'Together we rise': Mashatile’s Christmas message calls for hope and renewal

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has wished South Africans a joyous and blessed festive season, urging unity, compassion and renewed commitment to building a safer and more inclusive country as the year draws to a close.

In a Christmas message reflecting on the year’s developments, Mashatile said the festive season was a time for families and communities to come together, share laughter and cherish the bonds that unite the nation.

He emphasised that 2025 had once again demonstrated that South Africa’s greatest strength lay not in government institutions, but in its people.

“The year 2025 has reminded us that our greatest strength does not lie in the corridors of government but in the resilience and unity of our people,” Mashatile said.

He added that the country’s most valuable resource was not its minerals, but “the grit, courage, and determination of all South Africans everywhere."

Reflecting on national progress, Mashatile said the country had continued to demonstrate the spirit of Ubuntu through both challenges and achievements.

He noted that South Africa recorded 0.5% gross domestic product growth in the third quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of economic expansion.

According to Mashatile, the International Monetary Fund had raised its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, signalling growing confidence in the economy and the impact of ongoing structural reforms.

He further highlighted that, for the first time in two decades, South Africa received a credit rating upgrade from Standard and Poor’s, describing it as a sign of renewed confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

Mashatile also pointed to youth empowerment initiatives, saying that in 2025 government had placed 200,000 young people in first-job experiences through the Youth Employment Service.

Other achievements cited included progress in managing the energy crisis, boosting tourism, improving revenue collection, convening the first Convention of National Dialogue and successfully hosting the G20 Presidency.

Mashatile described the G20 as a historic moment for both South Africa and the African continent, saying it provided an opportunity to champion the priorities of the Global South, strengthen partnerships and reaffirm the country’s role in global leadership.

The Deputy President also acknowledged that 2025 marked a turning point in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

He said the classification of GBVF as a national disaster in November was a recognition that the crisis violated fundamental constitutional rights to dignity, life and security.

“This classification is not the end; it is the beginning of intensified action to protect lives and restore dignity,” Mashatile said.

He called on South Africans to use even the festive season as a time to recommit to building homes, schools, workplaces and communities where women and children are safe.

Mashatile urged citizens to value family, friendship and community, and to speak with kindness and compassion. He also appealed to those travelling to prioritise safety, drive responsibly and avoid drinking and driving to ensure that every journey is taken with care.

Looking ahead to the new year, Mashatile said South Africans should once again embrace the meaning of Ubuntu, reminding the nation that “I am because we are.

He called on communities to comfort those who had lost loved ones during the year and to extend a helping hand to those in need, particularly during Christmas.

Outlining priorities for 2026, Mashatile said the government would continue advancing inclusive development, strengthening service delivery, supporting livelihoods and expanding opportunities for young people.

“May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and renewed strength to your spirit. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and reimagine a future of hope and prosperity,” Mashatile said, wishing all South Africans a Merry Christmas and enjoyable festive season.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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