The Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, publicly sign into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill which directs the transformation of the South Africa’s health care system to achieve universal coverage for health services and, through this, overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.
 
The signing ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, at 14h00. 
 
Media wishing to cover the event are advised that the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, will conduct a question-and-answer session with media immediately after the signing.
 
For media RSVPs, kindly contact Mr Terrence Manase from The Presidency Communications on 082 338 6707 and/or Terrence@presidency.gov.za

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Republic of South Africa yesterday, 10 May 2024, returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of the Palestinian people in Gaza from grave and irreparable violations of their rights under the Genocide Convention, as a result of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah.

The urgent application follows the escalation of Israel’s assault on Rafah, which poses extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services into Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the very survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group. South Africa contends that the attack on Rafah further worsens the prevailing situation and causes irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and that the situation has changed significantly since the Court’s Order of 28 March 2024. 

Rafah is home to 1.5 million Palestinians. It is the last refuge in Gaza for those displaced by Israeli action, and the last viable centre for public administration and the provision of basic public services, including medical care. Since the start of the military action in Rafah, Israel has seized control of both the Rafah and the Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossings, effectively controlling all movement in and out of Gaza and cutting off all critical humanitarian and medical supplies, goods and fuel. Israel has further prevented medical evacuations and has treated evacuation zones as extermination zones as evidenced with the destruction of hospitals in Gaza and discovery of mass graves in other major health care facilities in the Strip.

Therefore, South Africa is calling for urgent interventions and investigations of all actions that continue to cause irreparable prejudice to the rights of Palestinians, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) for targeted killings. 

South Africa has therefore requested that the Court indicate the following provisional measures:

1. The State of Israel shall immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive in the Rafah Governorate. 

2. The State of Israel shall immediately take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of United Nations and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza, as well as fact-finding missions, internationally mandated bodies or officials, investigators, and journalists, in order to assess and record conditions on the ground in Gaza and enable the effective preservation and retention of evidence, and shall ensure that its military does not act to prevent such access, provision, preservation or retention.

 3. The State of Israel shall submit an open report to the Court: (a) on all measures taken to give effect to these provisional measures within one week as from the date of this Order; and (b) on all measures taken to give effect to all previous provisional measures indicated by the Court within one month as from the date of this Order.

South Africa further requested that the Court reaffirm and seek urgent compliance by Israel with the provisional measures ordered by the Court on 26 January and 28 March 2024. In particular, South Africa petitioned the Court to urgently reaffirm the application to the Rafah and Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossings of provisional measure 4 of its 26 January 2024 Order and provisional measures 2(a) and (b) of its 28 March 2024 Order. These measures will require the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the two crossings to allow for the unimpeded movement of medical personnel, including the United Nations and other humanitarian personnel and medical evacuees, as well goods and services that are vital to addressing the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

South Africa remains firmly of the view that the necessary condition for the effective implementation of the Court’s provisional measures is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. 

“We call on the international community, including the allies of the State of Israel, not to turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The gross human rights violations perpetuated by Israel have scaled to incomprehensible levels of cruelty, hate and extreme violent oppression. The world must do more to end the persecution of Palestinians, including that of many innocent women and children.

 In this regard, South Africa is deeply heartened by the protest actions of university students in the United States and other parts of the world. We are also greatly encouraged by the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that recommends to the Security Council to reconsider favourably the application by the State of Palestine for full membership of the United Nations. The support to this resolution shown by 143 countries is a further demonstration that the world is listening to the cries of the Palestinians,” says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is saddened by the passing of retired Constitutional Court Justice and Esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, Yvonne Mokgoro.

Justice Mokgoro passed away on Thursday, 9 May 2024, at the age of 73, following an extended period of illness arising from a vehicle accident.

On behalf of Government, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Prof Job Mokgoro and the late Justice’s immediate and extended family, as well as her many associates in the legal fraternity in South Africa and abroad.

Justice Mokgoro was a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from its inception in 1994 until the end of her 15-year term in 2009.

She obtained a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B Juris) degree at the then University of Bophuthatswana (now North-West University) in 1982, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) two years later, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1987.

She also studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States of America, where she obtained a second LLM degree in 1990.

Throughout her legal career she taught a number of courses, including Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law Jurisprudence, History of Law, Comparative Law, Criminal Law, Private Law and Customary Law at a number of universities in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the USA and the Netherlands.

She wrote and presented papers, and participated in a myriad national and international conferences, seminars and workshops in South Africa and internationally, mainly in sociological jurisprudence and particularly on human rights, customary law, focusing on the impact of law on society generally, and on women and children specifically.

In 2015 she was inducted as a Member of the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her excellent contribution in the field of law and administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

President Ramaphosa said: “Justice Mokgoro’s passing deprives our nation of a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist who served our democracy at its very inception and through the years that followed.

“As we recall the inauguration of our Founding President Nelson Mandela 30 years ago on this day, 10 May, we count his appointment of Justice Mokgoro to the Constitutional Court as one of the critical, transformative decisions he exercised in those early days of our liberation.

“As a black female judge, she was a pioneering embodiment of and contributor to the transformation of our country and the legal system and new jurisprudence that enabled this transformation.

“Justice Mokgoro distinguished herself as an academic, a justice of our apex court, Chairperson of the South African Law Commission and as a strategic advisor to a diversity of boards in different sectors.

“Her insightful and principled counsel lives on in the thousands of legal careers she shaped in the course of her academic endeavours.

“She has left us under very tragic circumstances, and we therefore join the family in their sadness and in their prayers that this beloved mother, patriot, leader and citizen of the globe will rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.

The new legislation is a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment which recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved.

The amended legislation addresses shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979 which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women.

Currently, Muslim couples who choose to marry according to Islamic law can only be afforded the statutory protection of the South African legal system as it pertains to civil spouses if they, in addition to their marriage under Islamic law, register a civil marriage.

The amendments enacted by the President provide for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage; and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Ms M Ramokgopa, Minister for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Ms P Kekana, Deputy Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Deputy Ministers in The Presidency, DM Morolong and DM Motaung,
Distinguished speakers and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa is a journey through triumphs, challenges, and ongoing progress. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation that has overcome immense adversity to embrace unity, democracy, and equality.

While milestones like the end of apartheid have been monumental, there's recognition of the work still ahead to address systemic issues and ensure that freedom truly reaches every corner of society. It's a time to celebrate progress, honor those who fought for change, and commit to building a future where every South African can thrive.

For some, 30 years may seem like a long time, yet when we consider what the democratic state inherited in 1994, it was always clear that our journey would be long and with many highs and lows. In 1994, we were a fractured nation.

The very fabric of our country had been torn apart by apartheid’s policies, which had systematically excluded black South Africans to the fringes of society. Planning and development in South Africa before 1994 was fragmented, thus enabling their exclusion and marginalisation from developmental opportunities.

As His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa said during the State of the Nation Address in February this year, and I quote:

“Over the last three decades, we have been on a journey, striving together to achieve a new society – a national democratic society. Just as we cannot deny the progress South Africans have made over the last 30 years, nor should we diminish the severe challenges that we continue to face. We have endured times of great difficulty, when the strength of our constitutional democracy has been severely tested.”

Ladies and gentlemen,

Against this backdrop, I say this with conviction as we gather here today the South African story as it is, continues to inspire millions of people all over the world especially those who continue to wage struggles against oppression.

Since we are going to launch the Review of 30 years of Government, allow me to allude to the third party comments about South Africa:

1. According to the World Bank, South Africa is the leading economy in the African continent with nominal GDP of over $US373 billion.

2. Gross Tax revenue collection increased from R147,3 billion in 1996 to R2,155 trillion in 2023/2024 - the ever growing economy, while facing headwinds at present, has demonstrated the ability to create jobs and employment despite historical and structural challenges.

3. South Africa has 750 000km road network, and it ranks 11th amongst the countries with largest road network. 159, 272 km of SA road network is paved / tarred and ranks 19th globally.

Mr President, it is no small feat that South Africa has achieved universal access to education for children between the ages  of 7 - 15 years  and we are on track to achieve universal access to Early Childhood Development. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and its predecessor TEFSA, the Government continues to break generational poverty with families and households having first time graduates, something many would not have dared dreamt of.

The World Bank reckons that we have been achieve this because South Africa on education outspends the P5 countries (permanent members of the Security Council – the US, UK, Germany, Russia and China), you can even add France, Italy, India and Australia. The South African Government spends 6.2% on education as share of GDP.

So, South Africa of today is much better than the South Africa of 1994, but they say – a picture says it best. Allow the video complied by Brand South Africa say it for me.

Thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, has today, Wednesday, 08 May 2024, successfully concluded a visit to Rand Water Zuikerbosch Plant in Vereeniging, Gauteng Province.

The Water Task Team was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address water challenges in various areas in the country.

Rand Water is the largest bulk water utility in Africa and is one of the largest in the world, providing bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West – an area that stretches over 18 000 km2.

 “In our efforts to avert a water crisis in Gauteng province and other municipalities around the nation, it is imperative that we have strategic engagements and collaboration with the Rand Water leadership in order to urgently find solutions to this pressing issue," said the Deputy President.

During the engagement, the Deputy President received an update on Rand Water’s efforts aimed at ensuring the efficient provision of water to residents of the Gauteng Province. With a global reputation for providing high quality water, its customer base includes metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, mines and large industries in Gauteng and surrounding areas.

The Deputy President commended efforts by Rand Water to ensure that millions of people have access to water on a constant basis, as this has a significant impact on the well-being of the society as it relates to socio-economic factors such as health, food security and general welfare.

As part of the visit, the Deputy President undertook a guided tour of the water purification plant at Zuikerbosch Station 5A, built to ensure sustainable water supply, and meet the current and future water demands. The water purification plant is part of the Rand Water’s capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility system to ensure water security.

 “I am eager to collaborate closely with the Rand Water leadership to identify a preventative measure against the impending water scarcity crisis. It is widely recognised that water is essential for sustaining life, and ensuring access to an adequate amount of water is a basic duty outlined in the Constitution, which states that "Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water," said the Deputy President.

The Deputy President was supported by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance, Mr Parks Tau as well and as well as senior government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Presidency
 

Programme Director, Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza,
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,
Premier of Limpopo, Mr Stan Mathabatha,
Executive Mayor of Waterberg District Municipality, Cllr SM Mataboge,
Mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Cllr N Taueatsoala,
Distinguished guests,
People of Mokopane,
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Goeie môre. Livukile. Sanibonani. Good Morning. 

It is a great pleasure to be here today with the residents of Mokopane to launch these new trucks, which are going to make a huge difference in the lives of the people of Limpopo. 

We are bringing Government to the people.

The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. 

We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper. 

For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach Government services can take a lot of time and be expensive. 

With these mobile offices, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on transport to go into town to apply for services from the Department of Home Affairs.

It has now become easier because Home Affairs is coming to you.

Today we are launching these mobile offices, where you will be able to apply for a smart ID, a passport, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate or a death certificate on site.

A total of one hundred trucks will now go into service, adding to the 20 that we rolled out last year.

We are planning to order at least 100 trucks every year until we reach a total of one thousand.

We have also opened a new Department of Home Affairs office here in Mokopane, which will further help you to access these services.

These mobile offices are fully-equipped and will be fully connected wherever they are situated, even in rural areas.

This new fleet of mobile Home Affairs offices won’t be moving constantly around the provinces. They will be available in a village or town at a particular time so that people can know when to go there.

We are planning to take these mobile offices to schools so that learners who need the services don’t have to take days off school. 

The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM. 

Once this system is up and running you will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate. You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card.

Another way we have taken Government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations. This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.

Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one we are launching in Mokopane today.

To the people of Mokopane, 

I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. 

Take pride in them and help us to care for them. 

These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.

This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom.

With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans.

During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.

They used influx control to deny the country’s majority access to work and other opportunities, and forced them to carry a dompas to make them strangers in their own country.

Since 1994 we have progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally resident here.

By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the Department is helping them to lead lives of dignity. 

It ensures their right to access public services and social protection.

It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.

The civil registration statistics generated by the Department of Home Affairs guides our decisions, policymaking, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Since democracy we have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.

The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward.

Allow me to thank all those who have been part of this successful launch and to congratulate the Department of Home Affairs for its efforts.

Let us continue to work together to build South Africa. 

Let us ensure that everyone in the country can access the services they need.

Let us leave no-one behind.

I thank you.

The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will tomorrow, 07 May 2024, hand over 15 generators to the Limpopo Department of Education. 

The Generators  will be distributed to 15 schools to  help ensure an uninterrupted power supply at the schools in events of  load-shedding.

Members of the media are invited to attend the handover as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 07 May 2024
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Matimba Secondary School, Nkavele Village, Limpopo 

Members of the media are required to RSVP by sending their details (name, surname and media house) to Kutlwano Huma on kutlwano@presidency.gov.za or 078 133 1482

Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity, on 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Ministry in The Presidency for Electricity
Pretoria

The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will be hosting a media briefing to provide updates on the progress of the Energy Action Plan.

Date: Monday, 06 May 2024  
Time: 11h00 (media setup from 10h00)  
Venue: Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

Live Streaming:
 
- Facebook: GovernmentZA
- Twitter: GovernmentZA
- YouTube: GovernmentZA

RSVP:

Kindly RSVP by sending your details (name, surname, media house, and car registration) to:

- Takalani Mukwevho: takalanim@gcis.gov.za  
- Kutlwano Huma: kutlwano@presidency.gov.za  

Deadline: 10h30, Sunday, 05 May 2024

Media enquiries: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity, on 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: GCIS on behalf of the Ministry in The Presidency for Electricity  
Pretoria

Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, is today, 03 May 2024, visiting the first of its kind in South Africa, Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP), which is a planned gas-fired power plant that will include open cycle gas turbines and combined cycle gas turbines. 

The plant, located in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), will have a maximum capacity of 3,000 megawatts. 

This gas-to-power project will be a game changer in addressing South Africa's electricity challenges by offering a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy solution.

The introduction of gas-to-power projects will help diversify the country's energy mix, reducing reliance on coal and promoting cleaner energy sources.

The Minister, joined by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and the MEC of Economic Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Siboniso Duma, will be briefed by Eskom Executives on the status of the project. 
 
Members of the media are invited for a door-stop opportunity at the end of programme as follows:

Date: Friday, 03 May 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Richards Bay IDZ, 125 Alumina Allee, Alton, Richards Bay

Please contact the following persons when you arrive on site:

- Kutlwano Huma on 0781331482 or 
- Bongi Gwala on 0727934757 or 
- Ndabezintle Sibiya on 0823754742

Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, spokesperson for the Ministry in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, on 082 084 5566

Issued by: The Ministry in The Presidency responsible for Electricity
Pretoria

A multi-disciplinary grouping of national departments has committed to collaborate strategically to ensure universal access for citizens to comprehensive early childhood development services, with a focus on prioritising the nation’s most vulnerable children.

This will be complemented by the South African Police Service (SAPS) deploying resources and services to ensure the safety and protection of children.

The wellbeing and development of children was the focus of the recent inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Early Childhood Development (ECD) convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The meeting on 23 April 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive early childhood development services to all children.

President Ramaphosa characterised ECD as the real revolution for the country’s long-term development.

The early years of a child’s life provide the foundations for their future flourishing and success.

Moreover, equitable access to comprehensive early childhood development opportunities is the cornerstone of improved educational outcomes and inclusive economic growth.

Progress towards expanding these opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind, therefore needs to be early and rapid.

The objectives of the inaugural Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting were to establish the IMC through an adopted Terms of Reference, clarify the mandates of each department for ECD delivery, agree on proposed priority areas for ECD programmes, and agree on the development and reporting against a joint outcome-based monitoring & evaluation framework for ECD to track progress against proposed priority areas.

During the meeting, several key points were discussed and agreed upon:

1. Integrated Support for Children's Potential: It was emphasised that for children to reach their full potential, they require a range of interconnected and diverse support delivered by various Government departments as well as social sector partners. 

2. Collaborative Approach: The Departments of Basic Education; Health; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Social Development; Higher Education and Training; Labour; Sport, Art and Culture; and Correctional Services and Home Affairs will collaborate strategically to ensure universal access to comprehensive ECD services, with a focus on prioritising the most vulnerable children.

The SAPS will also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of children.

Support from the National Treasury and the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation will be vital in enabling these departments to fulfil their mandates.

3. The priorities of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the next 5 years: The IMC for ECD, supported by a Director-General Committee agreed on the following 5 priorities:

• Every child to have access to a flexible package of age-appropriate, affordable ECD programmes 
• Improved collaboration between the government departments, provincial departments and social sector partners.
• Sufficient funding and resourcing to be targeted effectively to the most vulnerable communities
• A capable ECD workforce to be developed that is well-supported and equipped; and
• To enhance programme quality through appropriate support and monitoring.

4. Finally, the IMC also agreed to the joint development of an outcomes-based framework to track progress on the key outcomes and services that are likely to drive changes in child outcomes, as measured by the Thrive by Five Index. 

The Department of Basic Education will be convening future IMC meetings and is committed to working collaboratively with other relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to quality early childhood development services.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee affirmed its belief that investing in children's early years is the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,
The President of the Black Business Council, Mr Elias Monage,

Allow me to stand on the protocols already established.

Mr President,

I always find it difficult to introduce you as a President of the Republic, when you have to address your people. Tonight, I think I have figured out how to do it.

Last year, I was privileged to speak and participate at the BBC Annual Summit on “the political economy of South Africa and where we were heading”.
 
In that conversation, I insisted that Decades of institutionalised discrimination created vast disparities in terms of access to wealth and opportunities, hence South Africa still has levels of  economic marginalisation and exclusion. 
 
I reassured the Summit, that at the forefront of the government’s programme is  addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which are the legacy of Apartheid. A critical aspect of this programme is the  pursuit of economic transformation and empowerment.

I asserted that the future of South Africa's political economy:

1. Will be the pursuit of inclusive growth aimed at addressing income inequality, and empowering marginalised communities.
 
2. That as the nation sought to reduce its reliance on finite resources and adapt to changing global trends, economic diversification will gain importance. Encouraging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, tourism, services and green economy to increase their contribution to long-term sustainability and resilience.
 
3. That South Africa will focus on enhancing infrastructure networks to support industrialisation, trade facilitation, and regional integration, while also addressing historical disparities in access to services.
 
4. That tackling corruption and strengthening governance structures will remain crucial.
 
5. Reducing poverty and improving social welfare programs will also remain a political priority as we continue on a quest to break generational poverty.
 
6. Encouraging innovation, fostering digital literacy, and promoting the growth of the technology sector by embracing digitalisation and technological advancements is also a priority.

7. Lastly that strengthening ties with African nations, deepening partnerships with emerging economies, and pursuing mutually beneficial trade agreements will feature prominently in South Africa's economic strategy.
 
Of course, my contribution to the discussion on the political economy was before the Census 2022 Results that clearly articulated the progress our country has made in the last 30-years whilst point to the gaps confronting us, and the release of the Manifesto of the governing party.  

So, Mr President, it is always better to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. Let me invite you to address this august gathering of an important sector of our society. 

Mr President.

The South African Government has learnt with sadness of devastating floods in northern Afghanistan that have claimed more than 300 lives.

The Government and the people of South Africa stand in solidarity with those affected by this tragedy and laud the emergency rescue and medical personnel in their tireless rescue efforts.

South Africa extends heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan following these flash floods and offers our deepest sympathy to those families who lost their loved ones as well as their homes. 

The thoughts of the South African people are with the people of Afghanistan. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has learned with great sadness of the passing of struggle veteran, former Robben Island prisoner and longstanding Pan Africanist Congress of Azania member, Mr Kwedi Mzingisi Zilindile Mkhalipi, who has passed away at the age of 90.
 
The President extends his deep condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Baba Mkhalipi, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of Luthuli in Silver and former Chief Executive Officer of the National Co-operatives Association of South Africa.
 
He was an operative in the Pan Africanist Congress’s (PAC) underground movement and took part in the 30 March 1960 march by between 30 000 and 50 000 protesters from Langa and Nyanga in Cape Town to the police headquarters in the city.
 
Mr Mkhalipi was charged with sabotage in 1965, due to his underground activities and was sentenced to 20 years on Robben Island.
 
He was released in December 1985, but immediately arrested under a state of emergency and deported to the former Transkei.
 
On his release he taught History, Business Economics and Economics at several schools around the Cape Peninsula.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “Baba Mkhalipi was a stalwart whose extended lifespan was one he dedicated to the freedom of South Africans and the betterment of our society.
 
“He made severe sacrifices as the apartheid state sought to constrain him but he was undeterred in his determination that we should be free. He had a passion for the education and economic liberation of the oppressed and stood firm in his activism, regardless of the consequences this invited from the regime.
 
“He deserves to be honoured and remembered by us while he rests in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, will be hosting a media briefing to provide updates on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.

The media briefing will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, 13 May 2024  
Time: 09h30 (media setup from 09h00)  
Venue: Kusile Power Station

Live Streaming:
 
- Facebook: GovernmentZA  
- Twitter: GovernmentZA  
- YouTube: GovernmentZA

RSVP:  

Please RSVP by completing the attached Media Desk_Request to take footage at Eskom power stations.pdf form and sending it to:
  
- Kutlwano@presidency.gov.za
- Samboav@eskom.co.za

RSVP deadline: Sunday, 12 May 2024 at 08h30

Media enquiries: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity, on 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Ministry in the Presidency for Electricity
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 08 May 2024, attend the launch of the 30 Years of Democracy Review Report in Pretoria.

The report to be handed over to the President by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will reflect on the political, social, and economic journey of transformation of South Africa since 1994 at the advent of democracy, in order to derive lessons and make recommendations for the country’s development agenda.

The report will also provide critical evidence for the development of the new MTSF 2024 – 2029, which serves as a five-year plan of government towards the implementation of the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

The event will take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 08 May 2024
Time:11h00 (Media arrival at 09h00)
Venue: Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria 

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP through the link below before the end of business on Monday 6 May 2024 

The registration link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UhDK1Pi6dUSwUNqCMk2d-brsaoQ9ehVHiEDoa7fQqQ1UQUxWQkdUQzJCRDVMM1ZQOTk4RjFZUUIyTC4u

Media accreditation enquiries should be directed to Ms Keitumetse Moutloatse(DPME) 073 532 6161/Keitumetse@dpme.gov.za

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director, Ms Katlego Msomi;
Mr George Sebula, AUBC President;
AUBC Global Director and NAAMSA CEO, Mr Mike Mabasa;
Director General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation in The Presidency, Dr Robert Nkuna;
Representative of the National School of Government, DDG Dr Maja;
President of the South African Indo-Afro Business Association (SAIBA), Dr Kinesh Pather;
Business leaders and representatives;
Representatives from The Presidency;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

I had eagerly anticipated interacting with you, particularly because of the theme of this engagement, "the role of leadership in economic growth." Undoubtedly, effective leadership significantly affects the economic landscape of nations and societies.

We are convinced that to build our economy, leaders from all sectors, including business, politics, Government, and civil society, must work together. We must collaborate, with each playing a distinctive part, to generate employment and boost trade investment between our nation, the continent and the world. Our roles are all important, and if one lags behind, it will affect the growth of our economy.

It is our duty as political leaders in Government to formulate policies that promote an environment conducive to economic growth. This is because effective economic policies can stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and drive innovation.

Moreover, as you may have observed, since the advent of democracy, we have created political stability by promoting free and fair elections, which will continue to be the case in the upcoming election on 29 May 2024. A stable political environment is critical for investor confidence and economic growth.

Your responsibility as a leader in the private sector is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, both of which are vital to economic expansion and job creation. Furthermore, the private sector is key to enhancing the competitiveness of the South African economy. Together, as leaders, we possess the foresight to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and make strategic decisions that drive sustainable economic development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our journey to freedom and democracy illustrates the results of leaders who collaborated for the greater good. We were able to achieve our freedom because of selfless leaders like former President Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and many others who gave up their lives to achieve the political freedom we enjoy today.

Despite attaining political freedom and substantial advancements since 1994, South Africa is yet to realise economic freedom and an economy that adequately provides for the majority of its populace. As present-day leaders across various sectors of our society, we must set aside our differences and concentrate on fully rousing the potential of South Africa’s economy.

We must proactively address socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption. In this regard, I agree with what Prof. Somadoda Fikeni once said; “Corruption is the biggest threat to SA's democracy.” To reach the goal of ending poverty and boosting economic growth set out in the National Development Plan (NDP), we must all work together to fight corruption and support accountability, openness, and good government.

Indeed, this fight against corruption should be multifaceted, involving both the public and private sectors. We have to strengthen anti-corruption partnerships, intensify efforts, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to corruption led by capable leaders, who are resilient, highly adaptable and are willing to implement bold reforms to surmount our challenges and transform the economy.

Cognisant of the legacy of exclusion from participating in the economy because of race, and gender specifically, it is critical that leaders across sectors become intentional in their inclusion of women, youth and other marginalised groups in economic reform efforts. The participation of women specifically is essential in addressing some of the socio-economic challenges that potentially hinder economic growth, considering the significant role they generally play in society generally. Investment in women and female-led businesses to achieve economic development and gender equality must as such remain a priority in the agenda for transformation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

An ANC Government will continue with the expansion of industries for an inclusive economy, revitalising the economy, and investing in people and micro businesses, particularly those owned by previously marginalised groups. We aim to make South Africa a nation that fosters investment by creating an environment that is conducive for investment to everyone.

In this regard, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, we have introduced the Red Tape Reduction Team to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further stimulate business development. The team focuses on reducing red tape in priority areas such as mining rights, tourism operator licenses, travel visas, work permits, and the informal sector, aiming to create a competitive and vibrant economy. The intention is to speed up the discipline of execution and ensure faster results.

In this case, we are making progress in reducing regulatory impediments for SMMEs and cooperatives, as well as making it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses. Specifically we have reduced regulatory hurdles for SMMEs and cooperatives, reduced VAT refund processing time from 15 weeks to 4 to 5 weeks and reduced the Corporate Income Tax audit process from 32 weeks to 17 weeks.

Additionally, the Minister of Small Business and Enterprise has proposed an SMME and Cooperative Funding Policy, mandating Business Development Service Providers to provide pre-funding support to these enterprises.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Regarding the energy supply, we commend the Minister of Electricity's leadership for tirelessly striving to find solutions to power cuts and increasing energy availability. It is commendable that we have had four conservative weeks without power interruptions. We equally commend the Eskom team as led by Mr Dan Morakane in this regard.

While some think that this is an electioneering strategy, I want to reassure you that this reality is just evidence of improvements in the entities operations. Our strategy has been the implementation of a concerted and deliberate Energy Action Plan (EAP), which has improved Eskom's performance.

As Government, we remain committed to implementing the EAP’s key interventions, which include fixing Eskom and improving the availability of existing supplies; enabling and accelerating private investment in generation capacity; and unleashing businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar energy.

Furthermore, we are ensuring that all power stations have the right leaders who will drive the appropriate discipline within those operations. As the government, we welcome the changes made over the past 18 months in Eskom’s leadership and believe that with the right skills, talent, and experience we can sooner achieve an energy secure future.

We are similarly committed to implementing all necessary steps to maintain the security of our infrastructure, as it is crucial to attaining long-term economic and social goals. As you may recall, in May 2020, the Cabinet adopted the Infrastructure Investment Plan to demonstrate our commitment to infrastructure development and moved swiftly to implement it.

The plan includes projects from the Government, State-owned enterprises, and the private sector in six sectors, namely; energy, water and sanitation, transport, digital infrastructure, human settlements, as well as agriculture and agro-processing. We are certain that these ambitious projects will boost the economy and reduce unemployment.

Recently Cabinet has taken a decision to establish a water task team which I lead working with the Ministers of Water, Human Settlements, Police, Electricity, Finance and COGTA. The task team seeks to implement a coordinated intervention to avert the water supply shortage in the country. Together with these Ministers, we are visiting water infrastructure facilities across the country, engaging with water boards and visiting the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as part of our effort to meet the water needs in the country.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would also like to urge the Confederation and its members to take advantage of the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This trade revolution will shape the continent's future by stimulating innovation and value-chain growth, industrialisation and job creation across the continent.

Given Africa's present population of 1.2 billion and its predicted increase to 2.5 billion by 2050, the AfCFTA will be the biggest free-trade area since the World Trade Organisation's inception. It will boost African trade, enhance the capacity of African companies to cater to global markets, and foster African economic and commercial diplomacy.

To achieve these we must champion policies that empower marginalised communities and create opportunities for all individuals to participate in, and contribute to the economy.

We must continue to address skills shortages and mismatches primarily because a shortage of trained professionals stifles innovation, reduces productivity, and inhibits foreign direct investment. Furthermore, it perpetuates the cycle of unemployment and inequality, preventing individuals from securing gainful employment and contributing to the nation's overall economic prosperity.

As chair of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), I am pleased that we have signed Social Compacts to demonstrate government and social partner dedication to addressing skills shortages in critical economic sectors.

These compacts prioritise digital skills for the 21st century, aligning with the global demands of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. We need to realise that technology has the potential to level the economic playing field, facilitating more and better access to markets. Therefore, as leaders, we must equip the younger generation with skills relevant to the digital economy and necessary for them to succeed in the workplace.

On that note, as we celebrate International Workers Day tomorrow, it is crucial to recognise the vital role of the workforce in the economy. Human labour produces goods and services, and the market relies on individual skills and competencies. We, as social leaders, can improve these abilities through education and training, making the labour force a dynamic talent pool for businesses.

In conclusion, let me re-emphasise that we have a collective role to play in paving a way for future generations of leaders to contribute to the transformation of our economy. Through strategic leadership, we unlock the countries' potential, drive innovation, and creates a better future.

Thank you and I look forward to having a meaningful discussion with you.