HRDC SUMMIT
Look who’s back: Deputy President David Mabuza makes a public appearance
After spending more than a month abroad, Mabuza arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday amid mounting public concern over his prolonged absence from his duties.
After a prolonged absence to seek medical treatment in Russia, Deputy President David Mabuza made his first public appearance on Wednesday when he delivered a virtual address at the fourth Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) summit, calling for the inclusion of youth and women in the country’s economic recovery efforts.
In June it was announced that Mabuza had requested “a few days” of medical leave from President Cyril Ramaphosa to undertake a visit to Russia for a “scheduled medical consultation”. The consultation was a “follow-up” to previous medical consultations that Mabuza had received in Russia.
After spending more than a month abroad, Mabuza arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday amid mounting public concern over his prolonged absence from his duties.
Mabuza, in his capacity as chairperson of the HRDC, attended the hybrid summit on Wednesday morning, alongside the deputy chairperson of the HRDC Bheki Ntshalintshali, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande.
Addressing the HRDC, Mabuza reiterated that the event was taking place two days after the commemoration of Women’s Day, “which is a reminder of what still needs to be done towards the full emancipation of women”.
He said: “In pursuance of their aspirations we should consider how this summit advances the struggle against poverty, inequality, patriarchy, prejudice and exclusion of women, people with disabilities and key populations from accessing skills and broader development opportunities across all facets of life.”
The aim of the three-day summit, held under the theme “Skills required for the 21st century”, was to “ensure that no one is left behind as we implement measures to rebuild and grow our economy”, said Mabuza.
He said the summit was taking place “under unprecedented conditions presented by the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that has disrupted many aspects of life, including health, our economy and livelihoods”.
Recent results from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealed that, in the first quarter of 2021, structural unemployment stood at 32.6%, said Mabuza. “This figure is worse amongst young people” where it stands at 46.3%, and 9.3% among university graduates, he said.
These statistics reflected stifled and deferred “dreams, hopes and opportunities”.
Mabuza said it was necessary to address the issue of school and university dropouts, and failure to do this “adds more numbers to the cohort of young people that are not employed”.
While education remained a fundamental part of rectifying unemployment, access to healthcare, basic services and public transport were “equally important”.
The recent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were a reminder that economic recovery efforts should be “anchored” in ensuring the security of persons, property and essential services and businesses, said Mabuza. DM
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What an AH this is. Can’t the ANC get rid of him?
Yes but won’t cos the treasure AH’s like Zuma.
You could bleed to death if you removed too many AHs too quickly.
He should be bulletted (literally). This man is an alleged murderer and thief. Why is there no account of his activity while abroad?
Hmmm, wasn’t DD supposed to be in court in July for the Fred Daniels/Nkomazi wilderness land scam case? Using Stalingrad tactics to claim illness and visit Russia for treatment… learning from the master?
Hear hear! Interesting that he wasn’t around during the July uprising! Makes one think doesn’t it!
Could we please be told what this mysterious “medical illness” was that necessitated a MONTH of treatment in Russia – treatment allegedly not available in SA? Or had he swanned off to Russia prior to the attempted coup/”insurrection”, biding his time there, hoping to return as the new president? However, coup failed, he’s back, spouting hot air, and doing nothing of any use as usual.
What ‘treatment’ does Russia offer that SA can’t/doesn’t? I smell a few rats here!
Equally Zuma’s 2020 foray to Cuba for medical treatment? Unfortunately that country is currently in a state of (suppressed) insurrection, Covid cases increasing exponentially, etc. Maybe we should return our present clique of Cuban doctors, engineers and educationalists as a gesture of solidarity? No, wait, Cyril and company have nominated the Cuban doctors for a Nobel Prize. Say no more.
And Zapiro’s latest cartoon on that mystery condition, just received, is quite brilliant!!
Vodka Enimas?
All anc members and especially cadre deployees should be forced to make use of state hospitals when they require treatment.
Absolutely right. The experience might just develop a spirit of compassion in them for what the majority of our people are having to endure, and not just in health care, but also whenever one has to deal with state services; police, home affairs, justice, et al.
Brilliant idea.
The most sinister member of government.
Will the now stalled Russian Nuclear Deal be re-ignited?
What a terrible indictment on our medical professionals (many world-class & renowned for their expertise) and our Health System in general that the Deputy President is compelled to seek secretive medical assistance in Russia for an even more secretive illness.
Medical treatment, my eye. In my view he was seriously complicit in the recent political shenanigans.
Thank you, Charles. My opinion exactly. If it smells fishy…
Must be the same “mystery illness” that Zuma caught from him! That Covidiot virus lol!!! Been Putin some extra time learning a new language and getting used to the color Red!
Another cloak and dagger episode courtesy of the ANC- While the deputy president’s input wasn’t particularly missed, his absence provides another glimpse into the opaque landscape of the governing party- strange and inexplicable medical leave at a time of extraordinary unrest. Makes one think!
My thoughts exactly!
I had to submit a Dr note after more than 1 days sickness.
So where is his?
“Only the dead must tease the sick” an African proverb.