Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Honourable Judith Nemadzinga Tshabalala, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, stakeholders and everyone present here today, Good morning.

Welcome to the Productivity SA’s Annual General Meeting, a gathering filled with reflection, gratitude, and forward-looking promise. Today marks not only our final AGM under the current Board’s term, which concludes on 30 September 2025, but also a significant moment of transition, as the new Board assumes its mandate on 1 October 2025. Sadly, one of our valued board members, Dr. Anneline Chetty, is unable to join us today due to ill health. She has expressed deep disappointment on missing this momentous occasion. On behalf of us all, we send her our warmest well wishes and strength for a full recovery.

Before we revisit our journey of the past year, allow me to extend a heartfelt and warm welcome to the incoming Board under the Chairpersonship of Ms Zola Baba Tshefu.  The new board was announced in the Cabinet briefing on 3 September 2025.

Ms Tshefu brings with her a robust background in governance and board leadership and has served in the South African Tourism board, among others.

We are confident that under her guidance, Productivity SA will chart a bold new path forward, anchored in insight, integrity, and innovation. Congratulations, Ms Tshefu, we look forward to achieving much together.

And today, it is also my honour to introduce the full composition of the new Board of Productivity SA, which will serve from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030. They are:

  • Ms Zola Baba Tshefu – Chairperson of the Board
  • Ms Nolukholo Sigaba – Government representative (Department of Employment and Labour)
  • Ms Makgoka Sinah Mosehla – Government representative (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition)
  • Mr Jerry Thabo Mmoneri – Organised Labour representative

We welcome these new colleagues who bring fresh perspectives and expertise from across business, labour, and government. We are also proud that three members of the current Board have been re-elected, bringing continuity and valuable institutional knowledge to the incoming team.

They are:

  • Ms Beverly Jack – Organised Business representative
  • Mr Gilly Dlamini – Organised Business representative
  • Mr Godfrey Masale Selematsela – Organised Labour representative

This 7 member Board reflects the spirit of partnership across business, labour, and government that is at the heart of our tripartite mandate. We extend our warm congratulations to each of you, and we look forward to your leadership in steering Productivity SA into the future.

As I look back over the year, I am filled with a sense of pride for what we’ve accomplished despite complex challenges:

  • We achieved 85% of our Annual Performance Plan targets, a meaningful rise from 77% last year, a testament to resilience, focused strategy, and committed execution.
  • Through the Competitiveness Improvement Services (CIS) Programme, we supported 1,300+ SMMEs, developed capacity in 2,600+ entrepreneurs and workers, and empowered 423 productivity champions.
  • The Workplace Challenge Programme, our flagship programme funded by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (the dtic), supported predominantly Black-owned businesses (75%), with strong participation by women and youth.
  • Our Business Turnaround and Recovery Programme persevered despite funding delays, an embodiment of determination and institutional grit.
  • As partner institute with IMD, we responded to the challenge of South Africa’s ranking, 64th out of 69 countries in the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook, with renewed urgency and ambition.

These accomplishments were not achieved in isolation. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to:

  • The Acting CEO, Ms Amelia Naidoo, and the Executive team who have shown remarkable effectiveness, resilience, and strategic foresight. They are the engine room of Productivity SA, navigating complexity, unlocking solutions, and ensuring delivery against the odds.
  • My fellow Board members, your strategic insight, diligence, and support have been a guiding force throughout our tenure.
  • All staff at Productivity SA, whose unwavering effort has powered our impact.
  • Our partners and funders, including the Department of Employment and Labour, the UIF, and the DTIC, your collaboration continues to be invaluable.

To the incoming Board, you inherit a strong foundation and an organisation ready to push forward. Your leadership comes at a pivotal moment, one where productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth are not just ideals but necessities for South Africa’s socio-economic well-being.

In closing, allow me to quote the words of Malcolm X that “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Let us seize this moment, together, to lay down a future where productivity is the bedrock of prosperity, and where every South African has the opportunity to thrive.

Here’s to the road ahead, filled with purpose, collaboration, and progress.

THANK YOU