Programme Director;
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Executive Mayors;
Amakhosi and other traditional leaders;
Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Chairman of Fosun International, Mr Guo Guangchang;
President and CEO of Club Med, Mr Stéphane Maquaire;
Chairman of Tinley Leisure Ltd, Mr Moses Tembe;
Representatives of Collin Residential;
Representatives of the business community and the tourism sector;
Community representatives;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Sanibonani. Good morning.

I regret that I am unable to join you for the global opening of South Africa’s first Club Med and to welcome our guests from across the world to this beautiful part of our country.

This mega-development is a vote of confidence in South African enterprise, in the capabilities of our people and in the future of our tourism industry.

South Africa is blessed with its natural beauty, so it is no wonder that Club Med has brought its famous brand here.

This facility represents more than R2 billion in investment, making it the largest hospitality investment in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community since Sun City first opened its doors in the 1970s.

This is a proudly South African-funded development, backed by a South African investment consortium committed to advancing broad-based black economic empowerment.

The value Club Med recognised here has taken shape in the provision of employment, skills and opportunities for South Africans, especially the local community.

It echoes Premier Ntuli’s call last week at the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council for Government, business, organised labour and academia to work together to create jobs.

Today, we are witnessing the fruit of what happens when all role-players work together.

I am encouraged to hear that during construction more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs were created.

In addition, 600 permanent direct jobs have been created and a further 1,500 indirect jobs are being supported across local suppliers and related industries.

We commend the Club Med group and its partners who made it a priority to employ local people.

I am told that 84 percent of the employees at the Beach Resort are South Africans.

At the same time, all the employees at the Vikela Safari Lodge are from surrounding communities.

That speaks to what this investment means for the Province, for our economy and, most importantly, for the people whose lives it has changed.

This resort brings together two extraordinary experiences: the Indian Ocean coastline and the wildlife of northern KwaZulu-Natal.

It gives travellers another compelling reason to choose South Africa, to stay longer and to discover more of what our country offers.

For this calendar year until the end of July 2026, South Africa’s tourism sector continued its strong growth trajectory.

The growth in international tourist arrivals between January 2026 and July 2026 to 6.5 million is phenomenal.

This represents growth of 12.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

The opening of this new jewel in the North Coast comes at the right time as the tourist industry is getting ready to welcome guests for the festive season.

I am confident that the official opening of this jewel will entice more visitors to our shores.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This resort will need fresh produce, maintenance, transport and a dependable network of suppliers.

Each of these connections can create an opening for a small, micro and medium enterprise.

I am encouraged by Club Med’s concerted effort to partner with local business.

Local procurement, fair access to supplier opportunities and partnerships with smaller tourism operators will help ensure that the success of this resort is shared more widely.

That is how tourism investment can contribute to the prosperity of a nation.

Tourism begins with something deeply human.

People travel because they want to rest. They want time with their children, their partners and their friends. They want to discover something new or simply find the space to enjoy being together.

Here in South Africa, that happiness has the potential to travel far beyond the resort’s gates.

We wish to recognise the people who have built this beautiful development: the construction workers, artisans, contractors and many others whose effort turned plans into reality.

The experience they have gained on a project of this scale is an asset that they can carry with confidence into their next project.

To the employees who now welcome guests, prepare meals, care for the grounds and keep this resort running, the experience visitors take home will bear their imprint.

Their professionalism and hospitality will help shape how they remember our country.

This project also speaks to the power of partnership between the public and private sectors, working alongside communities.

We recognise the investors who committed capital, the developers who brought the project to life, and Club Med, which brings its expertise and international reach.

We also recognise the training organisations and community partners that help connect investment to local opportunities.

Government has a responsibility to create the conditions in which investments like this can succeed: reliable infrastructure, responsive public services, efficient administration and communities in which residents and visitors can feel safe.

Business has a responsibility to invest for the long term, develop its workforce and build meaningful relationships with the communities around it.

When these responsibilities come together, public and private partnership becomes something people can see in their daily lives.

People see new job opportunities, businesses growing, the youth obtaining the necessary qualifications and communities becoming partners.

That is the kind of cooperation we must deepen across South Africa.

We must also protect the natural heritage on which this opportunity depends.

Responsible use of water and energy, less waste and care for the surrounding environment must remain part of the everyday work of tourism.

To Club Med and its partners, thank you for your belief in South Africa and for the work that has brought us to this occasion.

To our international guests, welcome.

Enjoy this resort and take time to discover the people, places and stories beyond it.

May this opening mark the beginning of many years of shared opportunity, friendship and discovery.

I thank you.

The Presidency wishes to advise that, due to ill health, President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements.

President Ramaphosa, who returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday, has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover.

Where possible, the President has asked the respective Ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Public Service Commission Bill, which strengthens the role of the Public Service Commission in promoting constitutional values and professional ethics in the Public Service.

The Commission is mandated to undertaking monitoring and evaluation of a wide range of practices in the Public Service and is able to investigate administration practices and service delivery failures.

The new Public Service Commission Act repeals the Public Service Commission Act of 1997 and the President’s assent reinforces Government’s focus on building a capable and ethical State, which is one of the 7th Administration’s top three priorities.

The Public Service Commission is an independent body established in terms of section 196(1) of the Constitution.

According to the Constitution, the Commission is independent and must be impartial, and must exercise its powers and perform its functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

The Commission is mandated to advance the maintenance of effective and efficient public administration and a high standard of professional ethics in the Public Service.

Among others, the law regulates the procedure for the appointment of Commissioners by the President and provides for the establishment of the Secretariat of the Commission to support its work.

The new law strengthens the independence of the Commission as a constitutional institution and extends the Commission’s mandate to include local government and public entities.

The Act gives the Commission the power to direct the relevant executive authority or any other person against whom the Commission makes a decision, to report to the Commission progress in implementing such decisions.

Any person found guilty of obstructing the Commission in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions will be guilty of an offence and liable for conviction to imprisonment of up to 12 months or a fine of up to R50 000, or both fine and imprisonment.

President Ramaphosa said: “The new Public Service Commission Act should be welcomed by public servants and citizens alike as a means to improve the lives of all South Africans and to enable growth through ethical and efficient conduct in our Public Service.

“While the Public Service Commission is a critical enabler of improved public services, it is incumbent upon all public servants to honour citizens in line with the Batho Pele (People First) principles and to view their responsibilities as tools of transformation.

“The enactment of the Public Service Commission Act during our annual Public Service Month should inspire renewed pride and ethics in the Public Service.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

As Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, I wish to strongly condemn the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park in Gauteng.

I join President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans in extending deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the women who have lost their lives under these horrific circumstances.

I would like to express solidarity with the women and residents of Kempton Park, surrounding areas and the whole country affected by this latest devastating news.

In the same vein, I would like to urge our law enforcement agencies to continue to work with other relevant stakeholders and communities to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to book and that women and children feel safe in their communities.

Gender-based violence (GBV) has no place in our communities, and all men should be in the forefront condemning such violence and protecting women.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994, declared Wednesday, 4 November 2026 – the date for Local Government Elections - as a public holiday throughout the country.

The President calls on all registered voters to use the opportunity of the public holiday to exercise their democratic right and civic duty by voting in this election that empowers citizens to elect local public representatives and influence service delivery where they live.

Voters are reminded as well that they will only be able to cast their votes at the polling stations in wards where they are registered.

In the event that voters may consider travel, they will not be able to transfer their votes to voting stations away from their designated wards.

President Ramaphosa also urges employers to make provision for employees to exercise their Constitutional right to vote on 4 November.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape Division, with effect from 10 September 2026.

The appointment was made in terms of section 13(1)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998), following consultation with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi.

In considering Advocate Mopp for the position, the President took into account his extensive legal and prosecutorial experience spanning more than 30 years, including more than 23 years as a member of the NPA’s Senior Management Service. He was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1993.

During this period, Advocate Mopp has played leadership roles at both provincial and national levels, equipping him with a thorough understanding of the significant responsibilities associated with the position of Director of Public Prosecutions. 

Advocate Mopp has served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape since 2009 and previously held senior positions in the Directorate of Special Operations and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, including serving as Regional Head of the Directorate of Special Operations in the Western Cape from 2004 to 2009. 

He holds advanced qualifications in law, criminal justice, criminology and international studies, including a Master of Philosophy in Law and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

President Ramaphosa wishes Advocate Mopp well as he assumes the responsibilities of Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape and trusts that he will continue to contribute to the delivery of independent, effective and efficient prosecution services.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Tertuis Simmers,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Representatives of development finance institutions and development agencies,
Representatives of business, labour, civil society and academia,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to address this premier event on expanding the frontiers of the green hydrogen economy in Africa.

I am sorry that I am unable to attend in person, but am grateful for this opportunity to participate virtually.

This Summit showcases innovation, investment and collaboration in a sector that is set to change the trajectory of industrial development.

With abundant renewable energy and water resources and vast reserves of critical minerals, Africa is positioned to become a major global hub for this burgeoning industry.

Energy technologies and critical minerals have become important features of global relations.

I have just returned from the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which recognised the foundational role of energy security in social and economic development.

The BRICS leaders agreed to cooperate on zero- and low-emissions hydrogen and its value chains.

As African nations, we are keenly aware that we must significantly accelerate our efforts if we are to be at the forefront of opportunity.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa to be at the forefront of transformational industrial development.

Green hydrogen sits at the intersection of two of the defining imperatives of our time: firstly, to strengthen energy resilience and security, and, secondly, to grow inclusive, low-carbon economies.

Both imperatives are fundamental to human development.

There are less than four years to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.

That means there are less than four years in which we need to make sufficient progress towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable, reliable and modern energy for all.

Growing the green hydrogen economy is therefore about far more than investment and a foothold in an emerging industry.

It is about materially improving the lives of millions of Africans who continue to experience energy poverty.

By expanding access to affordable energy and creating jobs across the value chain, we give true meaning to a just energy transition.

That is why we need to move with speed from conceptualisation to implementation, from project idea to project pipeline, and from breaking ground to producing gigawatts.

Progress is not measured by presentations, announcements or the value of a pipeline.

It is measured by capital committed, equipment ordered, construction under way, production achieved and customers secured.

That is what makes this year’s Summit so significant.

As the Minister noted, ambition is now translating into committed capital.

Today we are proud to announce the first wave of Green Hydrogen Projects under our national green hydrogen programme.

The first wave consists of six projects that emerged from a rigorous assessment process.

The process has standardised how we assess bankability and strengthen investor confidence.

Leading this wave is the Phelan Green Group’s electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel project in Saldanha Bay, which has reached final investment decision.

Phelan has committed $100 million in equity and secured an offtake.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and we expect to see the export of the first electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the first quarter of 2029.

This is an important milestone. As the World Economic Forum noted earlier this year, “the real bottleneck in scaling clean hydrogen is demand, not technology”.

Scaling therefore rests on securing long-term offtake agreements.

This project gives practical meaning to the challenge we made at last year’s Summit: an investment decision has been taken, equity committed, major equipment ordered and a defined route to construction established.

What follows is production and offtakers.

As a managed priority portfolio, the first wave concentrates project preparation, investment mobilisation and government coordination on credible projects with defined milestones.

The remaining projects in the first wave reflect the depth of the value chain.

The Coega Green Ammonia Project in the Eastern Cape has completed early preparatory work. Further commercial, technical and financing work is needed to reach a final investment decision.

The Saldanha Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron Project on the West Coast is at pre-feasibility stage and will link green hydrogen to lower-emissions iron and steel production.

The Prieska Power Reserve in the Northern Cape is a green ammonia project for the domestic market currently at development stage.

The Green e-Fuels Producers Green Methanol Corridor targets European demand and is at pre-feasibility stage.

Finally, the Green Hydrogen Solutions Project is a smaller-scale project directed principally towards South African demand. It has completed front-end engineering design.

By designating these as priorities, Government and its partners now have a mechanism to help the remaining five projects reach final investment decision, construction and production.

A second wave of projects will follow, bringing further credible projects into the portfolio.

The founding premise of this Summit is that Africa is not merely a source of renewable energy, minerals or molecules.

Africa must participate across the value chain as owner, manufacturer, technology partner, producer and market.

The green hydrogen economy must support Africa’s industrialisation through areas such as fertiliser production, green iron and steel, sustainable fuels, equipment, engineering and related services.

The development of the green hydrogen economy will be aided by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will open larger markets and enable seamless regional value chains.

The green hydrogen economy must harness African talent and capacity for innovation while expanding local procurement, manufacturing, employment and skills transfer.

And it must sustainably support continental energy transition and decarbonisation.

It must involve communities as stakeholders, not passive bystanders.

I therefore call on technology partners to establish manufacturing, training and research capacity in Africa.

Africa should not simply be seen as a market for imported equipment.

African nations must step up practical cooperation on standards, certification, infrastructure corridors and project preparation, including through the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance.

While we continue to work with our BRICS and European partners to diversify financing, African development finance institutions must be at the forefront.

These institutions need to increase project-preparation funding and offer instruments suited to the risks of these first-of-a-kind projects.

We call on prospective buyers to convert non-binding interest into credible long-term offtake arrangements capable of supporting project finance.

The progress that we can now see must give us encouragement to do more.

Since last year’s Summit, we have moved from an undifferentiated pipeline to a managed priority portfolio.

This demonstrates that with partner support, public and private financing and proper planning, African nations can move from a concept on paper to projects in development.

In an increasingly contested world, the nations of the Global South are charting a new energy future on their own terms.

We are demonstrating that it is fully within our means to harness the green hydrogen economy for energy security, decarbonisation and sustainable development.

We are taking responsibility for the future of our economies and the progress of our people.

We are charting a new industrial future for our countries, our continent and indeed for the world.

I thank you.

Fellow South Africans,

As many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day.

On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in Government, business and other sectors.

I wish to thank my family, the medical team who continue to care for me, my team in the office, my colleagues in Government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support. Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength.

Let us continue working together for the progress of our country. I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment.

Thank you, and may God bless South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that no stone will be left unturned to solve the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park in Gauteng.

He said: “I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park.

“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.

“As Government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away.

“Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.

“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women.

“As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls.

“As we do so, our hearts go out to all the families affected by the terrible events in the Kempton Park area.

“If anyone has information about these incidents or if you are missing a relative or friend, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria