Cape town: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has praised the media for its critical role in holding leaders accountable and contributing to an informed and engaged society. Speaking at the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PGA) event in Cape Town, Mashatile emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of accuracy, independence, fairness, and accountability in journalism.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile highlighted the government's commitment to transparency and collaboration, stating, "We remain committed to sharpening our delivery, deepening accountability, and ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact on the lives of South Africans." He assured the media of the government's dedication to constructive dialogue through organizations such as the PGA.
The Deputy President's engagement with the media follows the recent conclusion of the G20 Leaders' Summit. During the summit, the 11th Parliamentary 20 (P20) Speakers' Summit produced recommendations aligning with South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities, including support for low- and middle-income countries facing debt challenges.
Mashatile also outlined the strategic initiatives of his office, focusing on governance, land reform, service delivery, and economic and social priorities. He reported significant progress in land reform, with 305 990 hectares redistributed between 2019 and 2024, benefiting vulnerable groups.
In terms of service delivery, Mashatile emphasized the importance of the District Development Model (DDM) in improving municipal performance, citing recent interventions in the Northern Cape and Johannesburg. As Chair of the Water Task Team, he addressed the issue of infrastructure sabotage by criminal syndicates and the government's efforts to combat it.
Youth development remains a priority, with the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) scaling up internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programs to support unemployed youth. Mashatile also noted progress in trade and investment relations with countries like France, China, and Trkiye, highlighting his role as Special Envoy to South Sudan.
The Deputy President concluded by stressing the importance of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the newly established Clearing House, aimed at managing policy differences and promoting transparency. He called for collective efforts to address the nation's challenges and realize the vision of a prosperous South Africa.