President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the heads of Chapter 9 Institutions in Tshwane. The President was joined at Thursday's meeting by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa; Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi; Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel; and Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike. 'The purpose of the meeting between the National Executive and the Chapter 9 institutions and the Public Service Commission was to discuss broad issues that are of national interest, including the common responsibility to protect and strengthen the country's democracy. 'The meeting further afforded the National Executive the opportunity to understand the work and the challenges Chapter 9 institutions' experience,' the Presidency said in a statement. South Africa's Chapter 9 Institutions are those established in terms of Chapter 9 o f the Constitution and are aimed at safeguarding and supporting the country's democracy. These include institutions such as the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Auditor-General and the Electoral Commission. 'President Ramaphosa paid tribute to the immense contribution that Chapter 9 institutions have made in serving the country with distinction. The meeting reflected on the state of democracy during the year that South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy. 'The meeting acknowledged the journey South Africa has travelled as a democratic society, and the path that lies ahead to realise the promise of freedom for all. Among the achievements the meeting recognised is the strength, vitality and durability of South Africa's democracy. 'President Ramaphosa pledged the support of the National Executive to the work of the Chapter 9 i nstitutions and emphasised the Executive's respect for the Constitutionally enshrined principle of the independence of Chapter 9 institutions if they are to effectively fulfil their respective mandates, exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice,' the Presidency said. Source: South African Government News Agency