Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government recognises the media’s vital role in shaping an informed and engaged society, urging journalists to continue holding elected leaders accountable.
“We hold your work in high regard. The global landscape emphasises the vital role of media professionals in democracy and governance. As journalists, you must commit to truth and ethics, prioritising education and public dialogue over entertainment.
“You must maintain high standards of accuracy, independence, fairness, and accountability by providing unbiased information and ensuring elected officials are held accountable,” he said on Thursday morning.
The Deputy President was speaking at the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PGA) event held in Parliament, Cape Town.
The PGA is an organisation that represents accredited journalists, who report on South Africa’s Parliament.
Deputy President Mashatile reiterated government’s commitment to transparency, cooperation and constructive dialogue through organisations like the PGA.
“We remain committed to sharpening our delivery, deepening accountability, and ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact on the lives of South Africans.
“I look forward to engaging with you today and beyond. The media stands beside us, not as a rival but as a vigilant companion, ensuring that every promise we make is guided by truth and every step we take is in service to the nation,” he told the association.
This engagement comes after the successful hosting of the Group of 20 (G20) processes, which concluded with the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November this year.
During the G20 discussions, the Deputy President noted that the 11th Parliamentary 20 (P20) Speakers’ Summit produced recommendations that align with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities.
These include support for low- and middle-income countries facing debt vulnerabilities and a commitment to enhancing the G20 Common Framework for debt treatment.
The Deputy President also used the platform to outline the strategic role of his office in strengthening governance, accelerating land reform, improving service delivery and advancing South Africa’s economic and social priorities.
“The media’s pen and the government’s voice are two threads of the same tapestry, woven differently, yet united in shaping a better future for our nation,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command highlighted the Office of the Deputy President’s core responsibilities, including supporting the President, leading government business in Parliament, and coordinating national priority interventions across structures such as the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) and the Military Veterans Task Team.
He reported substantial progress in land reform, noting that 305 990 hectares had been redistributed between 2019 and 2024, benefiting women, youth and people with disabilities.
Deputy President Mashatile said efforts such as Project Kuyasa are digitising land claims processing, while partnerships with commercial farmers aim to strengthen smallholder productivity.
On service delivery, the Deputy President said the District Development Model (DDM) remains central to improving municipal performance.
Recent interventions include initiatives in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign launched in Kliptown, Soweto, Johannesburg.
As Chair of the Water Task Team, Mashatile raised an alarm over criminal syndicates sabotaging infrastructure.
He said government is working with law enforcement to “identify, arrest and prosecute” those responsible, while holding municipal leaders accountable and encouraging community whistleblowing.
The Deputy President also emphasised youth development under the HRDC, which is scaling up internships, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship programmes to support youth not in employment, education or training (NEET).
The Deputy President touched on the progress in strengthening trade and investment ties through engagements with France, China, Türkiye and the African region, including his role as the President’s Special Envoy to South Sudan.
On the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mashatile said the newly established Clearing House is a mechanism aimed at managing policy differences and promoting transparency.
“As we move forward, we must work with great focus and determination to tackle the challenges facing our country and achieve the aspirations set forth at the beginning of our democracy.
“The vision for a prosperous South Africa aims to create a shared future and a better environment for our children and future generations. Achieving this dream requires the contribution of every individual, regardless of the size of their efforts,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
