 Your new post is loading...
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) for a period of five years.
The Commission is a body established in terms of the South African Constitution of 1996.
Section 31 of the constitutional Bill of Rights directs that: “Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic community may not be denied the right, with other members of that community to enjoy their culture, practice their religion and use their language; and to form, join and maintain cultural, religious and linguistic associations and other organs of civil society.”
The Commission undertakes its protection and promotion of these rights through proactive and reactive approaches.
As the department responsible for the administration of the CRL Rights Act, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs issued a public notice for nominations of persons for appointment to the Commission for 2024 to 2029.
Nominees were shortlisted and invited to interviews before a selection panel chaired by Prof Itumeleng Mosala submitted recommendations to the President.
Following this process, President Ramaphosa has appointed the following persons to advance the work of the Commission:
- Ms Thoko Nonhle Jeanette Mkhwanazi-Xaluva Ms Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, who previously served as a Commissioner, is also Head of Public Education and Advocacy unit within the Commission. She is involved in promoting and protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and nation building as an activist.
- Mr George Henry Mahlangu Mr Mahlangu is the Prince in the Amandebele wakwa Ndzundza Sokhulumi. He possesses extensive knowledge of culture and experience in ensuring safer initiation practices in communities with the ability to resolve complex community issues.
- Dr Tsholofelo Masetshaba Mosala Dr Mosala is a former Commissioner with an interest in youth matters, coupled with her experience as a researcher in culture and Anthropology, and as a budding poet.
- Mr James Petrus Mapanka Mr Mapanka is an activist for the Khoi, Nama and San languages. He is a former teacher and local government official who has served on various boards in Northern Cape Tourism and been honoured for his work with a special award by the Northern Cape MEC of Education.
- Mrs Doris Tsakane Nkwe Mrs Nkwe is a linguist, culturist, education and researcher who holds a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics. She is an indigenous language activist who is a former teacher and lecturer.
- Dr Sylvia Mmamohapi Pheto Dr Pheto served as a Commissioner in the previous Commission and previously worked as a public servant at the North West provincial legislature. She also brings to the Commission her experience as Secretary of the Women’s Wing of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa.
- Professor Muneer Abduroaf Prof Abduroaf served as a Commissioner in the previous Commission. He is a law lecturer and Executive Council Member of the Muslim Judicial Council. He combines legal competence with a grounded understanding of the Muslim religion.
- Adv. Sipho Gideon “Rasta” Mantula Adv. Mantula was previously a researcher in the CRL Rights Commission. He is an active participant in South Africa’s tapestry of cultural and linguistic community dialogues including the Rastafari National Question.
- Ms Xolisa Donna Makoboka Ms Makoboka is a Social Justice Practitioner and former senior manager in the Department of Social Development responsible for nation building and social cohesion. Her experience includes a period as a manager in the Public Education and Advocacy Unit of the CRL Commission.
- Dr Rajendran Thangavelu Govender Dr Govender is a seasoned social anthropologist with extensive academic and professional experience in Zulu and Hindu cultures. He brings practical experience in fostering cultural preservation with various senior leadership roles within cultural, linguistic and religious organisations.
- Professor Mokgale Albert Makgopa Prof. Makgopa is a language practitioner with experience in promoting and protecting indigenous languages. He serves as an educator teaching Northern Sotho, Tshivenda and Xitsonga). He has experience in development of indigenous languages throughlinguistic, literature and folklore at institutions of higher learning.
- Adv. Aubrey Kgositoi Sedupane Adv. Sedupane has extensive experience in human rights law and holds Master of Law degree in Human Rights Law. He has experience of working in various communities, and has investigated and mediated critical cases that involved violation of rightsof CRL communities.
President Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 12 of the CRL Rights Act appointed Ms Mkhwanazi-Xaluva and Mr Mahlangu as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, respectively.
The President expresses his deep appreciation to outgoing Commissioners for their service and wishes the new Commission well in promoting and defending the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Tuesday, 10 December 2024 At the invitation of the South Africa-China Economic Trade and Association (SACETA), Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, attend and address the Launch Ceremony of Corporate Social Responsibility Report of Chinese Funded Enterprises in South Africa, scheduled to take place at the China Construction Bank in Sandton, Gauteng. SACETA was established in April 2011 and serves as a vital platform for fostering economic and trade collaboration between China and South Africa. It represents 200 Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa and is guided by the principles of Shared Future and Joint Pursuit. Through their collective efforts, SACETA members have made significant contributions to South Africa’s economic growth and social development. In this regard, SACETA will launch the Corporate Social Responsibility Report of Chinese-funded Enterprises in South Africa, 2024 report. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows: Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Time: 11h00
Venue: China Construction Bank, 95 Grayston Drive, Morningside, Sandton Members of the media are requested to RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505. Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840. Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Wednesday, 11 December 2024 Programme Director,
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Dean Macpherson,
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Angie Motshekga,
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MEC’s,
Executive Mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr. Thomas Ngwenya,
Traditional and community leaders,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning. Sanibonani. Avuxeni. Goeie môre. I greet the residents of KwaMhlanga and the Nkangala District Municipality. It is a pleasure to be here in Mpumalanga again. We are here as Government to report that we have delivered on our promise to address the problem of old and dilapidated bridges in Mpumalanga. Communities have been struggling with this for some time. Poor transport infrastructure has been making it difficult to get to and from places of work, school, the hospital and clinic, and to towns and cities from rural areas. In some cases, what would normally be a quick journey from one place to another takes double the time because there is no bridge. This has been particularly difficult in areas near or separated by water sources like rivers or streams. When the rains come or there are heavy floods, crossing becomes difficult and dangerous. As Government we have heard your call as the people of Mpumalanga for this issue to be addressed. Earlier today we officially launched bridges at Vezubuhle, Leratong and Zakheni as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme. This is a ground-breaking method to construct bridges that are sturdy, that last, and that are safe for communities. This programme has been in existence since 2020 and is a designated Strategic Integrated Project under our national infrastructure build. We have been working with speed to deploy the bridges where they are needed most, in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North-West, the Eastern Cape and the Free State. We were all extremely impressed by the quality of the structures we visited earlier, as you have seen in the video that has just been played. This type of bridge is known as a Bailey bridge. It is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge constructed with timber and steel alloys, suspended on reinforced concrete. The biggest advantage of a Bailey bridge is that it can be transported and assembled in a matter of days, compared to constructing a regular bridge. During the devastating floods in parts of the country two years ago, we were able to deploy 14 of these bridges to support affected communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. These bridges are made to last. With regular maintenance, the average lifespan of a Bailey Bridge is twenty years. Bailey bridges have been used by the military since the Second World War. Here in South Africa, they are being constructed by the South African Army Engineer Formation. I want to once more congratulate the South African National Defence Force for its contribution to uplifting communities. Whether as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, in assisting with water source rehabilitation, or deployed to guard critical energy infrastructure, the SANDF is driving development and progress across our land. Welisizwe bridges are addressing the legacy of apartheid-era spatial planning, when investment in quality infrastructure was confined to certain areas. Our rural communities were most disadvantaged by this neglect, and this is something we as government are determined to resolve. These bridges will improve mobility for all the people of the province. Our learners will be able to make it safely to and from school. It will be easier for our elders to reach hospitals and clinics, and to get to pension pay points. These bridges will make commuting safer, faster and easier for women and children, because they don’t have to make their way through areas that are unsafe, especially at night. Pedestrian safety will be improved. Beyond improving mobility and connectivity in rural areas, the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is creating decent work and business opportunities for our citizens. Earlier we heard from local entrepreneurs on how the construction of a Welisizwe Bridge brought them business. A key component of this programme is that components and construction materials must be sourced locally. We also heard from the beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme or EPWP. Each bridge site deploys Army engineers, artisans and EPWP workers who provide services like welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention. The EPWP also supports skills development. Graduates are appointed to work in bridge assessment, project management, maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers. I am told that the construction of the bridges we launched today created work opportunities for 105 EPWP beneficiaries. This is 105 unemployed South Africans given a chance to earn a living. With this income they were able to support themselves and their families. With the skills they learned, they are now able to secure further employment in construction or other sectors. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has set itself an ambitious target of constructing 288 bridges by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year. Seventeen of these bridges are planned for Mpumalanga. An amount of R3,8 billion has been allocated for this purpose over the 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 financial years. In line with the localisation requirement, construction materials and bridge components will be sourced from local suppliers. We anticipate that approximately 17 000 job opportunities and 510 training opportunities will be created during this phase, including for EPWP participants and artisans. This is the model to which we aspire. The construction of social infrastructure that meets community need, helps us achieve our national infrastructure build goals, and supports job creation. This year marks thirty years since we attained our democracy. We inherited a country where one’s quality of life was determined by the colour of one’s skin. What this meant was that white South Africans and predominantly white areas got decent and quality roads and bridges, hospitals, clinics and schools. Over the past thirty years we have made considerable progress in leveraging public infrastructure to narrow the gulf of inequality. This programme is part of that effort. As the Seventh Administration we are committed to speeding up the pace of service delivery to ensure more South Africans have access to the amenities they need to lead lives of dignity. I want to make a call to our communities. Look after these assets. They are your assets. They are for the benefit of your community and for the benefit of future generations. Work with local and provincial authorities to ensure they are protected from vandalism. Use them safely and for the purpose they are intended. Desist from any acts that damage them or make them unsafe for use by others. As local and provincial authorities, let us ensure that members of the community and local businesses benefit from the opportunities created by the construction of the bridges. As National Government let us continue to think innovatively and creatively when it comes to our respective service delivery models. This programme is best practice in how we can address backlogs and provide services within tighter timeframes and at a lesser cost. Allow me to thank all who have been part of making today a success, and thank you for all the hard work and planning that has gone into this launch. The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a sign of our commitment as government to bring development to all, and most importantly to ensure that no-one is left behind. I thank you.
Thursday, 12 December 2024 Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellency, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. We thank you for honouring our invitation and making your first State visit to our country. Allow me to begin by congratulating you on your re-election following the August elections in Angola. It is gratifying to us all to see multiparty democracy flourishing across our continent. There was polling in at least 17 countries in Africa this year, including in Angola and South Africa. We all ascribe to the vision of an Africa of good governance, human rights, sustainable development and economic integration encapsulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This State Visit is an opportunity to give impetus to that vision by strengthening trade, investment, political and people-to-people relations between our two countries. South Africa and Angola share a fraternal bond that dates back to the support the MPLA gave to our liberation struggle. When Angola achieved independence in 1975, we were still suffering under the tyranny of apartheid rule. Your Excellency, The decision to elevate our structured bilateral mechanism from a Joint Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) reflects our common commitment to deepen our relations. I am delighted that you will be hosting the inaugural session of the BNC in Angola next year. Co-chairing this first session with you will be an honour, especially given that it will be during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angolan independence. Increasing trade and investment between South Africa and Angola remains our foremost objective. South Africa must become the destination of choice for Angolan goods, products and services, and vice versa. Approximately twenty South African companies already have a presence in Angola, and over the years have been on a concerted drive to explore investment opportunities beyond the oil sector. South African FDI into Angola has been in a range of sectors such as financial services, IT, food and beverage, transportation, warehousing and tourism. South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation also has investment projects in Angola, namely in the Cabinda Oil Refinery and the Cabinda phosphate project. We want to see more Angolan companies in South Africa. Opportunities exist in infrastructure development, agriculture, construction, mining, financial services, telecoms and manufacturing, to name but a few. With the international community having committed to low-carbon, climate resilient development, there is also vast potential for cooperation in cleaner and renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, electric and NEV manufacturing and others. South Africa has prioritised implementing structural economic reforms to improve the business operating environment and investment climate, and through these we hope to attract more Angolan investors. Both Angola and South Africa have substantial mineral deposits. We need to cooperate on strategies and policies that ensure there is greater beneficiation of our minerals. This will become especially important as the global demand grows for the critical minerals needed in the energy transition. In this regard, South Africa is immensely encouraged by the development of Angola’s Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor. We stand ready to work with Angola and contribute within the project possibilities that exist. We see the African Continental Trade Agreement as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, and we must take advantage of the system of preferential terms provided to signatories. As both Angola and South Africa strive to accelerate the pace of industrialisation, we need to build mutually complementary capabilities in manufacturing and value-addition of products. The Business Forum that will take place during this State visit is an important opportunity for companies from both countries to explore synergies. It is our expectation that a list of bankable projects will be identified - that can be financed either though private sector capital or public-private partnerships. I look forward to participation in the Forum later today. Your Excellency, As Angola and South Africa, we have a shared commitment to advancing the ideals of Pan-Africanism and to promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts through mediation, negotiation and dialogue. We wish to thank you for the efforts that Angola has lent to peace-building in the Southern African Development Community and the continent at large. South Africa commends Angola for the constructive role it is playing as President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes, as Facilitator of the Luanda Process, and on the Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee for the Republic of Sudan. We must continue to deepen our collaboration towards resolving the conflict in the Eastern DRC, the civil war in Sudan and the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique. Silencing the Guns across Africa is a necessary precondition for stability, economic growth and development. As African countries, we must be at the forefront of promoting the peaceful resolution of conflict, particularly at a time when the future of multilateralism is at stake. Israel’s war on the people of Gaza and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have exposed the limitations and fragilities of international institutions that remain un-representative and unreformed. South Africa stands firm in its call for the institutions of global governance to be reformed, particularly the UN Security Council. The Global South must have permanent representation and a voice on the UNSC, so that it reflects global demographics and realities. We stand firm in our call for multilateralism to remain at the center of global affairs, whether it is dealing with conflict or responding to climate change. We reiterate our call for the United Nations Charter to be respected and for the tenets of international law to be upheld. South Africa has just assumed the Presidency of the G20 and will host the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025. Promoting Africa’s developmental priorities as espoused in Agenda 2063 will be one of the defining elements of our Presidency. Working with the African Union and fellow African countries will ensure that the issues of strategic importance to Africa and the Global South are highlighted. Your Excellency, With these words I welcome you once again and look forward to our discussions. Your presence here testifies to the strong ties of solidarity and friendship between our two countries. I thank you.
Tuesday, 10 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a constructive meeting with the Mpumalanga provincial executive. This was a 3rd session between the National Executive and a provincial executive council following meetings with the provincial leadership of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
Over the next year the National Executive is planning to meet with the leadership of all other provinces. The meeting acknowledged the great potential that exists in Mpumalanga that can be harnessed to resolve the many challenges facing the province. Therefore, inclusive economic growth and job creation must therefore be at the forefront of the efforts of government and all social partners. The President welcomed the detailed approach applied by the provincial leadership on areas that are focused on economic growth and job creation. The meeting welcomed the province’s articulated vision on future catalytic projects that will inject more growth opportunities in Mpumalanga. President Ramaphosa encouraged the province to explore project funding mechanisms that are not wholly dependent on the national fiscus. Relevant state agencies will work closely with the province in the packaging of catalytic projects for private sector partnership and funding. The meeting agreed on further enhancing inter-governmental cooperation in addressing pressing issues in the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation and electricity. President Ramaphosa applauded the Mpumalanga province for its investments into social infrastructure such as boarding schools and hospitals.
For media enquiries:
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President
media@presidency.gov.za
Zothile Ngoma, Spokesperson to the Premier of Mpumalanga
063 722 1676 Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, and Wednesday, 11 December 2024, undertake a visit to Mpumalanga where he will meet with the Provincial Executive Committee, and undertake the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Handover. President Ramaphosa will commence his Mpumalanga visit on Tuesday, 10 December 2024 with a meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive. The meeting will be the third engagement between the national and provincial cabinets following the recent second session with the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal.
The President will meet with the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu and the Provincial Government Executive. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and will deliver an opening address at the meeting. The meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Executive part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration. The Provincial Executive will present to the President its 5-year program aligned to the priorities of the 7th Administration. The meeting will also discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level. Following his engagement with the Provincial Executive, President Ramaphosa will undertake the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Handover in Mpumalanga Province. The handover ceremony will afford the President an opportunity to directly witness the work that has been done since the pronouncements made in the 2023 State of the Nation address. President Ramaphosa indicated at the time that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure working together with the South African Defence Force would build 96 bridges in the financial year 2023/2024. Derived from the Nguni word meaning "to assist the nation in crossing over," Welisizwe was a strategic Integrated Project (SIP) prioritised by the Sixth Administration. Collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence have already commenced implementation in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West. The Welisizwe bridges are a key investment in community Infrastructure and are giving people dignity, access to opportunities for education and work. In areas where Welisizwe bridges are constructed the socio-economic conditions in our communities are improving and barriers for communities to get where they need to get safely are eliminated. These bridges are essential in addressing the challenges faced by citizens and children who previously navigated perilous rivers to access schools and essential social services. Details of the President’s engagements are as follows: MEETING WITH PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Time: 10h00
Venue: Nkangala District Municipality, Middleburg, Mpumalanga Province
WELISIZWE RURAL BRIDGES HANDOVER
Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Thursday, 5 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 December 2024, host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The Heads of State will use the occasion of the State Visit to solidify relations between the two countries who share deep historical ties. President Ramaphosa and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will address a plenary session of a Business Forum on the afternoon of the State Visit on 12 December. The forum will take place under the theme, South Africa and Angola: Working Together to Forge a New Era of Cooperation and Partnerships to Increase Mutually Beneficial Trade and Investment. Media are invited to apply for media accreditation to cover the incoming State Visit by completing the attached accreditation form: SOUTH AFRICA - ANGOLA STATE VISIT MEDIA ACCREDITATION.xlsx. The media accreditation application form for the State Visit can be sent to Hlobisile Nkosi at hlobisile@presidency.gov.za and copy Sydwell Mabasa at sydwell@presidency.gov.za Media accreditation will close on Friday, 06 December 2024 at 12h00. For the Business Forum, accreditation can be sent to Tshilidzi Mugovhoro at TMugovhoro@thedtic.gov.za Strictly, no late applications will be considered. State Visit Details Date: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Speaker of the National Assembly
Speaker of the Senate
Members of parliament
Ministers
Ambassadors
Honourable Brahim Boughali, President of the Algerian People’s National Assembly,
Honourable Members,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening.
It is an honour to be here in the Parliament of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
My delegation and I have been received with great warmth and kindness in Algeria, a country with which we have a deep fraternal bond.
Algeria’s war for independence greatly inspired our liberation struggle in South Africa.
In 1962, in his first speech as leader of a free Algeria, President Ahmed Ben Bella declared that Algeria had a duty to support anti-colonial struggles across Africa.
On another occasion, President Ben Bella said:
“We have no right to think of eating better when people fall in Angola, Mozambique, in South Africa. But we have a ransom to pay. We must accept to die together so that African unity does not become a vain word.”
Algeria made good on this promise to the people of Africa and to the people of South Africa.
We recall that Algeria gave refuge and military training to our freedom fighters.
We recall that in the early 1960s, the father of our democracy, Nelson Mandela, visited bases of the Algerian National Liberation Front as the ANC was setting up its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
In 1963, the African National Congress became one of the first national liberation movements to set up its international bureau in Algiers.
Under the leadership of President Ahmed Ben Bella, Algeria lobbied against apartheid on the world stage and for the racist regime to be isolated.
This great wave of human solidarity in which our brothers and sisters in Algeria took part contributed to the downfall of apartheid and to the achievement of our democracy.
When President Mandela was released from prison in 1990, Algeria was one of the first countries he visited.
We remember the famous words he spoke on his arrival:
“The Algerian army made me a man.”
We remember this history as a constant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of those who came before us.
We who have inherited the torch of freedom have a responsibility to ensure that it continues to burn brightly.
We must wield the torch of freedom to banish forever the darkness of oppression and injustice.
We must ensure that this torch illuminates the path of African progress and unity for the generations yet to come.
Algeria’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation is engraved in history.
We owe the noble people of Algeria a great debt.
As South Africa, we are committed to deepening our fraternal ties with the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Through the Bi-National Commission, we aspire to strengthen our trade, investment and people-to-people relations for mutual benefit.
Yesterday, we held a Business Forum.
It was greatly encouraging to see the interest by South African and Algerian businesses in expanding ties.
There are promising signs that bilateral trade and investment between our two countries is growing.
We seek greater cooperation in areas such oil and gas, green hydrogen, agriculture, aviation, renewable energy and other key sectors.
We seek to use the abundance of natural resources in our two countries to benefit our people.
To share our knowledge and expertise.
To benefit from each other’s strengths and capabilities.
We are determined to create more favourable business and investment conditions in South Africa and Algeria to enable our respective companies to flourish.
We are committed to sustaining the momentum of the African Continental Free Trade Area as part of realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As nations, we know too well the pain of having our lands colonised and our people oppressed.
South Africa and Algeria stand firm in our support for the Palestinian people’s quest for self-determination.
Israel’s barbaric war on the people of Gaza must end.
The killing of women, children and non-combatants; the bombardment of homes, schools and hospitals; and the denial of humanitarian aid is a stain on the conscience of the world.
We cannot turn a blind eye to this injustice.
We have a responsibility to stop this genocide.
Israel must be held accountable for its crimes against the people of Gaza.
Algeria and South Africa need to stand firm in our commitment to the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination.
We applaud Algeria for its unwavering support for the struggle of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own future.
We must remind the international community of its responsibility to the people of Western Sahara.
International law must be upheld.
The values of the United Nations Charter must be respected.
We need to build a new world order founded on justice, fairness and inclusivity.
South Africa reiterates its call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and accountable.
As South Africa and Algeria, we must stand together in our call for the transformation of the systems of global governance.
They need to serve the interests of all countries and all peoples.
We must lend our full support to vulnerable and marginalised people everywhere.
We need to stand up for the innocent civilians who find themselves engulfed in war and conflict.
As an international community, as Africans, we need to do everything within our means to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution of these conflicts.
We must unite as Africans to accelerate the pace of social and economic development, as we strive to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and our own continent's agenda 2063.
It is our great desire that the South African and Algerian Parliaments should deepen their collaboration.
We have much to learn from each other.
There is much we have in common.
We have common histories, common interests, common values and a shared vision for continental unity and cooperation.
Algeria and South Africa are on opposite ends of the African continent.
Yet, we are brought together by a shared struggle.
Let us continue to work together to build the Africa of which we all dream.
Let us build the future that our people all want and all deserve.
I thank you.
Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune,
President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior Officials,
Members of the Media,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to address this 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. South Africa commends Algeria for holding successful Presidential elections on the 7th of September 2024. We congratulate you on your re-election. Thank you for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. It affirms the deep and lasting fraternal bonds between our two countries that were forged in the trenches of struggle. This year marks 30 years since the achievement of democracy in South Africa. It is an occasion to pay tribute to the many countries that supported our struggle for freedom from the bondage of apartheid. The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria was foremost among those countries. We owe the people of Algeria a great debt. We may have achieved our liberation, but the task of development continues. The Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Algeria is an opportunity to engage meaningfully on the issues affecting our respective countries and our continent. We share a common conviction that deepening our bilateral relationship should serve the cause of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability and peace. It is of paramount importance that we strengthen the capacity of the African Union and that we operationalise AU instruments such as the African Court of Justice, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and the AU financial institutions. Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and Algeria have grown exponentially since the establishment of the Ministerial Joint Bi-National Commission of Cooperation in 1998. This was elevated to a Bi-National Commission in 2000, signifying the strategic nature of the bilateral relations that exist between our two countries. This Bi-National Commission covers a range of areas of cooperation. These areas include investment and trade, agriculture, water resource management and information technology. The areas of cooperation also include tourism and people-to-people exchange. This BNC attests to the great potential that exists for even further cooperation. Bilateral investment and trade between our two countries needs to be expanded. Currently South Africa imports mainly chemicals, mineral fuels, ceramic products and machinery from Algeria. South Africa’s top exports to Algeria include prepared foodstuffs, fresh produce, machinery and base metals. We need to be harnessing the comparative advantages of South Africa and Algeria to deepen investment and trade. For example, Algeria is one of Africa’s top oil and natural gas producers. South Africa, with its vast platinum reserves, is positioning itself to be at the forefront of green hydrogen economy. Opportunities exist to deepen bilateral trade and investment in agriculture and agro-processing, aviation, automotive, mining and financial services, among others. The investment climate is ripe for cooperation on infrastructure development. We should prioritise our respective state-owned companies and businesses to support each other’s infrastructure programmes. We should not need to source materials, products and expertise from outside the continent. We must take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. In January this year, South Africa commenced preferential trade under the AfCFTA. We look forward to more countries on the continent operating under the Agreement, including Algeria. We are committed to work with Algeria in this regard. As we work to develop our countries and continent, we cannot be complacent about climate change. Extreme weather caused by climate change – whether in the form of floods, heatwaves or severe drought – has profound social, economic and political implications. Like Algeria, South Africa is already a water-stressed country. The effects of climate change provide a compelling case to further explore cooperation in water resource management. With the countries of the world having committed themselves to low-carbon, climate resilient development, opportunities exist to collaborate in the renewable and cleaner energy space. We look forward to the Business Forum that will take place on the sidelines of the Bi-National Commission as an important opportunity for South African and Algerian companies to connect and explore avenues for collaboration. We meet at a time when the state of global peace, stability and security is extremely fragile. In many parts of the world, we are witnessing the rise of unilateralism, impunity and disregard for international law, which runs contrary to the aspirations of the UN Charter. This is undermining the spirit of multilateralism that must be at the centre of global affairs. South Africa is deeply concerned at the worsening situation in the Middle East. Israel’s war on the people of Gaza continues unabated. We repeat our call for a cessation of hostilities, for the remaining hostages to be freed, and for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people. As we have consistently reiterated, there can be no peace without justice. The only lasting solution to this terrible conflict is for the Palestinian people’s right to statehood to be realised. It is our responsibility as the international community to support all efforts towards this objective. South Africa remains equally concerned by the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco. It is the right of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own destiny. The United Nations and the African Union must fast-track the process to resolve this matter in line with the provisions of the 1991 Ceasefire Agreement, UN resolutions and the legal opinion of international and continental institutions. As a country that won our freedom through dialogue and negotiation, we reiterate our commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict and to peacebuilding efforts in Africa, whether in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Sudan or Mozambique. Beyond the tragic humanitarian toll, these conflicts threaten to derail the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and, with it, peace and development for the continent. We reiterate our call for the institutions of global governance, particularly the UN Security Council, to be reformed and transformed so that they are more representative and reflect global realities. As the Global South, we must remain united and speak with one voice. A few days ago, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20. We will use our Presidency to advance the African agenda and to champion the needs and interests of the Global South. We look forward to welcoming you to the first G20 Summit on African soil. In conclusion, it is greatly encouraging to witness the strong bilateral relations between our two countries. We look forward to further deepening our collaboration. I thank you.
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 05 December 2024, respond to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The responses will cover a range of national and international issues of public importance, including plans to address the growing intergovernmental debt that negatively impacts the provision of service delivery to communities. Amongst others, the Deputy President is expected to provide progress on Government’s efforts to empower spaza shops and informal traders to enable them to handle incidents of food poisoning and advise on monitoring mechanisms to prevent the emergence of unscrupulous traders who are producing and supplying dangerous food products through spaza shops. Furthermore, the Deputy President will inform Members on Government’s programmes aimed at attracting the private sector to investment in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure. The Deputy President will also brief Members on South Africa’s participation in the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, which has been pivotal in promoting credible democratic governance, peace, and stability in the region. In outlining how Government intends on fighting unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment through foreign direct investment, the Deputy President will provide an update on the strengthening of foreign missions to ensure that investments are not centralised but spread throughout the nine provinces. Details of the session are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 05 December 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chambers, Cape Town Livestreaming and broadcast: Parliamentary Channel 408 on DSTV.
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana,
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola,
Members of the media,
Colleagues,
Fellow South Africans,
Two days ago, on the 1st of December 2024, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 group of countries.
The G20 comprises many of the world's largest developing and developed economies.
It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues.
Together, G20 members account for around 85 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of international trade.
The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability.
Decisions taken by the G20 have a direct impact on the lives of all members of the global community.
It has a wide agenda that now includes trade sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment, climate change and anti-corruption.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency takes place at a moment in which the world is facing severe challenges.
The climate change crisis is worsening.
Across the world, billions of people are affected by underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger and unemployment.
The outlook for global economic growth remains subdued, and many economies carry the burden of unsustainable levels of debt.
Geopolitical instability, conflict and war are causing further hardship and suffering. This is all happening at a time of great technological change, which presents both opportunities and risks.
While the challenges we face are common, their causes and consequences are unevenly distributed across and between countries.
Working together with G20 members, and building partnerships across society, South Africa will seek to harness global will and capabilities to confront these challenges.
We all seek to achieve more rapid, inclusive and economic growth.
We all seek a more just and equal world, and a world in which poverty and hunger are eradicated.
We all seek to avert the worst effects of climate change and to preserve our planet for future generations.
The G20 provides us with a platform to pursue these collective goals.
South Africa has adopted the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency.
Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people at the greatest risk of being left behind.
This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations.
The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is unjust and unsustainable.
By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.
We aim to break down divisions of economic status, gender, race, geography or any other characteristic.
Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In line with our theme, we will seek to strengthen and advance the international effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
South Africa’s Presidency will be the first time an African country has presided over the G20.
We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20.
In this regard, we will build on the work of the most recent G20 Presidencies of Brazil in 2024, India in 2023 and Indonesia in 2022.
We will use our G20 Presidency to secure urgent progress on shared goals through a number of priority actions.
First, we must take action to strengthen disaster resilience.
The increasing rate of climate-induced natural disasters is affecting countries around the world, with a devastating impact on those countries that cannot afford the costs of recovery and rebuilding.
We will elevate this issue to leader level, calling for the global community, including international financial institutions, development banks and the private sector, to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.
Second, we must take action to ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries.
A key obstacle to inclusive growth in developing economies, including many in Africa, is an unsustainable level of debt which limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other development needs.
Building on G20 initiatives undertaken in recent years, we will seek to advance sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges and extend debt relief to developing economies.
We will also seek to ensure that the sovereign credit ratings are fair and transparent and to address high risk premiums for developing economies.
Third, we must mobilise finance for a just energy transition.
We will seek to secure agreement on increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing countries.
This would include strengthening multilateral development banks, enhancing and streamlining support for country platforms such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership and more effectively leveraging private capital.
Fourth, we must work together to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.
As minerals extraction accelerates to match the needs of the energy transition, it is crucial to ensure that the countries and local communities endowed with these resources are the ones to benefit the most.
We will use this G20 to champion the use of critical minerals as an engine for growth and development in Africa.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will pursue progress on cross-cutting issues through the establishment of three dedicated task forces.
The first task force is on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality.
The second task force is on Food Security.
The third task force is on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
It is critical for South Africa that the G20 remains focused on its core responsibilities, to address global economic and financial challenges.
It should not replace existing international institutions and platforms, such as the United Nations and associated bodies.
At the same time, G20 initiatives should support, not diminish, the responsibilities that countries have to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and other commitments.
To ensure that the G20 remains focused, South Africa will not create any new working groups or permanent structures.
We will build on previous presidencies and provide momentum to existing structures and processes.
We will reflect on the impact of the G20 over the last twenty years and positioning it to enhance its impact over the next twenty-year cycle.
We will balance an ambitious developmental agenda against the need to achieve sufficient consensus on key issues.
It is important for South Africa that our G20 Presidency is inclusive.
Dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups.
These engagement groups are organised according to sectors, such as business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies and the judiciary.
These engagement groups also include science bodies, think tanks, and audit institutions, as well as institutions of higher learning, specific groups for women and youth including vulnerable groups.
South Africa intends to support the creation a new engagement group, the Township20, or TS20. This will highlight the creative, cultural, financial and innovative capacities of South Africa’s township economies.
Following the approach of the Brazilian Presidency, a G20 Social Forum will be convened.
This will bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society.
South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations.
South Africa’s Presidency will culminate in the G20 Presidency Leaders’ Summit, which will take place in Johannesburg in November 2025.
This will bring together the leaders of the G20 countries, African Union and European Union.
The Leaders Summit will deliberate on the critical issues arising from the working groups, task forces, initiatives and engagements.
The Leaders Summit will adopt a declaration reflecting the collective views of G20 countries and the common actions they will take to address the most important challenges facing the world today.
The G20 Presidency is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to advance efforts towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development.
It is an opportunity to place the needs of Africa and the rest of the Global South more firmly on the international development agenda.
Over the course of the year, there will be more than 130 meetings held across all provinces.
Tens of thousands of people from nearly 30 countries and representatives from over 20 regional and international organisations will arrive in South Africa over the course of our G20 Presidency.
The G20 Presidency is an opportunity to present to the world the great opportunities and experiences that South Africa has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming our friends and partners to our beautiful country.
Through South Africa’s G20 Presidency we will work to build a better Africa and a better world, and to ensure that no one is left behind.
I thank you.
Thursday, 5 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Rail Safety Bill which provides for the regulation of railway safety in the country and recognises that safe railway operations are fundamental to the safety of all persons and the environment. The new law provides for the regulation of railway safety and for the continued existence of the Railway Safety Regulator. The law introduces railway safety permits as well as a national railway safety information and monitoring system. The law recognises that safe railway operations promote the use of rail as an efficient mode of transportation and that the effective provision of railway safety demands uniform policy, norms and standards. The Bill assented to by the President seeks to repeal the National Railway Safety Regulator Act of 2002 which was last amended in 2009, notwithstanding major developments such as a massive rolling stock investment programme and the introduction of the first standard gauge railway system in the country. The legislation also promotes the harmonisation of South Africa’s railway safety regime with the objectives and requirements for safe railway operations of the Southern African Development Community. This is a significant prerequisite for greater regional integration. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Honourable Ministers,
High Commissioner,
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and gentlemen, I warmly welcome you and your esteemed delegation to our country. As we gather here on the occasion of the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our countries, we reaffirm our close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation. We are two countries united in purpose and vision. We will remain forever grateful to Nigeria for its leading role in the international campaign to end apartheid in South Africa. As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open for Nigerian business, reflected in a number of investments and operations established in this country. But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experience. We are encouraged by the actions being undertaken under your leadership to further strengthen and foster a business environment in Nigeria that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa. Our Government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors. We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa. Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa. In addition, tourists from Nigeria are now able to apply for a visa without submitting a passport. We expect that this 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission will enable us to consolidate cooperation in several key areas. We need to implement the many decisions that have already been made and to follow up on progress achieved. Nigeria is South Africa’s largest trading partner in West Africa. However, there is much more opportunity for growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area will allow our two countries to trade in a more seamless manner across a wide variety of products. Let us seize this moment. South Africa and Nigeria are important countries in our respective region and on the African continent more broadly. We are also important voices in the international arena. As responsible members of the community of nations, we ought to be concerned about the future of our global systems of governance. In an increasingly volatile environment, we are witnessing the erosion of the principles that underpin the peaceful conduct of relations among nations, respect for international law and the development of our societies. Multilateralism is under threat. The rise of impunity, unilateralism, conflict and war highlights the urgent need for the reform of the UN Security Council and other global institutions. The Global South needs to lead efforts to achieve an international system that is fair, inclusive and reflects current realities. We commend your work as chair of ECOWAS to promote dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution in the pursuit of peace. We applaud Nigeria’s unwavering support to regional and continental unity. Our regional body, the Southern African Development Community – SADC – has been working to address challenges in our neighborhood. We are seized with the situations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the post-elections developments in Mozambique. There is agreement that these challenges will be resolved through peaceful means. We are witnessing progress in the consolidation of democracy on our continent. This year alone, 19 major elections would have taken place in African countries. It is important that regional and African Union instruments underpinning elections and governance are promoted and strengthened. South Africa has just assumed the Presidency of the G20. It will be the first time that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil. We will place Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South firmly on the G20 agenda. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063, as we pursue an inclusive global agenda. For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind. The challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment also need to be addressed. Our premier continental organisation, the African Union, will be having a change of leadership in its Commission. As we approach the elections of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners at our Summit early in the new year, we should emphasise the need for cohesion, unity and sense of purpose. The Commission to rededicate itself to addressing the development needs of our peoples as reflected in our continental programmes. Once again, Mr President, we are pleased and honoured that you are here in our country to co-chair this session of the Bi-National Commission. We look forward to receiving the reports of the Ministers as our countries continue to strengthen cooperation. Our strong foundations of mutual respect, trust and collaboration must endure. Together, we must work to position Africa as the continent of the future and to realise the vision of our forebears. I thank you.
|
Saturday, 14 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 16 December 2024, deliver the keynote address marking the National Day of Reconciliation to be held at Vredendal, Matzikama Local Municipality in Western Cape Province. The theme for the 2024 National Day of Reconciliation is Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures. The National Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December. The holiday came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid, intending to foster reconciliation and national unity for the country. Recognising the need for racial harmony, the government chose the date for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures. The commemoration of the National Day of Reconciliation takes the form of remembering history, recognising veterans' contributions, marching, healing wounds of past injustices, and other festivities. It will focus on the South African government and its people in advancing reconciliation, nation-building, social cohesion, healing, and forgiveness since the dawn of democracy and the nation’s quest to forge a new path for South Africa. Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Monday,16 December 2024
Time: 11h00am
Venue: Vredendal North Sports Ground,Matzikama Local Municipality, Vredendal
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Wednesday, 11 December 2024 Programme Director;
Ambassador Wu Peng;
Chairman of SACETA, Mr Zhang Chaoyang;
CEO of Samancor, Mr Desmond McManus;
SACETA beneficiaries present;
Senior Government officials present;
Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning, Nǐ hǎo! It is an honour to be invited to this launch ceremony of the Corporate Social Responsibilities Report of SACETA. This event embodies the strong and enduring partnership between our two nations. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) share a strong and longstanding relationship. Throughout the years, the bonds between our two nations have deepened, revealing the potential for collaboration with a mutual goal of promoting inclusive and equitable growth. This was evident when our bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2010, marking a "golden era" of cooperation. In November 2023, I conducted a bilateral visit to the People’s Republic of China. The visit aimed to explore a variety of opportunities to strengthen areas of cooperation and fortify our enduring economic, trade, and interpersonal connections. My visit included co-chairing the 8th BNC, which focused on practical collaboration on international relations, economic cooperation, minerals, energy, education, science & technology, and the oceans economy. One of the outcomes of the 8th BNC was to review the current framework of the Sectorial Committees to include more departments. We have also identified critical areas of cooperation for the next two years. As Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa, we encourage you to increase your investments in important sectors of the economy, particularly the automotive industry and infrastructure development. Moreover, the 8th BNC underscored the urgent need to address the structure of the bilateral trade relationship and promoted broad market access for more value-added South African goods in China. Ladies and gentlemen, Let me also point out that in September this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa made his second State Visit to China, during which he upgraded relations to an All-Round Cooperative Strategic Partnership for the new era. It is commendable that during the second State Visit, the two Heads of State reached several important common understandings, among others including that: ● China firmly supports national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen. ● The two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation and synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the implementation of the 10-year Strategic Program of Cooperation (2020-2029) to address priority political and socio-economic issues. ● Both sides committed to providing a stable, fair, and enabling business environment for companies. ● Furthermore, both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordination and collaboration under the BRICS mechanism and work towards more practical outcomes of cooperation within the expanded BRICS framework. All these visits and engagements demonstrate our dedication and respect for our unique and ever-expanding friendship as we collaborate to establish a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future. Ladies and gentlemen, As a country, we remain committed to collaborating with regional and global partners to promote solidarity and increase trade relations. We believe that such collaboration is important for poverty eradication, inequality elimination, and fighting unemployment. Therefore, today as we gather to launch the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) Report by SACETA, we celebrate not just the economic cooperation between our countries, but also our shared commitment to sustainable development and corporate governance. In this regard, we acknowledge SACETA members' substantial contributions to South Africa's economic and social development. Your participation and investment in our country are critical for creating jobs and promoting economic growth and development. The report launching today highlights the contributions of Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa to environmental conservation, community development, education, and healthcare. It acknowledges the importance of responsible business practices and their positive impact on society, highlighting their dedication to social responsibility and efforts toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 200 Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa serve as role models for businesses, demonstrating that profitability should be balanced with social good. As the global economy faces challenges like climate change and social inequality, businesses must embrace their role as agents of positive change. The Corporate Social Responsibilities Report exemplifies this ethos, inspiring a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. Ladies and gentlemen, As the global landscape continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential for nations to cultivate strong partnerships to thrive and navigate the challenges of the modern world. We should leverage our expertise to navigate towards a more sustainable path, guided by the principles of joint pursuit and a shared future. Our countries have complementary strengths and resources, making us ideal economic partners. China, as one of the world's greatest economies, provides an enormous market for South African goods and services. In return, South Africa provides rich resources, such as minerals, agricultural products, and skilled labour, to support China's rising economy. Improving trade connections between South Africa and China benefits both countries directly and has a positive ripple effect throughout the region. Increased trade creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, and improves living standards for the people of both countries. However, our trade structure is imbalanced. Last year, the value of China's imports far exceeded its exports. Total bilateral trade increased from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023, while China's R146 billion deficits remained the highest among any of the country's trading partners. We intend to work with China in addressing the trade deficit and structure of bilateral trade by broadening its export basket, especially to export more value-added products. South Africa mostly exports minerals and agricultural products to China while importing mostly manufactured goods from China. At a time when African economies are becoming more integrated, China's technological prowess may help Africa industrialise and export more than just raw materials. Instead of exporting raw agricultural items, South Africa may export processed foods that are more valuable. We further agreed that we must meet China's specific market access requirements, such as full compliance with the General Administration of China's (GACC) regulations and standards. However, China can assist by streamlining import procedures and lowering regulatory hurdles; China may become a larger market for our products, benefiting both South African producers and Chinese customers. As Chinese-funded enterprises operating in South Africa, you must seize opportunities in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green energy. Similarly, South African companies can leverage Chinese capital and expertise to expand their operations globally and tap into new markets. South Africa and China can thrive in an interconnected world by forming strong partnerships, overcoming economic uncertainties, and leveraging globalisation's benefits. Maintaining this relationship, building trust, and looking for new opportunities for collaboration are vital for both nations. We believe SACETA's initiatives will continue to foster this partnership by looking at fresh investment opportunities. In 2023, Chinese businesses revealed plans to invest up to 15 billion rand at South Africa's fifth Investment Conference. In that same year, we witnessed the signing of significant purchase agreements totalling 2.2 billion US dollars with companies in both nations. Therefore, our positive trade relations continue to be crucial in combating unemployment, inequality, and poverty. Ladies and gentlemen, To promote the interests of the developing countries and change global governance institutions, we must also keep up our close collaboration and mutual consultation on global issues within the frameworks of the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Recently, President Ramaphosa participated in the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, where South Africa placed high priority on promoting the implementation of Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint for socio-economic development and its flagship projects to redress the post-1994 legacy of unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment. We agreed at the summit that increased coordination between the FOCAC Declaration and Action Plans, the recently adopted Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan, and the strategic intervention areas of Agenda 2063 is essential for Sino-African cooperation in expanding the continent's collective economy. As we take over the G20 Presidency, I must state that South Africa is prepared to host the G20 summit in 2025. We will work to advance long-term solutions to high structural deficits and liquidity issues, as well as to provide debt relief to developing economies. We will take advantage of this opportunity to put the African continent's and the Global South's development priorities to the forefront of the G20 agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, We can all agree that our partnership should go beyond our two countries. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a market of more than 1.3 billion people, provides an even stronger incentive for China and other countries to invest in Africa's manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure. China, which has achieved tremendous success in infrastructure development, is an important partner for Africa in its aspirations to achieve economic integration and global connection. South Africa, as a gateway to Africa's market, is committed to fostering high-quality development by creating an economic environment that facilitates economic opportunities, prioritises redistribution and industrialisation, and attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities. In 2023, the total stock of FDI from China in South Africa amounted to about 5.84 billion U.S. dollars. This was a decrease from 5.74 billion U.S. dollars in the previous year. We call for China's sustained and new FDI to support assembly, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and beneficiation at the raw material source. We need to see increased FDI to create new jobs, expand businesses, and increase production, all of which contribute to the growth of the country's economy. Considering that South Africa is grappling with significant skills shortages across several crucial sectors, particularly in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. I would like to encourage SACETA to also focus on this area. As a country, we have implemented measures to make it easier for foreigners to apply for and acquire work permits. According to Reserve Bank data, each vital talent brought into the country has the potential to indirectly create seven more jobs. As a country, we wish to collaborate with you to address these important skill shortages through attracting foreign talent. We are certain that by partnering with you in this area, South Africa will be able to preserve its long-term growth trajectory, employing people capable of meeting current demands while also adapting to future challenges. As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to expanding South African-Chinese trade and investment cooperation. Together, we can build a more successful and sustainable future for our countries. I thank you.
Wednesday, 11 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, 11 December 2024, receive the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG), His Excellency António Guterres at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s official residence in Pretoria. The UN Secretary-General’s courtesy call on President Ramaphosa and a meeting today with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, takes place in the context of the UN leader’s mission to Southern Africa, which is centred on his attendance of the bicentennial celebrations in Lesotho on Thursday, 12 December 2024. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Saturday, 7 December 2024 Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Honourable Les Govender
Deputy Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and Patron of the National Men's Parliament, Nnkosi Langa Mavuso,
Deputy Ministers Ganief Hendricks;
Traditional, Religious and Business Leaders Present;
Organised Labour;
Former SANDF General and Patron of the Men's Parliament, General Monwabisi Jamangile;
Patron of the Men's Parliaments, His Royal Highness Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu Ka Zwelithini;
Leaders of the SANAC Men's Sector, led by Mr. Beau Nkaelang;
Developmental Partners, especially PEPFAR South Africa and South African AIDS Conference (SAAIDS);
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Molweni, Goeie more, Avuxeni, Thobela, Ndaa!
Compatriots, it is once again an honour to join you at this National Men's Parliament. Last year, we gathered on November 19, to kick off the Programme of Action, to tackle violence against women and children.
We are convening this meeting following International Men's Day, World AIDS Day, and 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. I hope all of you participating in this Men’s Parliament were involved in activities in your respective areas as engaged and responsible men. Compatriots, we remain committed to supporting all initiatives put forward by men's organisations to mitigate the impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide are reported daily, including instances of young girls aged between 15-24 years who have tested HIV positive, while young boys of the same age are HIV negative. This raises a question: Who infects these young girls? As we gather as men today, let us also reflect on this issue and determine to deal with it decisively.
This Men's Parliament should be a meaningful platform for men to engage in conversations and reflect on their mindsets, ultimately becoming good role models in our communities.
Compatriots, we also encourage continued partnership with the Department of Basic Education and Department of Health to ensure that boys are capacitated and supported. We know that some of our boys are already in initiation schools, and we trust that the requisite health screenings and preventative measures have been taken to maximise the safety and protection of our children.
I welcome the newly elected SANAC Men's Sector leadership and challenge you and the National Men's Forum to prepare a detailed report on the work accomplished since the last International Men's Day. This report should be in line with the upcoming launch of another Programme of Action and a Men's Charter in the coming months.
Compatriots, on July 19, 2024, you appointed me as your Patron, alongside General Monwabisi Jamangile, Mr. Solly Nduku, Nkosi Langa Mavuso, Mr. Lechesa Tsenoli, and Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu-Ka Zwelithini. Today, we welcomed Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike and Hon. Les Govender.
We agree that all resolutions from our consultations must be implemented, including that of appointing Premiers as Patrons, like how the KwaZulu-Natal Men's Sector designated Honourable Premier Ntuli as the Patron of the KZN Men's Parliament.
Your recent initiative to unify all men's formations during the national men's lekgotla is commendable. With this work, society will take us seriously if we continue to work cohesively and not in silos. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the SANAC Men's Sector and National Men's Forum South Africa must be translated into actionable frameworks at provincial and district levels to streamline men's responses.
As the Government, we understand your need for resources, a topic we discussed at length last year November in Ha-Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Limpopo.
Compatriots and fellow delegates and developmental partners will readily engage with your member organisations, especially if compliance and accountability are prioritised. The Deputy Minister of Social Development has expressed frustration over non-compliance among some groups. The Department of Social Development has previously supported your work through SANAC to ensure it is well-coordinated. To receive continued support, the Men’s Sector organisations must ensure that all their records are up to date and that they comply with the requirements set by partners.
We must join forces to bolster campaigns and networks aimed at combating violence against children. As a nation, we all bear witness to the unacceptable violence against children and must unite to protect our future generations — both boy children and girl children alike.
Programme Directors,
These gatherings are a prime example of how you can mobilise community support. When you first envisioned the National Men's Parliament under the “Takuwani Riime” banner, you had a modest budget of R38, 000. The involvement of the former Deputy President and our current president at your launch at Constitution Hill amplified the initiative's visibility.
It pleases me that Deputy Minister Steve Letsike is ensuring that men with disabilities and those from the LGBTQIA+ community are included in this dialogue.
Compatriots, we have agreed on the objectives for this session, which are the following:
● To create a comprehensive social compact that unites all social partners in a collective program of action focused on intensifying the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide while simultaneously launching the Men's Health Programme of Action in partnership with PEPFAR and SANAC's Civil Society Forum.
● To engage stakeholders who interact directly or indirectly with men through formal and informal structures. These stakeholders were identified during the recent Accelerator II meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Health and PEPFAR Ambassador Nkengasong on October 3, 2024. They include traditional and religious leaders, the transport industry, government departments, and youth movements.
As we are gathered here today, we are also endorsing a campaign called "BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW" aimed at bringing men back to care in partnership with the Minister of Health, SANAC Civil Society, and the men's formations at all levels.
I am happy that yesterday, during your deliberations at this Men’s Parliament, you did endorse this campaign fully, following its launch in Mdantsane, East London on World AIDS Day last week Sunday.
Compatriots, We urge you to continue your existing campaigns, such as the #NoExcuse campaign, Men Campaigning for Change, Boys Assemblies, Sukuma ndoda Sakhe, Act Now Against GBV, and the National Men's Walk. You should also not lose sight of the work of the “Takuwani Riime” initiative to ensure that we continue mobilising men and boys beyond SANAC and government structures.
Although efforts in this sector are at the foundational stages, we should not undermine the progress that is being made in communities, schools and workplaces. We still have a long way to go until we see a violent free South Africa, but standing together, hand in hand, such a future is possible! Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, this event must always take place under your leadership, as the NCOP. Since we initiated this program in 2018 through the Deputy President's office, the NCOP has played a vital role in ensuring consistency and focus. The Men's Charter is scheduled to be launched in June 2025, and the Women's Caucus can assist our men's sector and structures in finalising the charter. Over the years we have seen the influence of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament, and we want to see this also among the men.
With the launch of the Men’s Charter, we must ensure that it is easily accessible and displayed in municipal buildings, police stations, government facilities, correctional centres, and NGO offices. This must be done to enforce the framework for values and social norms approach to addressing gender inequality and its interface with social justice, education, the economy, social services, family and civic life, culture, religion and the violence epidemic in South Africa.
We need to unite men and boys across this country.
As you organized the National Men's Walk in Gauteng and other regions, including Khayelitsha, we saw men committed to making a difference and ready to work towards ending the scourge of HIV by 2030. On Sunday in East London, hundreds of men stood side by side and raised their hands to play a part in achieving the 95-95-95 targets and paving the way for an HIV-free future in South Africa. We must reaffirm this position and make it our priority!
Compatriots and fellow delegates,
Some of the work that we continue to do in the sector can not be possible without the support of our partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Cape Town for their support in hosting this event, the NCOP for their technical support, NACOSA and AFSA for helping assemble the sitting, and SAfAIDS for organising the stakeholder engagement last night.
Thank you also to Show Me Your Number, and PEPFAR for their contributions to the BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW initiative. The data provided by the Minister of Health will help identify the men who need to be brought back to care and link that information with your framework so that you are better focused on the deliverables, particularly, the implementation of your Programme of Action.
We are also happy to see the different sectors of SANAC collaborating and working together for a common good. Well done also to Comrade Mawethu Zitha, who has ensured that Better Man 4 Tomorrow is inclusive and leaves no one behind.
It is essential to keep the National Men's Forum of South Africa and the SANAC Men's Sector United in order for us to implement our programmes successfully. We can not afford to have a fragmented national men’s movement!
I look forward to hearing from the leadership about the strides made in the men’s movement thus far in the next meeting that I will have with you. We must be committed and strengthen our efforts in dealing with the scourge of violence in our communities. We must do this as a significant step to protecting future generations and breaking the cycles of trauma and violence that have characterised our society for decades.
To borrow from the words of the father of our nation, President Nelson Mandela, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
As the men of South Africa, let us therefore be committed to the freedom of all women, children, People with Disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all vulnerable groups. Let us rally other men towards this cause of gender equality, social justice, and freedom for all. May we persevere on this path towards becoming ‘BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW’!
Thank you, Na Khensa, Ke a Leboga, Baie Dankie!
Your Excellency, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Officials, This 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries has been most productive. It has set our partnership on a promising trajectory. Our task now is to ensure the effective implementation of the key decisions we have made here. It is important that Ministerial Review sessions take place between our BNC sessions. South Africa and Algeria have a common vision for a better Africa. Africa is a continent on the move. Our progress is being driven by the abundance of resources, the innovation and resolve of our people and the rich diversity of our cultures. We agreed that more work needs to be done to maximise the opportunities and possibilities both our countries present. It is important for our officials to accelerate the technical work needed to finalise Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that are important for deepening cooperation. One of the key observations we have made is that there should be an immediate focus on increasing investment and trade relations between our countries. We agreed that private sector collaboration and cooperation between our state-owned enterprises are critical for stronger economic ties. Expanded economic, scientific, educational, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation will support our efforts to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inequality. It is important for South Africa and Algeria to continue playing a significant role in promoting a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous Africa. We should be working together with other countries to promote principles and actions that enhance peaceful relations among nations. I thank the technical experts for their hard work during the past few days under the leadership of the two co-chairs of the Ministerial meeting. In conclusion, Your Excellency, on behalf of myself and my delegation, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for inviting and hosting us in the historic and beautiful capital of Algiers. Our engagements have allowed us to chart a path forward and to consolidate and strengthen relations between our countries. I look forward to hosting you in South Africa for the 8th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two great countries. I thank you.
Tuesday, 10 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 10 December 2024, lead a meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive. The meeting will be the third engagement between the national and provincial cabinets following meetings with the provincial governments of KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo province respectively.
The President will meet with the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu and the Provincial Government Executive. The President will address the opening of the engagement, following that the media is expected to take leave. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials. The meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Executive is part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration. The Provincial Executive will present to the President its 5-year program in alignment with the priorities of the 7th Administration. The meeting will also discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level. The meeting will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Time: 10:00 (media to arrive from 08:00)
Venue: Nkangala District Council Chambers, Middleburg, Mpumalanga Province Media accreditation for the opening of the engagement with Cabinet and Mpumalanga Executive Council can be collected at the Banquet Hall next to the Council Chambers from Phumla Mokoena – Office of the Premier of Mpumalanga on 060 998 8781
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Thursday, 5 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill which provides for a far-reaching, new dispensation in road safety including fitness of drivers and vehicles, the transportation of certain dangerous goods, the general speed limit and the integrity of the issuing of vehicle and driver’s licences.
The Bill gives effect to the National Road Safety Strategy, which has five pillars: road safety management; safer roads and mobility; safer vehicles; safer road users, and post-crash response. The Bill amends the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 in a number of ways including by providing, among other measures, for the suspension and cancellation of the registration – outlined in the new legislation - of an examiner for driving licences or an examiner of vehicles.
It also provides for the registration and grading of training centres and driving licence testing centres, as well as the registration and inspection of various stakeholders in the manufacture, supply and fitment (as applicable) of number plates, weighbridge facilities and microdot.
The law introduces various new offences in relation to learner’s licences and provides for registration and grading of driving schools and their instructors.
The law disqualifies vehicle examiners who have or acquire a direct or indirect financial interest in the manufacturing, selling, rebuilding, repairing or modifying of motor vehicles.
Examiners will also be disqualified if they have or have acquired such financial interest through their spouse or partner.
Similarly, a traffic officer, reserve traffic warden, traffic warden or NaTIS (National Traffic Information System) officials are now disqualified if they have or acquired, or through their spouse or partner, have acquired a direct or indirect financial interest in a road transport services business.
Examiners for driving licences or vehicles, traffic officers and licence inspectors may be suspended or have their registration cancelled if they have been convicted of various offences in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
These sanctions apply also to examiners, officers and inspectors who have or a direct or indirect financial interest in a variety of businesses including a driving school, road transport services business or the manufacturing of motor vehicles.
The law also calls for the registration of persons who build or modify vehicle bodies on chassis and chassis-cabs, or import new buses or midibuses.
The legislation includes fraud as a listed offence for anyone who assists a driving licence applicant in committing an offence.
The Bill signed by the President obliges emergency services to immediately respond to a road incident and render all necessary services as prescribed.
“Emergency services” are defined as including emergency medical services provided by an organ of state or private body for private use, as well as emergency medical services provided by the Department responsible for health services.
The law also stipulates that the driver of an emergency vehicle who drives such a vehicle in the course of their duties, or a person driving a vehicle while responding to a disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act may not exceed a speed of 20km/h through an intersection.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Thursday, 5 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, which seeks to enhance deeds registration processes and procedures and will create uniformity in the deeds registry practice and procedures.
The new law, which amends the Deeds Registries Act of 1937, seeks to address challenges experienced by the deeds registries and conveyancers in respect of registration processes and procedures.
As part of building the capability of the state, the law now provides for the appointment of a Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Deeds in terms of the Public Service Act and regulates the qualification requirements for these positions.
The legislation also provides for modernisation of the deeds system and records in the form of directing that the Chief Registrar of Deeds must, subject to the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, develop, establish and maintain the electronic deeds registration and recordal system.
This must be done through the use of information and communications technologies for the preparation, lodgment, registration, recordal, execution and storing of deeds and documents, with the necessary security and privacy safeguards.
The law also provides that an attorney, conveyancer and notary in the employ of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development may perform the duties of an attorney, conveyancer and notary in respect of transactions relating to State land.
The law introduces a penalty provision in respect of the unauthorised preparation, execution and attestation of deeds and documents;
These measures aim to speed up the registration and transfers of deeds and combat fraud, duplication and other challenges. The new measures will also enhance understanding of land and property ownership in the country.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Your Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune,
President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria,
Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen, We have just concluded a successful 7th session of the Bi-National Commission between the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Republic of South Africa. President Tebboune and I were extremely satisfied with the detailed report that was presented on progress in the key areas of cooperation between Algeria and South Africa. We see this Bi-National Commission as a mechanism to expand trade and investment ties between our two countries. While there is currently a healthy volume of bilateral trade, we agreed that this should be far higher. With preferential trading now having commenced under the African Continental Free Trade Area, there is even greater opportunity to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen economic linkages between major African economies. We have a shared conviction that deepening our bilateral relationship should serve the cause of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability and peace. An Algeria-South Africa Business Forum took place yesterday. It will be an important opportunity for Algerian and South African businesses to explore synergies and plan projects. South Africa has a sizeable business delegation spanning a range of economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, construction and mining. We also have representatives from our Industrial Development Corporation who are here to pursue investment leads the corporation could potentially fund. President Tebboune and I agreed that potential exists for cooperation on low-carbon economic growth in areas such as renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. South Africa and Algeria have respective comparative advantages that can be harnessed for mutual benefit. This Bi-National Commission is taking place at a time of rising geopolitical tension, conflict and disregard for international law. I appraised President Tebboune on South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice to hold the State of Israel accountable for its crimes against the people of Gaza. South Africa reiterates its call for a cessation of hostilities, for the release of all hostages, and for the suffering population of Gaza to receive the humanitarian aid they so desperately need. South Africa and Algeria agree that the only lasting solution to this conflict is the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. As countries that have known the pain of occupation and dispossession, we stand in solidarity with the oppressed everywhere, including in Palestine and Western Sahara. This year, South Africa marks thirty years since the achievement of our democracy. We once more thank the noble people of Algeria for standing with us in our struggle for liberation. From our discussions today, we are certain that this Bi-National Commission will continue to deepen collaboration, trade, investment and people-to-people exchange between South Africa and Algeria. I thank you.
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa will, at the invitation of His Excellency, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, undertake a State Visit to Algeria from 05 to 07 December 2024. The two Heads of State will co-chair the 7th Session of the South Africa-Algeria Binational Commission (BNC). President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a delegation comprising Ministers, senior officials and business leaders. South Africa and Algeria enjoy strong political, economic, and social relations following the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994. These relations are conducted through the Binational Commission as a structured mechanism that provides for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation. The BNC will review progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during the 6th Session in 2015. The State Visit is an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual concern and to reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, the 7th Session of South Africa-Algeria BNC will also be a platform to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements. South African and Algerian business leaders will participate in the South Africa-Algeria Business Forum where companies and entrepreneurs will be able to explore possibilities in trade and investment and the exchange of technologies.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 The Presidency wishes to clarify a misunderstanding that appears to have arisen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission yesterday (03 December 2024) about the simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals. As part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the efficiency and convenience of applying for a visa. This is part of the visa reforms initiated by the South African Government to enable economic activities and boost tourism while protecting our national security. The modernisation of the visa application process does not compromise the integrity of the visa system. Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation. Once a visa has been approved, they are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport. These changes have improved the customer experience while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process. Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the settlement agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and the Solidarity union on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA). The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023. The President assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024. During the public signing of the Bill, President Ramaphosa announced his decision to delay the implementation date for sections 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months. The decision was to afford parties time to deliberate on the issues of admission and language policy contained in the two sections and to submit proposals on how the disputed elements in the sections will be resolved. On 28 November 2024, the Minister of Basic Education announced that she had signed an agreement with Solidarity on the exercise of her powers and responsibilities on the implementation of the BELA Act. It is worth noting that Solidarity is just one among many interested parties in the matter. The agreement between the Minister and Solidarity has no bearing – in law or practical effect – on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on sections 4 and 5 of the Act. Furthermore, the agreement bears no influence on the President’s powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act. President Ramaphosa reiterates his commitment to the undertaking he made when he signed the Bill on 13 September 2024 to give the parties three months to submit proposals on sections 4 and 5. The President therefore awaits the outcome of those deliberations. It must be noted that the BELA Act was duly passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. It is now law. The Minister of Basic Education is enjoined to work towards its implementation, sections 4 and 5 aside. The next step is for the President to determine the date of commencement and for the necessary regulations to be finalised. This will be done without undue delay. The President is bound by the Constitution and the law and remains steadfast in ensuring transformation in the education sector for the benefit of present and future generations of learners.
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
|
