President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 12 October 2025 deliver the eulogy in honour of the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.
  
The late Ambassador to France will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025. 

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The late Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, before passing away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

Details of the funeral are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025
Times: 09h00
Venue: Dondotha Stadium, KwaZulu-Natal

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Türkiye to co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Türkiye, scheduled to take place on 15 October 2025 in Ankara, Türkiye. 

The BNC will be convened in accordance with the Agreement establishing the Bi-National Commission to be chaired at the Deputy President and Vice-President level respectively between the two countries that was signed in 2012. Deputy President Mashatile will therefore co-chair the inaugural SA-Türkiye BNC with his counterpart, the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Cevdet Yılmaz. 

The purpose of the BNC is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic and social cooperation between South Africa and Türkiye. 

Through regular high-level dialogue and joint decision-making, the Bi-National Commission will provide both countries with an opportunity to conclude long pending draft agreements, review existing instruments and explore new areas of cooperation in the political, economic, social, justice and security sectors. A number of cooperation agreements are envisaged to be signed in this regard.

In addition to his participation at the BNC, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to also pay tribute to Türkiye’s founder and first President, Mr Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at the Antakabir Mausoleum; hold a tete-a-tete with his counterpart Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz; as well as pay a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Recep Erdogan.  

Subsequently, the Deputy President will travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Türkiye-Africa Business Forum (TABEF) taking place on 16-17 October 2025. 

South Africa’s participation at the TABEF and bilateral meetings with key role players are expected to elevate trade relations with Türkiye and cement South Africa’s position as Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and a key partner in Africa and the Global South.

While in Istanbul, the Deputy President will also participate in the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council and engage with Turkish investors with interest in the South African market. The Deputy President will also address the closing ceremony of the Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) on 17 October 2025.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube; and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Zoleka Capa. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Ursula von der Leyen,
Ambassadors,
Ministers,
Members of the media,
 
It is a great honour and a privilege to have been invited to participate in the Global Gateway Forum.
 
This initiative is opening up new possibilities for trade and investment and forging a new era of partnership and cooperation.
 
It has been a particular pleasure to meet with President von der Leyen to continue the productive engagements that we had in Cape Town in March this year at the South Africa–European Union Summit.
 
South Africa and the EU maintain a dynamic and expanding bilateral partnership spanning trade, energy, education, science, human rights and health.
 
We share a commitment to multilateralism, human rights, UN reform, global peace, climate action and sustainable development. 
 
The EU remains one of the most important foreign investors in South Africa.
 
Together, EU member states accountr for 41 percent of total foreign direct investment into our country. 
 
Over 2,000 EU companies operate in South Africa, creating more than half a million direct and indirect jobs.
 
The South Africa-European Union Summit in March agreed on pathways to further advance these economic ties.
 
It reaffirmed our commitment to deal with common challenges and to promote peace, development and prosperity.
 
Since then, our officials have been engaged in technical discussions on the agreed launch of a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.
 
This innovative partnership focuses on investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity, and developing strategic industries along the entire supply chains. 
 
The partnership is expected to create jobs in South Africa and elsewhere on the African continent.
 
We are hopeful that it will contribute to the development of Africa as the next frontier of clean global production. 
 
We are therefore delighted by the announcement of a further investment package that will bring the total investment value to 11.5 billion Euros.
 
These investments will help to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present.
 
The investment package covers areas such as critical minerals, e-battery development, green hydrogen, renewable energy and vaccines. 
 
This will help to accelerate South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon economy, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
 
The investment will also support rail, road and ports infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity. 
 
We welcome the special focus on skills, small business development, and research and development.
 
This is vital for the development of South Africa’s people, our most valuable resource.
 
We applaud the leadership of President von der Leyen and President Costa in giving form to this vision of a global gateway.
 
We are grateful to the European Union for the strong support it has given to South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and our agenda of solidarity, equality and sustainability.
 
We are looking forward to welcoming you, President von der Leyen, to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month.
 
We believe this will be an important opportunity to advance the vision of a peaceful, just and inclusive world order that we both share.
 
I thank you.

Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, has concluded a successful two-day working visit to the Republic of South Sudan. The visit sought to take stock of the state of the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

Deputy President Mashatile held engagements with His Excellency, President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice-President Benjamin Boi Mel and other signatory Parties to the Revitalised Agreement.  

All parties are committed to doing everything possible to avoid worsening political tensions which could lead to increased insecurity. Furthermore, the parties expressed confidence in the Revitalised Agreement as the only existing instrument to facilitate the transition to a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. Accordingly, the Parties underscored the need to work together in creating a conducive environment for the holding of credible elections scheduled to take place in December 2026. 

Deputy President Mashatile also paid a courtesy visit to the Mother of the Nation and Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Her Excellency Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, at her Official Residence in Juba.

Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior is the wife of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior – leader the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the first President of the Republic of South Sudan. She has further urged South Africa to remain seized with the process.

Concluding his visit, Deputy President Mashatile underscored the importance of strengthening political and economic bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, has today, 09 October 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Mother of the Nation and Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Her Excellency Cdr. Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, at the Official Residence in Juba, South Sudan.

Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior is wife of the late founding father of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the first democratic Republic of South Sudan, Dr. John Garang de Mabior.

The Deputy President is on a two-day Working Visit to South Sudan in his capacity as Presidential Special Envoy, to consolidate  political efforts and contribute to deepening the implementation of the peace process, in line with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCRSS), with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period. 

Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior has expressed her appreciation to the important role played by South Africa in supporting the peace process. She has further urged South Africa to remain seized with developments in the country.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Ursula von der Leyen,
Fellow Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Thank you for inviting South Africa to this Global Gateway Forum. 
 
It is a privilege to address this forum, which brings together partners to strengthen cooperation, advance shared priorities and find solutions to the pressing global challenges of our time. 
 
This forum is taking place at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and instability, negatively impacting security and economic growth in many parts of the world.
 
These circumstances require comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking solutions. These challenges call for a renewed commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict, respect for international law, the strengthening of multilateralism and the progressive reform of international bodies like the United Nations and the WTO.
 
As a country, we welcome the opportunity to participate in this forum.
 
The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union has evolved in scope and substance over the years.
 
The South Africa-EU Summit in Cape Town in March this year reaffirmed our shared values and further deepened our cooperation. 
 
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen resilience by advancing investments in digital and green infrastructure, fostering innovation, securing supply chains and encouraging diversification that supports sustainable and inclusive growth. 
 
We welcome the support this partnership provides to the development of transport networks, a just transition and climate resilience, pandemic preparedness and vaccine production, and digital connectivity. 
 
As we work to strengthen trade and investment ties, we must also address those issues that hold back more robust, more diverse and more impactful trade and investment between African and European countries.
 
We need to work together to overcome the tariff and non-tariff barriers that constrain the breadth and the scale of African exports to the European Union.
 
We must use investment and trade as effective instruments to foster industrialisation on the African continent.
 
The Global Gateway provides an opportunity to support the priorities that countries have identified and are pursuing themselves.
 
South Africa has embarked on a just transition that advances renewable energy while safeguarding energy security and enabling social and economic development.
 
We are using our natural resource endowments – such as solar, wind and our critical minerals – to build industries that will grow our economies.
 
As South Africa, we are undertaking far-reaching economic reforms in energy, water, logistics and telecommunications that are making our country more competitive and improving the investment environment.
 
As a country, we are undertaking a massive infrastructure investment drive to expand the capacity of our economy and meet the developmental needs of our people. 
 
As a continent, Africa is striving for universal access to energy through diversification, equitable financing and technology transfer. 
 
The support from the EU and its member states will play an important part in this journey. 
 
It is important that the substantial investments that are being made through the Global Gateway are structured in a manner that empowers African countries and does not replace one dependency with another.
 
They must enable African countries to pursue development paths that are suited to their circumstances and to the needs of their people.
 
South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit next month under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 
 
With around 100 of the 132 official meetings having been held since we took over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil, South Africa is well on its way in preparations towards hosting a successful G20 Summit for the first time on African soil.
 
We welcome the support of the European Union for our G20 priorities to address the many challenges that developing economy countries are facing.

Many developing economy countries face unsustainable debt burdens. A key issue for the G20 must be to develop solutions to address the debt burden that holds back the growth and development of many developing economy countries, especially in Africa. 

We need further measures to ensure fair and equitable access to finance and debt sustainability so that these countries can meet the needs of their people and realise their potential. 
 
It is simply unacceptable that many developing economy countries pay much more for their debt than what more developed economy countries pay.
 
This unfair treatment perpetuates inequality not only between individuals but amongst countries as well. 
 
It is for this reason that South Africa has set up a G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, led by Professor Joseph Stiglitz, to table a report at the G20 Leaders’ Summit on the issue of inequality.
 
We must build consensus on the reform of international financial institutions, particularly multilateral development banks, to better tackle global challenges.
 
We have recognised the need to massively increase support for climate action in the Global South and for reconstruction in the aftermath of extreme weather events. Greater support needs to be given developing economy countries through climate financing.
 
We are also calling for stronger action against predatory mining practices and for fair management of critical minerals. 
 
We are focusing on strengthening the multilateral trading system, while recognising that the World Trade Organisation remains the only multilateral body capable of managing divergences and coordinating positions in global trade.
 
We remain committed to working closely with the European Union to ensure that our shared ambitions translate into tangible outcomes. 
 
Together, we can foster inclusive growth, build resilience and create a sustainable and secure future for all our people.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 08 October 2025, arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) taking place from 09 - 10 October 2025.

On Thursday, 09 October 2025, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.” Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world.

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

This engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi; and senior Government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa during the concurrent absence from the country of both the President and the Deputy President.

The appointment is made in accordance with Section 90(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides for the delegation of Presidential authority when both the President and the Deputy President are unable to fulfil the duties of the office.

President Ramaphosa is undertaking an official visit to Ireland today, Wednesday, 08 October 2025, and will thereafter attend the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, on Thursday, 09 October 2025.

During this period, Minister Motshekga will accordingly serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security.

His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9 October 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Master of Ceremonies,
Your Excellency, President Michael Higgins,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, for the warm welcome we have received in the Republic of Ireland. 

Beyond our strong bilateral relationship, Ireland and South Africa share deep fraternal bonds that date back many years.

We remember with gratitude and humility the support that the Irish people gave to our struggle for democracy and freedom. 

The struggles of our respective peoples for statehood have rendered us kin. 

So, when South Africans visit Ireland, it is a homecoming.

Ireland and the Irish people hold a special place in my own heart. 

Alongside President Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, I was honoured to have played a small part in the decommissioning process in Northern Ireland. 

I have always held the greatest admiration for the Irish people, for their resilience, for their unwavering courage and for the principled solidarity Ireland has always extended to those suffering oppression and injustice.

Through the South Africa-Ireland Joint Commission for Cooperation, we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. 

South Africa acknowledges the partnership with Ireland on various issues relevant to the United Nations and the UN Security Council.

We share a vision of a just, peaceful and more equal world order in which all countries can develop and thrive.

We share similar views on how to navigate these difficult times, by standing together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, adhere to international law and strengthen the institutions of global cooperation.

South Africa commends Ireland for its consistent principled position on Israel’s war on Gaza. 

There is growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that the world must unite to end the conflict. 

We are encouraged by Ireland’s decision to recognise the Palestinian State as a vital part of a just and enduring peace. 

International solidarity is now more essential than ever. 

The pursuit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy is now more essential than ever.

That is why South Africa has repeatedly called for dialogue and negotiation to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

We continue to emphasise the importance of achieving peace in all conflicts through negotiation rather than force.

Your Excellency,

Just over a decade ago, we welcomed you to South Africa as part of your three-country tour of Africa.

On that visit, you had the opportunity to engage with leaders from government and business on strengthening economic ties between our two countries. 

South Africa is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Africa, with imports ranging from aircraft to data processing machinery to pharmaceutical products.

According to the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, South Africa imported approximately 46 million Euros of Irish whiskey last year. 

This is one of the many Irish traditions that we South Africans cherish and celebrate.

A number of South African companies have investments in Ireland, just as several Irish companies have an established presence in our country.

We are keen to strengthen and deepen these ties and to build links between Ireland and the African continent more broadly.

Our partnership in development continues to grow from strength to strength. 

The Kader Asmal Fellowship, named for the South African freedom fighter who found a home in Ireland, is one such example of cooperation. 

Since it was established in 2012, the Fellowship has provided scholarship opportunities to more than 100 South African students at master’s level in Ireland’s higher education institutions. 

The Embassy of Ireland has provided funding for research projects and study visits between Irish and South African universities. 

South Africa is honoured to be leading the G20 under the theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 

We are pleased that Ireland is actively participating in the G20 as a guest country.

For the G20 to retain its relevance in today’s turbulent world, it must address issues of development, debt sustainability, climate action and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr President, as you come to the end of your term, I would like to thank you for your leadership and unwavering commitment to a just and equitable world.

I wish you well in your future endeavours and wish the Irish people a successful Presidential election on the 24th of October.

Thank you once again for your warm friendship and hospitality.

This has indeed been a homecoming for us.

I thank you.