The Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, condemns attempts to vilify her image. The photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation is not only distasteful but shameful as well.

In a country that is battling with a scourge of gender based violence, the continued use of sexual images to tarnish women is deplorable at the least. The cowards responsible for the photoshop represent the worst sexists and gender based violence perpetrators.

The public is warned about uncouth images published allegedly on the Minister’s account. The Minister’s account is not hacked but the images are photoshopped. Attempts to defocus Minister Ntshavheni from the tasks at hand will not succeed.

Government has also noticed the coordinated misinformation campaign primarily targeting Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Minister Ntshavheni is not fazed by acts of cowardice.

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa - Acting Government Spokesperson, 083 653 7485

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Theme: Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection

Programme Director,
NYDA leadership, including the Executive Deputy Chairperson and CEO,
Caregivers and staff of Rakatane Place of Safety,
Community leaders, volunteers, partners,
Most importantly, the children and young people we are here to serve,

It is an honour to be with you today at Rakatane Place of Safety, a space that represents care, protection and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Social cohesion and nation building are not built only through laws and policies, but through everyday institutions at community level that protect and nurture people.

Across South Africa, community-run and faith-based organisations quietly carry a heavy responsibility, often with limited resources, yet with deep commitment.

Places like Rakatane are not just facilities. They are homes, sanctuaries and bridges to a better future for children who have faced difficult circumstances.

Government recognises that when these institutions are weakened, the most vulnerable pay the price. When they are strengthened, society as a whole benefits.

Rakatane currently provides care to 18 children and youth, including children with disabilities, school-going children, toddlers and unemployed youth.

The facility has identified infrastructure and maintenance challenges, which affect the quality of daily life for residents.

Today’s intervention focuses on deep cleaning, organising, restoring dignity and safety, and creating a more functional living environment.

This work may seem practical and hands-on, but it is deeply political in the best sense. It affirms that every child deserves a safe, clean and dignified space to live and grow.

Government’s presence here is not an act of charity, but a responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and shared accountability.

Our role is to ensure that women, youth, children and persons with disabilities are not left behind, regardless of where they live.

Initiatives like this translate policy commitments into real improvements in people’s daily lives, beyond speeches and documents.

Social protection works best when Government, communities and institutions act together, each playing their part.

I would like to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers, staff and volunteers who serve here with compassion, often under challenging conditions.

I also commend the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and partners for recognising that youth development and social cohesion begin with safe and supportive environments.

Your work reminds us that service is not only about programmes, but about human connection and consistency.

Let us continue to strengthen and sustain institutions that operate at the frontline of child wellbeing and social protection.

I encourage communities to keep working together to build safe, nurturing and inclusive spaces where children can grow, learn and thrive.

Government remains committed to walking this journey with you, listening, supporting and responding where possible.

When we protect our children, we protect the future of our country.

Let today not be a once-off visit, but part of an ongoing commitment to dignity, care and shared responsibility.

Together, we can ensure that no child feels forgotten and no community stands alone.

Thank you.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Friday, 09 January 2025 lead a Community Outreach Programme at Rakatane Place of Safety in Tlhabane, North West Province.

The outreach programme, held in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), is hosted under the theme “Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection.” The initiative underscores Government’s commitment to supporting community-based institutions that provide care, protection and stability for vulnerable children and young people.

Rakatane Place of Safety currently provides shelter and care to children and youth, including children with disabilities and toddlers. The programme will include practical, hands-on support activities such as cleaning, painting and restoring the facility to ensure a safe, dignified and functional living environment for its residents.

Through this engagement, the Deputy Minister will reaffirm Government’s view that strengthening community institutions is not an act of charity, but a shared responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and nation building.

Media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 09 January 2025
Time: 11h30 – 11h40 (Deputy Minister’s address)
Venue: Rakatane Place of Safety, 3292 Lerato Street, Unit 3, Bester, Tlhabane

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (“Constitution”), and the National Prosecuting Authority Act (NPA Act), state that the President appoints the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). Due to the importance of the position in the criminal justice system, President Cyril Ramaphosa set up an advisory panel (“Panel”) for the selection of the NDPP, which conducted an open and transparent selection process.

The panel, which was led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi, included:

• Mr Andrew Christoffel Nissen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission
• Ms Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
• Ms Tsakani Maluleke, Auditor-General of South Africa
• Prof Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission
• Mr Nkosana Mvundlela, President of the Black Lawyers Association
• Mr Machini Motloung, President of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers

The panel selected six candidates for interviews out of 32 applicants.

The panel concluded its process and submitted its report to the President on the 12th of December 2025. In its report, the panel advised the President that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of NDPP. 

Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has in terms of section 179(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 10 of the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998), decided to appoint Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi, with effect from 1 February 2026, as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). 

Adv. Mothibi, who is currently the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), began his career as a Public Prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates and Regional Courts. He also served as a Magistrate in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates Courts. Adv. Mothibi has previously served in various public and private sector roles managing legal, compliance and risk management operations, including at SARS as Head of Corporate Legal Services and Head of Governance.

President Ramaphosa has thanked Advocate Shamila Batohi for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency and wishes Advocate Batohi well in her future endeavours.

President Ramaphosa extends his gratitude to the members of the panel for their counsel and for carrying their task judiciously. 

With the appointment of Adv. Mothibi as the NDPP leaving a vacancy at the Special Investigating Unit, the President has decided to appoint Mr. Leonard Lekgetho as the Acting Head of the Special Investigating Unit with effect from 1 February 2026 in line with Section 3(1) (b) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996) 

Mr Lekgetho is currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer of the SIU. He has over 22 years of forensic investigations experience, including serving as the Forensic Investigator at the then Directorate of Special Operations, which was known as the Scorpions. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will support and participate in Ministerial Community Engagements taking place in the North West Province, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Government and communities in addressing crime, safety, and social challenges.

The engagements are convened by the Ministry of Police as part of ongoing efforts to respond to rising criminal activities affecting communities in Mahikeng, Rustenburg, and surrounding areas. The programme seeks to promote dialogue, enhance community trust in state institutions, and reinforce a coordinated approach to building safer communities.

The Deputy Minister’s participation underscores The Presidency’s commitment to intergovernmental cooperation, community-centred governance, and responsive leadership that places the needs and voices of communities at the centre of government action.

Details of the engagements are as follows:

Ministerial Community Engagement – Mahikeng

Date: Tuesday, 06 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mahikeng Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng

Ministerial Community Engagement – Rustenburg

Date: Wednesday, 07 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the engagements.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure, in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024). 

Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of twenty five(25)  commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission

The commissioners bring in diverse experience and  relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.

The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act. 

The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.

President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy. 

The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country’s just transition framework.

The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.  

Herewith is the list of the appointed commissioners.

1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli 
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from a devastating fire in the Swiss town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, President Ramaphosa conveys heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as to the people and Government of the Swiss Confederation during this time of profound grief.

“South Africans stand in solidarity with the people of Switzerland as they mourn this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa also extended words of support to the emergency services and first responders who acted with courage and dedication in the face of this tragedy, and expressed confidence that the Swiss people will draw strength from their unity and resilience in this difficult moment.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

My Fellow South Africans,

A new year is upon us. As we welcome the New Year, we do so with reflection, resolve, and hope. 

The year behind us was not easy. 

Many South Africans faced the strain of a myriad of challenges over the past year. 

It is a matter of concern that many South Africans are unemployed and that poverty and inequality persist. The high cost of living has imposed huge burdens of South African households.

Many communities live in fear of gangsters. Women and children live in fear of gender-based violence and femicide. 

The delivery of basic services In our cities, towns and villages are often disrupted or do not exist at all.

These are difficult and complex challenges faced by many of our people. 

I acknowledge these difficulties plainly, and give assurance that your struggles are known and understood. We are continuing to take a variety of actions to address these challenges.

Our success in addressing these challenges includes working together in  partnership between the government, business, labour, civil society, and every citizen committed to the future of our country. 

We look back on the many initiatives we have taken to address our challenges. 

On reflection we are encouraged by the emerging progress that is laying the foundation for even better progress in the year ahead. Yes much more still needs to be done.

We therefore enter the New Year with renewed hope, greater purpose and even greater confidence in the potential of our great country and its people. 

We are grateful for your resilience, for the way we have stood together through difficult moments, and for a unity that remains firm.

Together, we are changing our country for the better.

Our economy is recovering.

We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people. 

Inflation has eased. The cost of living is coming down. The rand has strengthened. 

South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in nearly two decades. This means government can mobilise funding for infrastructure investment and social development at a lower rate.

The structural transformation programme that we embarked on five years ago is showing positive progress. 

Eskom’s performance, which in the recent past caused hardship to households, communities and businesses, has improved steadily. As a result, our country has gone without load shedding for many months. 

More goods are being transported on our rail network and handled through our ports. 

We have restored more commuter rail corridors, making it possible for more people to travel safely and affordably.

Infrastructure is one of our key priorities. We have for the first time budgeted more than R1 trillion for infrastructure investment over the next three years. This has catalysed the revitalisation of our country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems. 

Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and other public employment programs, we have enabled thousands of people to find opportunities to earn, learn and build livelihoods.

We have worked with the private sector to establish the Youth Employment Service that has created more than 200,000 work experience opportunities for young unemployed South Africans and is set to increase this number in the coming period.

The continuing improvement of the business environment is contributing to the improvement of our economy and job creation. Our state-owned enterprises are being strengthened and are set to play their key role in the economy. 

Rooting out corruption is our overriding priority. Through the excellent work of the Special Investigating Unit, the SIU, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit we have recovered billions of stolen money.

Specialised task teams have made breakthroughs against illegal mining, kidnapping, economic infrastructure crimes and construction site extortion.

We are determined to continue to take decisive steps to clean up our law enforcement agencies. The recommendations of the Madlanga Commission will be implemented to enhance the reforms that are needed to reposition our police service and other law enforcement agencies.

This year, we launched the National Dialogue and held the first National Convention, which brought together delegates from across society to define the agenda for an inclusive, nationwide conversation about the next chapter in our democracy.

The National Dialogue continues our country’s proud tradition of holding inclusive conversations to resolve challenges, to build consensus and to chart a course for the future. 

We are traversing a path we have walked before, and will be guided in the National Dialogue process by the Eminent Persons Group who will be the guarantors of the Dialogue’s  inclusivity and integrity. The Steering Committee comprised of community-based representatives will steer the national consultations next year.

South Africa’s standing in the global community has been enhanced and reaffirmed by our successful hosting of the first G20 Summit ever held on African soil.

The Leaders’ Declaration adopted by the Summit articulated global commitments on inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, reform of global financial institutions, and a number of other key issues. 

We can stand proud that the legacy of our G20 Presidency is that we ensured that the voice of our continent Africa and the Global South is recognised, reflected and respected. 

Fellow South Africans,

Our nation is like a river fed by many streams. 

We may at times diverge and differ, but we always converge like streams of a mighty river. 

There may be boulders in our way, but we get around them like the flowing waters of a mighty river.

We have shown that when we work together, we overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

Our spirits have been lifted by the excellent performance of our artists, our sports people, our musicians and our writers.

We salute all who continue to proudly fly our national flag high across the world in international forums in sports, arts and culture, academia, commerce, science, medicine, the judiciary, politics, labour, trade, investment and many other endeavours. 

To our young people: you are the future of our nation. Your energy, creativity and skills are vital to South Africa’s renewal and progress. 

To the workers of our country, entrepreneurs, business people and professionals: your contribution drives our economy forward. 

To the women of our country: you are the backbone of our nation; we honour and respect you. 

To our men and women in uniform: we salute you as you perform your duty of protecting our nation. 

To our civil servants: you serve the people of our country diligently and with respect.

To our doctors, nurses and other health workers: we thank you for working to heal the wounds of our people by keeping them healthy and alive.

To our public representatives: you are the guardians of our democracy. 

To our traditional leaders: you are the custodians of our rich heritage and the conscience of our nation.
 
To the people living with disabilities: your strength and resilience gives us courage to work harder to stand by you, and ease your burdens. 

To our sports men and women: you make us proud to be South African on the world sporting stage. 

To our media people who cocntinue to keep the nation informed of what is happening in our country.

To our elders: your wisdom continues to guide us.

For the contribution that every South African has made in all of our people’s lives endeavours over the last year, we thank you.

Despite the challenges we face our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving. As we prepare to welcome a new year let us remain united to building the South Africa of our dreams. 

I call upon the men of South Africa to respect and honour the young girls and the women of South Africa and desist from gender-based violence and fermicide. 

Wherever you may be across our beautiful land, I wish you a happy and blessed new year.

May God bless South Africa and protect its people.
 

Fellow Compatriots,

As the year draws to a close and the spirit of Christmas fills our hearts, I greet you all and wish every South African a joyous and blessed festive season. This is a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and cherish the bonds that unite us.

The year 2025 has reminded us that our greatest strength does not lie in the corridors of government but in the resilience and unity of our people. Our most valuable resource is not buried beneath our soil; rather, it is the grit, courage, and determination of all South Africans everywhere.

Through every challenge faced and every victory claimed, we have demonstrated the unyielding spirit of Ubuntu that defines who we are. Together, we have made progress worth celebrating.

South Africa recorded 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion. The IMF has lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting the resilience of our economy and the impact of structural reforms. 

For the first time in 20 years, South Africa received a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor's, signalling renewed confidence in our economy. In 2025 we also empowered the youth by placing 200,000 young South Africans in first-job experiences through the Youth Employment Service.

Other key achievements include managing the energy crisis, boosting tourism, improving revenue collection, convening the first Convention of National Dialogue, and successfully hosting the G20 Presidency. The G20 was a historic moment for South Africa and the African continent. It provided an opportunity to champion the priorities of the Global South, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirming our role in global leadership.
 
Fellow Compatriots,

This year also marked a turning point in our fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In November, GBVF was classified a national disaster, a recognition that this crisis violates fundamental constitutional rights to dignity, life, and security. 

This classification is not the end; it is the beginning of intensified action to protect lives and restore dignity. Even in this season of celebration, let us commit to building homes, schools, workplaces, and communities where every woman and child is safe.

As we celebrate, let us treasure the gift of family, friendship, and community. Speak kindness, extend compassion, and rebuild the bonds that hold our society together. For those travelling, please prioritise safety, drive responsibly, do not drink and drive, and ensure every journey is taken with care.

As we look to the year ahead, let us once more embrace the meaning of Ubuntu: I am because we are. This value remains the foundation of our social cohesion and our ability to rise above adversity. Let us comfort those who lost their beloved ones during this year. In the true spirit of Ubuntu that we are known for as South Africans, let us lend a hand to those in need and give from our hearts to make their Christmas a happy one.

In 2026, we will continue to advance inclusive development, strengthen service delivery, support livelihoods, and expand opportunities for our youth.

May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and renewed strength to your spirit. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and reimagine a future of hope and prosperity.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoyable festive season!
 

Your Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairperson of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the PSC Framework;
Your Excellencies, Signatory Countries of the PSC Framework;
Your Excellencies, Representatives of Guarantor Institutions and countries;

Your Excellency,

I would like to start by conveying the apology of your dear brother, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa who was not able to travel in person due to logistical constraints.

On behalf of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, allow me to express South Africa’s appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for convening this urgent Ad-hoc Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure that the countries in the Great Lakes region, and guarantor institutions and countries continue to work as a collective to find solutions to the ongoing security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Your Excellencies,

It is regrettable that the eastern DRC continues to experience persistent violence by armed groups, both Congolese and uninvited external forces.

This situation persists despite the existence of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, the SADC-EAC and the AU-led peace initiatives, and other external peace initiatives which are all aimed primarily to deal with the scourge of armed conflicts and their impact on the people of the eastern DRC and its immediate region.

The actions of armed groups, particularly the M23 and FDLR, continue to undermine the PSC Framework and other ongoing peace processes. The territorial expansion of the M23 including the recent seizure of Uvira, the establishment of parallel administrations in captured and controlled areas, and the violation of human rights and the resultant humanitarian crisis, negate efforts towards peace and opportunities for regional economic development.

The current security situation in the eastern DRC requires immediate action through inclusive, genuine, and direct dialogue, amongst all Congolese and all parties to the conflict. We must act as a collective to prevent any further regional instability. It is for this reason that South Africa strongly urges for the need to return to the basics. We need to ask and honestly answer the question of why, despite several agreements on the resolution of the eastern DRC security situation, are we failing to achieve peace and lasting security.

Peace would only be achieved through an inclusive process that addresses holistically the root causes and drivers of the conflict in the eastern DRC and the region. In our view, the lack of implementation of the various agreements by all parties is a major challenge.  If we are serious about achieving lasting peace, for a start, we must ensure that all parties must fulfill their commitments made as signatories to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework.

For the part of the DRC, it is vital that the government continues to implement all its national commitments, especially on security sector reform and governance including building professional, accountable and sustainable security forces – both in the defence  and police service. These forces should be able to discharge their mandate in restoring State authority and in defending the territorial integrity of the DRC.

Neighbouring countries must also implement their regional commitments, especially not supporting destabilising armed groups, not interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries, and respecting each other’s sovereignty.

In this regard, we recommend that the Regional Oversight Mechanism enhance its role in the implementation of commitments by the DRC and PSC Framework signatories. The Chair of the ROM must also engage actively with the DRC and its immediate neighbours to rebuild trust and normalise bilateral relations and cooperation. These undertakings should be seen as complementing not competing with other peace efforts in line with the decisions to revitalise the PSC Framework.

Excellencies,

The role of the Continental Organisations such as the African Union - which is one of the Guarantors of the PSC Framework remains critical in addressing peace and security challenges confronting us. It is our expectation that the unified African-led mediation efforts can contribute towards normalising relations between the DRC and Rwanda, and restore peace in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region in general. 

As I conclude, South Africa appeals to the conflicting parties in the DRC to demonstrate political will and selfless leadership that this occasion requires. 

The parties must fulfil their previous commitments to establish a permanent, effective and verifiable ceasefire; they must engage in inclusive dialogue that will lead to peace and reconciliation; and they must put the interest of the people of the DRC first. 

Peace will endure when the people of the DRC unite for the purpose of building one Congolese nation and redirect their collective efforts towards the economic development of the DRC and the region. 

I thank you.