Excellencies, distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Acting Executive Director of UNFPA, Diene Keita,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Development partners and agencies,
Partners from civil society,
Friends from the private sector,
 
It is an honour to stand before you as the chair of the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, alongside fellow members Ethiopia and Nigeria. 
 
The Global Leaders Network is a coalition of heads of state and government united by the conviction that the health, dignity and potential of women, children and adolescents are the cornerstones of a fair, prosperous and peaceful world.
 
The reality that we must confront is that too many women still die in childbirth of preventable causes. 
 
Too many children and adolescents still suffer and die from illnesses we know how to prevent or treat. 
 
These are not inevitable tragedies.
 
Just as every avoidable death is a policy and administrative failure, every life saved is the result of political will.
 
The Global Leaders Network commits at the highest political level to keeping the voices of the most vulnerable alive in the halls of power. 
 
The moral imperative is clear: no woman, child or adolescent should die of preventable causes.
 
We must stand firm against the reversals we are witnessing in sexual and reproductive health and rights. 
 
We believe that every woman has autonomy over her sexuality and reproductive choices. Every adolescent should get comprehensive sexual education. Every person should be free from sexually transmitted diseases. 
 
To translate conviction into action, the Global Leaders Network has identified three priorities for immediate and sustained focus.
 
First, as countries advance universal health coverage, we must place women, children and adolescents at the centre of its design and implementation. 
 
Health services need to be safe, effective, compassionate and responsive to the lived realities of those who need them most. 
 
Our second priority is to increase investment in women’, children’s and adolescents’ health. 
 
As official development assistance is cut, many countries are pursuing domestic resource mobilisation as a sustainable health financing solution. 
 
However, we must continue to foster the principle of solidarity through multilateral financing solutions. This includes the consideration of a gap financing mechanism to address the needs of countries and communities most affected by the withdrawal of official development assistance. 
 
Our third priority is to uphold sexual and reproductive health rights. 
 
The data is clear: a lack of access to safe abortion leads to higher incidents of deaths, costly complications and permanent damage leading to infertility. 
 
I call on governments, financing institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector to push forward towards 2030 with the following convictions:
 
Firstly, reaffirm and protect funding for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health as a core pillar of development cooperation, even amid shifting global priorities.
 
Secondly, integrate health into broader development and climate strategies, recognising that resilient health systems are essential for adaptation, recovery and long-term sustainability.
 
Thirdly, continue to invest in innovation and digital health solutions that bridge gaps in access, particularly for rural and marginalised communities.
 
Finally, ensure accountability, so that commitments translate into measurable improvements in survival, well-being and equity.
 
The cost of inaction on these issues will be counted not only in lives lost, but in futures diminished, communities destabilised and economic opportunities foregone. 
 
But the benefits of bold, coordinated action will build social and economic prosperity for generations.
 
Women, children and adolescents must be our priority, for they represent the future that we are all working so hard to secure.
 
I thank you.

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba,
Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to participate in this plenary session on the economic dimension of the Africa–Japan partnership.

We gather at a critical time, where global economic uncertainty, the reshaping of trade and new industrial revolutions demand bold action and strategic collaboration. 

Africa must not merely react to these forces. We must help to shape them.

South Africa is making progress in enabling our economy to participate in the rapidly changing global environment.

We have stabilised our energy supply and are modernising our infrastructure. We are opening our ports and rail to private sector investment.

We are rolling out a reindustrialisation agenda focused on localisation, green energy and regional integration.

As part of our industrial policy, we are expanding trade with key countries and improving market access for South African agricultural and industrial products.

We are incentivising electric vehicles and battery production, and supporting green hydrogen value chains through infrastructure and skills investment.

South Africa is growing its health manufacturing capacity, with a focus on vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Our country is also expanding digital infrastructure to bridge gaps in access and enhance service delivery.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is central to our economic vision. 

South Africa seeks to deepen intra-African trade while becoming a continental industrial platform from which Japanese and other global firms can export into Africa.

We are actively working with the AfCFTA Secretariat to finalise value-chain protocols in automotive, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

We support Rules of Origin harmonisation to encourage manufacturing in Africa and the upgrading of border infrastructure to enable faster movement of goods.

Recent tariff actions by the United States on African goods have highlighted the need to diversify our export markets.

South Africa is a leading exporter of agricultural produce and high quality industrial products such as auto vehicles and components.

We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods.

We seek partnerships in infrastructure, energy and digital development through blended finance.

We also seek partnerships in financing skills development, youth innovation and small business scaling.

Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners. Partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation.

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), will on Thursday, 21 August 2025, convene and chair the meeting of the HRDC scheduled to take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. 

The HRDC is a multi-stakeholder advisory body comprising of government, business, labour, and civil society, tasked with the mandate of advising the government on matters related to developing the skills and human potential of all South Africans, as well as coordinating human resource development efforts across the country.

With the recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA painting a grim picture on the unemployment rate in South Africa, the HRDC is expected to receive a presentation from The Presidency and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator on interventions made to reduce youth unemployment in particular by 10-20% by 2030, through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Programme. 

The Council will also receive a presentation from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on their interventions and programmes aimed at curbing youth unemployment, as well as presentations on a coordinated digital ecosystem designed to connect the supply and demand of digital skills in the country.

Furthermore, the meeting will take note of and approve the HRDC's stakeholder mapping to ensure stronger linkages between provincial HRD Structures and Council on how the Council will engage with provinces going forward, including guidelines and regulations for the day-to-day functioning of the Council and its governance structures. 

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

Date: Thursday, 21 August 2025
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg 

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to confirm their attendance for accreditation purposes, with Mr Bongani Majola (Presidency) on  082 339 1993 or Lesley Makhubele (HRDC) on 073 692 9100 by end of business on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.

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

Issued by: The Presidedcy
Pretoria

Programme Director, Mr Zolile Williams – MEC for COGTA Chief Langa (Bakhulule);
Our host, His Majesty, King Ndamase Ndamase of Amampondo Asenyandeni; Ndlovuyezwe!
Queen Madosini and Members of the Royal Family;
Acting Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Zolile Williams and all MEC’s present here today;
Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Cllr MesuliNgqondwana and all Mayors present;
Amakhosi aseNdlunkulu wonke;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers
Senior Officials from Government, Private Sector and other Entities;

Kubantu bonke baseNyandeni;
Ndiyanibulela nonke ngokungamukela ngezandla ezishushu.

Today we started our day by paying a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Ndamase Ndamase at eNyandeni Royal Palace.

Our government acknowledges the authority of traditional leaders, their role in promoting social cohesion, and addressing developmental issues within their communities. 

(Urhulumente wethu uyaqonda ukuba abalawuli nee Nkosi zakwa Ntu banegunya, banendima ebalulekileyo ekukhuthazeni ubumbano kuluntu, nasekuqwalaseleni imiba yophuhliso kwiindawo zabo).
We are here to engage with this community to get a high-level overview of the service delivery issues affecting the AmaMpondo Kingship and how best to strengthen our collaboration with the Kingdom.

This visit is part of a larger initiative to engage traditional leadership in the national development agenda and promote collaboration between traditional authorities and the government.

Specifically, we are here from different spheres of government, bound together by the District Development Model to create a platform for government and other entities to engage with His Majesty King of AmaMpondo aseNyandeni on service delivery issues affecting the Kingship and areas under its jurisdiction.

Our hope is that by working together, we can speed up the delivery of services that the traditional community relies on and support the Kingdom as they strive to develop their community.

This institution not only has a place in the new democracy but also has the potential to transform and contribute significantly to restoring the moral fabric of our society. 

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the reconstruction and development of the country, particularly in rural areas.

Traditional Leadership also plays a critical role in ensuring that the conditions for democratic governance and stability in rural areas are created so that accelerated service delivery and sustainable development can be achieved.

The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act no. 3 of 2019), allows Traditional Leadership Institutions to participate in development programmes by advising the government on the needs of traditional communities and holding the government accountable for improving the lives of the people of traditional communities.

His Majesty King Ndamase Ndamase, if we are both accountable to each other as leaders, we have the invaluable opportunity to leverage the deep-rooted understanding of our community's needs and challenges. (Obekekileyo uKumkani uNdamase Ndamase, ukuba sobabini sinoxanduva omnye komnye njengeenkokheli, sinethuba elixabisekileyo lokusebenzisa iingcambu ezinzulu).

I believe that the wisdom of traditional leaders can guide us in developing sustainable solutions that truly address the issues facing our society. 

Through my interaction with the community leadership, I have so far learnt about your concerns, which include, among others;

• Access to water at the Royal Palace and households within Nyandeni Municipality
• Upgrading of the gravel road to the Royal Palace to tarred or paved road
• Infrastructure maintenance
• Electricity-related matters
• The Libode Police Station that requires upgrades and the traditional Police Station at the Royal Palace that is not fully resourced
• Support of agricultural programs through the provision of targeted interventions
• High incidents of GBVF, crime rates, and drug abuse.

These are actual issues that our communities are facing, and they require immediate attention. To gain the government's attention in resolving service delivery issues, our communities should not have to stage protests; instead, we need to take the initiative and solve the problem. Where there are challenges, we should be transparent to our communities and work with them in finding solutions.

For example, we must ensure that the provision and access to high-quality, drinkable water never violates these human rights. In this regard, we want the Provincial Government and the Local Government, to find an amicable solution that will see the taps in our community providing this vital resource.

Another pressing issue is the ongoing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide which persists in our communities. We must find a way to stop this from continuing! We must all work together to prevent every act that perpetuates GBV in our communities. We should not even entertain jokes that demean women and instigate violence against women and children.

As a government, we have made efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide through the establishment of dedicated desks at police stations in hotspot areas, the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, and initiatives like the Men's Parliament aimed at promoting positive masculinity.

We urge you as a community to speak out against GBV to foster a safer environment for all. This includes challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and advocating for systemic change. Community involvement is crucial for both preventing GBV and ensuring access to essential support services for survivors.

Kubantu baseNyandeni, we have heard your concerns and frustrations regarding service delivery.

We will collaborate closely with municipal and provincial governments to devise timely solutions to your concerns. 

Our current discussion will not devolve into a mere talk show; we will ensure that those entrusted with responsibilities fulfil their obligations.

As various branches of government, we recognise our shared responsibility to guarantee the provision of high-quality services to the public. However, the local government sphere is at the forefront of service delivery. Their importance is because they are the first point of contact for many residents needing access to services like water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and social amenities.

The local government's effectiveness directly impacts the quality of life for citizens and their ability to access basic necessities. Therefore, it is important to strengthen intergovernmental relations (IGR) by enhancing our synergies and collaboration to ensure that all levels of government work together to extend services to all communities, including to rural areas.

In the spirit of this collaboration, we urge the Nyandeni Local Municipality to work closely with Traditional Leaders, from the first stage of decision-making to implementation and monitoring to make sure that everyone has access to basic services.

Together, you must take responsibility for providing, regulating, and maintaining the infrastructure needed for these services, such as managing the water supply, supporting agricultural programmes through the provision of tractors and other equipment, upgrading of roads, and other related tasks.

Our work is therefore aligned with the national development goals, which include making sure that everyone has access to basic services, the importance of integrated infrastructure planning, and working together with other levels of government to solve persistent issues with service delivery.

This is in line with the District Development Model, which is a process where planning is done jointly across the local, district, and metropolitan levels. This leads to a single, strategically focused One-Plan for each of the country's 44 districts and 8 metropolitan areas.

The One-Plan, in collaboration with various government departments, aims to better lives by improving intergovernmental relations and fostering development in communities including Traditional Leadership.

By working together as different spheres of government, traditional leaders, and different sectors in the communities, we will gain a common understanding of service delivery obstacles, growth challenges, and opportunities.

Furthermore, the partnership between our government and traditional leaders allows us to tap into a wealth of resources and expertise. By combining our strengths and insights, we can create a more holistic approach to service delivery that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our community.

Through this collaborative action, we can bridge the gap between policy-making and grassroots implementation. 

We can ensure that the voices of our community are heard and respected and that decisions are made with the best interests of all in mind.

In conclusion, let me assure this community that we are committed to improving the lives of the people by listening and addressing the service delivery matters of the Kingship and Traditional Communities to promote development and social cohesion for building resilient communities.

As we move forward in our shared commitment to service delivery, we are going to set clear directions and deadlines for the issue you have raised and a clear monitoring process.

The first thing we will do to keep our commitment is to work with departments like Health, Home Affairs, Social Development, and SAPS to ensure that they make it easier for people from the Traditional Community to obtain services through Services on Wheels.

Through these services, we want to increase accessibility, improve efficiency in service provision, and reduce travel costs for the community members.

Furthermore, we want to enhance community engagement and empowerment by bringing services directly to the people, potentially leading to better health outcomes and the overall well-being of our people.

Our goal is that when we meet again, we give you an update of the progress that has been made and where there are challenges, to be frank with you, so that we together move in the same direction with understanding.

We want to build bridges of trust and understanding between our government and traditional leaders, setting an example of effective governance and community empowerment for all to follow.

As the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Matters of Traditional Leadership, I welcome your ongoing engagement with us as representatives of the community.

Together, we can work towards addressing challenges and fostering a stronger community. 

(Sisonke, singasebenza ekusombululeni imingeni nasekukhuliseni uluntu olomeleleyo)
Ndiyabulela!.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 August 2025, attend the first District Development Model (DDM) meeting at the Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape, in her capacity as the National District Champion.

The DDM seeks to foster integrated planning and implementation across the three spheres of Government, ensuring that resources and programmes are coordinated for maximum impact in local communities. The Frances Baard District One Plan outlines key priorities such as economic diversification, infrastructure development, job creation, and social development interventions that respond directly to community needs.

This inaugural meeting follows the engagements led by President Cyril Ramaphosa with the Northern Cape Provincial Executive, and aims to strengthen collaboration between national, provincial, and local government leadership.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli will engage with the Executive Mayor and Councillors of Frances Baard District Municipality. The meeting will also reflect on catalytic projects identified under the One Plan and review progress on service delivery programmes.

The Deputy Minister will underscore the importance of building partnerships across Government and with social partners to deliver inclusive growth and better services to the people of Frances Baard.
 
Details of the Meeting:

Date: Wednesday, 20 August 2025
Time: 09h00 – 14h00
Venue: Frances Baard District Municipality Council Chambers, Kimberley

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 19 August 2025, arrived in Japan to lead South Africa’s High Level Delegation participation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9).

TICAD9 Summit will convene in Yokohama from 20 - 22 August 2025 under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions With Africa”. The Summit is underpinned by (3) Plenary Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and Japan, namely: 

i) Society: Realising a Sustainable Future; 
ii) Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment; 
iii) Peace and stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security.

The 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world, distortions and disruption to global trade and a concerning revision by some states to unilateral action at a time when multilateralism and collective solutions to common challenges is crucial.

Rising fuel, food and energy prices have severely impacted developing countries, entrenching poverty and fuelling higher levels of inequality in the face of constrained employment and job opportunities. The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens. The AU discussions with the government of Japan under the auspices of TICAD presents an opportunity for the two sides to engage in discussions that seek to foster collective solutions to these challenges.

South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the government of Japan for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, especially in the priority areas of infrastructure development, peace and security, and health.

President Ramaphosa will advance South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with the government of Japan with a view to strengthening trade and investment ties between South Africa and Japan.

The 2025 year marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. The two countries enjoy well-established bilateral relations within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a Ministerial level, and maintain strong cooperation in the fields of trade and investment; science and technology; education; skills transfer and capacity building through development cooperation. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992.

Japan is one of the major investors (over R90 billion) in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150,000 local jobs. Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion.

President Ramaphosa will engage with leading captains of Japanese industry and business. Japan is one of South Africa's major economic partners with sizeable investments in the South African economy, and the potential for further investments exists. A South African high level business delegation is also participating at the TICAD9.

Also at the margins of TICAD9, In his capacity as the chair of the Global Leader’s Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies on the importance of increasing investments into women’s, children’s and adolescents health as an imperative for peace and security.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; and senior Government officials. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 18 August 2025, received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, on the outcome of the meeting with President Donald Trump, that was recently held in Anchorage, Alaska in the United States of America. 

President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process. 

President Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from President Putin. The President underscored the need for more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine. 

Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency invites all South Africans to exercise their right to nominate outstanding members of the public for National Orders, to identify persons nationally and globally who have served the nation or attained personal achievements in exceptional ways.

National Orders are the highest awards that our country, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.

The President as the fount of honour in the country bestows these Orders and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and the Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility. 

The Chancellor of National Orders, Ms Phindile Baleni, calls on citizens to make nominations for National Orders as part of sustaining the integrity, inclusiveness and diversity of this institution of social cohesion and nation-building.

Ms Baleni said: “The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.”

“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful to people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.

“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order.”

The following are our National Orders: 

The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement.

The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. It is an award for exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories: business and the economy: science, medicine and technological innovation, and community service.

The Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo is awarded to eminent foreign nationals. It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity and support. The Order constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.

The Order of Luthuli is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.

The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

The Order of Mendi for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives while performing those acts, including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.

Nomination forms that outline simple guidelines to nominators can be downloaded at: https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders-booklets-18

Each filled nomination form must be accompanied by a motivations, which should include:

• an introductory paragraph with a summary of the nominee’s achievements

• a list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/or international arena, and

• a description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee. 

The closing date for nominations: 31 August 2025.

Details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be provided at a later date.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Majesty - King Mswati III,
Your Excellency, President Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and Chairperson of SADC,
Your Excellency, President Dr Lazarous Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
The Executive Secretary of SADC, Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi,
Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegations,
Your Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic Missions,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Your Excellencies,

I am humbled by the responsibility you have entrusted on me and the government of South Africa to join the leadership of the SADC Troika of this August organisation.

On behalf of all of us from SADC Southern African region and beyond, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Excellency President Andry Rajoelina on your accession to Chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the 2025–2026 term.

Your assumption of this esteemed role at the 45^th SADC Summit in Antananarivo marks a historic milestone for Madagascar and reflects the trust and confidence placed in your leadership by fellow Heads of State. As Chairman, your vision for accelerating industrialisation, transforming agriculture, and promoting inclusive energy transition resonates deeply with the aspirations of our region.

We listened to you very carefully this morning when you delivered your acceptance speech. Your speech was inspiring and was underpinned by a bold vision and regional ambition.

We have also had the privilege of watching you at close range as you were chairing the summit.

We were impressed by the able manner in which you led helped us reach consensus even on difficult issues on which there were differences.

You have shown us the true mettle of your leadership ability. We know that SADC is in good hands. 

We are confident that under your stewardship, SADC will continue to advance regional integration, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

May your tenure be marked by unity, innovation, and progress for all member states.

Once again, congratulations and best wishes for a successful and impactful chairmanship. There is no doubt in our minds that a lot will be achieved under your able leadership.

As South Africa joins the Troika leadership of this august body, please be assured of our full support as you lead us in the pursuit of our regional integration agenda as envisaged in SADC Vision 2050.

The region will also continue to benefit from the wisdom of the outgoing Chairperson, His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa’s patent passion for the region’s integration programme is exemplified by several activities your government undertook to advance trade integration, food and energy security, transboundary conservation, poverty eradication, health, education as well as finance and investment, among others.

Your Excellencies,

Equally and with a deep sense of appreciation, we salute Her Excellency, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan President of the United Republic of Tanzania for her sterling leadership of the Organ during her tenure. Admittedly, it was not an easy tenure considering the peace and security missions whose implementation she had to lead.

Her fortitude and unfailing resolve, even when these missions were put to unprecedent test, is truly commendable.

We also congratulate His Excellency Mr Elias Magosi, on his re-appointment as the Executive Secretary of our organisation for a second term. 

We wish you well during the next four years. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the Secretariat for keeping our organisation professional and future-proof.

On behalf of all participants and stakeholders, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the entire staff for the outstanding coordination and execution of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held for the first time in Antananarivo in Madagascar in 20 years.

Thank you for your professionalism, vision, and service to the region. Your work continues to inspire and strengthen the bonds of cooperation across Southern Africa.

We also thank the SADC council of Ministers for all the content preparatory work. They are the true heavy lifters. We especially thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Dr. Rafaravavitafika Rasata.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Government of the Republic of Madagascar for the outstanding organisation and hosting of the 45^th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Your tireless efforts in planning, logistics, communication, and protocol have ensured the success of this historic gathering.

From the seamless logistics at the Ivato International Conference Centre to the vibrant side events including the Industrialisation Week and high-level dialogues, Madagascar has showcased its capacity as a regional leader and reliable partner in African cooperation.

We thank all the people of Madagascar for making the 45^th SADC a real success and we especially commend President Andry Rajoelina for leading the whole effort of having a truly successful summit.

Your efforts have not only strengthened the bonds among SADC member states but have also elevated Madagascar’s standing on the continental stage. Bravo!

Your Excellencies,

The government and the people of South Africa look forward to welcoming you to our shores in August next year when we will be hosting the 46^th SADC Summit.

I thank you all for your attention.
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, undertake a working visit to the Amampondo Kingdom, at Enyandeni Royal Palace, Libode, Nyandeni Local Municipality, in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile to His Majesty, King Ndamase of the Amampondo ase Nyandeni, takes place under the theme, “Traditional Leadership at the centre of developmental agenda and social cohesion through cooperation with government”, and it is aimed at creating a platform for government and other relevant entities to work together in addressing service delivery challenges in the area, as well as promoting investment initiatives geared to enhance local economic development. 

Deputy President Mashatile chairs the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional Leadership established by President Ramaphosa, to provide leadership in addressing issues that include amongst others; land ownership and tenure rights, fast-tracking the socio-economic development in rural communities, advancing infrastructure investment and skills development initiatives, promoting unity, cohesion and nation building within rural communities. 

Furthermore, the visit by the Deputy President demonstrates a distinct commitment by government to provide steadfast support for the work of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in addressing the triple-challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment affecting members of the surrounding communities.

Deputy President Mashatile also assists President Ramaphosa with the roll-out of the District Development Model, which aims to improve the functioning of municipalities and also addresses community service delivery issues.

In this regard, the Deputy President and his delegation together with His Majesty, will receive an update on progress achieved by government in addressing service delivery issues such as access to water, electricity, adequate roads infrastructure, agriculture support, and interventions to address crime, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Members for the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Komkhulu Enyandeni Royal Palace, Libode, OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape Province

The programme is envisaged to unfold as follows: 

Part A: Meeting between the Deputy President and His Majesty, King Ndamase 
09h00
(Photo Opportunity) 

Part B: Stakeholder Engagement – Overview of Service Delivery Issues 
10h00
(Media in attendance for Opening Remarks and Photo Opportunity) 

Part C:  Project Visit – Showcasing tourism infrastructure development investment in the area
11h45

Part D: Community Feedback Session 
12h30 
Media in attendance
14h00 Media Door-Stop

For more enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidedcy
Pretoria