Paul Mashatile
By Thabo Mosia
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that he is in good health after collapsing during a keynote speech at the N’wamitwa Day celebrations in Tzaneen, Limpopo on Saturday. According to Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, Mashatile received immediate medical attention and is now stable. The incident occurred as Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the Valoyi Cultural Village, located in the Greater Tzaneen, Mopani District, when he felt lightheaded due to the heat and collapsed on stage.
Heat Exhaustion Suspected
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who was present at the event, has reassured the public that Mashatile is doing well. Speaking to the SABC, Ramathuba confirmed that the Deputy President’s collapse was likely due to heat exhaustion. “We suspect that the Deputy President experienced heat exhaustion, which is common in such hot conditions, but he is fine now. There’s no need for alarm,” she said, although the exact medical facility where Mashatile was treated was not disclosed.
Ramathuba’s comments have brought some comfort to South Africans, who were concerned after reports of Mashatile being rushed offstage emerged. With temperatures in the region soaring during the event, the Deputy President’s medical team acted swiftly, stabilising him before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further observation.
Mashatile’s Role at N’wamitwa Day Celebrations
At the invitation of Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa II, Mashatile was the guest of honour at the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations, an event aimed at commemorating the installation of the first female traditional leader among the Vatsonga people, Her Royal Highness Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa II. The day also marks the 16th anniversary of the inauguration of the royal leader, a significant moment in advancing gender equality and non-discrimination in South Africa’s traditional leadership structures.
Mashatile attended in his capacity as Chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. His address centred around celebrating the contributions of those who have laid down their lives for South Africa’s freedom, under the theme, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom.”
During his speech, Mashatile praised the leadership of Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa II, recognising her as a trailblazer who has shattered patriarchal norms and paved the way for women in leadership within the Vatsonga community. “Her Royal Highness, Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa, continues to be a symbol of resilience and progress, not only for the Vatsonga people but for all women across our nation who strive to break barriers,” Mashatile said.
Valoyi Cultural Village: A Symbol of Tradition and Progress
The N’wamitwa Day celebrations, held at the Valoyi Cultural Village, are a critical platform for promoting social cohesion and preserving the cultural heritage of the Vatsonga people. The village is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing issues in rural communities, including land reform, poverty, and unemployment. Through traditional leadership, the village has become a hub for tourism and cultural preservation, while also addressing social and economic challenges faced by the local community.
Mashatile highlighted the importance of maintaining traditional values while advancing development initiatives in rural areas. “As government, we are committed to working closely with traditional leaders like Hosi Dr. N’wamitwa to ensure that the voices of our rural communities are heard and that sustainable development initiatives are implemented,” he said.
He commended the Valoyi Traditional Authority for its role in securing partnerships with government departments, such as the Department of Arts and Culture, and for spearheading projects like the Royal Khalanga Lodge and the Valoyi Cultural Village. These initiatives have contributed to local job creation and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Vatsonga people.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Social Ills
One of the critical points of Mashatile’s speech before the collapse was the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and other social ills in South Africa. In his address, Mashatile reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating GBV, citing the signing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law earlier this year.
“This legislation marks a significant step towards protecting our women and children. Traditional leaders must play an active role in the fight against GBV, as cultural leaders have a unique ability to influence their communities,” Mashatile emphasised. He called on traditional leaders to help dismantle the patriarchal systems that often perpetuate violence against women and children, stating, “We must fight patriarchy and work together to root out these persistent inequalities.”
Mashatile also highlighted the multi-sectoral approach of the newly established council, which includes civil society, business, and government working collaboratively to address the root causes of violence. “The council will provide strategic leadership in the fight against GBV, ensuring that all voices are heard and that we can create safer communities for all South Africans,” he said.
Government’s Commitment to Rural Development
In his speech, Mashatile also touched on several key government initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people in rural areas, particularly regarding access to water and digital connectivity. He noted the progress made on the Giyani Water Project, which is intended to provide reliable water services to under-served areas in Limpopo, and expressed his hope for its completion in record time.
“I recently visited the Nandoni Dam and the raw water pump station, witnessing the water flowing to Giyani via the 40.5km pipeline. This project is well on its way, but we must ensure that we continue to drive it forward with urgency,” Mashatile said. He also committed to ensuring that there were no further disruptions to the project, having engaged the Minister of Finance to secure funding for its completion.
Mashatile went on to discuss the SA Connect initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural areas by providing faster internet access to schools, clinics, and government services. He said this would fast-track service delivery and open new opportunities for rural communities. “We are making progress in connecting our rural communities, but there is still much work to be done,” he added.
Reflecting on Pravin Gordhan’s Legacy
Mashatile’s address also included a tribute to the late Former Minister Pravin Gordhan, who passed away earlier in the week. He praised Gordhan for his role in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and his contributions to nation-building efforts. “Comrade Pravin was a freedom fighter and a dedicated leader who played a crucial role in our country’s journey to democracy,” Mashatile said, before asking the audience to observe a moment of silence in Gordhan’s memory.
Mashatile’s Recovery Brings Relief
Following Mashatile’s collapse, many South Africans expressed concern about his well-being, especially given the high-profile nature of his role in the country’s political landscape. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support and well wishes, with #Mashatile trending on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the incident.
Khoza, Mashatile’s spokesperson, confirmed later that evening that the Deputy President was recovering well. “The Deputy President is in high spirits and has been advised to take it easy for the next few days. He extends his gratitude to everyone who expressed concern and sent messages of support,” Khoza said in a brief statement.
Mashatile’s office has not yet confirmed whether he will resume his scheduled engagements for the coming week, but there has been no indication that the Deputy President will take an extended break from his duties.
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