Mashatile’s Christmas Message: “Our Strength Isn’t in Government — It’s in YOU”

Deputy President Paul Mashatile with former Chief Justice of SA Raymond Zondo.

By Mpho Dube | Editor‑in‑Chief, The Azanian

24 December 2025 — Johannesburg

As the year draws to a close and the scent of pine and braai smoke fills the air, Deputy President Paul Mashatile stepped before the nation not just to wish us well, but to remind us — gently, powerfully — that the real heartbeat of South Africa doesn’t live in marble halls or ministerial offices.

It lives in the grit of our people, the laughter of our children, the resilience of our communities, and the quiet courage of those who show up, day after day, even when the lights flicker.

In his Christmas message, released by The Presidency today, Mashatile extended warm wishes to every South African — from the bustling streets of Cape Town to the quiet villages of Limpopo, from the mining towns of Mpumalanga to the coastal fishing communities of KwaZulu-Natal.

He spoke not as a politician delivering a script, but as a fellow citizen who remembers what it’s like to stand under a tree with family, share a meal, and feel the weight of the year lift with the sound of Christmas carols.

He began by celebrating the achievements of 2025 — not to boast, but to acknowledge how far we’ve come together. South Africa recorded 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter — the third consecutive quarter of expansion — a sign that, despite global turbulence and local challenges, our economy is breathing again.

The International Monetary Fund lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting renewed confidence in our reforms and resilience. And for the first time in two decades, Standard & Poor’s upgraded our credit rating — a milestone that speaks louder than any speech about the potential we carry.

But Mashatile didn’t stop at numbers. He highlighted the human victories — the 200,000 young South Africans placed into first-job experiences through the Youth Employment Service, a program designed not to hand out jobs, but to build pathways, confidence, and futures.

He spoke of how the energy crisis, though still present, is being managed with urgency and innovation. Tourism is rebounding, revenue collection is improving, and the successful hosting of the G20 Presidency positioned South Africa not just as a participant on the world stage, but as a leader shaping global agendas for the Global South.

Yet, amid the celebrations, Mashatile didn’t shy away from the shadows. In November, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was declared a national disaster — a stark acknowledgment that this crisis cuts to the core of our constitutional rights to dignity, life, and security.

Mashatile called this not the end of the struggle, but the beginning of a fiercer, more coordinated fight. He urged every South African — men, women, parents, teachers, pastors, imams, elders — to become guardians of safety, to build homes and communities where women and children can walk without fear.

As families prepare to travel for the holidays, Mashatile reminded us to prioritize safety — to drive sober, to buckle up, to look out for one another on the roads. But more than that, he asked us to look inward — to speak kindness, to extend compassion, to mend broken fences, to reach out to neighbors, to remember that Ubuntu isn’t a word, it’s a way of life. “I am because we are,” he said — and in that simple truth lies our greatest strength.

For those who have lost loved ones this year, Mashatile offered his deepest condolences, and a call to action: “In the true spirit of Ubuntu that we are known for as South Africans, let us lend a hand to those in need and give from our hearts to make their Christmas a happy one.”

Looking ahead to 2026, he promised continued effort — not promises of perfection, but a commitment to keep pushing for inclusive development, stronger service delivery, better livelihoods, and expanded opportunities for our youth.

And then, with a tone that felt like a hug, he closed: “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. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoyable festive season!”

It wasn’t just a message — it was a mirror. It reflected who we are at our best: resilient, united, compassionate, and unafraid to confront our pain while celebrating our progress.

Merry Christmas, South Africa. May your tables be full, your hearts be light, and your spirit of Ubuntu shine brighter than ever.

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