1. At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by first lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe, 09 Cabinet Ministers, senior officials and a large business delegation is on a State Visit to the Republic of India on 25-26 January 2019. President Ramaphosa on his first State visit to India is also the Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic   Day Parade on 26 January 2019.

2. President Ramaphosa was accorded a ceremonial welcome on January 25, 2019 at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. President  Kovind is hosting a banquet dinner on January 25, 2019 in honour of the visiting President of South Africa. President Ramaphosa accompanied by Dr. Motsepe also paid respects to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated both nationally  and internationally.

3. President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Modi held delegation level talks at Hyderabad House on January 25, 2019. The two leaders held discussions in the spirit of the strategic partnership, strong friendship and historical links between the two countries. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of Nelson Mandela and the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi as an invaluable legacy of peace, non-violence and compassion.

4. President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Modi jointly addressed the India-South Africa Business Forum on January 25, 2019, with a focus to grow business ties between the two countries. President Ramaphosa also delivered the inaugural IBSA Gandhi-Mandela Freedom Lecture, in the presence of Prime Minister of India.
5. During the visit, a Three-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2019-2021) was signed by the two sides, aimed at further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

6. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa:

• recalled the Strategic Partnership established between India and South Africa through the Red Fort Declaration of March 1997 and the Tshwane Declaration of October 2006. 
• expressed satisfaction at the deepening and widening of this comprehensive bilateral partnership. 
• emphasized the need to further deepen relations in the political, economic, defense, scientific, consular and socio-cultural spheres.  
• agreed that the 10th Session of the India-South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission will be held in 2019 in New Delhi led by the Foreign Ministers of both the countries. 
• expressed satisfaction at the steady pace of cooperation in the defence sector encompassing a wide range of engagements including defence production, joint collaboration, manufacturing, research and development, training and joint exercises.
• recognized the importance of increased bilateral naval cooperation and closer synergy within the context of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) which, by keeping the sea lanes secure against illegal actors, will ensure unhindered passage for trade and continued prosperity of the entire Indian Ocean Region. 
• acknowledged the increasing engagement between the two navies in recent years which inter alia has translated to increased interactions in maritime operations and training. PM Modi welcomed the participation of the South African National Defence Force in the First Multinational India-Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTX) in March 2019 at Pune, India. 
• welcomed the holding of the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI).
• welcomed the significant investment and presence of a large number of Indian companies and business entities in South Africa and the growing number of South African investments in India. In this regard, agreed to enhance bilateral investments between the two countries within the context of the Memorandum of Understanding between Invest SA and Invest India on enhancing bilateral investment relations.
• agreed to cooperate, share best practices, technology and expertise on the Ease of Doing Business Reform Programme. 
• committed to expanding cooperation in the fields of trade and investments between business entities in South Africa and India 
• agreed to cooperate in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which play an invaluable role in job creation and creating trade and investment opportunities.
• acknowledging the holding of the first India-South Africa Business Summit in South Africa in April 2018 and the Invest in India Business Forum in November 2018, invited the private sectors to invest in key economic sectors of India and South Africa 
• agreed that both countries should explore solutions aimed at boosting trade and investment. In this context, President Ramaphosa agreed to simplify and reform South African business visa regime.
• acknowledged the impressive progress achieved in cooperation in Science and Technology and innovations. 
• agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of the Oceans Economy and to cooperate in multilateral forums on the Blue Economy including in the framework of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation in the energy sector, and the potential to expand cooperation in the renewable energy sector as well as oil and gas. 
• agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of mining, deep mining and mineral beneficiation.
• acknowledged that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a common platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries. India invited South Africa to join the ISA.
• agreed to strengthen agriculture and fisheries cooperation in areas such as crop and animal production, food security, aquaculture and aquatic product processing.
• agreed to work towards addressing skills development through the investment of resources and exchange of best practices.
• welcomed the setting up of the “Gandhi – Mandela Centre of Specialization for Artisan Skills” in South Africa with Indian assistance.  
• Decided to further strengthen academic engagement between institutions on both sides. President Ramaphosa appreciated India’s contribution to the higher education of South African youth through the fully paid scholarships offered under the ICCR and short term training programmes under IAFS and ITEC Schemes.
• the two sides further agreed to conclude an MoU on Cooperation in Higher Education.
• lauded the valuable contribution of the people of Indian origin in South Africa. 
• expressed the desire to broaden people-to-people interactions and to increase two-way tourism by addressing challenges with regard to consular and immigration related issues. In this context, the two sides agreed to conclude an agreement on simplification of visa requirements.
• expressed their intent to explore avenues to resume direct air connectivity between South Africa and India.
• welcomed the launching of “India for Humanity” initiative by India in the context of Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary to provide artificial limbs by “Jaipur Foot” and welcomed India’s offer to hold a camp in South Africa. 
• underscored the need for continuing consultations and the exchange of views between South Africa and India in order to build partnerships in multilateral forums and to ensure that the agenda of the South is prioritized.
• committed themselves to promoting reformed multilateralism through cooperation and coordination at multilateral fora and in international organisations.
• committed to cooperate in all relevant multilateral forums through the groupings of  G20, BRICS, IBSA, BASIC, NAM, WTO and the Commonwealth, as well as the strengthening of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, including those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions.
• Prime Minister Modi congratulated South Africa on becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2019-20 and assured South Africa of India’s support in the performance of its responsibilities in this role.
• welcomed the successful holding of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in July 2018, agreed to further enhance cooperation and coordination within BRICS with a view to reform and enhance global political and economic governance.
• Congratulated Brazil on taking over as Chair of BRICS for 2019 and reiterated their support for Brazilian Chairmanship.
• welcomed the holding of 15 events by IBSA countries in the context of the 15th anniversary of IBSA partnership.
• expressed concern at the slow pace of UN reforms and committed themselves to securing their representation in an expanded UN Security Council to achieve a more representative and equitable UN Security Council Membership. 
• underlined the need for jointly working towards reform in the global governance architecture such as WTO, international financial systems etc. in order to advance a development-centered agenda that promotes inclusive growth. 
• reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to address fugitive economic offenders, including through international organisations and institutions such as G20, FATF and others. 
• agreed that terrorism constitutes a serious threat to international peace, security and stability and that no country is immune to the threat that terrorism represents. 
• noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism through early agreement and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, as well as the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced and integrated manner.
• condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations regardless of its motivations, whenever, wherever and by whosoever committed. 
• welcomed signing of 2 MoUs between a leading policy research institute of India, namely, Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) based in Delhi with two premier South African think tanks, namely, the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD) in Pretoria and South Africa Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) in Johannesburg. The 3 research institutions would carry forward work under track 1.5 and, among other things, focus on areas to further promote practical cooperation with Africa identified in Delhi Declaration 2015 at the end of 3rd India Africa Forum Summit.

7. President Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India for the warmth and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to pay an official visit to South Africa on mutually convenient dates.
 
January 25, 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to play their part in the success of the forthcoming provincial and national elections by registering to vote during the Independent Electoral Commission’s final registration drive this weekend, 26 and 27 January 2019.

The President issued this call in a video message that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/DOyQf1m0Fa0.

President Ramaphosa said: “On the 26th and 27th January 2019, the Independent Electoral Commission will hold the final voter registration weekend before the next national and provincial elections.

“The simple and easy act of becoming a registered voter is your first step towards shaping your own future and that of our country. “As we celebrate 25  years of freedom and democracy, the forthcoming election is your opportunity to make your own history and to help South Africa grow towards a brighter future.

“Use your freedom and make your mark. “If you are 18 years of age or older, take your identity document along to your nearest voting station on the 26th and 27th January, and register to vote.

“Your future is in your hands.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of trade unionist Mr Cedric Gina who passed away today, Monday 28 January 2019, at the age of 48.

Mr Gina - a founding member of the Liberated Metalworkers Union of South Africa (Limusa) and former president of the National Union of Metalworkers South Africa - passed away in Addington Hospital, Durban, after two months of illness.
 
Extending his condolences to Mr Gina’s family, friends and comrades, President Ramaphosa said: “It is sad to learn of the death of a youthful, talented and  dedicated leader of the working class and society at large.

“The labour movement and our country in general has been deprived of benefiting from the full potential of Cedric Gina’s contribution to our society and to the betterment of the status of workers in our economy.

“Mr Gina’s role in constructing a social compact since the dawn of our democracy is indelible. May his soul rest in peace.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Leaders of government and business convened under the Public-Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) have expressed their confidence that a higher growth trajectory for the South African economy is within reach between now and 2023, with investment of at least R500bn achievable in specific   economic sectors.

The PPGI is convened by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and has for several months engaged on building a closer relationship between government and the private sector in which the alignment of plans and objectives of  the two sectors can be enhanced.

The Initiative held a meeting in Midrand, Johannesburg, today, Tuesday 29 January 2019, at which the President was briefed on plans by economic  sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, mining, energy, tourism and automotive to increase their respective contributions to Gross Domestic Product; sustain existing employment and create new jobs; to develop skills in the private and public sectors, and to achieve broad-based transformation that will enhance economic growth, stimulate further investment and increase employment.

The PPGI believes growth of five percent and more is possible, provided certain enablers for the economy are realised, and key inhibitors are eliminated.

The PPGI update was presented to the President in the build-up to the February 7 State of the Nation Address, to ensure that the President’s assessment of developments in the economy include the diverse actions developed by the private sector to contribute to renewal and growth in the country.

The PPGI outlined enabling and inhibiting factors that impact on growth plans and called on government to address selected inhibitors in individual sectors such as construction, forestry, tourism, manufacturing, energy/renewal energy and health.

In construction, the PPGI cited a lack of infrastructure planning and implementation alongside high tariffs that reduce South Africa’s competitiveness.

In the case of tourism, the Initiative called on government to speed up visa application and eVisa processes.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the PPGI contribution to the State of the Nation Address and said the Initiative constituted “the real South African Davos”, given the depth of reflection on the country and the economy.

The President commended the PPGI’s “enthusiasm and confidence about where we should be going as a nation” and said the PPGI report indicated that “South Africa is about to get back to its magical winning ways”.

He welcomed the Initiative’s hopefulness about the country and said the plans represented a “coalescence of thoughts and views”.


Media enquiries:Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by:The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today, Thursday 20 August 2015 chaired a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Immigration   Regulations at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

The IMC meeting was established by President Jacob Zuma to look into the unintended consequences of the new immigration regulations on   various sectors, including tourism and investment. As President Jacob Zuma announced, members of the IMC are Ministers of Tourism, Home   Affairs, Trade and Industry, Social Development, Small Business Development and the security cluster.

Following presentations made to the meeting today, the IMC decided to establish a task team led by Director-General in the Presidency Dr. Cassius Lubisi to consolidate and synthesise all proposals and to provide a composite set of recommendations to be tabled at the next IMC meeting in a fortnight.

Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will today Friday 21 August 2015 depart for Tokyo, Japan where he will lead a high - level South   African government and business to consolidate political and economic bilateral relations between the two countries. The official visit takes   place from 22-25 August 2015

Deputy President Ramaphosa’s delegation will include Ministers Naledi Pandor, Rob Davies, Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Deputy Ministers  Bheki Cele, Nomaindia Mfeketo, Mzwandile Masina, Dr Nono Simelelela Special Advisor to Deputy President, senior government officials including Deputy Director-General in the office of the Deputy President Busani Ngcaweni, Ambassador Anil Sooklal and South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko.

The visit which take place from 22 - 25 August 2015 is also aimed at reassuring Japanese business - that South Africa is indeed open for business and to brief them about the stability, vibrancy and conducive business environment that exists in South Africa for Japanese business to invest in the country particularly in ventures that can create jobs. South Africa is currently exploring new and innovative ways of growing the economy.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will also utilise the visit to secure commitments from Japan regarding efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Similarly Deputy President Ramaphosa will seek to tap into the vast Japanese expertise and innovative technologies to increase collaboration in the fields of science and technology with a view to attracting essential skills in support of South Africa’s training and human resource development. In this context, South Africa and Japan will explore partnerships to promote innovation and technology to boost economic growth. This also comes within the context of South Africa’s implementation of the 9-point plan to strengthen the economy.

Simultaneously, Deputy President Ramaphosa will utilise the opportunity of the visit to strengthen alignment of South Africa and Japan’s approach to global issues of mutual concern including the enhancement of multilateral institutions and the reform of global political and economic governance.

The visit is also expected to consolidate the objectives of the African agenda through the strengthening of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) partnership by promoting increased trade, investment growth and infrastructure development in the continent of Africa. In this context South Africa continues to act within efforts of the African continent to facilitate African growth through Agenda 2063.

From Monday 24 August 2015 Deputy President Ramaphosa and the high-level government delegation will pay courtesy calls on the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former  Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and hold discussions with the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki

On trade and investment issues, Deputy President Ramaphosa will address the Japanese Captains of Industry, an organisation boosting a membership of about 1329 representative companies, 109 nation-wide industrial associations and 47 regional economic organisation.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is also expected to address the South Africa-Business Forum Plenary, chair a round-table discussion on investment in energy and meet with the Vice-President of Jetro, Tomiyasu Nakamura. Jetro is an organisation that promotes trade and investment between Japan the rest of the world. It also promotes foreign direct investment into Japan while assisting to small and medium size enterprises to maximise their global export potential. Deputy President Ramaphosa will furthermore pay a site visit to Toyota plant in Tokyo which will include a presentation of the MIRAI Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle developed by the company.

In addition, Deputy President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to Miraikan – a Japanese national museum of emerging science and innovation located in Daiba, Tokyo. The visit will include ICT, manufacturing, engineering and the Advance Step Innovative Mobility - a humanoid robot developed by Honda. It is also used to encourage students to study science and mathematics. He will also meet with Hideaki Domichi, senior vice President of the Japan international co-operation Agency

During his visit to Tokyo, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seize the opportunity to hold discussions with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi on peace-building efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka. Deputy President Ramaphosa is President Jacob Zuma’s Special Envoy to Sri Lanka

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Tokyo - Supported by a high-level Ministerial and a delegation of captains of Industry, South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today, Saturday 22 August 2015 touched down in Tokyo, Japan ahead of his official visit to promote South Africa as a preferred destination for foreign   direct investment and trade. 

At government level, the delegation includes Ministers Naledi Pandor, Rob Davies, Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Deputy Ministers Bheki Cele,   Nomaindia Mfeketo, Mzwandile Masina. 

Dr Nono Simelelela Special Advisor to the Deputy President, senior government officials including Deputy Director-General in the office of the Deputy President Busani Ngcaweni, Ambassador Anil Sooklal and South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko are also part of the delegation.

At a trade level the delegation includes among others CEO’s and Chairperson of South African companies ranging from Coega Development Corporation, NECSA, Transnet, Karanbeef, PPC, KPMG, Maponya Group and a number of other BEE companies.

At the heart of the visit lies a commitment by Deputy President Ramaphosa and his delegation to reassure Japanese business- that South Africa remains open for business. In this context, the Deputy President will brief Japanese investors about South Africa’s macro-economic stability, vibrancy and conducive business environment for Japanese business to invest in the country particularly in ventures that can create jobs. This takes place within the context of current national efforts aimed at exploring new and innovative ways of growing the economy.

Similarly, Deputy President Ramaphosa will utilise the visit to secure commitments from Japan to partner with South Africa in its efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seek to tap into the vast Japanese expertise and innovative technologies to increase collaboration in the fields of science and technology with a view to attracting essential skills in support of South Africa’s training and human resource development. In this context, South Africa and Japan will explore partnerships to promote innovation and technology to boost economic growth within the context of the 9-point plan to strengthen the economy.

While in Japan, Deputy President Ramaphosa will seek to strengthen alignment of South Africa and Japan’s approach to global issues of mutual concern including the enhancement of multilateral institutions and the reform of global political and economic governance.

The visit is also expected to consolidate the objectives of the African agenda through the strengthening of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) partnership by promoting increased trade, investment growth and infrastructure development in the continent of Africa. In this context South Africa continues to act within efforts of the African continent to facilitate African growth through Agenda 2063.

Programme 24-25 August 2015, Tokyo

From Monday 24 August 2015 Deputy President Ramaphosa and the high-level government delegation will pay courtesy calls on the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and hold discussions with the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki.

On trade and investment issues, Deputy President Ramaphosa will address the Japanese Captains of Industry, an organisation boosting a membership of about 1329 representative companies, 109 nation-wide industrial associations and 47 regional economic organisation.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is also expected to address the South Africa-Business Forum Plenary, chair a round-table discussion on investment in energy and meet with the Vice-President of Jetro, Tomiyasu Nakamura. Jetro is an organisation that promotes trade and investment between Japan the rest of the world. It also promotes foreign direct investment into Japan while assisting small and medium size enterprises to maximise their global export potential.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will furthermore pay a site visit to Toyota plant in Tokyo which will include a presentation of the MIRAI Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle developed by the company.

In addition, Deputy President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to Miraikan – a Japanese national museum of emerging science and innovation located in Daiba, Tokyo. The visit will include ICT, manufacturing, engineering and the Advance Step Innovative Mobility- a humanoid robot developed by Honda. It is also used to encourage students to study science and mathematics. He will also meet with Hideaki Domichi, senior vice President of the Japan international co-operation Agency.

During his visit to Tokyo, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seize the opportunity to hold discussions with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi on peace-building efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka. Deputy President Ramaphosa is President Jacob Zuma’s Special Envoy to Sri Lanka. Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday 26 August 2015.

Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Tokyo - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa who arrived in Tokyo on Saturday will tomorrow Monday 24 August 2015 in Tokyo deliver a keynote   address to the Japanese Captains of Industry as part of efforts to promote South Africa as a preferred destination of trade and foreign direct   investment. 

Deputy President Ramaphosa is on official visit to Japan to strengthen and consolidate strategic bilateral political and economic relations   between the two nations, South Africa and Japan. Deputy President Ramaphosa is supported by a high level Ministerial and business delegation

Deputy President Ramaphosa will during his address to Japanese Captains of Industry seek to reassure the Japanese investors that South Africa remains open for business. Accordingly, he will brief Japanese investors about South Africa’s macro-economic stability, vibrancy and conducive business environment for Japanese business to invest in South Africa.

Following his address to the Japanese captains of industry, Deputy President Ramaphosa will chair a round-table session on investment in energy within the context of efforts by the government to address electricity challenges facing South Africa.

As part of efforts to consolidate bilateral political relations between South Africa and Japan, Deputy President Ramaphosa  will pay a courtesy calls on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori  as well as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will later in the day visit Miraikan, a Japanese national museum of emerging science and innovation located in Daiba, Tokyo. The visit will include ICT, manufacturing, engineering and the Advance Step Innovative Mobility - a humanoid robot developed by Honda. The robot is also utilised to encourage students to study science and mathematics.

The visit will be followed by yet another site visit to a Toyota plant, which will witness a presentation of the MIRAI Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle developed by the company. Deputy President Ramaphosa will conclude his Monday’s programme with an address to the African Union Parliamentary Association dinner hosted in his honour.

The official visit continues on Tuesday 25 August 2015.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Pretoria - The Presidency has noted media reports regarding the involvement of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa with the International Crisis   Group which is doing work in Lesotho, Sri Lanka and South Sudan. 

Deputy President Ramaphosa was previously involved with the organisation before he was appointed in government. Since his assumption of a   role in government, Deputy President Ramaphosa resigned from the International Crises Group and was replaced in his role by Ms. Cheryl   Carolus. Accordingly, Deputy President Ramaphosa is no longer involved with the organisation.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is currently the Special Envoy of President Jacob Zuma to assist the people of Sri Lanka with regard the truth and reconciliation as well as constitution-making process.

The Presidency further wishes to clarify that Deputy President Ramaphosa did not visit Sri Lanka over the weekend as alleged in the media reports but merely refuelled in Colombo en route to Japan

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Japan’s commitment to support South Africa’s developmental trajectory. Deputy President Ramaphosa was speaking in Tokyo at the conclusion of his official visit to Japan on Tuesday 25 August 2015 where he led a high-level government and business delegation to promote strategic political and economic relations between the two nations.

‘’We found the Japanese people very receptive. We had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, we spent an extensive amount of time with   him and he demonstrated that he is very supportive of our developmental trajectory. We spent time with the Deputy Prime Minister, he articulated the same’’ said Deputy President Ramaphosa.

‘’We see Japan as a friend, as a country that does not only invest, but a country that also supports development. They are making great strides in supporting the continent when it comes to skills development. They have invited or called for a number of young people around the continent to come and be trained here in Japan. We will be sending forty nine (49).

‘’Whist I was here I saw six of them who are being trained in master’s degrees in engineering, logistics, marine technology and a whole number of other high flying type of technologies.  When we met these young people we saw the future of our country, we saw young people who are acquiring great skills who are ready to come back to make a contribution to our country, ’’ continued Deputy President Ramaphosa.

‘’We also asked them to help us to extend the training of artisans that we should have as many artisans trained as possible. We told them that the welders who helped us in Medupi power station … and we said we don’t see any reason why we don’t have specialized welders ourselves.

‘’They are positively inclined to that, they are going to look at our proposal where we can send high level artisans who are willing to be trained to come and be trained in Japanese companies and go back home. Technical people, mechanics as well as artisans we believe that through this visit we will have been able to open opportunities for many of our young people who can come to be trained here in Japan”, said Deputy President Ramaphosa

‘’The South African government on these types of visits seeks to make sure that we grow the economy of our country, we enhance investment, we push the skills development button and get as many of our young people to come to be trained in the countries that we visit because it is important to draw skills, as many skills as we possibly can. So we want to flood some of these countries with young people who can come and learn and go back home”, continued the Deputy President.

‘’ We spent time with the business community here in Japan but also with our own business community. Our business people had come from home and we believe many of them started discussions and negations on possible deals that they could be doing. It is pleasing to see our business people making contact and moving to contract and we think a number of them were able to do so, explained Deputy President Ramaphosa

‘’We also used this opportunity to promote trade. There are many other areas that we want to start trading with the Japanese on. More agricultural products, they are also going to give us skills with agro processing so it’s been hugely successful and we are all very happy with the way that the visit went’’

‘’So the ocean economy is one of those we discussed with them. They are well vest in ship building, marine transport, fisheries, aquaculture so we raised all these with them and said we want them to assist us to get into this and also to come and invest in those areas.

‘’We said we want to industrialize our economy even further. We want to create black industrialists and we gave them a history why we have got to create and develop black industrialists. We said when they come to South Africa they should seek out partners that they can work with but at the same time we want to grow our own, who will play a critical role in the economy of our country. They responded very positively to that’’, concluded Deputy President Ramaphosa.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria