President Cyril Ramaphosa has communicated to Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andrew Chauke that he has been exonerated by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry that probed the Director’s fitness to hold office.

President Ramaphosa established the Enquiry on 29 September 2025 in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.

The mandate of the Enquiry was to investigate and determine whether Adv Chauke was fit and proper to continue to hold office in the context of certain serious allegations regarding his fitness and propriety to hold such office.

President Ramaphosa placed Adv Chauke on suspension with effect from 20 July 2025, pending finalised of the Enquiry.

The Panel chaired by Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabinde considered extensive oral evidence, documentary evidence, expert opinions, witness statements and legal submissions.

The Panel has found that there was no credible evidence upon which it could conclude that Adv Chauke had taken prosecutorial decisions as alleged in respect of the Cato Manor matter, or that he had acted unlawfully in the performance of his coordination functions.

The Panel has also found that Adv Chauke’s decision to provisionally withdraw the murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head, General Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest was not irrational.

In view of these and other findings that exonerate Adv Chauke, President Ramaphosa is satisfied that there is no basis upon which to conclude that Adv Chauke is unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions.

The President has thanked Adv Chauke for his cooperation throughout the enquiry process and expressed his trust that the finalisation of this matter will enable Adv Chauke to continue discharging his constitutional and statutory responsibilities with dedication and integrity in service of the National Prosecuting Authority and the nation.

President Ramaphosa has also reiterated his appreciation to Enquiry Chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Adv Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga for the manner in which they undertook their task.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Programme Director,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau,
Deputy Minister, Mr Zuko Godlimpi,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Mzwandile Masina,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli,
Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Cyril Xaba,
Premiers and MECs,
Executive Mayors and Councillors,
Distinguished International Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening.

Tonight we gather not only to celebrate excellence, but to celebrate possibility.
We celebrate the possibility of a South Africa that manufactures more, exports more, innovates more and creates far greater opportunities for its people.

We celebrate the men and women who are transforming ideas into industries, investments into factories, and factories into jobs.

Above all, we celebrate our shared determination to build an economy that is competitive, inclusive, resilient and capable of delivering prosperity for all.

This evening’s awards therefore represent far more than recognition for outstanding performance.

They affirm our belief that industrialisation remains one of the most powerful instruments available to us to overcome poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Special Economic Zones are not simply designated industrial sites.

They are engines of economic transformation.

They are places where policy is translated into production, where investment becomes enterprise, where innovation becomes competitiveness, and where hope becomes opportunity.

Investment remains the lifeblood of every growing economy.

It finances new factories, expands productive capacity, opens access to international markets and creates sustainable employment.

Investment strengthens domestic industries, deepens value addition, expands exports and generates the resources that enable governments to improve the lives of their citizens.

This is why South Africa continues to place investment promotion at the centre of our economic programme.

Just over three months ago, at the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference, we secured a record R890 billion in investment commitments.

These commitments span strategic sectors including mining and mineral beneficiation,
automotive manufacturing, agro processing, tourism, renewable energy, digital technologies and the green economy.

Much of this investment will find its home within our Special Economic Zones.

In the automotive sector alone, approximately R12 billion of planned investment is destined for our SEZ programme.

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone stands as compelling evidence of what can be achieved when government and business work together.

The investment by Ford and its component manufacturers has already created more than 3,000 permanent jobs while strengthening South Africa’s position as a globally competitive automotive manufacturing hub.

Our Special Economic Zones programme has become one of the cornerstones of our national investment strategy.

Through modern infrastructure, secure industrial sites, reliable utilities, efficient logistics and integrated one-stop investor support, our SEZs reduce the cost of doing business and improve investor confidence.

They help transform investment commitments into productive enterprises that create lasting economic value.

This Second International Special Economic Zones Conference takes place at a defining moment in our country’s economic journey.

South Africa has recently completed a comprehensive recalibration of its industrial policy through the adoption of our new Industrial Development Strategy.

This strategy responds directly to the structural challenges of low growth, de-industrialisation and unemployment.

It is built upon three strategic pillars:
Decarbonising our industries, diversifying our export markets, and accelerating digital industrialisation. Complementing this is our new Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, which introduces a strengthened SEZ model designed to ensure that industrial development generates greater benefits for surrounding communities, supports local enterprise development and advances inclusive regional growth.

Independent evidence confirms that this approach is delivering results.

A recent World Bank assessment found that South Africa’s Special Economic Zones have attracted more than R34 billion in investment, created over 30,000 direct jobs, and generated more than R14 billion in revenue for the fiscus.

These achievements are encouraging.

Yet they also remind us that our greatest opportunities still lie ahead.

The World Bank has proposed several important reforms, including enhanced investment incentives and the introduction of privately owned Special Economic Zones.

Government will carefully consider these recommendations as we continue strengthening the programme and ensuring that it remains globally competitive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Industrial development today is no longer defined only by the production of goods.

It is increasingly about technological capability, innovation, sustainability and resilience.

Around the world, nations are reshaping their industrial policies to strengthen supply chains, improve competitiveness and secure strategic industries.

South Africa must do the same.

Our Special Economic Zones are central to this effort. They will play an increasingly important role in advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, renewable energy technologies, green hydrogen, battery manufacturing, digital industries, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and the beneficiation of our abundant mineral resources.

They will enable us not merely to export raw materials, but increasingly to export higher-value manufactured products.

They will help position South Africa as a leading industrial economy on the African continent.

We are equally determined to ensure that our investment climate continues to improve.

We are reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

We are accelerating approvals for permits, licences and environmental authorisations. We are strengthening customs systems and expanding one-stop investor services.

We have made significant progress in restoring energy security.

We continue to improve freight logistics, modernise our ports and rail infrastructure, and strengthen transport corridors that connect our industries to regional and global markets.

These reforms are making South Africa an increasingly attractive destination for productive investment.

Our Special Economic Zones should not be islands of prosperity.

Their success must benefit the broader economy. They must create opportunities for small businesses. They must support localisation. They must develop new generations of skilled workers.

They must empower women and young entrepreneurs.

They must stimulate surrounding towns and communities. And they must become centres from which innovation and prosperity radiate throughout our country.

I am especially pleased to welcome the many representatives from across our African continent.

Your presence reflects our shared commitment to building an integrated African economy.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build regional value chains, strengthen intra-African trade and position Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing destination.

South Africa’s Special Economic Zones will continue working closely with our continental partners to realise this vision.

Tonight we recognise excellence.

We honour institutions that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, governance and performance.

We celebrate those who have successfully attracted investment, created employment, developed industrial capability and managed their zones to the highest international standards.

Whether receiving an award this evening or not, every Special Economic Zone, every official, every investor, every engineer, every planner, every entrepreneur and every worker has contributed to the remarkable progress of this programme.

You have helped build industries. You have strengthened investor confidence. You have created opportunities for thousands of South Africans.

You have demonstrated what is possible when vision is matched by commitment and hard work. For that, our nation thanks you.

To all our award recipients, congratulations.
Your achievements set new benchmarks for excellence.

May your success inspire every Special Economic Zone to innovate further, perform better and reach even greater heights.

As we look to the future, let us remember that excellence is never a destination. It is a continuous pursuit.

Let us therefore continue building Special Economic Zones that compete with the very best in the world.

Let us continue attracting investment that changes lives.

Let us continue building industries that create lasting prosperity.

And let us continue working together to build a South Africa that is more industrialised, more competitive, more inclusive and more prosperous for generations to come.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 19 July 2026, participate in the Mandela Day Walk and Run 2026 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

The President will join thousands of South Africans in the annual event and participate in the 5-kilometre walk in support of Nelson Mandela International Day, which is commemorated annually on 18 July.

Nelson Mandela International Day, officially recognised by the United Nations in 2009, honours the life and legacy of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and serves as a global call to action for individuals, communities, governments, civil society and the private sector to take responsibility for building more just, inclusive and equitable societies.

This year's Nelson Mandela International Day will be commemorated under the theme, "It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity," with the call to action, "It is in your hands now."

The theme reflects Madiba's enduring belief that each person has the power to make a meaningful contribution towards addressing poverty, inequality and social injustice through acts of service, solidarity and compassion.

Mandela Day encourages people across the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time in service to others, symbolising the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to the struggle for freedom, justice, equality and human dignity. While 18 July remains the focal point of the global campaign, Mandela Day also encourages sustained acts of community service that create lasting and meaningful social impact.

The Mandela Day Walk and Run has become one of South Africa's flagship commemorative events, bringing together people from all walks of life in celebration of Madiba's values of active citizenship, unity, healthy living and service to others. 

The event provides an opportunity for South Africans to honour Madiba's legacy not only through participation, but by recommitting themselves to building stronger, more caring and more resilient communities.

President Ramaphosa's participation reaffirms Government's commitment to preserving and advancing Nelson Mandela's legacy, while encouraging all South Africans to embrace the values of compassion, service and active citizenship in helping to combat poverty and inequity.

President Ramaphosa will participate in the Mandela Day Walk and Run 2026 as follows:

Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026
Time: 07h00
Venue: DP Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors,
The Principal and Management of Eastcape Midlands TVET College led by Mr Charl Van Heerden;
The Acting Mayor, Councillor Nkwentsha, MMC for Local Economic Development;
Chief Whip of the Makhanda, Councillor Hoyi;
Dean of the Diocese, Reverend Dyantyi from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa;
Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA, Bonga Makhanya;
Representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training;
Representatives from government departments and partner organisations;
Representatives of SAFETSA;
Members of the Student Representative Council as led by the Institutional SRC President Ms Chioma Tshonti;
And most importantly the STUDENTS OF EAST-CAPE MIDLANDS MAKHANDA CAMPUS;
Good morning.

It is a great honour to join you today as we gather to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day through this Student Leadership Dialogue and Student Services Expo.

Allow me to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to Eastcape Midlands TVET College and the Department of Higher Education and Training for bringing us together for what I believe is not only a meaningful conversation, but an important investment in South Africa's future.

Today, I stand before a hall filled with possibility. I do not simply see students, I see the future. I see future artisans who will build our infrastructure. I see future entrepreneurs who will create jobs. I see future educators who will inspire generations, innovators, public servants, and community leaders.

Most importantly, I see young South Africans who have chosen to invest in themselves because they believe that a better life is possible. That, in itself, is leadership.

As we prepare to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day on the 18th of July, we are reminded that Madiba dedicated his life to the service of others. His life was never about titles or positions. It was about purpose. It was about ensuring that every South African, regardless of race, gender or background, had the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.

For many people, Nelson Mandela is remembered as our first democratically elected President. Others remember him as a global icon of peace and reconciliation. 

But today, I would like us to remember him differently. I would like us to remember him as someone who believed in people. He believed in the potential of young people. He believed in the transformative power of education. He believed that leadership should always be guided by humility, compassion, and service. Those values remain just as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.

Student Leadership in the Spirit of Madiba
Ladies and gentlemen,

The theme of today's dialogue is student leadership, and I cannot think of a more fitting way to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy. When people speak about leadership, they often focus on positions of authority. They think about presidents, ministers, CEOs, or principals.

But leadership does not begin when someone gives you a title. Leadership begins with the choices you make every single day. It begins with how you treat the people around you. It begins with how you respond when faced with challenges. It begins with whether you choose to lift others up or leave them behind.

For those of you serving in Student Representative Councils, class committees, and student organisations, I want to remind you that leadership is not about being the most popular person on campus. It is about earning the trust of those you represent. It is about ensuring that every student feels heard, respected and valued.

Leadership is not measured by how many people know your name. It is measured by how many lives are better because you chose to serve. Madiba understood this better than anyone.

Even after spending 27 years in prison, he emerged with a heart committed to reconciliation instead of revenge. He chose unity over division and dialogue over conflict. He understood that true leaders do not ask, "What can people do for me?" They ask, "What can I do for my people?"

That is the kind of leadership South Africa needs today.

The Future is Not Tomorrow – The Future is Now
Ladies and gentlemen 

We often hear the phrase, "You are the leaders of tomorrow." While I understand the sentiment behind those words, I would like to challenge that thinking. Yes, you are the leaders of tomorrow. But you are also the leaders of today. The decisions you make now are already shaping our country's future.

Every assignment you complete with integrity, every innovative idea you develop, every community project you participate in, and every fellow student you encourage contributes to building the South Africa we all want. 

Our institutions of higher learning are more than places where qualifications are earned. They are spaces where values are shaped and where confidence is built. They are spaces where future leaders discover who they are and what they stand for.

Some of South Africa's greatest leaders first discovered their passion for justice while they were students. They learnt to organise. They learnt to listen. They learnt to debate respectfully. They learnt that leadership requires courage, discipline, and accountability. Today, you have the same opportunity. Do not underestimate the significance of where you are. 

The lessons you learn here will influence the kind of leaders you become tomorrow. And our country needs leaders who are not only intelligent, but ethical. Leaders who are not only ambitious, but compassionate. Leaders who are not only successful but committed to serving others.

Education as a Tool for Transformation
One of uTata Nelson Mandela's most quoted statements is that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 

Those words have become timeless because they speak to the transformative power of learning. Education is about more than obtaining a qualification. It is about expanding your thinking and discovering solutions to challenges. It is about preparing yourself to contribute meaningfully to society.

As students, you are developing skills that our country urgently needs. South Africa needs innovators. We need entrepreneurs. We need young people who are prepared to create opportunities, not only seek them.

Government continues to invest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training because we recognise the important role that TVET colleges play in driving economic growth, industrial development, and employment creation. You are part of that vision.

Never allow anyone to convince you that your qualification is less important than another. Every skill you acquire has the potential to improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute to building an inclusive economy. The future of South Africa will not only be built in boardrooms.

It will also be built in workshops, laboratories, construction sites, classrooms, and small businesses established by young people like yourselves. That is why your education matters. Not only to you. But to the nation.

Government's Commitment to Young People
Programme Director,

As Government, we recognise that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development; you are partners in development. The success of South Africa depends on how well we prepare, support, and empower its young people. That is why youth development remains a priority across government.

Our vision is to build a capable, ethical, and developmental state that creates opportunities for every young person to realise their full potential. This is reflected in the National Development Plan 2030, the National Youth Policy 2030, and the Medium-Term Development Plan, which place young people at the centre of our country's growth and development.

These policy frameworks are not simply documents. They are commitments to creating pathways for young people through quality education, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment opportunities.

However, government cannot achieve these aspirations alone. Partnerships with institutions of higher learning, the private sector, civil society, and communities are essential if we are to unlock the full potential of South Africa's youth. Most importantly, we need young people who are prepared to seize the opportunities before them. As government creates pathways, you must prepare yourselves to walk through those doors with confidence, discipline, and determination.

Creating Pathways from Learning to Earning
Ladies and gentlemen,

One of the questions I am asked most often whenever I engage with young people is, "Where do I find opportunities?" and my response to them  would be: there are a number of government platforms one of the most important of these is the SA Youth national network, which can be accessed through SAYouth.mobi.

The South African Youth national network is one of government's most important platforms for connecting young people to opportunities. By registering on SA Youth.mobi, you can access opportunities for learning, earning and volunteering, all at no cost. The platform links young people to jobs, training opportunities, skills programmes, entrepreneurship support and other initiatives offered by government and its partners.

I encourage every student here today to register on SA Youth.mobi. It is free to use, it does not require data on participating networks, and it has become an important gateway to opportunities for thousands of young South Africans.

Government also continues to implement the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), which brings together departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners to reduce barriers to employment and create pathways into the world of work.

Through initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, many young people have been able to gain valuable workplace experience that strengthens their employability and opens doors to permanent employment.

I also encourage you to explore opportunities offered through the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). SETAs regularly advertise learnerships, internships, bursaries and skills development programmes aligned to different industries. These opportunities not only provide valuable experience but also help prepare young people for careers in sectors where skills are in demand.

Recently, we issued a call for applications for the National Youth Service (NYS) programme, which encourages young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities while gaining valuable skills, experience and civic awareness. The National Youth Service is an initiative for young people aimed at unemployed youth, particularly those who are not in employment, education or training. The programme equips participants with practical work experience, accredited training, and a monthly stipend by engaging them in community service and infrastructure projects.

The message here is; opportunities do exist, but you must actively seek them, prepare yourselves for them and apply when they become available.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Creating Opportunities
Colleagues,

One of the defining characteristics of your generation is innovation. You have grown up in a world shaped by technology, creativity, and rapid change. Where previous generations saw challenges, your generation has the ability to develop solutions.

South Africa needs more young innovators. We need young people who are prepared to establish businesses, develop updated technology, identify opportunities within their communities, and create employment not only for themselves, but for others. 

Entrepreneurship is not only about starting a business. It is about identifying a problem and having the courage to solve it. It is about creating value. It is about believing that your ideas can improve lives. Do not be afraid to dream boldly. Do not be afraid to start small. Every successful enterprise begins with a single idea and someone who was courageous enough to pursue it.

Government's commitment extends beyond education and into economic participation. Through initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the SAYouth network, the Youth Employment Service, SETA-funded learnerships and apprenticeships, and partnerships with industry, we are working to ensure that more young people can transition from learning to earning. While government continues to create these pathways, we also encourage every young person to prepare themselves to seize the opportunities that become available.

Active Citizenship: Democracy Needs Your Voice and Before your voice is your vote
Programme Director,

As I engage with young people across our country, whether in schools, universities, TVET colleges or communities, I encounter a generation that is incredibly talented and ambitious, but also one that is increasingly frustrated. Many young people feel excluded from opportunities, discouraged by unemployment and uncertain about whether the systems of our democracy are responding to their aspirations. For some, these frustrations have developed into disillusionment.

This growing sense of disillusionment is reflected in one of the most concerning trends in our democracy: too many young people are choosing not to vote. Election after election, we have seen youth voter registration and turnout decline. Some young people believe that their vote will not make a difference. Others feel that politics has little relevance to their daily struggles. Still others have simply disengaged because they have lost confidence that their voices will be heard.

While these frustrations are real and must never be dismissed, withdrawing from democracy cannot be the answer. When young people choose not to participate, they surrender one of the most powerful tools they have to influence the future. Decisions about education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure, public transport, and economic opportunities will continue to be made. The only question is whether young people will help shape those decisions or leave them to others.

This is why I want to speak directly to the Student Representative Council leaders and student leaders gathered here today. You are more than representatives of your fellow students. You are influencers, organisers, and mobilisers. Your leadership should not end at resolving student issues on campus. It should extend to building active, informed and engaged citizens. You have a responsibility to encourage meaningful conversations about our democracy, to promote voter education, to challenge misinformation and apathy, and to inspire your fellow students to register and vote.

Let us become the generation that rejects cynicism and chooses participation. Let us prove that young people are not spectators in South Africa's future, but active architects of it. Democracy is strongest when its young people believe that their voices matter and are prepared to use them.

Your Vote Is Your Voice
To every young person gathered here today, I want to leave you with a simple but profound message: your vote is your voice, and your voice matters.

When you become eligible, register to vote. Participate in every election. Do not see voting as a favour to any political party or individual. See it as your investment in the future of South Africa. Every ballot cast is an expression of hope, responsibility, and accountability. It is your opportunity to shape the future of your community; influence the direction of our country and hold leaders accountable for the promises they make.

Nelson Mandela reminded us that freedom is never complete unless it is accompanied by responsibility. One of the greatest responsibilities that comes with living in a constitutional democracy is participating in it. Voting is not merely a constitutional right; it is an act of citizenship that honours those who sacrificed so that all South Africans could choose their leaders freely.

To the SRC leaders present today, I challenge you to become ambassadors for democratic participation. Encourage every eligible student on your campus to register. Organise voter education campaigns. Create spaces where respectful debate and informed discussion can flourish. Help your fellow students understand that while one vote may seem small, millions of individual voices together determine the future of our nation.

South Africa needs a generation that does not simply complain about the future but actively shapes it. The future will belong to those who participate, who organise, who lead and who vote.

Your generation has the numbers. You have the ideas. You have the energy. Now you must also have the determination to participate fully in our democracy.
Let your voice be heard, because democracy is strongest when young people are informed, engaged, and determined to shape the future they wish to inherit.

Leaving a Legacy of Service
Ladies and gentlemen,

Every year, South Africans are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of service in honour of Nelson Mandela's 67 years of public service. Those 67 minutes remind us that no act of kindness is too small. But I want to challenge all of us today.

Let us not limit the spirit of Mandela Day to one day on the calendar. Let us make service part of our everyday lives. Let us be known as the generation that chooses compassion over indifference. Integrity over corruption. Dialogue over division. Hope over despair. Service over self-interest.

Whether you are helping a fellow student prepare for an examination, mentoring a young person in your community, volunteering at a local organisation or simply treating others with dignity and respect, you are contributing to the South Africa that Nelson Mandela envisioned.

The greatest tribute we can pay to Madiba is not simply remembering his life. It is continuing his work.

Conclusion
As I look across this room today, I leave filled with optimism because I see a generation that possesses the talent, resilience, and courage to build the South Africa that Nelson Mandela dreamed of. Among you are future artisans, entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, innovators, business leaders, and public servants. But above all, I see future citizens whose choices will determine the direction of our democracy.

When history reflects on your generation, may it never be said that you stood on the sidelines while others decided your future. May it be said that you stepped forward, that you organised your communities, that you served with humility, that you voted, that you held leaders accountable and that you left South Africa stronger than you found it.

May it be said that this was the generation that rejected corruption and embraced integrity; that chose hope over despair; that replaced division with dialogue; and that understood that democracy is not something we inherit once, but something we must renew through our participation every single day.

As uTata Nelson Mandela reminded us, “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all."

Those words are not simply an inspiration; they are a call to action. Lead with courage. Lead with humility. Lead with integrity. Serve with compassion. Continue learning. 
Together, let us honour Madiba not only by remembering his extraordinary life, but by continuing his work. Let us build a South Africa that is united in its diversity, confident in its democracy and unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential.

I thank you!
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 16 July 2026, attend the Toyota Hilux-Line-Off Ceremony, which marks the commencement of local production of Toyota's latest generation Hilux model and showcasing South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.

The ceremony will be held at the Toyota South Africa Motors Manufacturing Plant in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

Toyota's R10.4 billion investment reinforces South Africa’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub and demonstrates continued investor confidence in the country’s industrial sector.

The investment will strengthen local manufacturing capacity, enhance export competitiveness, and contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The event provides an opportunity to reaffirm government’s commitment to industrialisation, investment-led growth, manufacturing competitiveness, export development, and strong public-private partnerships that support inclusive economic growth and South Africa’s broader development priorities.

The President will also tour the manufacturing plans and also address an engagement with business sector.

The event will be attended by government representatives, global, local and business partners in the automotive industry.

The Ceremony will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 10h30
Venue: Prospecton Manufacturing Plant, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
South Africa
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 16 July 2026, attend and address the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Achievement Awards Gala Dinner held at the Durban International Conference Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

The event celebrates the achievements of South Africa's 12 designated SEZs and their contribution to industrialisation, investment attraction, exports, job creation, skills development, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.

To date, the SEZ Programme has attracted over R31 billion in investment from 224 companies and created more than 28,000 direct jobs, reflecting the programme's growing economic impact.

The 2026 SEZ Achievement Awards recognise excellence in leadership, governance, investment promotion, job creation, innovation, export growth, SMME integration, local procurement, and sustainable industrial development. 

The awards also honour outstanding CEOs, investors, and strategic programme implementation that advance South Africa's industrial growth.

The awards categories will include Special Economic Zone of the Year; Best Economic Zone Newcomer; Most Improved SEZ in South Africa; SEZ Investor of the Year; SEZ Demonstration of Good Governance and Investment Enabler of the Year.

The Awards ceremony will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 18h00
Venue: Durban International Conference Centre in KwaZulu-Natal

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media Accreditation Enquiries should be directed to Bongani Lukhele on BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za / 079 5083 457 / 074 2998 512.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, deliver a keynote address at the Nelson Mandela Day Student Leadership Dialogue and Student Services Expo at Eastcape Midlands TVET College, Makhanda Campus, in the Eastern Cape. 

The event, held in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training and Eastcape Midlands TVET College, forms part of the Nelson Mandela Day commemorations.

The Deputy Minister will engage with students on the importance of ethical leadership, active citizenship, youth development, and nation building, while encouraging young people to become agents of positive change in their communities, in the spirit of Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: Eastcape Midlands TVET College, Makhanda Campus, Eastern Cape

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele: 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Your Majesty Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII
Prefect Rollon Moochel Blaisot
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Representatives of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Representatives of the French Armed Forces,
Military veterans,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Traditional and religious leaders,
Descendants of those who served,
Distinguished guests,
Fellow South Africans,

We gather in solemn remembrance of the sons of South Africa who served and died during the First World War.

We remember them not merely as names inscribed upon stone, nor as figures recorded in military archives, but as human beings whose lives were interrupted by war.

They were sons, husbands, fathers and brothers.

They came from farms, villages, towns, mines and cities. They spoke different languages, belonged to different communities and lived under vastly unequal conditions.

Yet, when the call came, thousands left their homes and travelled to distant lands to serve in a conflict whose violence and scale the world had never before witnessed.

Many would never return.

Today, we remember the South African soldiers who fought at Delville Wood.

We remember the Black South Africans who served in the South African Native Labour Contingent.

We remember the members of the Cape Corps.

We remember the men who died when the SS Mendi sank beneath the cold waters of the English Channel.

We remember all those whose contribution was diminished, ignored or deliberately excluded from the official history of our country.

We gather to affirm that the memory of a nation cannot be divided according to race.

Sacrifice has no colour- and courage belongs to no single community.

The blood shed in service cannot be ranked according to the racial classifications imposed by governments.

For too long, South Africa remembered only part of this history.

Today, we remember it in full.

In July 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, the 1st South African Infantry Brigade was ordered to capture and hold a small wooded area near the French village of Longueval.

It was called Delville Wood.

The South African soldiers were given an instruction that would become one of the most famous and tragic commands in our military history:

They were to take and hold the wood- at all costs.

On the morning of 15 July 1916, more than 3,000 South African soldiers entered Delville Wood.

They entered a landscape of trees, thick undergrowth and narrow pathways.

Within days, almost nothing remained.

The wood was torn apart by artillery.

Trees were shattered and stripped bare.

The ground was churned into mud, blood and broken timber.

Trenches disappeared beneath bombardment.

The wounded lay among the dead.

Water became scarce.

Food and ammunition could barely reach the men who remained inside the wood.

For six days and five nights, the South Africans endured relentless shelling, repeated attacks and close-quarter fighting.

They were surrounded from several directions.

They were exhausted, thirsty and depleted.

Still, they held their positions.

They held because they had been ordered to hold.

They held because they would not abandon their comrades.

They held because, even amid the horror of war, discipline and solidarity bound them together.

When the survivors were finally relieved on 20 July 1916, the brigade that emerged from Delville Wood bore little resemblance to the one that had entered it.

Of the more than 3,000 men who went into the wood, only a small fraction were able to walk out in organised formation.

Hundreds had been killed.

Thousands had been wounded, captured or reported missing.

Entire units had been reduced to handfuls of survivors.

Delville Wood became a symbol of South African courage.

It also became a symbol of the terrible cost of war.

We honour the courage of those soldiers.

But we should never romanticise the conditions under which they died.

War is not glorious to those who lie wounded in the mud.

There is no glory in a mother receiving a telegram informing her that her son will not return.

There is no glory in young men being sent into artillery fire from which few are expected to survive.

The true honour lies not in war itself, but in the courage, loyalty and humanity shown by those who endure it.

The men of Delville Wood endured what few human beings should ever be asked to endure.

Their sacrifice deserves the eternal gratitude of our country.

Yet the story of South Africa in the First World War does not end at Delville Wood.

It cannot be told only through the experience of white combat soldiers.

It must also include the thousands of Black South Africans who served in the South African Native Labour Contingent.

Under the racial policies of the Union of South Africa, Black South Africans were generally not permitted to carry arms as equal soldiers in the European theatre of war.

They were willing to serve.

They were willing to risk their lives.

But they were denied the status, recognition and dignity afforded to white combatants.

More than 20,000 Black South African men travelled to France to perform essential labour in support of the Allied war effort.

They unloaded ships.

They built and repaired roads.

They maintained railway lines.

They carried supplies.

They handled ammunition.

They dug trenches and defensive positions.

They worked in forests, ports and military depots.

They buried the dead.

They performed the exhausting and dangerous work without which no army could remain in the field.

The soldiers at the front could not have fought without food, ammunition, roads, railways, ports and supplies.

The contribution of the labour contingents was therefore not secondary to the war effort.

It was essential to it.

Yet, for decades, their service was treated as though it mattered less.

Many returned home without the recognition given to white servicemen.

Their names were absent from prominent memorials.

Their stories were not told with the same reverence.

Their service was obscured by a political system that could accept their labour and their sacrifice, but refused to recognise their equality.

This was not merely an omission.

It was an injustice.

Perhaps no event reveals this injustice more powerfully than the tragedy of the SS Mendi.

On 21 February 1917, the SS Mendi was carrying more than 800 members of the South African Native Labour Contingent towards France.

In thick fog near the Isle of Wight, the Mendi was struck by another vessel.

The ship began to sink rapidly.

In the cold and darkness, hundreds of men were thrown into the sea.

Many could not swim.

There were not enough opportunities for rescue.

More than 600 Black South Africans perished.

It remains one of the greatest maritime disasters in South African history.

In the final moments before the ship disappeared beneath the water, the Reverend Isaac Wauchope Dyobha is remembered as having called upon the men to face death with courage and dignity.

He reminded them that they were brothers.

He urged them to stand together as Africans.

The precise wording of his speech has been passed down in different forms, but the meaning has endured.

In the face of death, these men asserted their humanity.

They stood together.

They met terror with dignity.

They transformed their final moments into an enduring declaration of courage and brotherhood.

The men of the Mendi were not armed soldiers.

But they died in the service of a war effort to which South Africa had committed them.

Their deaths were deaths in service.

Their sacrifice was a national sacrifice.

Yet their recognition was not equal.

For generations, the story of the Mendi lived more strongly in oral history, family memory, poetry and community remembrance than in the official ceremonies of the state.

The families of those who died carried the pain.

Communities carried the memory.

But the nation did not fully acknowledge the debt it owed them.

The same was true of many members of the Cape Corps and other South Africans of colour who served in various theatres of war.

They demonstrated courage, discipline and devotion.

They served despite discrimination.

They fought for a country that did not grant them equal citizenship.

They wore its uniform, served its war effort and, in many cases, gave their lives.

Yet when the history was written, their contribution was too often pushed to the margins.

This is one of the great contradictions of our past.

Black South Africans were considered fit to labour in dangerous conditions, but not fit to be treated as equals.

They were expected to show loyalty to the state, while the state denied them political rights.

They were called upon to sacrifice for a country in which they had no vote and little protection.

Their service exposed the moral bankruptcy of racial rule.

It showed that bravery and patriotism could not be confined by the colour bar.

It showed that those who were oppressed were nevertheless prepared to act with courage, discipline and humanity.

Our task today is not merely to add forgotten names to old memorials.

Our task is to transform the meaning of remembrance itself.

A democratic South Africa must remember differently from the governments of the past.

We cannot repeat a history that elevates some lives and diminishes others.

We cannot honour the soldier and forget the labourer who supplied him.

We cannot remember Delville Wood and neglect the SS Mendi.

We cannot speak of national sacrifice while excluding the majority of the nation.

We must build a common memory.

That common memory does not erase the differences in the experiences of those who served.

It acknowledges them.

White soldiers fought as recognised combatants.

Black servicemen often served under discriminatory conditions and were denied equal military status.

Their experiences were not the same.

Their treatment was not equal.

But their humanity was equal.

Their courage was equal.

The grief of their families was equal.

The soil of France and the waters of the English Channel did not distinguish between them.

Death made no racial classification.

It is fitting, therefore, that the Delville Wood Memorial has evolved from being a monument associated primarily with white South African sacrifice into a place that seeks to commemorate all South Africans who served.

This transformation is an important act of historical justice.

But memorials alone are not enough.

The true test of remembrance is what we teach our children.

It is the stories we include in our textbooks.

It is the names we speak at national ceremonies.

It is the dignity we afford to the descendants of those who served.

It is whether the history of the Mendi is known as widely as the history of Delville Wood.

It is whether young South Africans understand that people of every race contributed to the making of our country, even during periods when the country itself was profoundly unjust.

We owe it to future generations to tell the full story.

We must tell them that South Africans fought with extraordinary bravery in the fields and forests of Europe.

We must tell them that Black South Africans crossed oceans to serve, despite being denied equality at home.

We must tell them that the men of the Mendi faced death with unity and dignity.

We must tell them that recognition came late, and that historical truth sometimes has to struggle against the power of official silence.

Above all, we must teach them that a nation is strengthened when it has the courage to confront all of its history.

True patriotism does not require us to hide injustice.

True patriotism requires us to correct it.

True remembrance does not divide the dead.

It gathers them together.

As we honour the fallen, we must also reflect on the lessons of the First World War.

It was a war born of militarism, imperial rivalry, nationalism and the failure of diplomacy.

Millions died.

Empires collapsed.

Entire communities were traumatised.

The consequences shaped the world for generations.

The fields of the Somme remind us that political failure is ultimately paid for in human lives.

They remind us that leaders have a profound responsibility to pursue peace.

They remind us that the language of war may be spoken in conference rooms, but its suffering is endured by ordinary people.

As South Africa, we must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of conflict.

We must defend the principles of international law.

We must oppose aggression and the targeting of civilians.

We must support diplomacy, dialogue and negotiation.

We must never lose sight of the human cost when nations resort to war.

At the same time, we honour those who serve in our armed forces today.

The men and women of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) carry forward a proud tradition of service.

Their constitutional duty is not to defend the privilege of one race or one group.

It is to defend the Republic, its people, its sovereignty and its democratic order.

The military of a democratic South Africa must reflect the values for which generations struggled:

Equality.

Human dignity.

Non-racialism.

Discipline.

Professionalism.

Service to the people.

The memory of Delville Wood and the Mendi should inspire every member of our armed forces to serve with honour.

It should remind our nation that those who wear the uniform must be respected, properly supported and never carelessly placed in harm's way.

We also remember the families.

Behind every fallen soldier and every lost labourer was a family that waited.

Some waited for letters that never came.

Some received official notices of death.

Others never knew exactly where or how their loved ones had died.

Many families had no grave to visit.

The sea became the grave of the men of the Mendi.

The battlefields of Europe became the resting place of thousands of Africans far from home.

Today, we say to their descendants:

Your forebears are not forgotten.

Their service was not without meaning.

Their sacrifice belongs to the history of this nation.

Their names deserve to be spoken with dignity.

We recognise the pain caused by their exclusion from our national memory.

We accept the responsibility to preserve their stories.

We honour them not as servants of a racial state, but as sons of Africa whose courage transcended the injustice of their time.

To the fallen soldiers of Delville Wood, we say:

You stood in the shattered forest when retreat seemed the only path to survival.

You remained with your comrades.

You endured the unendurable.

Your courage will not be forgotten.

To the men of the South African Native Labour Contingent, we say:

You carried the burden of war while being denied the equality you deserved.

You performed essential and dangerous service.

Your contribution will no longer be treated as a footnote.

To the men of the SS Mendi, we say:

The waters that took your lives could not erase your names.

The silence that followed could not extinguish your memory.

Your courage continues to speak across the generations.

To all South Africans who served and died in the First World War, we say:

You belong to one national memory.

You are part of one shared history.

You are mourned by one people.

As we leave this place of remembrance, let us carry with us a renewed commitment to build the country that those men were denied.

A country in which citizenship is equal.

A country in which service is recognised without regard to race.

A country in which every life has equal value.

A country that remembers all its children.

Let the names of Delville Wood be spoken.

Let the names of the SS Mendi be spoken.

Let the names of the forgotten be restored.

Let every monument, every classroom and every national ceremony proclaim the truth:

That South Africa's freedom, history and identity were shaped by the courage and sacrifice of people of every race.

May those who died in the forests of France rest in peace.

May those who perished in the waters of the English Channel rest in peace.

May all South Africans who served and sacrificed in the First World War rest in peace.

May their courage continue to guide us.

May their memory unite us.

May we always remember them.

I thank you.

Programme Directors, Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya;
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli;
Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation;
Members of the Executive Council;
Mayors and Councillors present;
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Inkosi Shinga;
Amakhosi and Traditional Leaders;
Religious Leaders;
Community Representatives;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Sanibonani.

Let me begin with these words (Ngifisaukuqala ngala mazwi):
"The world remains beset by so much suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised."

These words of Tata Nelson Mandela, spoken at his 90th birthday in 2008, remind us of our responsibility to act. Today, as we commemorate Mandela Day, we respond to that call through practical action that uplifts communities.

As we launch the Mandela Day Water Services Project and Acceleration Programme for Unserved Communities, we recommit to ensuring that all South Africans have access to basic services essential for human dignity and health, especially clean and reliable water, honouring Madiba's legacy through our actions.

Amanzi ayimpilo, futhi amanzi aletha isidima.

Water is a fundamental human right enshrined in our Constitution. When a community has no access to clean and reliable water, it is denied more than a basic service; it is denied dignity, opportunity and the full enjoyment of its constitutional rights.

Let me emphasise this, uma umphakathiungenawo amanzi ahlanzekile, uyaphucwaisithunzi namathuba.

We cannot fully claim equality or development as long as vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, endure significant hardships like long journeys for water due to insufficient infrastructure. Addressing these issues is essential to honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy.

Today, through the Babanango Water Supply Scheme, we are declaring that access to water cannot be a privilege enjoyed by some; it must be a reality for all.

Ngohlelo lwamanzi eBabanango, simemezelaukuthi ukufinyelela amanzi akuyona into yabambalwa kuphela, kodwa ilungelolabantu bonke.

We are saying that no community is too remote, too small or too poor to be affected by development. We bring hope where there has been doubt, dignity where there has been struggle, and opportunity where there have been obstacles. Yes, it has taken longer than we all thought; you have waited far too long to have reliable access to clean drinking water.

The completion of the Babanango Community Water Supply Scheme, however, is a milestone in the Government’s efforts to extend access to basic services and improve the lives of rural communities. The plan will provide the surrounding communities with sustainable access to potable water, bringing the benefit of a more secure and dignified future to thousands of residents.

This project demonstrates the potential of government collaboration with communities and traditional leadership across all spheres. It is a practical expression of the District Development Model (DDM), our Government'sapproach to building a capable, responsive and developmental state.

The DDM stresses that national, provincial, and local governments need to work together to solve challenges in their communities. By adopting a "One Plan" approach, barriers are being dismantled, resources are aligned, and service delivery is expedited, making government more accessible and development more attuned to local needs.

The Babanango Water Supply Scheme is a concrete example of this approach in action. The scheme combines protected spring water sources, a borehole backup system, a water treatment plant, reservoirs, pipelines and distribution infrastructure to provide up to 500 000 litres of treated water per day to surrounding communities.

Lolu hlelo luzoletha amalitha angu-500,000 amanzi ahlanzekile nsuku zonke ezindaweniezibandakanya iNgwebeni, Enkanini, Nkonjane, Nhlengile kanye neNkangala.

Today we also recognise the dedicated efforts of the Department of Water and Sanitation, uMngeni-uThukela Water, the provincial government, local government, contractors, engineers, community structures, workers and all stakeholders who contributed towards making this project a reality.

Compatriots, this event forms part of a much broader national effort. Our country continues to face significant water supply challenges in many parts of the country. Climate variability, ageing infrastructure, population growth, vandalism and underinvestment have all placed increasing pressure on our water systems.

Recognising these challenges, Government has prioritised water security as a national imperative. Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Government has established interventions to accelerate water infrastructure development and improve service delivery.

These efforts are aligned with the priorities articulated in successive State of the Nation Addresses and are supported by the work of the presidential structures established to address the country's water challenges.

This is being done through the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which was launched by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, to rapidly expand access to safe and reliable water services to communities that remain unserved or underserved.

Government is accelerating water access through boreholes, spring protection, rainwater harvesting and rehabilitation of schemes.

Uhulumeni uyashesha ekuletheni amanzingokumba imithombo, ukuvikela imithomboyemvelo, ukuqoqa amanzi emvula kanyenokuvuselela izinhlelo ezikhona. 

These interventions are helping us to reach communities more quickly while building long-term resilience and sustainability.

Government has also initiated the Water Services Infrastructure Grant to tackle localised water issues, reduce infrastructure backlogs, and enhance water and sanitation services in rural and underserved areas.

Today, as part of the Mandela Day Programme, we also symbolically launch and hand over 27 decentralised water supply interventions across KwaZulu-Natal.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we honour Madiba’s legacy, we must recommit to creating communities where everyone has access to basic services and rural areas receive equitable service quality.

We must continue to work together, Government, business, civil society, traditional leaders and communities – to protect and maintain the infrastructure we build.

The sustainability of projects such as this one depends on community ownership and active participation. We must protect this infrastructure against vandalism and misuse so that future generations can continue to benefit from these important investments.

To the people of Babanango and the surrounding communities, this project is yours. Protect it. Value it. Use it wisely. Luvikele. Lulonde. Nilusebenzisengobuhlakani.

Government remains committed to ensuring that every South African has access to safe, reliable and sustainable water services. We will continue to accelerate investment in water infrastructure and work tirelessly to improve service delivery in all corners of our country.

To conclude, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela, who reminded us that 'What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

Today, through this project, we restore dignity, deliver freedom, and honour Madiba’s legacy through action. Namuhla, ngalolu hlelo, sibuyisela isithunzi, silethainkululeko, futhi sihlonipha ifa likaMadibangezindlela ezibonakalayo.

Thank you. Ngiyabonga.

Your Excellency and Dear Sister, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from the Namibian and South African Delegations,
Senior officials,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Your Excellency, your Ministers and your distinguished delegation to South Africa for the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission.

Your visit is a reaffirmation of one of the most enduring and treasured partnerships on our continent.

Namibia is not merely our neighbour.

Namibia is our sister nation.

The friendship between our countries was forged not by convenience, but through struggle, sacrifice and solidarity.

Together, our peoples resisted colonialism and apartheid.

Together, we stood for justice, freedom and human dignity.

Together, we helped shape a Southern Africa that is today defined by democracy, peace and cooperation.

It is this shared history that continues to inspire our shared future.

This Commission therefore represents far more than a bilateral meeting.

It represents our collective determination to build a partnership that advances prosperity for our peoples and contributes to the development and stability of our region and continent.

I wish to commend our Ministers, senior officials and technical experts for the considerable work undertaken during the past three days.

Their deliberations have prepared the ground for today’s engagement and demonstrate the seriousness with which both our governments approach this partnership.

Today we build on the outcomes of previous Bi-National Commission sessions and the extensive body of agreements that already bind our two countries.

The true measure of our success, however, will not be the number of agreements we sign, but the effectiveness with which we implement them.

Implementation must now become our foremost priority.

Excellency,

We meet at a defining moment for our continent.

Africa has become central to the future of the global economy.

The world increasingly looks to Africa for the critical minerals, energy resources, agricultural potential and strategic partnerships that will shape the industries of the future.

The question before us is therefore not whether Africa possesses these resources.

The question is whether Africans will capture the value they create.

South Africa and Namibia have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that our natural endowments become engines of industrialisation, innovation, skills development and decent work.

Our objective should be to build regional value chains that produce finished products rather than merely exporting raw materials.

For too long Africa has exported opportunity while importing prosperity.

We have exported raw materials and imported manufactured goods.

We have created industries elsewhere while unemployment has remained one of our greatest challenges at home.

That model cannot define Africa’s future.

The days when our minerals leave our shores simply as rock and dust must steadily come to an end.

Instead, we should increasingly process, refine, manufacture and innovate here in Southern Africa, creating value for our own economies and opportunities for our own people.

Excellency,

There are boundless opportunities before us.

The Orange Basin is emerging as one of the world’s most promising new energy frontiers.

Its development presents us with an opportunity not simply to extract oil and gas, but to establish an integrated regional energy economy encompassing exploration, engineering, refining, petrochemicals, logistics, maritime services and advanced manufacturing.

We congratulate Namibia on its remarkable offshore discoveries, which have rightly attracted global attention.

South Africa likewise continues to explore the considerable potential of our own offshore resources.

Given our shared geology and geographical proximity, there is a compelling case for closer collaboration in exploration, infrastructure development, skills development and investment promotion.

Equally significant are the opportunities presented by green hydrogen.

South Africa’s Boegoebaai Deepwater Port and Green Hydrogen Development Programme, situated close to our common border, presents an important opportunity for collaboration in building a globally competitive green industrial corridor linking our two countries.

Our cooperation in mining should also deepen.

Beyond uranium, diamonds and copper, Namibia’s expanding portfolio of critical minerals presents exciting opportunities for joint exploration, geological mapping, scientific research and downstream beneficiation.

Finalising our Memorandum of Understanding on geology and mining will provide an important framework for this work.

Our respective Councils for Geoscience should work closely together in undertaking joint scientific assessments and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Water security is another strategic imperative.

As water-scarce countries sharing important transboundary water systems and aquifers, our cooperation in integrated water resource management is essential not only for sustainable development but also for climate resilience and long-term regional stability.

Excellency,

Trade and investment remain central pillars of our relationship.

South Africa welcomes the growing presence of South African companies investing in Namibia, and equally encourages greater Namibian investment into South Africa.

We should actively encourage partnerships between our private sectors, development finance institutions and state-owned enterprises.

Together, we can identify bankable projects in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital technologies.

Removing unnecessary barriers to trade, improving border efficiency and strengthening transport corridors will be essential if we are to realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Within SACU, SADC and the African Union, our countries remain steadfast in advancing regional integration and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Excellency,

Peace and development are inseparable.

Without peace there can be no investment.

Without security there can be no sustainable development.

South Africa and Namibia therefore reaffirm our commitment to African-led solutions to African challenges.

We remain concerned by the continued instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the security situation in Cabo Delgado, developments in Sudan and South Sudan, and the persistent instability across parts of the Sahel.

Together, we will continue supporting regional and continental efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.

At the international level, we remain committed to multilateralism, international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

We will continue working together to advance the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, so that they better reflect contemporary realities and Africa’s rightful place within the international community.

Excellency,

Migration remains a shared continental challenge requiring shared continental solutions.

South Africa remains committed to enforcing its immigration laws firmly, fairly and consistently, while upholding the constitutional values and human dignity that define our democracy.

We believe that sustained dialogue, enhanced border cooperation, orderly labour mobility and inclusive economic development remain the most effective long-term responses to migration pressures across our continent.

Finally, Excellency,

Our generation has inherited from those who came before us a relationship built through sacrifice and sustained through trust.

Our responsibility is to leave to future generations a partnership that is even stronger—one that delivers opportunity, prosperity and hope to every citizen of South Africa and Namibia.

May this Fourth Session of our Bi-National Commission be remembered not simply for the agreements we conclude, but for the momentum we generate and the future we build together.

It is therefore my great honour to declare the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission officially open.

I thank you.

Programme Director;
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli and Premiers here present;
Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Cyril Xaba;
South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau and Deputy Minister, Mr Zuko Godlimpi;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, I have seen Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Pinky Kekana;
Reverend Musa Zondi, MECs and Mayors present;
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Mzwandile Masina and Select Committee Chairperson, Mrs Hildergard Sonja-Boshoff;
SEZ Advisory Board Chairperson, Mr Fish Mahlalela and CEOs of our Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks;
Members of the Diplomatic corps;
International partners; 
Distinguished Investors and Captains of Industry;
Development Partners, Labour and Community Leaders;
Our Friends from the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning, Sanibonani!

Thank you, Executive Mayor Xaba, for the warm welcome, and Minister Parks Tau for setting the scene of the conference. It is a privilege to attend the Second International Special Economic Zones Conference in Durban, a city that represents the transformative potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in promoting investment and inclusive economic growth.

Durban is the leading marine gateway in sub-Saharan Africa, with the Port of Durban as its centrepiece. The city is a critical node between the industrialised interior, particularly Gauteng, and the global markets, handling a large proportion of South Africa’s sea-borne goods. Its progress from a colonial trading post to an important international hub is based on centuries of history, strategic industrial policies and continuous infrastructure development.

Today, the legacy of strategic infrastructure and industrial development is exemplified by the Dube TradePort and the Durban SEZ. These initiatives are driving investment, innovation and economic transformation, particularly the linking of the Dube TradePort with King Shaka International Airport and the Port of Durban, which handles more than 60% of South Africa’s container traffic. 

It is therefore fitting that we have gathered here today to advance a national project of spatial and industrial transformation. At its heart, this project is focused on building a more productive, competitive, and inclusive economy. This includes the creation of sustainable jobs, the expansion of opportunities for enterprises, and the restoration of dignity through meaningful economic participation for all people.
As President Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life”.

Our SEZs are, in many respects, an expression of that vision of creating the conditions for investment, industrialisation, employment, and shared prosperity, so that economic growth becomes a pathway to economic freedom, dignity and a better life for all South Africans.

This task extends beyond any single province. Across our nation, from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo, from the Eastern Cape to the Northern Cape, SEZs are unlocking regional potential, strengthening industrial capacity, and connecting local enterprises to regional and global markets.

They are also strategically positioning South Africa as a gateway to the African continent and supporting the broader vision of an integrated, industrialised and prosperous Africa.

Indeed, this is a vision rooted in a strategic choice South Africa made nearly three decades ago. In 1997, we introduced the Industrial Development Zone programme to create world-class industrial hubs that would attract investment, boost exports, and drive industrial growth.

Recognising the power of strategic infrastructure and supportive policy, the programme laid the foundation for a more competitive and diversified economy. Over time, it has evolved into the Special Economic Zones programme, with a broader focus on accelerating industrialisation, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic development in South Africa and across the African continent.

Honoured Delegates,

A World Bank study has concluded that South Africa's SEZ programme has proved successful so far, attracting R14.8 billion in revenue and creating more than 30,000 jobs across sectors like automotive manufacturing, agro-processing and renewable energy.

Key benchmark projects, such as the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) and the Coega Industrial Development Zone in the Eastern Cape, serve as primary drivers for skills development and downstream supply chains.
We have learned valuable lessons since Coega was designated in 2001. By 2010, Government had invested more than R3 billion in Coega alone, attracting 21 investments valued at R9.2 billion and generating 2,837 operational jobs. However, some of these investments were not new, but had relocated from elsewhere due to weakened municipal service delivery and township integration, leading to zones risking becoming enclaves.
In response to this, in 2012 we shifted to Special Economic Zones under the SEZ Act. and today under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, we are entering a third phase: the Spatial Industrial Development Strategy. 

To ignite manufacturing-led industrialisation, the South African government has identified key economic sectors categorised into three areas:
(i) Decarbonisation, aimed at low-carbon technologies and climate resilience; 
(ii) Diversification, focused on expanding the manufacturing base for value-added goods and export markets; and 
(iii) Digitalisation, emphasising the integration of productivity-enhancing digital technologies across industries.
The Industrial Development Strategy aims to increase the manufacturing sector's GDP contribution from 12%, as manufacturing has significant multipliers to reduce socio-economic issues like unemployment especially among youth and women. The Special Economic Zones Programme is a key mechanism for this re-industrialisation agenda, and after more than a decade, it's crucial to evaluate its impact.

As former Deputy Minister Majola said at the SEZ CEOs Forum, “SEZs and industrial parks are critical players in South Africa’s industrialisation agenda and economic growth. But they will not succeed unless we improve performance in each of the SEZs.”
This therefore requires fully operational, well-resourced SEZs supported by reliable infrastructure, efficient regulation, and good governance to drive industrialisation, attract investment, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

Colleagues, we are not starting from a blank slate. We are building on an existing network of SEZs and Industrial Parks that have already established industrial foundations across every province of our country.

From Coega, the largest SEZ on the African continent, spanning more than 9,000 hectares, driving automotive, energy and manufacturing clusters alongside the Port of Ngqura;

To Saldanha Bay, our only designated freeport, strategically positioned to develop South Africa as a leading marine repair and services hub for the Atlantic and Indian Ocean oil and gas industries;

To Musina-Makhado, located along the vital N1 North–South Corridor into the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with a focus on mineral beneficiation, logistics and agro-processing;

And to the East London Industrial Development Zone, a UNIDO-recognised Eco-Industrial Park that is setting the benchmark for green industrialisation, automotive components and sustainable manufacturing.

Together, these strategic industrial platforms demonstrate that the foundations for accelerated industrial growth are already in place. Our task is to strengthen their performance, deepen their integration into regional and global value chains, and ensure that they become powerful engines of investment and inclusive economic development.

But we must go further. The new Spatial Industrial Development Strategy demands that we reference every new zone against six layers:
1. Infrastructure corridors – ports, rail, and energy. No zone can thrive in isolation.
2. Resource endowments – from the Bushveld Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) to our agricultural belts.
3. Existing Industrial Parks – Isithebe, Ezakheni, Babelegi. We must revitalise them and plug them into SEZ value chains.
4. The District Development Model – Every district must identify its competitive advantage.
5. Socio-economic data – Zones must be located where jobs are needed most.
6. Community integration – A zone is not successful if the township next door sees no benefit.

This is spatial referencing not as a technical exercise but as a tool for both spatial and economic justice.

I should also make it clear that as Government, we are not planning for the next election cycle. We are planning for the next generation. In this regard, the Cabinet has endorsed a 20-year SEZ development framework, with formal evaluations every five years.

Years 0-5: Baseline and Discipline. We will map, audit, and set KPIs for every zone. Investment, jobs, exports, and SME linkages. No more vanity projects.

Year 5: First Evaluation. We will ask challenging questions: Did this zone generate new investment, or did it simply relocate existing investments? Did it create jobs? If a zone scores below 60% on our scorecard, we will trigger the five-year intervention framework that Minister Tau has announced. We will restructure, repurpose, or de-designate if necessary.

Years 5-15: Consolidation and Expansion. We will deepen clusters – automotive in Coega and East London, PGMs in Limpopo, and marine in Saldanha. We will sign SEZ Pacts so that National Government, Provincial Government, and District Municipalities deliver incentives in unison.

Years 15-20: Maturity. By 2046, we must fully integrate our SEZs into global value chains and their local communities. A young person in Mthatha should be able to envision a career path that starts at a TVET College, progresses to an SME supplier, moves to a factory floor in the East London IDZ, and ultimately leads to an export market.

Honoured Guests,

Investors tell us that they want certainty. This certainty is provided through among others the three-sphere incentive package:
Nationally, we offer the 15% corporate tax rate for qualifying SEZ companies, and the Section 12i Manufacturing Allowance of up to R900 million, VAT and customs relief in our Customs Controlled Areas, and the Employment Tax Incentive for youth.
Provincially, our entities, such as the Coega Development Corporation and SBIDZ, provide subsidised land, world-class infrastructure, and bespoke skills programmes.

At the district level, our municipalities commit through Service Level Agreements to fast-track zoning, provide bulk services, and ensure 30% procurement from local SMMEs within a 5km radius.

However, incentives are not entitlements. They are part of a compact. In return, we expect investment, exports, jobs, and transformation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have 5,400 SEZs globally competing for the same capital. We cannot compete simply by being the cheapest. We compete by being the most strategic, the most reliable, and the most inclusive.

To our SEZ CEOs: Your performance will be measured every five years. Not on glossy brochures, but on actual jobs and exports.
To our Mayors: An SEZ cannot function if there is no water, no electricity, or no road to the factory gate. 

The District Development Model must assist us to actively implement the District Development Model in your Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

To our investors: South Africa is open for business, but we are not open for extraction. We want you to benefit here, to train here, and to partner with our SMMEs here. 

To our communities: These zones are yours. Hold us accountable. The girl in Mdantsane must see the East London IDZ as a promising future for her and generations to come. The artisan in Musina must see the SEZ as a market, and most importantly, a door to global markets.

In closing, let me leave you with the guiding vision of South Africa's Industrial Policy: "Industrialisation to create employment and rising incomes; transformation to build an inclusive economy; and a capable state to drive effective implementation."

That is the mandate before us. As we leave Durban, let us renew our collective commitment to ensure that our Special Economic Zones become engines of investment, innovation and opportunity, not islands of prosperity, but catalysts for inclusive growth that will uplift every province and every community across our country.

I Thank You, Inkomu.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 17 July 2026, co-chair the fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) with Her Excellency President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia in Pretoria.

Namibia is one of South Africa’s foremost strategic partners amongst countries in Southern Africa. The bilateral relations are conducted through a structured mechanism that is pursued within the framework of the Bi-National Commission (BNC). Since its establishment in 2013, three (3) BNC sessions have been convened.

The 4th BNC will be preceded by the Council of Ministers Meeting on 16 July 2026 and the Senior Officials Meeting from 14-15 July 2026.

South Africa and Namibia maintain strong bilateral relations, rooted in a shared history of solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Namibia's political stability and close ties with South Africa position it as a key strategic partner within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and on the global stage.

The two countries share aligned views on advancing the political and economic integration of the African continent. They are committed to Africa’s renewal, Pan-African values, strengthening South-South cooperation, multilateralism, and upholding a rules-based international governance system.

The bilateral partnership is robust and spans a broad range of sectors, including political dialogue, economic cooperation, environmental management, science and technology, social development, as well as defence and security collaboration. Significant progress in bilateral relations has been made since the dismantling of apartheid as evidenced by the seventy-five (75) signed agreements. These agreements / MoUs cover a wide spectrum of areas including political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation, as well as historical pertinent agreements relating to the handing over of Walvis Bay.

The SA - Namibia BNC and will also incorporate the South Africa – Namibia Business Forum which be held under the theme; ‘Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships.’

The session will bring together government and business representatives from both countries, to engage and collaborate on efforts that will strengthen trade and investment.

South Africa and Namibia maintain robust trade and investment relations, with over 50 South African companies investing in Namibia between 2023 and 2025, contributing approximately USD 1.2 billion in capital and creating around 4,900 jobs across key sectors such as mining, banking, insurance, property, and renewable energy.

The SA-Namibia BiNational Commission will take place on Friday, 17 July 2026 as follows:

South Africa - Namibia BNC Opening Ceremony
Time: 10:00
Venue: Dirco Conference Centre , Pretoria

South Africa - Namibia BNC Closing Ceremony
Time: 12:00
Venue: Dirco Conference Centre , Pretoria

Media accreditation: Ms Kgopotso Rapakuana - rapakuana@dirco.gov.za

South Africa - Namibia Business Forum
Time: 15:00
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Media Accreditation: Ms Phumzile Kotane - pkotane@thedtic.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President Media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

As the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will on Saturday, 18 July 2026, join and officiate the Mandela Day Water Services Project Launch and Acceleration Programme on Unserved Communities - Babanango Water Supply Scheme in Babanango, Zululand District Municipality,  KwaZulu-Natal Province.

This forms part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s national programme, a flagship initiative aimed at rapidly expanding access to safe and reliable water services for communities that remain unserved or underserved. 

The Programme responds directly to the priorities articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2025 and 2026 State of the Nation Addresses, the establishment of the Presidential Water Crisis Committee and Government's commitment to accelerate service delivery through practical, sustainable and fit-for-purpose interventions. 

On the day, Deputy President Mashatile, together with Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will handover 27 decentralised water supply schemes. 

Additionally, they will officially launch and commission a number of strategic water supply projects in different municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. 

The programme will also take a two-phased approach, with the first part focusing on a key project and the second part on boreholes aligned to the programme to accelerate water provision to unserved communities.  
 
The provincial handover will align with the national handover of the selected 67 projects as a symbolic celebration of International Mandela Day. These water supply schemes are in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape.  

Details of the event are as follows:

Part One: Project site inspection 
Date: 18 July 2026
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 09:00) 
Venue: Nhlengile Spring Water Package Plant, uMzinyathi District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal 

Part Two: Community Engagement 
Date: 18 July 2026
Time: 11:40 
Venue: Babanango Project site, Nhlengile Village, Zululand District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province

For more information and accreditation, please contact Mr Sthembiso Sithole (The Presidency) on 078 356 4355, Mr Ishmael Selemale (GCIS) on  ishmael@gcis.gov.za  or uMngeni-uThukela Water  Spokesperson, Mr Siyabonga Maphumulo on 082 303 4243. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Over the last two months, we have observed a sustained campaign that seeks to isolate South Africa from the rest of the African continent, under the guise of protesting against the recent wave of anti-illegal migration protest that we have recently experienced here in South Africa. 

This campaign has sought to create an impression that South Africa is now a pariah state, which must be referred to international courts. 

This is despite numerous official government communication condemning acts of vigilantism against foreign nationals, asserting the state’s primary role to enforce immigration laws and the commitment to the supremacy of our constitution. 

More concerning has been the peddling the false information by a diplomatic representative of a country that has become central to this campaign. Even ordinary diplomatic exchanges over meetings have been deliberately misrepresented to create an impression that South Africa is being isolated.  

As the Presidency, we firmly reject and caution against the peddling of false information against South Africa and we further assert that any campaign that seeks to misrepresent what South Africa is and represents will be rejected with the utmost contempt that it deserves. 

Recent evidence shows that this false campaign, concerning as it, is faltering. South Africa is not isolated. 

On the contrary, South Africa remains firmly engaged with our African continent and the rest of the world.

Just last week on the 10th of July, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation of Ministers and senior government officials, was warmly received by the President of the French Republic, His Excellency, Emmanuel Macron.

The engagement affirmed France as a key strategic partner for South Africa, with both countries enjoying a longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchanges and other fields. The leaders also took the opportunity to exchange views on global developments of mutual interest, as well as to review progress in advancing bilateral priorities.  

Earlier on the same day, President Ramaphosa, co-chaired the Leaders Group meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee on Education alongside the Director-General of UNESCO; and attended the Transforming Education Summit +4. 

The engagements were productive and outcomes oriented; and South Africa was honored to be part of shaping the future of global education that really is the bedrock upon which the entire Agenda 2030 rests. 

This demonstrates a South Africa and a President that is fully engaged with contributing towards a better Africa and a better world. 
Since the beginning of this year to date, President Ramaphosa has engaged with various leaders on the African continent, either through bilateral meetings, telephone calls, Bi-National Commissions or chairing extraordinary summits of SADC, as the current chair of our regional body. Some of these leaders include the President of Botswana, the Heads of States of the Southern African Customs Union, which is currently being chaired by South Africa, hosting President Rutto of Kenya on a state visit, discussing issues of migration with the Presidents of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 

Week before last, President Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a show of solidarity with the government and the people of the DRC, during a challenging time facing the country as it battles with the Ebola pandemic. South Africa has pledged a considerable financial contribution to the fight against Ebola. President Ramaphosa and other senior government officials remain directly engaged with the Africa CDC in ensuring that the continent prevails in defeating Ebola. 

This is a South Africa that is engaged with the African continent and that can never be isolated. 

The Minister of Internation Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamola recently concluded a working visit to South Sudan representing South Africa in the Committee of Five of the African Union which is chaired by President Ramaphosa.

The C5 is responsible for overseeing the process of the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan. The Minister has reported to the President that he left South Sudan with a renewed hope that peace will prevail. And, that a process of inclusive national dialogue involving all the signatories to the revitalized agreement will be undertaken. 

The Minister was further given a guarantee that all the processes that will ensue from now onwards will remain credible and inclusive of all parties that will participate in this process. 

For South Africa it remains vital that the elections in South Sudan are inclusive, transparent and fair, and that the security environment is conducive to conducting free and fair elections. President Ramaphosa convened the C5 Summit in Addis Ababa in the sidelines of the AU summit earlier this year in February. Once again, we assert that South African is not isolated and can never be isolated from the rest of the African continent.  

UNTED NATIONS INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM AND ISRAEL 

South Africa has taken note of the latest report on Israel’s violations and crimes against and affected Palestinian children, published on 23 June 2026, by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel (“the Commission of Inquiry), which reaffirmed its previous finding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The commission also found that a clear pattern of conduct exists of Israeli forces directly targeting Palestinian children; and “inflict[ing] severe, irreversible bodily harm on Palestinian children, including causing severe physical and psychological injury”, whether through “bombings, intentional shooting, collapsing buildings, lack of medical care, denial of access to adequate nutritious food and safe water”. 

The Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel created “living conditions that are fundamentally incompatible with the physical growth and intellectual development of children and the holistic environment necessary for children’s well-being”; systematically restricted and diminished the survival capacities and health of Palestinian new-borns; and systematically attacked Palestinian education. The harm and trauma will affect Palestinians for generations.

These findings unfortunately confirm that the risks South Africa warned about in its Application to the International Court of Justice in December 2023 have materialized, and children are bearing the costs of the international community’s inaction. Three Provisional Measure Orders from the International Court of Justice, and two Advisory Opinions, later — little has improved. A so-called ceasefire is in place, but — as emphasised by the Commission of Inquiry at its press conference during the release of the report: “Palestinian children in Gaza continue to be killed and seriously injured, with continued disregard by Israel for the ceasefire and for the protection owed to Palestinian children under international law”.

Rather than allowing aid in at scale, Israel has forced humanitarian organisations and human rights defenders to halt or scale back their work in the occupied Palestinian territory through “sustained harassment, threats, bans, sanctions and attacks on their reputations”, leaving Palestinian children “even less protected” and risking the continuation of violations of their rights with impunity
South Africa will continue to follow the example of the children of Soweto in 1976: to confront injustice with bravery. South Africa is using those legal and political avenues available to fight for Palestinian existence, struggle for Palestinian self-determination, and a future for Palestinian children, free from the domination, subjugation, and oppression of discrimination, segregation, and apartheid. We are not doing so blind of the difficulties inherent in healing from illegal settler colonial occupation, but we also know that healing is possible. Healing can, however, not take place in a context of the continued denial of self-determination, and the maintenance of apartheid.

Most importantly, healing cannot take place during an on-going genocide, as it requires the continued existence of a group. 

Children are the core and the future of a people, and — as one of the eminent judges of the International Court of Justice reminded us — “a people is the core of the right to self-determination; without the existence of a people, there is no basis to exercise the right to self-determination.”

As the news of the massacre in Soweto in 1976 catalysed a movement of broad international solidarity, perhaps the horrific practices now outlined in the Commission of Inquiry’s report will encourage a broader movement of solidarity and encourage more and more States to join South Africa and act — with urgency.

PUBLIC PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT 

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO ATTEND THE TOTOYA HILUX-LINE-OFF CEREMONY

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 16 July 2026, attend the Toyota Hilux-Line-Off Ceremony, which marks the commencement of local production of Toyota's latest generation Hilux model and showcases South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.

The ceremony will be held at the Toyota South Africa Motors Manufacturing Plant in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

Toyota's R10.4 billion investment reinforces South Africa’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub and demonstrates continued investor confidence in the country’s industrial sector. 

The investment will strengthen local manufacturing capacity, enhance export competitiveness, and contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The event provides an opportunity to reaffirm government’s commitment to industrialisation, investment-led growth, manufacturing competitiveness, export development, and strong public-private partnerships that support inclusive economic growth and South Africa’s broader development priorities.

The President will also tour the manufacturing plant and address an engagement with the business sector.

The event will be attended by government representatives, global, local and business partners in the automotive industry.

The Ceremony will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 10h30
Venue: Prospecton Manufacturing Plant, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
 
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS THE SEZs AWARDS GALA DINNER

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 16 July 2026, attend and address the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Achievement Awards Gala Dinner at the Durban International Conference Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

The event celebrates the achievements of South Africa's 12 designated SEZs and their contribution to industrialisation, investment attraction, exports, job creation, skills development, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.

To date, the SEZ Programme has attracted over R31 billion in investment from 224 companies and created more than 28 000 direct jobs, reflecting the programme's growing economic impact.

The 2026 SEZs Achievement Awards recognise excellence in leadership, governance, investment promotion, job creation, innovation, export growth, SMME integration, local procurement, and sustainable industrial development.

The awards also honour outstanding CEOs, investors, and strategic programme implementation that advance South Africa's industrial growth.

The awards categories will include Special Economic Zone of the Year; Best Economic Zone Newcomer; Most Improved SEZ in South Africa; SEZ Investor of the Year; SEZ Demonstration of Good Governance and Investment Enabler of the Year.

The ceremony will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 18h00 
Venue: Durban International Conference Centre in KwaZulu-Natal

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media Accreditation Enquiries should be directed to Bongani Lukhele on BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za/ 079 5083 457/ 074 2998 512

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO CO-CHAIR 4th SOUTH AFRICA- NAMIBIA BINATIONAL COMMISSION

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 17 July 2026, co-chair the fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) with Her Excellency President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia in Pretoria.

As an immediate neighbour, Namibia is one of South Africa’s foremost strategic partners in Southern Africa. 

Bilateral relations are conducted through a structured mechanism that is pursued within the framework of the Bi-National Commission (BNC).

Since its establishment in 2013, three (3) BNC sessions have been convened.

The 4th BNC will be preceded by the Council of Ministers Meeting on 16 July 2026 and the Senior Officials Meeting from 14-15 July 2026.

South Africa and Namibia maintain strong bilateral relations, rooted in a shared history of solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

Namibia's political stability and close ties with South Africa position it as a key strategic partner within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and on the global stage.

The two countries share aligned views on advancing the political and economic integration of the African continent.

South Africa and Namibia are committed to Africa’s renewal, Pan-African values, strengthening South-South cooperation, multilateralism, and upholding a rules-based international governance system.

The bilateral partnership is vibrant and spans a broad range of sectors, including political dialogue, economic cooperation, environmental management, science and technology, social development, as well as defence and security collaboration.

Significant progress in bilateral relations has been made since the dismantling of apartheid, as evidenced by 75 signed cooperation agreements.

These agreements or memoranda of understanding cover a spectrum of areas including political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation, as well as historical agreements relating to the handing over of Walvis Bay.

This week’s session will incorporate the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum which be held under the theme “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships.”

The session will bring together government and business representatives from both countries, to engage and collaborate on efforts that will strengthen trade and investment.

South Africa and Namibia maintain robust trade and investment relations, with over 50 South African companies investing in Namibia between 2023 and 2025, contributing approximately USD 1.2 billion in capital and creating around 4,900 jobs across key sectors such as mining, banking, insurance, property, and renewable energy.

The SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission will take place on Friday, 17 July 2026 as follows:

South Africa-Namibia BNC Opening Ceremony
Time: 10h00
Venue: Department of International Relations Conference Centre 2

South Africa-Namibia BNC Closing Ceremony
Time: 12h00
Venue: DIRCO Conference Centre 2

Media accreditation: Ms Kgopotso Rapakuana - rapakuana@dirco.gov.za

South Africa-Namibia Business Forum

Time: 15h00
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre

Media Accreditation: Ms Phumzile Kotane - pkotane@thedtic.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO OFFICIATE THE UNSERVED COMMUNITIES ACCESS ACCELERATION PROGRAMME

Marking International Nelson Mandela Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday 18 July 2026 officiate the launched of the Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme. 

The launch is in alignment with Mandela Month, and it is geared towards rolling out vital water infrastructure to historically marginalized areas. 

Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of the global icon, former president Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July. Established by the United Nations, the day is a global call to action encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to public service in recognition of his 67 years of fighting for social justice.

The launch will take place in the Eastern Cape and here in Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province. The programme emphasizes the long-term goal of the Presidential Water Crisis Committee to deliver sustainable, decentralized groundwater treatment to rural and peri-urban areas. It serves as a major component of national government interventions designed to restore dignity and combat deep-seated poverty, aligning closely with the 2026 Mandela Day themes of equality and active citizenship.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on Friday, 17 July 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Infrastructure & Investment Conference, to be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The SEZ are geographically designated areas that provide world-class infrastructure, streamlined administrative processes and a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to attract investment and support industrial development.

The conference, which is held under the theme ‘Reigniting Industrialisation Through World Class SEZs’, takes place as Government advances the implementation of the Spatial Industrial Development Strategy to strengthen manufacturing-led industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

Discussions during the Conference are expected to focus on strengthening the governance and performance of SEZs, mobilising investment in industrial infrastructure, and unlocking opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The conference will also reflect on the outcomes of the inaugural SEZ Conference held in 2019 and consider practical interventions to improve the ease of doing business, enhance coordination across government institutions, increase the participation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in SEZ value chains, as well as strengthen public-private partnerships, and improve energy security to enhance South Africa's competitiveness as an investment destination.

Hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC), the conference will bring together Government, business, organised labour, investors, development finance institutions, academia and international experts to discuss the role of SEZs in driving industrialisation, attracting investment, expanding exports and creating sustainable jobs.

In his keynote address, the Deputy President is expected to reaffirm Government's commitment to working with all stakeholders to accelerate industrial development, promote investment, support economic growth and job creation.

Details of the Conference are as follows:
Date: Friday, 17 July 2026
Time: 09:00
Online platform: A link to be provided

Members of the media interested in covering the conference are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media House, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria