12 Dec Interview with Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of South Africa
What is the role of the Deputy President in South Africa and what does your position involve?
In South Africa, the deputy president supports the president and takes on delegated responsibilities. I assist the president in several areas. First, I lead government business in Parliament, ensuring smooth interaction between the executive and presiding officers, particularly on legislation. I also address challenges, such as ensuring ministers respond effectively in Parliament. Secondly, I chair the Human Resource Development Council, which focuses on critical skills development. This includes working with universities, technical colleges, the private sector and trade unions to address skill gaps and encourage technical education for young people. Lastly, I oversee the South African National AIDS Council, aiming to eliminate HIV by 2030 while also addressing TB and other diseases.
We collaborate with all levels of government, civil society and international partners to fund and implement solutions, including the U.S. government. It’s a whole-of-society approach backed by substantial government resources. I work closely with traditional leaders, especially in rural provinces, as they are essential for development efforts. I coordinate a task team to engage with them and collaborate with the National House of Traditional Leaders in Parliament.
Recently, the president appointed me to chair a water task team addressing challenges in water supply. While we have full dams, many villages and townships lack clean, drinkable water. This team brings together provinces and municipalities to improve water reticulation and prevent crises like the one we faced with electricity. Additionally, I chair cabinet committees, focusing on human resources and sometimes the economic cluster or other areas as delegated by the president. It’s a demanding but vital role.
As Africa’s largest economy, South Africa is entering a new era under the government of national unity, with a projected 1.5% GDP growth by 2025. What is your strategic vision for strengthening the economy and outlook for the medium-term future?
To develop South Africa, economic growth is our top priority. From the start of the Government of National Unity (GNU), we agreed on building an inclusive, sustainable economy to create jobs, especially for the youth. Key to this is investing in infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy and water supplies and developing critical skills. While current growth remains modest, we are optimistic about achieving 1.5% GDP growth by 2025, which will significantly boost employment opportunities.
Reducing poverty is key and we have prioritized social support to cushion vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children. We have also extended grants introduced during COVID-19, like the Social Relief of Distress grant, recognizing the ongoing reality of poverty.
Efficient governance is equally critical. We aim to build a capable, ethical state that combats corruption and improves implementation. Professionalizing the public service is central to ensuring policies are executed effectively and on time. Finally, we are focusing on improving the ease of doing business to attract investors. This includes streamlining the visa process through initiatives like e-visas by the Minister of Home Affairs to encourage tourism and investment. These efforts support our primary goal of driving economic growth.
How do these visa reforms support South Africa’s economic growth and job creation and what opportunities do they offer, particularly for Americans?
Our visa system has faced criticism for long delays, which discouraged potential investors globally. While strict screening was necessary to combat crime and money laundering, it often deterred genuine investors. For instance, taking six months to process a visa for someone planning to invest billions led many to choose other destinations. To address this, we have introduced a new visa regime balancing security with efficiency. It ensures thorough checks while expediting visas for legitimate investors and tourists. We are also collaborating with other countries and expanding free-visa agreements where feasible. These measures aim to make South Africa more accessible without compromising security.
The formation of the GNU is a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democracy. What are its key economic goals and how are you fostering collaboration among government stakeholders?
The GNU comprises 10 parties holding a majority in parliament. From the outset, we agreed on a statement of intent to collaborate on a minimum program focused on economic growth, poverty reduction, youth skills development, infrastructure and crime. All parties committed to respecting the constitution, rule of law and prioritizing the needs of ordinary people. In addressing key challenges, such as electricity, we have made progress: South Africa has avoided load-shedding for over 200 days by improving power station performance and expanding renewable energy.
As we transition to clean energy, we aim to manage the shift carefully, particularly in coal-dependent provinces like Mpumalanga, ensuring no one is left behind. The GNU is stable and united. While our parties have different policies, we have chosen to focus on shared priorities that address the country’s challenges. By working together under the president’s leadership and emphasizing what unites us, we maintain stability. I’m confident this approach will see us successfully complete our five-year term.
South Africa is increasingly focusing on private sector engagement through government-business and public-private partnerships. What role do you see the private sector playing in the country’s economic recovery?
We fully support private sector investment in the economy. While some believe government should drive growth by investing in key sectors, we recognize that government lacks the resources to achieve this alone . That is why we have made room for the private sector, which we view as a crucial partner. In areas like energy, infrastructure and skills development, private sector participation is key. For example, while Eskom continues generating electricity, private companies can now contribute to generation and invest in grid expansion, including the required 14,000 km of new transmission lines.
The government will maintain leadership in critical sectors but is open to shared roles such as 51% government ownership and 49% private investment. This partnership approach also extends to foreign direct investment, inviting global investors to collaborate with us in driving South Africa’s growth.
Following your recent trip to London and the president’s visit to New York, what opportunities do you see for international investors in South Africa?
At the start of the GNU, there was skepticism about its viability, both locally and internationally. To address this, the president led a delegation to the U.S. and the UN, engaging various stakeholders. I visited Ireland and the UK, meeting government officials, private sector leaders and agencies to share our vision for South Africa. We emphasized the GNU’s unity and commitment to development, focusing on priorities like energy and infrastructure. Once reassured of the country’s stability and clear plans, many expressed their interest in investing, particularly in energy and infrastructure. Some raised concerns about skills gaps and we assured them we are open to both developing local talent and bringing in expertise as needed.
The mission also involved addressing issues like visa challenges, which some investors cited as a barrier. By clarifying our efforts to improve the system, we reinforced that South Africa is open for business. Overall, these engagements were highly successful, alleviating concerns and inspiring confidence in South Africa’s stability and readiness to welcome investment.
As South Africa takes on the G20 Presidency in 2025, what are your key priorities and how do you see this platform advancing Africa’s role in global trade?
We are excited to take over the G20 presidency from Brazil on December 1st. Our theme will be solidarity, equality and sustainable development. We aim to ensure that the G20 benefits not only South Africa, but also the entire African continent. While South Africa will certainly gain from hosting global leaders, we believe development should impact all developing nations, particularly in the Global South.
We will invite several countries that are not currently G20 members, including the African Union, reinforcing our commitment to broader global solidarity. A key focus will be reforming global financial institutions and multilateral structures to better serve the Global South. We plan to host events beyond Johannesburg and Cape Town, reaching areas like Alang in the northwest to ensure broad national impact. An inter-ministerial committee, led by the Minister of International Relations, is already planning accommodations, venues and opportunities to showcase South Africa’s beauty and tourism. We are ready for this opportunity and look forward to a successful presidency.
South Africa is the U.S.’ largest trade partner in Africa, with 600 U.S. companies operating here. How do you envision strengthening economic ties and which sectors offer the most potential for collaboration?
We were initially concerned about not being part of the core group, but after positive meetings with some of our ministers, we have moved past that challenge. With new leadership coming in the U.S. next year, we look forward to working with President Trump and his team to strengthen our relationship. We want to grow trade, especially in vehicles and vehicle components. We believe there are many opportunities for collaboration and President Trump has already expressed interest in joining the G20.
While we continue to build relationships with other regions, our strong ties with the U.S. remain a priority. The U.S. has been a key partner in trade and people-to-people relations, particularly through the anti-apartheid movement and we intend to continue and expand that relationship.
What is your final message to USA Today readers planning to invest or vacation in South Africa?
We invite you to continue visiting South Africa, a stable country with many opportunities. For investors, we offer prospects in energy and infrastructure. We also welcome those looking to collaborate with our universities and colleges to share skills. We consider the U.S. as a close friend and we are committed to strengthening this relationship. We look forward to engaging with various sectors in the U.S., believing that continuing and growing this partnership will be mutually beneficial for both the American and South African people.