chain.

The President’s visit will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 7 May 2026
Time: 15h00
Venue: 9 West Central Arterial, Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal 

South32 Hillside Aluminium has handled the accreditation process and made arrangement for the accredited media crew Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear.

Note that only accredited media, with the required credentials, will be given access.

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 Tuesday, 5 May 2026, deliver the keynote address at the celebration of African World Heritage Day and the 20th Anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund, taking place at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) campus in Midrand, Gauteng Province.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie. 

The commemorative event is hosted by the African World Heritage Fund, in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), as part of Africa’s celebration of 20 years of investing in heritage, identity and the future.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Two Decades of Sustainable Investment in Africa’s Heritage,” the event brings together Representatives from Governments, the African Union, UNESCO, Development Finance Institutions, the private sector, civil society, philanthropy as well as heritage experts to reflect on progress, strengthen partnerships, and mobilise renewed investment in Africa’s heritage.

Established in 2006 through the African Union and UNESCO, the AWHF has become a leading continental institution supporting the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Over the past 20 years, it has strengthened heritage conservation, supported World Heritage nominations, and invested more than USD 20 million in capacity-building programmes across Africa.

Despite this progress, Africa remains underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with 154 properties (12% of the global total), while also accounting for approximately 30% of sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Nine African countries still have no World Heritage inscriptions, underscoring the need for stronger political commitment, partnerships, and sustainable financing.

The celebration also supports the AWHF’s ambition to establish a USD 25 million Endowment Fund to secure long-term support for African Member States in protecting, managing, and promoting their heritage.

The event also marks the launch of Africa Month in South Africa, reaffirming heritage as a driver of identity, dignity, social cohesion, and inclusive economic development, while strengthening collaboration to ensure Africa’s heritage is preserved, valued, and leveraged for shared prosperity.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:
  
Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Time: 09h00 (Media to set up at 08h00)
Venue: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Campus, 1258 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand, Gauteng Province.
 
For media RSVPs, please contact: Madimetja Moleba on 066 301 4675 or  MadimetjaM@dsac.gov.za
 
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

OR

Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on 072 172 8925 or  ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za 

OR

Ms Veronica Maduna, Head of Partnership Development: African World Heritage Fund on 076 183 0333 or  VeronicaM@dbsa.org  

Honourable Ministers, Mayors, colleagues,

Thank you for the frank, serious and constructive spirit that has characterised this engagement.

Our discussions today have reinforced the central point that our water and sanitation crisis is not confined to one municipality, one province or one institution.

It is rooted in long-standing weaknesses in governance, infrastructure maintenance, technical capability and financial discipline.

That is why our response must be integrated, sustained and measurable. 

As we conclude this part of the programme, we can agree on three key points: 

First, the commitments discussed here must now move into implementation. 

Plans must be sharpened and roles clarified. We must honour timelines and be rigorous in reporting.

Second, the principle of cooperative governance must become fully operational. 

The three spheres of government must act in concert, guided by the National Water Action Plan, and supported by the mechanisms that are now in place through the National Water Crisis Committee and related structures.

Third, the public must begin to see results. 

They must see improved maintenance, stronger operational performance, better wastewater compliance, more credible implementation and clear accountability. 

The work ahead is substantial. 

But this engagement has demonstrated that there is both clarity on the challenge and a shared recognition that the time for incremental responses has passed. 

Let us leave this session with a renewed determination to ensure that every municipality works, that every sphere of government plays its part and that the people of South Africa experience the state through delivery.

The Constitution enjoins us to hold elections every five years. The current term of office of the municipal councils elected on 1 November 2021 expires on 1 November 2026.

Accordingly, the elections for the next term of local government must be held between 2 November 2026 and 30 January 2027.

I have, therefore, in terms of section 159 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read together with section 24(1) of the Local Government; Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Municipal Structures Act”), and in consultation with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), have set the date of Wednesday, 04 November 2026 as the date for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

I thank you.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will lead a Statistics South Africa's (Stats SA) briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

The briefing will focus on Budget Vote 14 and the tabling of the 2026/2027 Annual Performance Plan (APP) of Statistics South Africa.

Details of the briefing are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Time: 09h30
Venue: Parliament, Cape Town

The session will provide Members of Parliament with an overview of Stats SA’s budget allocation, strategic priorities, and planned performance targets for the 2026/2027 financial year. The engagement forms part of Parliament’s oversight role to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery.

Members of the media are invited to follow proceedings on the Parliamentary Channels.

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,
Chairperson of the National Business Initiative, Mr Cas Coovadia,
CEO of the National Business Initiative, Ms Shameela Soobramoney,
Members of the NBI Executive Committee,
Members of the business community,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening, 

It is truly a privilege to pay tribute to an organisation that has been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s democratic journey. 

For the past thirty years, the National Business Initiative has been a respected voice of responsible business action and a powerful agent for change. 

It was launched in 1995, at a time when all of society was being called upon to step forward to build a new nation. 

The formation of the NBI signalled that progressive South African business was ready to be active partners in nation-building and to help define the contours of a new, inclusive economy and society. 

This vision continues to guide the work of the NBI today. 

To fully appreciate the NBI’s contribution to the democratic project, one has to go back to the late 1980s, to the early talks between organised business and the liberation movements in exile. 

As one researcher put it, it was during this period that the beginnings of a transformed corporate paradigm were initiated. 

Both sides recognised the need for partnership. 

These engagements culminated in formation of the Consultative Business Movement, the forerunner to the NBI. 

The Consultative Business Movement would go on to play a formative role in the pre-1994 transition period by helping open channels of dialogue between business and the government in waiting, and by actively supporting the peace negotiations. 

The Consultative Business Movement provided the secretariat and administrative support to the CODESA processes that began in December 1991 and later to the Mult-Party Negotiating Forum. 

It actively supported the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and mobilised private sector support for the Reconstruction and Development Programme. 

When the Consultative Business Movement merged with the Urban Foundation in 1995 to form the NBI, it represented rebirth but also continuity. 

The organisation had already cemented its reputation as a credible, non-partisan and pragmatic partner in the cause of building a new South Africa. 

The NBI has been able to respond to the complexities and changing dynamics of our society. 

The NBI has pioneered initiatives in support of transformation, improved service delivery, training and skills development, job creation, safety and security and many others.

Whether through the formation of Business against Crime, the Education Quality Improvement Partnerships, support to the Youth Employment Service or the groundbreaking CEO Initiative, the NBI has been at the forefront of innovation. 

The NBI has a proud history of supporting pathways for employment. The organisation’s Skills and Youth Employability programme has become even more critical at a time when we have to urgently align the skills being produced by our institutions of higher learning with those needed by the economy of the future. 

This pathfinding work is anchored in a deep appreciation that creating a sustainable, equitable and thriving economy relies on collective action. 

As the Government of National Unity, our apex priorities are driving inclusive growth and job creation, addressing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

We strive to do so in a challenging context, in which we have had to confront the effects of state capture, an energy crisis, crime and corruption, and service delivery failures. 

Overcoming these challenges will require of us the mettle that helped dismantle apartheid. 

It will require the spirit of collectivism that defined our transition. 

We do so at a time when our economy is showing promising signs of recovery. 

Growth is improving, investment is expanding and more jobs are being created. 

National debt has stabilised and our sovereign outlook has improved. 

The reform agenda being driven through Operation Vulindlela has gained significant momentum, enabling growing confidence in our economic trajectory. 

We have restored sound governance to a number of our state-owned enterprises, including to Eskom, that last year returned to profitability for the first time in eight years. 

The energy crisis is largely behind us, and we are laying the groundwork for a transformed, competitive and sustainable electricity market. 

We are also seeing marked improvement in the performance of our rail and port systems. 

We have just held a successful sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where we secured a record R890 billion in investment pledges, with a substantial share of these being domestic in origin. 

The state has announced plans to embark on a R1 trillion infrastructure build over the next three years. This is the largest infrastructure build programme in our country’s history. 

As investors look to South Africa with renewed interest as favourable destination, we remain committed to a structural reform agenda that is institutionalised, that is making measurable progress, and that it is supported by a strong regulatory architecture. 

Although we are greatly concerned by the economic and social impact of the uncertain global environment, we are firmly on course to overcome remaining challenges with logistics, to deal decisively with crime and corruption, to reform and transform the water sector, and, most critically, to fix local government. 

I would like to use this opportunity to welcome the NBI’s Technical Assistance and Mentorship Development unit to Operation Vulindlela Phase 2, where it will be lending critical support to our efforts to strengthen municipal service delivery. 

Our foremost task at this time is to stay the course, to focus on implementation, and to do so at scale. 

Our task is to deepen our collaboration in pursuit of the shared future we envisioned back in 1994. 

It is to achieve change that both improves the business environment and benefits all of society, knowing as we do that these are not mutually exclusive. 

In his State of the Nation Address in February 1996, President Mandela spoke of a new patriotism having taken root across the land and of the importance of partnership to addressing and overcoming society’s most pressing challenges. 

The NBI was born of this spirit and actively embraced it. 

Three decades on, the NBI with its deep institutional memory and sterling track record of implementation, continues as it has done since 1995. 

It has carried its mandate through moments of hope and of strain. 

The journey of economic transformation has been longer, more complex and at times more contested than anticipated. 

As the structural reforms take root, as investor confidence returns and the green shoots of growth break ground, there can be no better time to seize this window of opportunity. 

As a bridge-builder during the political transition, we call on the NBI to help us complete the bridge we set out to build in 1994. The bridge from the promise of our Constitution to meaningful and tangible economic transformation. 

We thank you for your enduring contribution to South Africa’s democratic journey.

May you continue to build, to convene and to lead for many years to come. 

I thank you.

Honourable Executive Mayor, Cllr Kazi
Programme Director, Mrs Mazaleni
Principal of Paballelo High School, Gudula
Representatives from the School Governing Body
Distinguished representatives from HUAWEI, especially Deputy CEO Mr Charles Cheng
Representatives from the School District Office
Educators and staff members
Parents and guardians
Members of the Representative Council of Learners
Learners of Paballelo Senior Secondary School
Ladies and gentlemen
Good afternoon,

It is a true honour and deeply personal privilege for me to stand before you today at Paballelo High School.

This school holds a very special place in my heart because this is the very school from which I matriculated. Returning here today, as Deputy Minister in the Presidency, is both humbling and emotional. I am very glad to be back at the institution that helped shape my journey and laid the foundation for my future.

Coming back to these grounds reminds me of the dreams we carried as young learners, the challenges we faced, and the educators who believed in us and encouraged us to aim higher.

And today is no ordinary day, Programme Director. Today marks 30 years since the South African Constitution was adopted by the National Assembly and formally laid the foundation for the democratic South Africa we know today.

This milestone invites all of us, especially young people, to reflect on where this country comes from and where it is going. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, dignity, equality, and justice so that future generations could enjoy opportunities that many were once denied.

It is for this reason that the ongoing review of the history curriculum by the Department of Basic Education is so important. As a country, we must ensure that our young people understand the full story of our nation, our struggles, our triumphs, and the lessons of our past. History is not only about remembering where we come from, it is also about shaping the kind of future we want to build together as South Africans.
 
Today’s handover ceremony is therefore more than just an official event. It is a meaningful investment in the future of the young people of this community.
I would like to extend sincere appreciation to HUAWEI for partnering with government and the school in support of education and development. Partnerships such as these demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in creating opportunities for our learners.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools we have to transform lives, fight inequality, and build a capable generation that can contribute meaningfully to our country’s development.

To the learners of Paballelo High School, I want to say this:
Your circumstances do not define your destiny. I stand before you today as proof that greatness can emerge from this very school and this very community. 
Remain disciplined, work hard, respect your educators and parents, and never stop believing in your potential.

South Africa needs your energy, your ideas, your innovation, and your leadership.

To the educators and staff, thank you for the critical role you continue to play in shaping young minds, often under difficult circumstances. Your commitment does not go unnoticed.

I would also like to encourage all learners here today who are 16 years and older to register to vote. Your voice matters, your future matters, and your participation in our democracy matters. Young people must play an active role in shaping the future of our country. Do not wait until others make decisions on your behalf. Register, participate, and make your voices heard.

To the matric class of 2026, I want to encourage you to make full use of the opportunities that this new lab and its resources will provide. Use this facility to research career opportunities, apply to universities and colleges on time, and prepare yourselves for the future economy. Technology is a gateway to opportunity, and you must use it to unlock your full potential.

Allow me also to extend a sincere word of gratitude to HUAWEI Deputy CEO, Mr Charles Cheng, for your support and commitment to education development in our country. Your contribution today will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many learners at Paballelo High School. We value this partnership and your investment in the future of our young people.
 
As government, we remain committed to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that learners, particularly in underserved communities, have access to opportunities and resources that prepare them for the future.

I once again thank everyone who made today possible and congratulate Paballelo Senior Secondary School on this important occasion.

I am proud to be home.

I thank you.

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau
Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Executive Mayor of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Cllr Sikhumbuzo Dlamini,
Mayor of the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, Cllr Xolani Ngwezi,
Chief Executive Officer of South32, Mr Graham Kerr, 
Chief Operating Officer of South32, Mr Noel Pillay
Representatives of state-owned enterprises,
Members of the diplomatic community,
Representatives of business and organised labour,
Traditional, community and faith leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is my privilege to be here to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hillside Aluminium smelter and to pay tribute to South32 for its sustained commitment to investing in the provincial and national economy. 

Since its operations began in 1996, Hillside Aluminium has contributed significantly to our country’s industrial capabilities. 

When President Nelson Mandela opened the smelter in April 1996 he said: “The ultimate yardstick by which we must measure our efforts is the extent to which they promote sustained economic growth and development, create jobs and eliminate poverty.” 

Today, we can say that Hillside Aluminium has delivered. 

It is reported that the smelter currently supports 3,650 direct and indirect jobs, contributes to an estimated 29,000 jobs across the economy, and plays a key role in supplying aluminium to the local downstream industry. 

Hillside Aluminium is not only a smelter; it is a producer of skills. 

It is known for its highly skilled artisans, rigorous engineering, tight process control and an uncompromising safety culture. 

The apprenticeships, bursaries and learnerships provided by Hillside Aluminium are more than corporate programmes. 

They have strengthened South Africa’s national skills pipeline. They prepare young people for the high-demand jobs of future industries, from advanced manufacturing to the green economy. 

Hillside Aluminum has shown that its roots are firmly planted in the community through sustained community and social investment, strengthening education, economic participation, health and well-being. 

These programmes have reinforced the principle that large industrial operations should create shared value with host communities. 

This is seen through the smelter’s community and social investment programmes.

We commend the company’s support for health services at the Ngwelezana Hospital through the establishment of a dedicated paediatric burns unit. 

There is also its support for water projects in the King Cetshwayo District, which has
helped connect over 1,200 households to safe, clean water, and the school refurbishment project at Aquadene Secondary School.

All of these projects make a real and lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people in this area.

South32 demonstrated its confidence in the South African economy at this year’s South Africa Investment Conference, where it pledged R3.9 billion to upgrade rail infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape. 

It has been a difficult operating environment for smelters in recent years, with many having been forced to close due to rising costs and adverse market conditions. 

We commend Eskom for its constructive and proactive efforts to work with the industry to address rising electricity costs. 

We welcome the discussions between Eskom and South32 about a long-term electricity solution for the Hillside Aluminium when the current contract ends in 2031. 

We are encouraged by the commitment by South32 and Eskom to develop an energy solution that supports the smelter’s competitiveness and brings renewable energy into the national grid. 

Smelters are anchor investments that catalyse downstream manufacturing clusters like fabrication, transport, construction inputs, packaging and components for the renewable energy supply chain. 

They enable the development of a wide array of supporting industries and jobs. 

Hillside Aluminium’s export footprint is a practical demonstration that South African industries can meet demanding global standards and hold their own in world markets. 

Hillside Aluminium’s participation in global market systems, such as being listed on the London Metals Exchange and meeting certificate requirements, underscores the confidence in South Africa’s quality and traceability. 

As we look to the future, our planning must be informed by the realities of climate change. 

Customers and markets are increasingly rewarding lower carbon, responsibly produced materials and more circular manufacturing.

Our industry needs to respond accordingly if we are to sustain our competitiveness in increasingly demanding international markets. 

Increasing the competitiveness of South African industries will continue to depend on reliable enabling infrastructure in energy and logistics. 

That calls for ongoing collaboration between industry and key public partners to support investment and jobs. 

I am happy that South32 recognises the importance of strong, practical working relationships with Eskom and Transnet to sustain production, exports and investment confidence. 

Transnet has turned the corner and has moved from decline to recovery, and from planning to implementation. 

Investment, reform and delivery are now firmly underway in rail and port infrastructure.

There is clear progress in our quest to restore rail volumes, implement structural reform and crowd in private sector investment.

South Africa is transitioning to the early stages of a multi-operator rail system, with 11 private train operating companies having been granted access to freight rail lines. 

We have also seen tangible improvements on the iron ore and coal export corridors, including improved network reliability and reduced operational disruptions.

This will enable companies like South32 to plan ahead. 

The momentum of the structural reform agenda we embarked upon in 2018 continues to grow and by a number of indicators our economy is steadily recovering. 

As I said in the State of the Nation Address earlier this year, our foremost priority is to deliver inclusive growth and job creation.

Sustained domestic investment, including the investment by South32, is essential to advance this priority. 

Through a combination of structural reform and infrastructure development, notably in key sectors such as logistics and water, we remain committed to creating an enabling business environment that supports such investments. 

Once again, I congratulate South32 on reaching this milestone. 

Your longevity is a story of South Africans choosing excellence, shift after shift and year after year. 

You are demonstrating what can be achieved when long-term investment, operational excellence and partnership between industry, labour, communities and the state come together. 

We wish Hillside Aluminium many more years of safe production, shared prosperity and success. 

I thank you.
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Thursday, 7 May 2026, conduct an Oversight Visit to Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) in the North-West Province, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to effectively deliver basic services to communities.

The Visit follows concerns raised by residents of the DLM during the Deputy President’s recent engagement with the community in January 2026. Among the key issues highlighted by community members, were inadequate access to water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and broader service delivery challenges affecting their quality of life.

This Oversight Visit forms part of the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance by ensuring alignment and integration of national, provincial, and local Government plans. Through the DDM approach, Government seeks to accelerate service delivery, enhance accountability, and ensure that communities receive coordinated and sustainable support.

The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure. Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.

The programme of the Deputy President’s Visit will be preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local Traditional Leadership as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.

Furthermore, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, Ministers will undertake a cleaning Campaign at Matlaba Primary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School, in the Bodibe Village.

During the visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to engage with local leadership, including the provincial Government, municipal administrators, and other key stakeholders, to assess progress made since the intervention and to identify areas requiring urgent attention. The Deputy President will also interact with community members to provide feedback on Government’s interventions thus far.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of North-West and supported by Ministers and/ Deputy Ministers of Mining and Petroleum Resources; Sport, Arts and Culture, Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education; Finance; Agriculture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Electricity and Energy; Communications and Digital Technologies (DDM Champion); as well as Mayors, Councillors and senior Government officials.

Details of the Oversight Visit are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 07 May 2026
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 (visiting 3 sites)

MEDIA PROGRAMME
Site Visit 1:
Klipveld Water Treatment Plant

Site Visit 2:
Road D933

Site Visit 3:
Nelson Mandela road 

Community Engagement:
Time: 13h00 
Itekeng Biesiesvlei Sports Ground

Members of the media interested in covering the Visit are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media house, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba (The Presidency) on 066 240 7635 or Mr Pius Batsile (DLM) on 082 526 3616.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Ms Claire Mawisa;
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa, Mr Gayton McKenzie;
President of the Republic of Carbo Verde, African Union Champion for the Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage in Africa and Patron of the African World Heritage Fund, H.E. José Maria Neves;
Our hosts, the Chairperson of the DBSA, Mr David Makhura, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Ms Boitumelo Mosako;
Ambassador of South Africa to France, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and African World Heritage Fund Board Member, H.E. Dr. Philemon Mjwara;
Representative of the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS), Dr Angela Martins;
Chairperson of the African World Heritage Fund, Mr Vusithemba Ndima, and Board Members;
Distinguished Partners, Donors and Development Finance Institutions,
Our esteemed Traditional Leaders and Custodians of our Heritage,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Dumelang, Sanibonani, Good morning!

As we observe Africa Month and commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, we are reminded of a defining moment in our continent’s history, one that affirmed Africa’s commitment to unity, self-determination, and shared progress.

It is in this enduring spirit that we gather today to reflect not only on how far we have come, but also on the responsibility we carry to preserve and promote Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.

This occasion holds personal significance for me because during my tenure as Minister of Arts and Culture, I had the privilege of contributing to the early stages of the development of the African World Heritage Fund, continuing on the work that had begun in 2006. 

At the time, its establishment was a deliberate and forward-looking decision grounded in a firm belief in Africa’s potential. An idea that remains relevant today. 

Through various engagements with practitioners, policymakers, and custodians of heritage across the continent, it is affirmed that Africa has never lacked cultural or natural wealth. What we lacked, especially then, was sufficient African-led capacity, coordination, and sustainable financing to protect, preserve, and leverage that heritage for the benefit of our people.

In my engagements over the years with stakeholders in the sector, I have come to appreciate that there is much pride about the beauty and significance of Africa's heritage, and that the women, men and youth who keep the sector alive however  advocate for more than recognition, but resources too. 

This work is about ownership, agency and legacy building. This highlights the urgent need to reposition heritage not only as a cultural asset, but as a development imperative.

Having said this, the World Heritage Fund is not just a financial instrument, but also a declaration that Africa must take ownership of its heritage and define its future.

Today, as we mark the 10th African World Heritage Day and celebrate 20 years of the Fund, we recognise both progress and purpose.

Over the past two decades, we have achieved meaningful milestones. The number of World Heritage sites across Africa have increased significantly. Investments in capacity-building have grown, with thousands of professionals trained in conservation and heritage management.

Communities, particularly women and youth, are now playing a more active and central role in safeguarding and benefiting from heritage.

These achievements demonstrate that heritage is not static. It is a living, dynamic resource that strengthens identity, supports livelihoods, and contributes to inclusive development.

Yet, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Africa still accounts for a small proportion of the World Heritage List. Many sites remain underfunded or at risk, and several countries have yet to secure representation. Too many stories remain under-documented, and too many communities are yet to benefit from the heritage they protect fully.

These realities serve as a call to action!

Heritage cannot exist in isolation, confined to the cultural sector. It must be integrated into broader development frameworks. It must speak the language of investment, sustainability, and economic growth.

Let me be clear: heritage is an economic sector.

Across the continent, heritage sites drive tourism, support local enterprises, and create employment opportunities for guides, artisans, conservators, and entrepreneurs. When managed effectively and financed sustainably, heritage contributes to diversified local economies, strengthens national identity, and enhances Africa’s global competitiveness.

The African World Heritage Fund has played a pivotal role in unlocking this potential. By strengthening institutional capacity, improving site management, and promoting sustainable, community-centred tourism, the Fund has demonstrated how heritage can be leveraged as a tool for development.

However, unlocking the full value of Africa’s heritage requires deliberate and sustained effort. We must bridge the gap between cultural preservation and economic planning. We must ensure that conservation efforts are aligned with investment strategies and that local communities are at the centre of these initiatives.

This calls for stronger partnerships between governments, development finance institutions, the private sector, and communities. It requires innovation, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to ensuring that heritage delivers tangible social and economic benefits.

In this regard, the role of institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa is particularly significant. It underscores the importance of viewing heritage not only as something to preserve, but as something to invest in strategically.

Our work also aligns with the broader vision of Agenda 2063, particularly the aspiration of an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, and shared values. This vision is not only about preserving the past, but also about shaping the future.

The African World Heritage Fund reflects Africa’s transition from dependency to ownership, from marginalisation to leadership. It affirms that Africa will no longer wait to be counted, but will take responsibility for defining its place in the global narrative.

As we look to the future, we must renew our commitment to strengthening the Fund and expanding its impact. This includes mobilising its endowment, enhancing partnerships, and reinforcing its role as Africa’s central heritage mechanism.

This is not merely an investment in sites. It is an investment in jobs, skills, tourism, resilience, and the dignity of our people.

When we launched the Fund twenty years ago, we planted a seed. Today, we can say with confidence that it has taken root and begun to grow. But like any tree, it requires continued care, nourishment, and protection to flourish.

Since the African World Heritage Fund establishment:

- African States Parties to the World Heritage Convention have increased significantly;
- World Heritage sites in Africa have grown from 113 to 154;
- Over US$20 million has been invested in heritage capacity-building;
- Thousands of professionals have been trained;
- Communities, women, and youth now play a central role in heritage governance

We must therefore remain vigilant and committed. The success of this Fund and of our broader heritage agenda will depend not only on our words, but on our actions.

Today, I therefore support a call for renewed commitment to the following:

- Mobilising the 25 million US dollar Endowment Fund of the African World Heritage Fund;
- Strengthening partnerships with governments, finance institutions, and the private sector;
- Reinforcing the Fund’s role as Africa’s central heritage mechanism.

History will judge us on how well we protect what has been entrusted to us, and on whether we have succeeded in passing it on—stronger and more vibrant to future generations.

On this African World Heritage Day, as we celebrate twenty years of the African World Heritage Fund, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to safeguard Africa’s heritage.

Let us ensure that it serves as a foundation for development, a source of dignity, and a pillar of unity across our continent.

Let us embrace Africa’s heritage and ignite its future.

Ke a leboga. Ngiyabonga. Thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 30 April 2026, convene the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) Meeting at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.

The PCC is the President’s platform for consultations and crucial engagement with provinces and organised local government in order to raise matters of national interest, coordinate alignment of priorities, strengthen strategic priorities, and discuss performance.

In response to the water crisis, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee (NWCC) during the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 12 February 2026, assigning it a coordination and acceleration role similar to that of the National Energy Crisis Intervention Framework.

The Extended PCC meeting will discuss immediate interventions aimed at stabilising the system, while adopting short- to long-term sustainability instruments to ensure infrastructure resilience, improved governance and a culture of accountability founded on promoting responsible water use among citizens.

The PCC transcends local boundaries and coordinates responses in a transversal and holistic manner.

The PCC will be attended by Premiers, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MECs, Mayors, Municipal Managers, Traditional Leaders and other stakeholders who are leading efforts under the National Water Crisis Committee.

The PCC meeting will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng Province

MEDIA PROGRAMME

Part One

10h30: Opening remarks by  Minister Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa

10h40: Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa 

11h00: Closed Session

12h30 - 13h30: Lunch 

Part Two: Closed Session

13h30- 15h30: Engagement between the President and Metro Mayors

Note that media accreditation process has been concluded by the GCIS.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of the Free State, Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae,
Premiers, MECs and Executive Mayors,
Members of Parliament,
Members of the Judiciary,
Representatives of Chapter Nine Institutions,
Traditional, faith-based and community leaders,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished guests,
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang. Goeie môre. Sanibonani. Molweni. Lotjhani. Ndi matsheloni. Good morning.

I greet you all on this Freedom Day.

Thirty-two years ago, on the 27th of April 1994, South Africa was born.

The morning of the 27 April 1994 did not begin like an ordinary day. It began with great anticipation, excitement and a determination by millions of South Africans to participate in the birth of a nation.

Before sunrise millions of our people stood in long lines – young and old, rural and urban, black and white. Many were exposed to heavy rain and burning sun but they waited with patience, pride and dignity to cast their votes for the very first time.

More than 20 million South Africans participated in an election that was peaceful, free and fair.

It was a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity.

It is an honour to mark this occasion here in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit.

It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress was born in 1912, bringing together for the first time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession.

This is a province that suffered terribly the cruelty of colonialism and apartheid.

Here in Bloemfontein and in towns across the province, tens of thousands of Afrikaners and Africans were held in inhuman conditions in British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.

Many thousands, mostly women and children, died. Their suffering stands as a shared, though unevenly remembered, chapter of South Africa’s past, one that calls for remembrance, honesty and humanity.

This is a province with a history of courageous resistance.

Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of pass laws in 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein, Winburg and Bloemfontein.

They were arrested and imprisoned and their families were left without caregivers. Instead of being broken, the women of the Orange Free State became more determined because they would not accept a system that denied them dignity and freedom.

This was the site of the Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt of 1950 against the apartheid government’s oppressive land control policies. This was one of the most significant acts of resistance in rural South Africa.

The revolt was about the livelihood of rural people regarding their cattle, wealth, security, identity and dignity that an oppressive government wanted to destroy.

The Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt demonstrated that the struggle for freedom was also fought in the valleys, in the fields and in the hearts of rural communities. It was fought by farmers in the rural areas, families and ordinary people who chose courage over silence.

It was the people of this province that took Mama Winnie Mandela into the hearts and gave her comfort when she was banished to Brandfort in 1977.

History is often told through great speeches and grand events. But sometimes, its most powerful chapters are written by ordinary people who choose humanity over fear.

When Mama Winnie Mandela was banished to Brandfort, the apartheid rulers thought they were isolating her and breaking her spirit and influence. The people of Brandfort here in the Free State did something remarkable: they did not let that voice fade. They carried it. They strengthened it. And they made it their own. They united in compassion and that became stronger than the system of a apartheid itself.

Last month we laid to rest a son of this province, the first Premier of the Free State and a stalwart of the liberation struggle, Mr Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota. He was a brave and principled leader who served this country with distinction.

On this Freedom Day, we honour his memory.

Today, we recall the words of our first democratic President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at his inauguration, when he said:

“The time for the healing of wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.”

On that first day of our freedom, as a nation, we entered into a social contract to build a society anchored in human dignity, equal rights and freedom for all.

Thirty years ago, the Constitution of the Republic, the legal foundation of that contract, was signed into law. That constitution became our birth certificate as a nation.

Our Constitution, which is widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as our collective shield – protecting the freedom our people fought for.

Out of struggle came freedom; through our Constitution we have entrenched it as the unshakable foundation of our nation.

We have come far.

We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom. A legacy won in struggle. A legacy shaped by sacrifice, courage and an unbreakable belief in in freedom and justice.

There was a time in this country when freedom was not a right but a dream.

It was a time when voices were silenced, dignity was denied to millions who were excluded from the life of the country they called home. But our people refused to accept that fate.

They organised. They resisted. They endured. And they won their freedom.

And in that struggle, they made a simple but powerful declaration. The people of South Africa shall be free and that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.

When freedom came it was not a political transition. It was moral transformation. And at the centre of that transformation stands our constitution.

It is not just a legal document. It is a shield against injustice. A foundation for equality. A promise to every citizen that through it South Africa will never be governed by exclusion. Dignity will never be denied to the citizens of South Africa and freedom will never be reserved for a few.

Our freedom resulted and the right to speak and be heard. The right to move and belong. The right to vote and shape our future. The right to live with dignity. Our constitution ensured that freedom is not a slogan but a live reality.

In the 32 years of our democracy, we have built a progressive constitutional democracy, firmly anchored in the rule of law, with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all.

We have expanded access to healthcare, housing, education, water and electricity on an unprecedented scale.

We have transformed our education system that was used to perpetuate oppression to ensure universal access to education by introducing no-fee schools to expand access to education to children from poor households. Our National School Nutrition Programme feeds more than nine million learners every single day.

Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, we have made tertiary education accessible to students from low-income households.

Last year, we recorded the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.

Since the dawn of our democracy, we have steadily worked to expand access to quality health care for all. We have built clinics and hospitals, provided free health care to pregnant women and young children, reduced child mortality and increased life expectancy.

Now we are working together to establish the National Health Insurance – the NHI – so that every person in this country has equal access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay.

We are making progress on land reform, restoring land to many of those dispossessed since the introduction of the 1913 Natives Land Act and continuing to support its productive use.

The Free State is one of the provinces that is leading the country in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging and aspiring farmers.

Over the last 32 years, we have used our broad-based black economic empowerment policies to expand the participation of black South Africans, women and persons with disability in the economy.

We have begun to redress the economic injustices of our past, expanding ownership, control and management of our economy beyond a privileged few.

The progress we have made is evident in improvements in the income and quality of life of African, coloured and Indian South Africans and the gradual reduction in inequality between races.

But this is not enough. There is much more that needs to be done.

That is why we are working to strengthen our broad-based black economic empowerment policies, to make them more effective and more efficient – to ensure that they actually deliver the fundamental changes that our economy needs.

Dignity means that people must be able to live free from fear and violence.

To give greater effect to our freedom, we have dedicated greater resources and effort to tackling organised crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence and other forms of violent crime.

We are reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system, rooting out corruption and building a police service and a prosecuting authority in which people can have trust and confidence.

We call on all South Africans to be part of this work, to build communities, homes, schools and workplaces that are safe and secure.

Today we take the opportunity to reflect, renew and reaffirm our commitment to the social contract we entered into 32 years ago.

This is a compact that demands active citizenship, democratic oversight and a State that delivers justice, services, opportunity and dignity in return for public trust.

This is a solemn agreement that must be renewed in every interaction between the state and the people to whom it is accountable, in every service delivered and in every life improved.

The Government of National Unity is determined 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.

This means we must address and overcome the many challenges facing South Africans today.

Failing water infrastructure, collapsing municipalities and deteriorating services are not mere inconveniences. They directly affect the quality of daily life. They constrain the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs.

Our resolve to strengthen local government provides an opportunity to transform municipalities, making them better run, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of our people.

This is important because the truest test of our democracy is whether freedom translates into material change in people’s lives.

Dignity starts with the most basic things: a roof over one’s head, clean running water, reliable electricity. Freedom is about the ability to go to a clinic when one is are sick, to have a school for one’s children, and being provided for in old age.

Advancing human dignity is the promise of our Constitution and the fundamental value from which all other human rights flow.

It is in pursuit of this fundamental value that we set out in the 2026 State of the Nation Address an ambitious economic agenda anchored in massive infrastructure investment, structural reforms and economic transformation.

We are removing obstacles to investment, making our economy more competitive and fixing key state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet.

We are working with all social partners to grow industries that create jobs, such as agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital industries.

It is to advance human dignity that we continue to act without fear or favour against those who undermine the promise of freedom.

Every rand stolen is an attack on our democracy.

Every project that is not completed is a betrayal of a community.

We will not rest until those who have hollowed out our institutions and diverted public resources for private gain are held to account.

No society can be free and equal while women and children continue to live in fear.

We must therefore do more to end gender-based violence.

When we held the Free State Men’s Indaba here in Bloemfontein last year, I said:

“South Africa does not need a so-called new generation of men. It needs the men and boys of this generation to do better, and to be better. We need men who are protectors of women, not perpetrators. Men of South Africa must stand up and be counted, and say: Not in our Name.”

That is the challenge that we, the men of South Africa, need to take up on this Freedom Day.

Fellow South Africans,

We did not walk alone into freedom.

We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.

These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves.

The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.

It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.

We are a people who live the value of ubuntu.

We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.

We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or other any parts of the world.

Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.

That is why we are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens.

We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system.

We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands.

We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws.

As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders.

We remain committed to multilateralism, respect for international law and principled diplomacy.

International law was born from the devastation of global conflict. It is a shield for all countries, regardless of their size or influence.

True multilateralism demands respect for diversity while remaining firm on core principles: sovereignty, human rights, accountability and peaceful coexistence.

This Freedom Day stands as a reminder that political liberation was never the final destination. It was the beginning of a longer journey towards economic freedom and social justice.

Let us continue to work together, sparing neither strength nor courage, to complete the unfinished task: the realisation of freedom that is grounded in justice, dignity and prosperity for all.

Our future will not be built by forgetting where we come from, but by acting with courage on what we have learned – united by one Constitution, bound by a collective responsibility to each other, and in pursuit of a shared destiny.

The Freedom were celebrating today belongs to all of us.

It does not belong to one party. It does not belong to one generation.

It belongs to the people of South Africa – past, present and future.

Let us protect it. Let us uphold it. Let us live by it.

And so, as we reflect on how far we have come, and as we look to the future we must still build, let us remember this:

The freedom we enjoy today was not handed to us – it was fought for by our people and secured forever by our Constitution.

Let us be worthy of that freedom.

Let us deepen it. Let us defend it. And let us ensure that it is felt by every South African, every day.

May God bless South Africa.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso.
God seën Suid-Afrika.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. 
Hosi katekisa Afrika.

Kea leboga.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 27 April 2026, lead the national Freedom Day Commemoration to be held in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein, Free State Province.

Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation.

The Freedom Day commemoration will bring together all organs of state and all three spheres of Government, alongside representatives from civil society and various sectors, in a unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress.

Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society. It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.

The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion.

President Ramaphosa will lead the Freedom Day Commemoration as follows:

Date: Monday, 27 April 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor of Wits University,
Prof Joseph Stiglitz, in absentia,
Members of the Founding Committee of the International Inequality Panel,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Government representatives,
Representatives of civil society, academia and the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour to participate in this Consultative Council and meeting of the Founding Committee of the International Panel on Inequality.

The decision to establish the Panel is one of the most consequential outcomes of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November last year.

This decision arose from an appreciation by leaders from across the world that inequality severely constrains social and economic development.

Indeed, inequality is one of the greatest threats to human progress. It retards human development and progress because where inequality exists, opportunity is scarce. Where opportunity is scarce, potential is wasted. And where potential is wasted, progress is not just slowed—it is stopped.

Inequality literally entrenches poverty across generations. It results in one’s starting point in life being a handicap and results in inferior schooling, nutrition, lack of networks that make upward mobility difficult or impossible. This prevents humanity’s progress.

Humanity cannot advance for as long as vast swathes of humankind people are denied the fundamental requirements of a decent life – water, food, shelter, education, employment, security.

Humanity cannot advance when the talents, capabilities, creativity and energy of billions of people remain untapped and their potential remains unrealised.

By the same measure, humanity cannot advance in a world that is deeply unjust and where so many people are unable to exercise the fundamental human rights that are their due.

It was to address this global crisis that I established the Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality as part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

Under the leadership of Prof Joseph Stiglitz, the Extraordinary Committee did extraordinary work. It produced a seminal report that will form the cornerstone of the global fight for equality into the future.

Drawing on extensive evidence and a broad range of views, the report outlines in clear and precise terms the scale, drivers and consequences of rising inequality.

It is astounding that between 2000 and 2024, the richest 1 percent of people in the world captured 41 percent of all new wealth.

The poorer half of humanity captured just 1 percent of new wealth.

The committee’s report provided evidence that inequality is a threat to democratic freedoms, to economic growth and to general well-being.

It would be a mistake to think that inequality is bad only for the poor.

Inequality threatens the stability of societies and the sustainability of economies.

It worsens the effects of climate disasters and steadily makes the planet less inhabitable for all people.

The Extraordinary Committee was correct when it said that the world is facing an inequality emergency.

The International Panel on Inequality represents a concrete opportunity to confront this emergency.

It is an opportunity to bring together governments and peoples from different countries to help the world to understand and address inequality.

No nation can overcome inequality alone.

We need coordinated multilateral action, rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility.

We need a collective architecture of reform, credible monitoring and actionable insights to guide governments, multilateral agencies, academia and civil society.

Since the publication of the G20 Inequality report last year, the principles set out in the report have been endorsed by the African Union, several world leaders, more than 700 economists and inequality experts, and over 30 former world leaders.

I would like to make special mention of those leaders who have been particularly supportive of the work towards the establishment of the panel: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, President Lula da Silva of Brazil and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway.

The struggle against inequality featured prominently at the 4th meeting of the ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative in Barcelona last weekend.

At the meeting, leaders from across the world recognised that persistent inequality, social, economic and political exclusion, and lack of opportunity create fertile ground for extremism, polarisation and the erosion of democracy.

The leaders welcomed coordination with international initiatives addressing inequality and social cohesion, specifically mentioning the International Panel on Inequality presented during the South African G20 Presidency.

The Panel will therefore begin its work amid a gathering groundswell of global activism for a more inclusive, equal and just world.

It will provide the rigorous analysis and credible evidence that is needed to ensure that this sentiment is translated into actions that fundamentally and sustainably reduce inequality within and between countries.

That is why the work of this Consultative Council is so important.

All those gathered here, from South Africa and across the world, are expected to propose an agenda for the first wave of work of the International Panel on Inequality.

The Consultative Council is expected to identify the critical areas for focus within four key themes taken from the original report: the scale and dimensions of inequality, drivers of inequality, consequences of inequality and finally policy options.

We expect this Consultative Conference to deliberate on the gaps in our knowledge in these areas and prioritise the key questions that we need to answer to address these gaps.

Thank you to all of the experts who are attending in person and to those who will be participating virtually. Thank you for sharing your time, expertise and passion.

We encourage all world leaders and all governments to actively support the establishment of the Panel as a permanent international body.

Once established, once equipped and supported, this International Panel will be one of the most effective instruments the global community has to direct efforts to substantially reduce inequality.

But we must recognise that the panel can only take us so far.

As communities, as social formations, as governments and as multilateral institutions, it is up to us to take forward the struggle for more equal societies and for a just and inclusive global order.

The International Panel on Inequality can provide the evidence we need. It can develop the analysis and make the policy recommendations.

But it is up to all of us to act, to act together and to act with great urgency.

We need to advance on all fronts.

At a domestic level, countries need to be investing in the education and health of their people, prioritising the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. They need to provide quality public goods and services that improve living conditions and create opportunities.

Laws, policies and regulations need to protect workers, constrain excessive corporate power, create employment, safeguard the environment and ensure that taxation is progressive and redistributive.

On a global level, we need to transform the rules and institutions of global financial governance to direct their resources towards the needs and circumstances of developing economies.

The commitments that have been made towards those countries that bear the burden of global warming need to be fulfilled and further enhanced.

If we are to overcome global inequality, developing economies need to have the space, the means and the capability to undertake just energy transitions appropriate to their national development paths.

Just as inequality fuels conflict, so conflict deepens inequality.

It is therefore of the utmost importance that the global community rallies around efforts to resolve the conflicts that are today afflicting the world and to put in place credible mechanisms to prevent conflict into the future.

We need to restore the UN Charter to its rightful place at the centre of international relations and to reform institutions like the UN Security Council so that they can be reliable guarantors of peace.

We establish this International Panel knowing that inequality is deepening.

We do so out of grave concern for the quality of lives of billions of people and the prospects for meaningful human progress.

Yet, although the challenges are great, we see a rising tide of activism and a renewed determination across the world to confront and overcome this crisis of inequality.

As we undertake the important preparatory work to put this International Panel in place, we are full of hope and expectation.

We are convinced that through our collective efforts we are firmly on the path towards a better, more just and more equal world.

I thank you.