Deputy President
By Lerato Mpembe
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will take centre stage in Cape Town this afternoon, Thursday, 27 March 2025, to answer oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at 2pm. As Chairperson of the Water Task Team and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform, he will update MPs on critical government plans to improve water services, settle long-standing land claims, and support peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The session promises a deep dive into pressing issues affecting South Africans and the continent, showcasing the government’s commitment to service delivery and stability.
Tackling Water Challenges Across Provinces
As head of the Water Task Team, Mashatile will outline the government’s strategy to deliver reliable, quality water to communities, with a special focus on North West, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. These provinces have faced persistent water shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and service delivery protests in recent years. “He will also present a range of government initiatives to provide sustainable quality water to communities through infrastructure investments, among other measures,” the Presidency said ahead of the session.
The government has been under pressure to fix ageing water systems and address drought impacts worsened by climate change. Recent efforts include repairing pump stations, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, and drilling boreholes in rural areas. Mashatile is expected to highlight progress, such as the R1.5 billion allocated in 2024 for water projects in the Eastern Cape, alongside plans to fast-track maintenance in Limpopo’s drought-hit regions. With millions still lacking clean water, his update will be a key moment for MPs seeking accountability and solutions.
Land Reform: Clearing the Backlog
Land reform remains a hot topic, and Mashatile, as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform, will tackle it head-on. “He will also apprise the NCOP on progress achieved in facilitating the settlement of outstanding land claims, particularly those that have been kept on hold following the Land Access Movement of South Africa judgments,” the Presidency noted. These judgments, handed down in 2021, halted thousands of claims, sparking frustration among claimants waiting since the 1998 cut-off date.
Mashatile is set to reaffirm the State’s resolve to clear this backlog. A new strategy from the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights aims to speed up old-order claims, some dating back decades. Over 80,000 claims remain unresolved, with KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga among the hardest hit. Recent successes include settling 300 claims in the Western Cape in 2024, restoring land to families displaced under apartheid. The Deputy President may also touch on plans to boost agricultural support for new landowners, ensuring they thrive economically—a move vital for food security and rural growth.
Peace and Stability in the DRC
On the international front, Mashatile will brief MPs on South Africa’s role in fostering peace in the DRC. “On government efforts to contribute towards finding lasting peace and stability in Africa, the Deputy President will brief members on South Africa’s strategy in supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability and ultimately, create an enabling environment for sustainable development and prosperity,” the Presidency explained.
South Africa has been a key player in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, deploying over 2,900 troops since 2023 to combat armed groups in the east. Despite losing 11 soldiers in clashes last year, the mission has stabilised key areas, allowing displaced families to return. Mashatile is likely to spotlight diplomatic efforts too, like mediating talks between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and rebel factions. With the DRC’s mineral wealth—cobalt and copper—vital to global markets, peace there matters to South Africa’s economic interests as well.
A Packed Agenda in Cape Town
Today’s NCOP session isn’t just routine—it’s a chance for Mashatile to show how the government is delivering on its promises. Beyond water and land, he might face questions on broader challenges, like youth unemployment or rural development, given his role in the Human Resource Development Council. The hybrid sitting, blending in-person and virtual attendance, will air live on Parliamentary Channel 408, letting South Africans tune in from 2pm.
The Deputy President’s updates come at a pivotal time. Water protests flared in North West’s Mahikeng in early 2025, while land claimants marched in Pretoria last month, demanding action. In the DRC, a fragile ceasefire holds, but tensions linger. Mashatile’s responses will need to balance progress reports with practical next steps, all while reassuring MPs and the public that the government is on track.
Why It Matters
For ordinary South Africans, this session hits home. Clean water means healthier families, settled land claims mean justice and opportunity, and peace in the DRC strengthens Africa’s future. As Mashatile steps up to the NCOP podium, he carries the weight of these expectations. With the 2024 elections still fresh and the Government of National Unity navigating coalition dynamics, his performance could shape public trust in the administration.
Keep an eye on Cape Town today—this NCOP session is more than talk; it’s about action on the ground. From water pipes to land deeds to peacekeeping boots, Mashatile’s words will signal what’s coming for South Africa and beyond.
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