Latest news with #DeputyPresident
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR can't sweep things under the carpet in the name of stability, says Rafizi
Deputy president Rafizi Ramli said the next leadership must preserve PKR's reformist identity and not become a party that follows orders unquestioningly. JOHOR BAHRU : Party stability should not be used as an excuse to ignore or hide issues that have arisen, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said today. Rafizi, who is defending his number two post, said while the selection process had so far been peaceful with 'no chairs being thrown', it was important for the party to conclude the exercise swiftly and return to the business of governing. 'But you can't expect something that is not right (in the party) and it's swept under the carpet on the basis of party stability. 'You must allow debates, whether inside or outside. That should be the responsibility of the new leadership, as that is the core ideal of PKR,' he told reporters after casting his ballot for the central leadership council elections. He added that the next leadership must preserve PKR's reformist identity and not become a party that follows orders unquestioningly. 'I don't think members will just blindly follow. If there are issues, it is the responsibility of the new leadership to resolve them while preserving PKR's core essence,' he said. He warned that if the party obeyed everything blindly, 'the problem won't just be inside PKR – PKR might lose credibility as a reformist party'. Voting for the central leadership council concluded at 5pm, with the participation of over 30,000 delegates. The official results are expected to be announced by tomorrow afternoon.
News24
22-05-2025
- News24
What does Paul Mashatile's visit to France mean for African expansion?
Deputy President Paul Mashatile speaks at the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban. Chrizelda Kekana/News24 Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Deputy President Paul Mashatile undertakes an official Working Visit to France
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will undertake an official Working Visit to the Republic of France from 19 – 24 May 2025, for the South Africa-France Investment Conference. The Visit is aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and, most importantly, mobilising investments in order to realise the country's economic growth and transformation objectives. South Africa and France enjoy cordial relations underpinned by a robust bilateral cooperation programme in areas such as Political Dialogue, Defence, Science&Technology, Energy cooperation, Education and skills development, Health, Transport, Arts and Culture, among others. This Investment Conference will be held under the theme 'SA-France: A Partnership for Mutual Prosperity' with the objective of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and financial resources focusing on key issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, climate change and transitions in the digital economy. The Conference will be centred on eight main sectors, namely Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics, Finance, Tourism, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Mining, as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT). There will also be breakaway groups, which will explore practical steps for projects and investments in these areas. In addition, the Conference will consist of a high-level segment by Government officials who will lead on thematic discussions related to investment opportunities, policies, and the investment climate in South Africa. The Deputy President is expected to have a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Mr Francois Bayrou, Prime Minister of the French Republic. Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Dr A Motsoaledi: Minister of Health; Ms S Ndabeni-Abrahams: Minister of Small, Business Development; Ms B Creecy: Minister of Transport; Mr G McKenzie: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture; Ms Patricia de Lille: Minister of Tourism; Mr A Botes: Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Mr B Manamela: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training; Mr Z Godlimpi: Deputy Minister Trade, Industry and Competition; and Ms S Graham-Mare: Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PKR's Nurul Izzah vs Rafizi Ramli a ‘healthy family contest', says Nik Nazmi ahead of party polls
CHUKAI, May 12 — The contest between Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the Deputy President post of PKR for the 2025–2028 term should be viewed as a healthy competition within a family, said PKR Vice President Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. He said that he was confident the contest between the two prominent figures in the party would not lead to conflict or division among members. 'This is democracy. If we go through this process in a healthy way, campaign positively, and accept the outcome, we move on — what matters is that we are clear on what we're doing. 'The people are watching, and there will be an impact in the coming general election. So we must do our best to ensure the party is in a strong position to face the (general) election and secure a positive outcome so that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains as Prime Minister,' he said. Nik Nazmi, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, told this to reporters after officiating a Motor Vehicle Enforcement Operation here today. Asked about his confidence in defending his Vice President post, Nik Nazmi said: 'If I wasn't confident, I wouldn't contest. If the delegates choose me, I'll remain.' In this PKR election, the deputy president post will see a straight fight between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is unchallenged for the top post. For the four vice president posts, 12 individuals have submitted their nominations, including four incumbents — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Nik Nazmi, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The PKR National Congress, including the Youth Wing (AMK) and Women's Congress, is scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Baru, with May 23 set as polling day. — Bernama
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa launches Transformation Fund to drive economic inclusivity
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hailed the launch of the Transformation Fund as a major milestone in advancing inclusive economic growth and transformation in South Africa. The deputy president was delivering a keynote address at a Business Breakfast Session and launch of the Transformation Fund at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Monday, 5 May 2025. '[This] is an historic day for South Africa as it marks a key milestone in our journey towards economic transformation. We fully welcome the launch of the Transformation Fund, as it will serve as a strategic vehicle for businesses to embrace change, foster innovation, and drive growth. 'This fund will serve as a catalyst for financial support, guiding organisations through crucial transitions and enabling them to seize new opportunities that arise in the market,' the deputy president said. The Transformation Fund, which brings together both public and private-sector contributions, aims to unlock the potential of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme, with a strong emphasis on economic inclusion and participation by historically disadvantaged communities. 'As enterprises seek improved access to capital and the need to remain competitive in this dynamic environment, I believe that the Transformation Fund will be invaluable. The proposed Transformation Fund will unleash Enterprise and Supplier Development's (ESD's) potency in driving economic inclusion and participation,' Mashatile said. He emphasised the centrality of the initiative within government's economic agenda. 'We are going to make sure that the Transformation Fund is at the centre of government, specifically the presidency,' he said, adding that they will work with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau as well as key Economic Cluster ministers to ensure that targets are met, especially in the procurement of goods and services. He noted that the National Treasury and Department of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities have already collaborated to develop a framework. The focus now is to ensure speedy execution and equally implement the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act. The deputy president moved to recognise the involvement of the private sector in co-funding the initiative. 'It is commendable that the fund is anchored by private- and public-sector contributions to the Enterprise Supplier Development and Equity Equivalent Investment Programme obligations,' he said. Backing township business resilience The centralised administration of the fund in partnership with business will help increase access to funding, especially for Black-owned businesses operating in rural and township settings. 'Funding will be allocated to various productive sectors of the economy, which includes, among others, services industry, tourism, and agriculture, thereby supporting majority black-owned entities. Technical support and market access will be prioritised to ensure sustainability through inclusive interventions,' he said. The deputy president underlined the long-term benefits of the fund, noting that it would foster resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges. Investing in a transformation fund signifies a commitment to progress and a dedication to long-term sustainability. 'It will enable businesses to navigate challenges with resilience, adjust in response to changing dynamics, and establish themselves as adaptive leaders in their respective industries,' he said. Corruption hinders inclusive growth The deputy president made it clear that economic transformation cannot be achieved without tackling the scourge of corruption in both the public and private sectors. Corruption undermines small businesses by increasing costs, reducing profits, and creating instability. 'To promote an inclusive economy, we must commit to addressing corruption by strengthening our institutions, fostering transparency and accountability, and promoting citizen engagement. 'This includes developing and implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks, strengthening our criminal justice system, and encouraging public participation and oversight,' he said. Access to finance for Black businesses The deputy president further stressed the need to find solutions pertaining to access to finance for Black businesses. He emphasised that it was important to recognise that the funding deficits in South Africa are a contributing factor to the failure of small businesses. Despite government intervention, such as Enterprise and Supplier Development, which is a critical component of the B-BBEE framework, he said there was still a need for additional measures to be taken to expand fund access to SMMEs. 'Loans are the most common financial instrument for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, but they often have stringent underwriting standards, making them difficult for smaller businesses with limited collateral and financial records to secure. 'This is why we encourage small businesses seeking financial assistance to explore government-funding programmes, and business-support agencies such as the National Empowerment Fund, Small Enterprise Finance Agency and the Small Enterprise Development Agency,' the deputy president said. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
