MIL Africa Engine

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, Adv Kholeka Gcaleka,
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel,
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Members of Parliament,
Former Public Protectors,
Members of the Judiciary and Magistracy,
Ombudspersons, mediators and anti-corruption institutions from across the world,
Representatives of the legal fraternity and academia,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Evening.

It is an honour and a privilege to be here to celebrate thirty remarkable years of the Office of the Public Protector, a symbol of the endurance of our constitutional order.

The Office of the Public Protector was enshrined in the Constitution to fulfil a number of vital purposes which i would like to allude to in a while.

The Office of the Public Protector has played a vital part in the revolutionary act of fundamentally changing the relationship between the citizens and the state.

As a country, we aspire to a society where government and national institutions treat citizens justly and with compassion, always and in all their affairs.

In reflecting on our Constitution, the late Chief Justice Ismail Mahomed wrote:

“All Constitutions seek to articulate, with differing degrees of intensity and detail, the shared aspirations of a nation; the values which bind its people and which discipline its government and its national institutions;… and the moral and ethical direction which the nation has identified for its future.”

Yet, in pursuit of that future, in pursuit of those shared aspirations, we know that failings can occur. Power can be misused and abused.

Public institutions and public officials can neglect the needs of those they are meant to serve.

When they do, they have to be held accountable. The deficiency needs to be remedied.

That is why we need the guardians. We need those institutions that will safeguard the vision of a South Africa that is equal, united, democratic, prosperous and free.

We need those institutions that ensure that the exercise of state power is restrained by law and rooted in accountability.

When the Chapter 9 institutions came into being, the drafters of our Constitution were clear in their intent and formulation.

They were clear that those institutions would be given substantial powers and a great responsibility to support and strengthen constitutional democracy.

They would be given a mandate to operate without fear, favour or prejudice.

The Office of the Public Protector was envisioned as, and remains, the moral mirror of the state. The public protector is that guardian of the public interest, a shield for the citizen against state excess, and a key mechanism for ensuring that the government serves the people, not the other way around. Its effectiveness is often a key indicator of the health of a nation’s democracy.

The Public Protector is responsible for setting a standard for governance and service delivery that is the right of every South African man, woman and child.

Over the past 30 years, the Office of the Public Protector has been the pride of our constitutional order.

This is so because the public protector has fulfilled many roles but I want to single out five of its important roles:

Firstly, the real cornerstone of the public protector role is to uphold accountability and the rule of law. The executive as in the president, ministers, departments and officials wield significant power. The public protector provides a crucial check on this power ensuring it is exercised legally, fairly, and without corruption. The other role of the PP is to investigate actions or decisions by government bodies that are unlawful, unreasonable, unfair, or otherwise improper. This could include delays, bias, negligence, or not following proper procedures.

Secondly, the public protector strengthens democracy and good governance. A healthy democracy requires more than just elections; it requires ongoing oversight.

The PP promotes ethical conduct by exposing corruption, nepotism, and unethical behaviour through this the Public Protector helps to foster a culture of integrity within the public service. Consequently the PP through investigations and recommendations to changes, making them more efficient thus making government more transparent, and responsive to the public’s needs.

Thirdly the PP protects the human rights of the citizens of our country. Many complaints brought to the Public Protector involve the violation of socio-economic rights.

When a citizen is denied a social grant, their housing application is unfairly rejected, or they receive poor service from a state-owned enterprise, they may not have the resources to sue the government. The Public Protector provides a free and accessible avenue for seeking redress. This the office ensures that all citizens are treated fairly and equitably by the state machinery.

Fourthly, The role of the PP gives a voice to the voiceless. As a free service, the PP is accessible to the poorest and most vulnerable members of society who would otherwise have no recourse against a powerful state institution.

When citizens see that there is an independent body that can hold the government to account, it helps to restore and maintain public trust in democratic institutions, which is essential for social stability.

Fifthly, the PP acts as an Agent of Social Justice.

The Public Protector often tackles issues that have a broad impact on society. Investigates systemic Issues. While they handle individual complaints, their work often uncovers widespread problems affecting many people. Their reports can lead to policy changes that benefit the entire population.

The PP’s office Holds the Powerful to Account. The office has the authority to investigate the highest levels of government, including presidents, ministers, and senior officials, demonstrating that no one is immune from scrutiny.

These roles remind us that a Constitution only has worth if the rights of the weakest and most vulnerable are defended as much as those of the strong.

The PP’s work often that take place far from the glare of the cameras, into the systems that are failing victims of gender-based violence and into the bureaucratic failures that are holding back our people’s chances of leading lives of dignity.

The Office of the Public Protector, commands great influence – the public’s trust.

The Public Protector stands with the people, and for this, the people trust this office.

The PP is seen as impartial and independent.

In State vs Glenister, the Constitutional Court held that “public confidence in mechanisms that are designed to secure independence is indispensable.”

If government creates an institution that does not appear, from a reasonable person’s point of view, to be independent, it has failed to meet a critical benchmark.

That is why we all carry a responsibility to both safeguard the independence of the Office of the Public Protector and affirm the binding nature of its remedial action.

We know that as much as the influence of the Office of the Public Protector lies in the faith it inspires, budgets do matter.

The Office of the Public Protector, like most public bodies, faces challenges of capacity and resources.

The institution needs both capacity and resources to keep people’s faith in it alive.

We have been able to direct additional funds to the baseline of the budget of the Public Protector and use funds from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account. This is part of our commitment to ensure the institution is independent and that it has the capacity and capability to prevent corruption.

Over 30 years, the Office of the Public Protector has forged a bond with the citizens of this country.

At the same time, it has forged relationships with institutions across the arms of state and throughout society.

It has sought to promote cooperation and collaboration, understanding that an efficient, effective and ethical state is an aspiration that we all share and a responsibility that we all have to carry.

It is essential for all organs of state to see the Public Protector as a partner in serving the people of this country.

It is true that all organs of state and all public officials must abide by and enforce the Public Protector’s remedial action. But they must do more. They must support the Office of the Public Protector in its work and must create awareness about its role.

The Public Protector has also built strong relations – and shares best practice – with its counterparts in other parts of the African continent and across the world.

It is a matter of great pride that the OR Tambo Minimum Standards for Effective Ombudsman Institutions were adopted here in South Africa, and that these standards prioritise the independence and autonomy of such institutions.

The Office of the Public Protector has been working tirelessly for the past 30 years towards a future where no citizen would need to ever knock on its door needing help.

This office does not seek power or influence. It seeks change.

It seeks a better government, better laws, better regulations and a better society.

As we mark this milestone, we extend our thanks to all the Public Protectors and Deputy Public Protectors who have served our democratic nation.

We thank the staff of the Office of the Public Protector for their resilience and integrity even during difficult times.

As the Office of the Public Protector enters the next era in its remarkable existence, on behalf of all South Africans, we wish it well, we wish it strength and we assure all those who work within it of our abiding support and appreciation.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Tuesday, 14 October 2025, deliver the keynote address during a dinner of the Public Protector South Africa 30-year Anniversary International Conference held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape Province.

The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) is celebrating 30 years of strengthening constitutional democracy with a high-level international conference taking place from the 13th to the 15th of October 2025 under the theme: “30 Years of strengthening constitutional democracy-a transformative journey.”

This historic event is going to bring together experts and leaders from across South Africa, Africa and the globe, including ombuds institutions, Public Protectors, Ant-Corruption Institutions, civil society, academia, and faith-based leaders, to reflect on the three decades of the PPSA supporting and strengthening constitutional democracy, and to assist in charting the way forward for implementing ethical governance and strengthening accountability in public institutions.

The program is packed with reflections of the transformative journey and discussions on combating maladministration, corruption, enhancing ethical governance, and shaping a resilient future for democracy and service delivery in public administration.

The PPSA has released several impactful reports that have impacted public administration in South Africa. The conference will also showcase the PPSA’s milestones, including landmark investigations, which have influenced governance reforms and accountability measures across the state and feature keynote addresses by global ombudsman leaders and discussions on administrative justice, public accountability, and international collaboration in oversight institutions.

The dinner will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Time: 18h00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre ( CTICC2)

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Ms Yolisa Blom;
Executive Mayor of Mangaung, Cllr Gregory Nthatisi;
Principal of Motheo TVET College, Professor M. D. Phutsisi;
Representatives from SETAs and the Free State Development Corporation;
Leaders of student organisations, the SRC, and alumni;
Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen;
Good morning;

It is a pleasure and an honour to join you today at this important G20 Outreach Programme, held at one of South Africa’s most dynamic institutions of learning, Motheo TVET College. I wish to begin by expressing my gratitude to the college leadership, staff, and students for hosting us with such warmth and enthusiasm.

We are gathered here at a time of great significance in our country’s history. South Africa is leading the G20, the world’s premier platform for international economic cooperation, for the very first time. This is a proud moment not only for South Africa but also for the entire African continent. Our Presidency of the G20, under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” marks an opportunity for us to demonstrate leadership, vision, and unity on the global stage.

The G20 brings together the world’s largest developed and emerging economies. Together, these nations represent about 85 percent of global economic output, 75 percent of international trade, and nearly two-thirds of the world’s population. This means that decisions taken within the G20 have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of billions of people, influencing global financial systems, food security, climate policy, job creation, and technological development.

The Significance of South Africa’s G20 Presidency

For South Africa, holding the G20 Presidency is both an immense honour and a serious responsibility. It allows us to bring the priorities of Africa and the Global South into the heart of global decision-making. Through this Presidency, we are not only representing ourselves but also carrying the aspirations of a continent that has for too long been on the margins of global economic policy.

Our theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability is a reflection of South Africa’s vision for a fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient world. Solidarity means standing together to address global challenges that no nation can solve alone, whether it be climate change, pandemics, or debt crises. Equality speaks to creating fair opportunities for all countries and all people to participate fully in the global economy. Sustainability calls on us to pursue economic growth that protects the environment, uplifts communities, and ensures that future generations can thrive.

Through our Presidency, South Africa seeks to drive practical outcomes on issues that matter deeply to our people. We are prioritising inclusive and sustainable economic growth, job creation, industrialisation, digital transformation, and the empowerment of women and youth. We are championing fair access to finance, energy security, and climate resilience. We are also working to ensure that the benefits of global growth are shared more equitably across all regions of the world, including Africa.

Why We Are Here

We gather today as part of a series of dialogues taking place across the country under the banner of the G20 Outreach Programme, a nationwide initiative that brings South Africa’s G20 Presidency closer to its people. This is our third student dialogue, following successful engagements with young people at the Tshwane University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University. Each of these conversations helps us deepen the link between global discussions and local realities.

Through these student dialogues, we want to ensure that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not a distant, diplomatic event, but a living platform that speaks to the daily aspirations of our citizens particularly our youth, students, and emerging entrepreneurs.

Tangible Results for the Free State and Rural Communities

Over the past few months, the Free State province and the Mangaung Metro have played an active role in advancing South Africa’s G20 Presidency by hosting several engagements that connected global priorities to local action.

In February 2025, the University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, hosted the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group and Bioeconomy Meetings in Bloemfontein. These sessions brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen South Africa’s role in driving inclusive innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable bio-industrial growth. 

In August 2025, the province hosted the G20 Cultural Diplomacy Roadshow in Bloemfontein as part of the MACUFE Festival. The event showcased South Africa’s creative economy and promoted cultural exchange under the G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. Local SMMEs, artists, and entrepreneurs participated in exhibitions and performances.

In September 2025, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) led a G20 Community Mobile Service Outreach in QwaQwa, Free State. This two-day initiative brought essential communication and digital services closer to rural residents, advancing the Presidency’s goal of bridging the digital divide and expanding access to information.

Together, these events demonstrate that the Free State is not a bystander in South Africa’s G20 Presidency. It has been an active platform for dialogue, innovation, and community participation showing how global cooperation can translate into practical outcomes for local development.

Opportunities for Students and TVET Graduates

Motheo TVET College is at the heart of the skills revolution that South Africa needs. The G20’s focus on youth empowerment, skills development, and digital innovation speaks directly to your reality as students preparing to enter the workforce.

Through the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development, South Africa is working with global partners to expand digital infrastructure, improve data access, and promote ethical use of AI. The aim is to create opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy not as consumers, but as creators, technicians, developers, and entrepreneurs.

In the TVET sector, we are aligning our skills programmes with these priorities. For example:

•    The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, in collaboration with industry partners, is introducing Digital Skills Academies in selected TVET colleges to train students in coding, drone technology, and renewable energy maintenance.

•    The Department of Higher Education and Training is expanding work-based learning partnerships with local industries to give students practical experience while studying.

•    Through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, opportunities are being created for TVET graduates to enter internships linked to public infrastructure, energy, and technology projects that are consistent with the G20’s sustainability goals.

These initiatives are not abstract ideas; they are pathways to meaningful work and entrepreneurship for students in institutions like Motheo.

How the G20 Benefits SMMEs and Entrepreneurs

Another frequent question we receive is how the G20 benefits small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in towns and townships. This is an important conversation, because small enterprises are the backbone of job creation and innovation in South Africa.

The G20’s agenda on inclusive growth and sustainable development recognises that economic transformation cannot happen without small and medium enterprises.

Through South Africa’s leadership, we have pushed for measures that enable SMMEs to participate in green supply chains, access affordable financing, and benefit from technology transfer.

Here in the Free State, the G20 Outreach Programme is already connecting local SMMEs with national and international development finance institutions. These include the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and private sector partners who are providing technical support to small manufacturers, agri-processors, and digital entrepreneurs.

Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage

For far too long, Africa has been a subject of global discussions rather than a participant in shaping them. South Africa’s G20 Presidency changes that narrative. It allows us to bring African solutions to global challenges and to highlight the innovation, resilience, and creativity that define our continent.

Through our leadership, we are also working to strengthen the partnership between the G20 and the African Union, which is now a permanent member of the G20. This is a historic step towards global governance that reflects true inclusivity. It means that the concerns of African farmers, entrepreneurs, workers, and young people can now inform the policies that drive the world economy.

Creating Opportunities for South Africa

Hosting the G20 is not only a matter of prestige. It is an opportunity to strengthen our economy and build national pride. The Presidency brings increased international attention to South Africa, opening doors for investment, tourism, and trade. It stimulates sectors such as transport, hospitality, and technology. Most importantly, it positions

South Africa as a confident, forward-looking country capable of leading global dialogue on complex challenges.

The Presidency also enables us to showcase the best of who we are: a nation that values democracy, equality, and human solidarity. It gives us a platform to share our story of resilience, transformation, and hope.

Conclusion

As I conclude, I want to return to the importance of gatherings like this one. The G20 Outreach Programme is about connecting the global to the local and ensuring that every South African, regardless of background, can see their place in the country’s global journey. It is about showing that diplomacy is not distant from development, and that international cooperation can directly improve lives here at home.

To the students of Motheo TVET College, I urge you to see yourselves as active participants in South Africa’s G20 story. The future belongs to you. The world is changing rapidly, but it is also opening up new possibilities for those who are prepared, skilled, and determined. Continue to learn, innovate, and lead with purpose.

Let us continue to build a South Africa that embodies the values of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Let us work together to ensure that our G20 Presidency leaves a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and global cooperation. Let us use this moment to lift our people, strengthen our continent, and shape a world that truly leaves no one behind.

I thank you.