President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, as Acting Minister of Police with immediate effect.

Minister Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August.

Minister Mantashe will retain his responsibilities as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.

The DA’s latest effort to embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Mr Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims - in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Mr Jonas’s “credentials” and that Mr Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy.

The DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting President Ramaphosa and Mr Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.

While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

Mr Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this longstanding partner.

Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms.

Similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in Government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Mr Jonas.

This campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than our national interest.

The DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country.

The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest President Ramaphosa’s removal of Mr Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture.

If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party will harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Today marks a historic milestone in our democratic journey, one which speaks directly to the principles of national security, constitutional accountability, transparency, and national resilience as enshrined in our Section 198 of the Constitution.

In line with the commitment I made during the 2024 and today’s Budget Vote Debates, and in direct response to the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency, I am here to formally release the public versions of the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029, National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 and its the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs).

As explained during the Budget Debate, national security considerations dictate that we cannot release the current version of NIE and NIPs. Hence, we are publishing the NIE covering the period of the sixth Administration.

This is the first time in the history of the Republic of South Africa that such instruments of national intelligence are being released in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while maintaining the required integrity for national security. It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the state, to Parliament, and to the people.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 provides a consolidated, evidence-based assessment of the strategic threats, risks, and opportunities facing our nation.  It is the product of collaborative inputs from across the national intelligence community under the tutelage of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) as per the provisions of the National Strategic Act 1994 (Act 39 of 1994), and other strategic partners.

It seeks to ensure that our national response to complex security issues, from illegal migration, espionage, cyber threats and transnational organised crime to climate security as well as domestic instability amongst others, is informed, proactive, and coordinated.

The NIE is directly aligned with our national planning instruments and consist of five themes namely:

• Threats to the economy, 
• Territorial integrity, 
• Authority of the state, 
• Threats to the wellbeing of South Africans, as well as 
• Threats emanating from the foreign or global terrain.  

The 2019–2024 National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs) were fully integrated with the priorities of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), as follows:

Domestic Intelligence Priorities

• Investigate threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic and business capacity and capabilities emanating from both domestic and foreign actors and events. 

• Improve intelligence capacity to counter border-based and migration threats in support of the BMA. 

• Advise on vetting and forewarn about the appointment of foreign nationals at organs of State in strategic sectors where they have access to sensitive and classified information. This should be pursued in line with section 22 of the Constitution. 

• Identify and investigate the activities of FISs pertaining to South Africa’s economic and business interests, both domestic and abroad.

• Bolster cyber forensic capability to effectively address and regulate online technologies and crypto-currencies that are exploited to facilitate IFFs.

• Adjust South Africa’s cybersecurity posture to accommodate counter-intelligence and protective security at its core. 

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and vetting at SOEs. 

• Prioritise security appraisals and advice at critical infrastructure. 

• Address cybersecurity vulnerabilities at organs of State including in procurement, supply chain management and reliance on foreign-based companies within national security domains.

• Investigate activities related to terror financing that are characterised by vulnerabilities in the border security environment, exploitation of the cash economy, abuse of remittances, as well as the challenges presented by the new financial technologies.

• Investigate and mitigate organised or syndicated criminal activities, including drug smuggling as well as human smuggling and trafficking. 

• Investigate and mitigate the cross-border smuggling of narcotics and precursor chemicals for narcotics. 

Foreign Intelligence Priorities

• Establish and determine negative forces that seek to undermine and sabotage South Africa’s chairship of the African Union and also identify opportunities for country to boost her progressive overtures in the continent.

• Ensure and develop a system that would enhance and protect the country’s economic position and interest in the continent through the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

• Consolidate efforts to stabilise SADC region to advance the national interest and further enhance early warning mechanisms to manage risks to political, security, and economic stability in partnership with SADC member states.

• Enhance coordination of South Africa’s response and engagements in the United Nations Security Council throughout 2020 and continue to lobby for the reform of the UNSC.

• Develop a strategy and implement programmes aims at countering hostile forces that seek to undermine the country’s interest in the continent and further identify foreign powers in South Africa and the continent that are pro or against our interest. Further, develop legislation framework to deal espionage activities. 

• Strengthen the State’s capacity to detect and counter precursors of terrorism. 

• Develop a strategy to neutralise hostile activities of xxxxxxxx nationals in South Africa and then expedite efforts to resolve diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

National Security Strategy
 
The National Security Strategy (NSS) which was endorsed by the Cabinet on 13 March 2024 equally brings cohesion to our national security efforts. It outlines a whole-of-government, and with its publication, the whole-of-society approach to national security, by embedding intelligence at the core of strategic foresight, resilience-building, and crisis prevention.

The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest. There are eight critical pillars contained in the NSS, namely: 

PILLAR 1: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICANS OR PUBLIC SECURITY (Well-being of South Africans)

The objectives of this pillar is to ensure that the state:

• Protects the public and ensure its well-being.

• Protects the constitutional order of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

• Ensure its sovereignty, independence, and its territorial integrity by protecting fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms.

• Strengthen civil peace and harmony.

• Ensure political and social stability in society.

• Improve the mechanisms of interaction between state and civil society.

• Strengthen safety and security.

• Eradicate corruption.

• Protect citizens and all forms of property.

• Protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

• Eradicate poverty, inequality, unemployment and racism by promoting social cohesion.

PILLAR 2: PROTECTION OF THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE REPUBLIC

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the goal of defending the country are being achieved through the implementation of modern and funded defence review and updated defence policy through strategic deterrence and the prevention of military conflicts; the improvement of the military organisation of the state; the forms of use and methods of action of the armed forces of the RSA and increased mobilisation readiness.

PILLAR 3: PROTECTION AND PROJECTION OF OUR SOVEREIGNTY

This pillar will ensure that the foreign policy of the RSA creates favourable conditions for sustainable socio-economic development of the country, strengthens national security interests abroad, strengthens the position of the RSA on matters of national interest and national security by ensuring that the country’s position is coherent and redlines are understood.

PILLAR 4: PROTECTION OF THE ECONOMY OR ECONOMIC SECURITY

This pillar of the NNS will ensure that the economic security of the RSA is strengthened, the economic sovereignty of the country is protected and that the competitiveness of the South African economy is increased as well as its resistance to external and internal threats. It is further aimed at creating conditions for economic growth at the rate of which will be at par to global growth or higher.

PILLAR 5: PROTECTION OF CYBERSPACE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT

This pillar aims at strengthening the sovereignty of the RSA in the information space through enhancing risk awareness; encourage the country stakeholders to assume responsibility for their cybersecurity; and build the necessary capabilities.

PILLAR 6: PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the RSA’s scientific and technological development is independent and competitive. It further ensures that there is enough investment into research and development capacity and that the country’s intellectual property is protected.

PILLAR 7: PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

This pillar will ensure the environmental security of the RSA and the rational use of natural resources. It will further ensure the quality of the environment necessary for favourable human life, conservation and restoration of the natural environment, balanced use of natural resources, and the mitigation of the negative effects of climate change.

PILLAR 8: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CULTURE AND HERITAGE (Cultural Security)

This pillar will ensure the strengthening of the cultural sovereignty of South Africa and preserve its unified cultural space and heritage through the protection of historical truth, the preservation of historical memory, continuity in the development of the country and its historically established unity, and opposition to the falsification of history. This pillar is further aimed at building social cohesion, national identity and patriotism.

We must recall the warnings of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel, that a lack of policy coherence, political accountability, and institutional reform within the intelligence community posed a threat to national security itself.  In implementing the Panel’s recommendations, 

The release of the NIE, NIPs, and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal.  It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests.

Let me be clear, this is not the end of a process.  It is the beginning of a new, progressive chapter in how intelligence functions in the service of the South African people.  We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive.

In conclusion, I want to thank the men and women of our national intelligence community, who have worked with discipline, humility, and excellence to bring this moment to fruition. I also extend appreciation to Parliament for holding us accountable, and to the people of South Africa, for whom this transformation is being undertaken.

Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia.

Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred.

The documents are published on are www.gov.za and www.presidency.gov.za

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has arrived in the People’s Republic of China for a strategic Working Visit taking place from 14–18 July 2025.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation between South Africa and China.

At the invitation of the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin, the Deputy President will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and officially launch the South African National Pavilion.

In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the CCPIT.

This high-level participation by the Deputy President and South Africa presents a significant opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

During the Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China.

The Deputy President will also meet with major Chinese institutions such as the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in partnership with Standard Bank, the SINOMA International Engineering Company Ltd, and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC).

In addition, the Deputy President will participate in the South Africa–China Investment Forum, a key platform for promoting bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy President Mashatile is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; and Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, table the Presidency Budget Vote of 2025/2026 before the National Assembly in Parliament, Cape Town.

The Presidency Budget Vote for 2025/2026 encompasses the 7th administration's three strategic priorities, including promoting inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 

These priorities are embodied by The Presidency’s flagship programmes Operation Vulindlela, Presidential District Development Model and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, among transformative initiatives to inculcate a nation that works for all. 

The National Executive is in the process of tabling respective departmental budgets in Parliament, outlining the implementation of programmes and commitments, in changing the lives of South Africa for the better.

The President’s delivery of the Budget Vote address will be followed by a debate to which the President will reply on Thursday, 17 July 2025.

The annual tabling of departmental Budget Votes is an accountability mechanism for Parliament and the public to monitor how government is working to implement its service delivery commitments against voted funds. 

At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of government. 

The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion. 

Details of the Presidency Budget Vote 2025/2026 are as follows:
Presidency Budget Vote:
Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town.

Reply to Presidency Budget Vote debate:
Date: Thursday, 18 July 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are primarily with the family of Former President Buhari who has passed away at the age of 82.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends, former colleagues and associates of the late President Buhari, who led the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2018.

President Ramaphosa said: “As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning.

“President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country.

“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits - including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These engagements were dedicated to intensifying cooperation in areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration and science and technology.

“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development.

“This is a legacy on which we will continue to build.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

My Fellow South Africans,

I address you this evening on a matter that concerns the security of our country, the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and the safety of our people.

Last Sunday, the 6th of July 2025, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, held a media briefing in which he made public serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police allegedly interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Lt Gen Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people.

The allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security.

These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation.

To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. 

Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

The Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate's operations.

These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

The Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.

Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

Where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.

The Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.

It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.

The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President.

Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively.

The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

Acting Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025 after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission.

In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police Mr Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.

The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work.

I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police.

Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

I am appointing Prof Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly. 

Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July.

I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August.

This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country’s law enforcement agencies and security services. 

In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work.

We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work. 

I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership.

President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h30 on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The SABC will provide pool feed for the address.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will from 14-18 July 2025, undertake a strategic Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), as one of the key engagements.

In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 

This high-level participation by the Deputy President and the South African Delegation is a pivotal opportunity to advance the South Africa–China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. It also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

On this occasion, South Africa has been accorded Guest Country status, and under the theme: “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience,” the visit will mainly focus on:

•    Promoting strategic sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;

•    Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects to attract targeted Chinese investment, particularly into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and critical infrastructure;

•    Enhancing bilateral collaboration on clean technologies, digital skills development, and industrial standards; and

•    Advancing South Africa’s objectives for supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

In addition, the visit will include a dedicated bilateral programme aligned with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China, with a particular emphasis on Chapter Two on Mutual Beneficial Economic Cooperation and Trade. 

The visit is also part of the  evolving strategic trajectory of the South Africa–China relationship and reaffirms both countries' commitment to deepening mutual cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; and Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors,
Deputy President Paul Mashatile,
The Mabuza family,
Former Presidents and Deputy Presidents,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu,
Judge-President of the Mpumalanga High Court, Justice Segopotje Mphahlele,
Esteemed Rrpresentatives of fellow African countries,
Members of Parliament,
Members of the Mpumalanga Executive Council,
Leadership of the African National Congress, Alliance partners and the broader liberation movement,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Traditional and religious leaders,
People of Mpumalanga,

Nine bekuNene, maLangeni lamahle.

Fellow Mourners,

We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance, to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution on our journey to a democratic South Africa.

But we are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.

It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered.

David Mabuza, DD as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well.

He served as our country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress.

When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties.

In all his roles he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity.

Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people.

He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch.

Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects.

Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province.

David Mabuza was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches.

He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives.

Over the past days we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.

He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the "cat with nine lives" — resilient in the face of political storms.

But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education.

His political activism began from a very young age. His former principal recalls how he was still in primary school when he first got involved in politics, first through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a unionist.

David Dabede Mabuza loved education. When he finished high school, he chose to enter the teaching profession.

We have heard outpourings of love from those he encouraged to study.

There are probably some of his former high school learners among us today, people who still called him Sir and Meneer because they clung to his passion for education long after he left the classroom.

Mpumalanga has so many more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to eradicate the barrier to education for farm children.

True to his calling, the legacy that our former Deputy President leaves us is that of being quick to respond to matters of service delivery.

Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs.

Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises.

I had the privilege of serving alongside DD for five years in government, and during this time I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given.

He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.

As Leader of Government Business in Parliament he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state.

In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on.

We will always remember him as a unifier.

As Premier he was committed to unifying the different people of the Land of the Rising Sun: emaSwati, amaNdebele, baPedi, maPulana, Indian, coloured and white.

In death, he has once again brought us all together across many nations and continents to mourn, to pay homage, to remember and to fondly reminisce.

He had a very close relationship with traditional leaders and especially worked to restore the dignity of the traditional leaders of Mpumalanga.

He did so because he stayed rooted in his culture and amongst his kindred. The allure of high office failed to change him and isolate him from the people.

In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines and the numerous disputes we may have are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society.

He stood firm for the unity of his movement, the ANC, and it was his lifelong dream to see a strong, united ANC.

David Mabuza leaves behind a legacy of someone who sought to ensure that the centre held.

He played a key role in maintaining balance in deeply divided political times

We had hoped he was going to be with us longer, especially at such a time in our country, when we are facing many challenges.

As we work together to overcome these challenges, we draw strength, encouragement and comfort from the richness and profound meaning of his life.

The sad and untimely passing of our fellow comrade is a time for the leaders of this country to reflect.

Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people?

Are we as selfless as we profess to be? Are we builders and unifiers, or do we divide and break?

These questions are easy to ask, but sometimes difficult to answer.

With the passing of a leader of the calibre of David Mabuza, we are left with a void.

In the words of King Solomon in the Book of Proverbs 19:17:

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."

Mshengu, Shabalala, Ludonga lwaMavuso waNgwane –– indima yakho uyidlalile mnaka.

To the Mabuza and Mnisi families, loved ones, friends and his political family the ANC, we offer you our heartfelt condolences.

May you find comfort in the knowledge that he gave his all to his movement, to his country and to his people.

To you my dear brother DD, I am here to bid you farewell.

You walked the path not always lit,
Through the dust of doubt, you did commit.

I worked with you and saw your commitment
Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still,
You were able to shape the course with quiet will.

I saw you bear the weight of province and land,
With measured step and steady hand.

Though storms did gather, and winds did sway,
You held the centre night and day.

Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil,
Your work is done and complete.

The country remembers you.

Rest in eternal peace, DD.

I thank you.