Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently delivered a speech to the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PGA) in which he praised their work in reporting on parliamentary processes. He emphasized the importance of the press in holding the executive accountable to Parliament and informing citizens.
The Role of the Media in South Africa’s Transition to Democracy
Mashatile reflected on the media’s role in the transition from apartheid to democracy, highlighting their contribution to negotiation, reconciliation, and free and fair elections. He also acknowledged progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB and the diversification of South Africa’s economy.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges
However, the Deputy President recognized that challenges such as unemployment, income inequality, and load shedding persist. He discussed the government’s initiatives to address these issues, including land reform efforts, and highlighted progress made in acquiring land for redistribution and restitution.
Prioritizing Executive Accountability and Quality Legislation
As Leader of Government Business, Mashatile stressed the importance of executive accountability to Parliament and outlined steps he has taken to improve the quality of legislation submitted to Cabinet for approval. He also discussed his role in monitoring the implementation of the Legislative Programme by Parliament.
Collaborating for Progress
The Deputy President spoke about the importance of collaboration between the government and social partners in addressing issues such as skills shortages, economic growth, and social transformation. He cited the signing of three social compacts as examples of South Africa’s collective commitment to progress.
Delivering Services and Improving Local Governance
Mashatile discussed his delegated responsibilities in service delivery, including rapid response interventions and outreach programs to improve the functioning of local governments.
The Crucial Role of Journalists in South Africa’s Democracy
The Deputy President concluded his speech by emphasizing the essential role of journalists and media professionals in South Africa’s democracy. He urged them to uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain accuracy and independence, and hold elected officials accountable.
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Addressing the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association: Insights from Deputy President Paul Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently addressed the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association (PGA), acknowledging their role in covering parliamentary processes. Mashatile praised the media for ensuring executive accountability to Parliament and disseminating information to citizens.
The Media’s Role in South Africa’s Transition to Democracy
Reflecting on South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, Mashatile emphasized the media’s critical role in framing issues, encouraging negotiation, reconciliation, and free and fair elections. He also acknowledged progress in combating HIV/AIDS and TB and diversifying the country’s economy.
Tackling Ongoing Challenges
Despite progress, challenges such as unemployment, income inequality, and load shedding remain. Mashatile discussed government initiatives to address these issues, including land reform to rectify apartheid’s imbalances. He cited the allocation of 1.5 million hectares of land for redistribution, restitution, and tenure reform and the allocation of 700,000 hectares of state land for agricultural use.
Prioritizing Executive Accountability and Quality Legislation
As Leader of Government Business, Mashatile emphasized executive accountability to Parliament, ensuring Members of the Executive prioritize their parliamentary responsibilities. He also outlined his role in monitoring the implementation of the Legislative Programme by Parliament and introducing measures to improve the quality of legislation submitted for Cabinet approval.
Collaborating for Progress
Mashatile spoke about the importance of collaboration between the government and social partners in addressing issues such as skills shortages, economic growth, and social transformation. He cited the signing of three social compacts as examples of South Africa’s collective commitment to progress.
Delivering Services and Improving Local Governance
Mashatile discussed his delegated responsibilities in service delivery, implementing rapid response interventions and troubleshooting in service delivery hotspots. He emphasized his active involvement in outreach programs in various provinces and municipalities aimed at improving the functioning of local governments.
The Essential Role of Journalists in South Africa’s Democracy
The Deputy President concluded his address by highlighting the crucial role of journalists and media professionals in South Africa’s democracy. Mashatile urged them to uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain accuracy and independence, and hold elected officials accountable. Ultimately, journalists play an important role in shaping a brighter future for South Africa and its democracy.
