Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 29 October 2025, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, convened a virtual meeting of the structure, that finally adopted its Terms of Reference.

In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member Government of National Unity (GNU), and delegated Deputy President Mashatile to lead the GNU Clearing House.

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism meeting today received a report from the Working Group that was mandated to review and finalise the draft Terms of Reference (ToR’s). 

The draft ToR’s document was first presented in October 2024. Due to disagreements, the Secretariat engaged Professor Jaap de Visser for legal refinement, with  key disagreements centered around deadlock-breaking mechanisms and clauses from the GNU Statement of Intent (especially Clauses 18 and 19.3). 

Subsequently, a Working Group was formed to resolve these issues, comprising representatives from the Democratic Alliance, Rise Mzansi, Pan Africanist Congress, and chaired by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel.

Submissions to the draft Terms of Reference were received from the GOOD Party, Al Jama-Ah, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the United Democratic Movement (UDM). 

The Working Group was given two weeks to finalise its work and report back to the GNU Clearing House Mechanism.  

The Working Group made the following proposals:

• Firstly, it developed a Dispute Resolution Process flow diagram that clarifies the decision-making process of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism; 

• Secondly, it clarified that the Clearing House Mechanism is a recommending body, not a decision-making structure; 

• Thirdly, it proposed monthly meetings;

• Fourthly, it proposed that unresolved issues be referred to the Political Leaders Forum, not the President; and

• Lastly, the Working Group supported a resolution to “agree to disagree” when consensus fails.

Having noted the above, the GNU Clearing House Mechanism agreed that the Statement of Intent is foundational to the work of the GNU Clearing House and equally agreed that sufficient consensus applies only to decision-making bodies (GNU and Political Leaders Forum), not the Clearing House.

Lastly, it agreed on referral procedures and the non-inclusion of provincial/local government matters.

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism appreciated the work of the Working Group and the Secretariat and agreed that the adopted ToRs will be presented to the meeting of the Political Leader's Forum for ratification. 

The GNU Clearing House Mechanism also agreed that future concerns should be addressed through amendments, as the adopted document is now a living document. 

Enquiries on the GNU Clearing House Mechanism: Mr Mduduzi Mbada, Head of the GNU Clearing House Mechanism Secretariat, on 082 900 1893.

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

Issued by: The GNU Clearing House Mechanism Secretariat
Tuynhuys, Cape Town

Programme Director,
Madam President,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Federal Council,
Ambassadors,
Members of the media,

It is a great honour to be here today on the first South African state visit to Switzerland since the dawn of democracy in our country. 

This is an important milestone in our longstanding partnership and a testament to our mutually-beneficial relations. 
 
During our discussions today, we focused on international issues and the bilateral relations between our two countries.

We discussed cooperation in trade and investment, science and innovation, and higher education and training. 

We noted that Switzerland is one of our major trade, investment and economic cooperation partners and we agreed that this visit will give our relationship new momentum. 

This visit will not only raise the profile of our relations but contribute to better political and economic ties. It will foster greater cooperation and understanding between the people of Switzerland and South Africa. 

We note with appreciation that Switzerland has recently launched its new Africa Strategy for the period 2025-2028, reflecting its commitment to supporting democratic processes, good governance and development. 

We further noted Switzerland’s role in advancing peace and security within the United Nations and around the world, notably in various conflict areas on the African continent such as Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.

I also used the opportunity to commend the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs for their significant contributions to improving the lives of South Africans through various initiatives to foster economic growth, sustainability and inclusivity. 

The President and I had previously discussed the development of a youth cooperation framework and I look forward to our further engagement in this regard.

We thanked Switzerland for its public support to our G20 presidency and the priorities of inclusive economic growth, debt management, support for multilateral development banks, climate change and the reform of global governance institutions.

South Africa and Switzerland are aligned in our pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient future. 

We are pleased to sign two important instruments, promoting cooperation in arts, culture and heritage and in peace mediation and democracy resilience.

I conclude by thanking the Swiss Government for the constructive cooperation in the repatriation efforts of the heritage objects of the Nkuna Royal Family, which will now occupy their rightful place in Limpopo in South Africa.

Relations between South Africa and Switzerland have come a long way. From this State Visit, we are confident that they will go even further and achieve greater benefits for the people of both countries.

I thank you.

Your Excellency, Ms Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation;
Honourable Members of the Federal Assembly;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

It is a great honour for me to speak here at the esteemed Parliament of the Swiss Confederation.

Yours is a country that is admired around the world for its democracy, prosperity and commitment to peace.

On behalf of the people and Government of South Africa, I convey my deep appreciation for the kind invitation, the warm welcome and the enduring friendship between our two nations.

Yesterday, in Neuchatel, sacred artefacts of the Nkuna royal family began their journey home after more than a century.

More than pieces in a museum, these objects carry the memory of generations and the identity of a people.

This act of repatriation speaks to who we are – both Switzerland and South Africa.

It speaks to our shared belief that dialogue can heal what conflict has broken, and that the dignity of every human being transcends borders and time.

South Africa remembers the Swiss citizens and organisations that stood with us in our darkest hours under apartheid.

This solidarity planted the seeds of friendship and cooperation.

South Africa and Switzerland are nations that believe in a just and peaceful global order.

We believe in the founding principles of the United Nations Charter.

We support joint solutions to common problems. We value multilateralism and the fair and consistent application of international law.

We believe that peace is not merely the silence after the guns have stopped.

Peace is about justice and development. It is about communities flourishing and economies growing.

South Africa supports Switzerland’s efforts to promote peace through mediation and diplomacy.

We welcome your active role in conflict prevention and humanitarian relief around the world.

Just as we share a desire to work together to build a better world, so too do we seek a partnership to realise the potential of our people.

Switzerland is one of South Africa’s main trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment.

Swiss investors are creating opportunities in South Africa, transferring knowledge and driving transformation – from finance to renewable energy, from pharmaceuticals to advanced manufacturing.

South Africa's renewable resources combined with Swiss expertise in clean technology and sustainable finance can lead the way to a future that is green, just and inclusive.

Our commitment to infrastructure, industrialisation and digital innovation opens vast horizons for partnership.

Together, we can prove that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not adversaries but allies.

Together, we can drive empowerment.

Our vision embraces women taking their rightful place in the economy, young people igniting innovation and small enterprises growing into mighty engines of prosperity.

We see education, research and skills development as investments in human potential.

Our universities and research institutions are bridges between our peoples.

As South Africa and Switzerland, we must strengthen our cooperation in international fora, ensuring that the voices calling for peace drown out the drums of war.

We must deepen our economic ties, transforming investment into changed lives and strengthened communities.

The challenges facing our world are formidable, from war and conflict to inequality to climate change. But we have shown that we have the determination and the means to overcome these challenges.

This visit marks a beginning of the next chapter of our relationship.

This will be a chapter defined by lives transformed, thriving partnerships and a world that us more just, more peaceful and more sustainable.

Thank you for your friendship, your vision and your commitment to building a better world.

I thank you.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 30 October 2025, respond to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on matters related to his Delegated Responsibilities.

In line with a constitutional mandate for Members of Cabinet to account to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and performance, Deputy President Mashatile will answer questions on issues related to the Government’s efforts in implementing rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting service delivery hotspots in the country with the view of improving governance in municipalities across the country.

Following the findings of the market inquiry conducted by the Competition Commission into the fresh produce market in January 2025, the Deputy President will apprise Members about Government’s interventions aimed at increasing annual sales of small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers through the National Fresh Produce Markets.

On the question of bolstering crime intelligence in the South African Police Service to stem gangsterism and other forms of violent crimes, the Members of Parliament will be updated on the multi-sectoral coordination and intelligence-driven strategies undertaken by Government to curb the scourge of gangsterism.

The Deputy President will further respond to questions on land reform and agricultural development in the rural areas to support the growth of the agricultural sector, settlement of debt by municipalities to Eskom, and as well as Government’s approaches towards addressing the disproportionate HIV prevalence in women and girls.

Details of the National Assembly sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Time: 14h00 
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

The session will be Live-Streamed on DSTV Parliamentary Channel 408 and YouTube Parliamentary channel. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 31 October 2025, deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Youth Investment Indaba, scheduled to take place at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg.

Hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Investment Indaba will convene leaders from Government, the private sector, development institutions, and youth-led enterprises to drive youth-focused investment and inclusive economic growth. 

Held under the theme: “The road to a national youth fund", this strategic platform aims to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration aimed at breaking down barriers that limit young people’s full participation in South Africa’s economy.

Through his keynote address, Deputy President Mashatile will underscore Government’s commitment to empowering young people and advancing sustainable investment partnerships that contribute to national development.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Friday, 31 October 2025
Time: 09h00 - 16h00
Venue: Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg 

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Members of the media wishing to attend and cover the event are requested to submit their accreditation details (Full Name, Media House, ID/Press Card, Contact Details) to Ms Tshiamo Selomo (066 118 1505) or Mr Hellmann Hlomuka (081 348 9940).

Media Enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840 OR Mr Tabudi Madisha, NYDA Communication Manager, on 081 473 3596.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 28 October 2025, arrived in Switzerland, for a two-day State Visit at the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The President will on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, hold Official Talks with President Keller-Sutter on a range of bilateral issues, including the G20 Presidency.

The visit will see the signing of two agreements on Cooperation in the fields of Arts, Culture and Heritage and Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience. The agreements will strengthen cultural ties, explore new cooperation initiatives under domestic law and promote joint efforts in peace-making and mediation within multilateral organisations.

The South African Government will also receive a number of heritage artefacts of the Nkuna Royal Family from the Government of Switzerland.

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, Presidents Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter will visit an industrial firm in eastern Switzerland and a vocational school to highlight vocational education and training. The visit supports a youth cooperation aimed at building skills for the modern economy.

The vocational school offers dual education and apprenticeship programs with hands-on workshops, specialised training rooms, and open learning spaces that promote practical, connected learning.

The President will also hold several meetings with the Swiss business leaders as a part of economic development and collaboration.

PROGRAMME FOR THE SWITZERLAND STATE VISIT

DAY 1: Wednesday, 29 October 2025

TIME (SAST)

13h10 - Tete n Tete

16h00 - Official Welcome Ceremony

16h30 - Speeches by both Presidents in House of Parliament

17h00 - Official Talks

18h10 - Signing Ceremony and presentation of restituted cultural goods

18h25 - Press Conference

DAY 2: Thursday, 30 October 2025

11h20 - Visit to the Vocational and Further Education Center

12h45 - Guided tour of the manufacturing facility and apprenticeship centre

13h45 - Media doorstop with President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honour for me to address this distinguished gathering.

The East Asia Summit as a vital platform for strategic dialogue and cooperation on the most pressing political, security and economic challenges of our time. 

Our participation reflects our commitment to multilateralism, regionalism and the strengthening of South-South cooperation.

We are proud to have joined ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2023, which affirms our shared commitment to peace, prosperity and inclusive development.

The ASEAN ethos of mutual upliftment and regional solidarity is one we share. It resonates with South Africa’s values and those embedded in the African Union. 

The world is undergoing profound change and uncertainty. We face crises of climate change, inequality and geopolitical instability. 

Rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions and unequal access to markets continue to undermine development prospects.

These challenges demand coordinated responses and innovative partnerships.

We see great potential in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the African Union. 

These platforms can serve as vehicles for enhanced connectivity, economic resilience and peacebuilding across and between our regions. 

We are honoured to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November. 

In response to the global challenges of today, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is guided by the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

We have identified four key priorities for our G20 Presidency:

Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and response.

We are calling for global cooperation -  which includes financial institutions and the private sector – to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.

Our second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies.

Many countries, particularly in Africa, are struggling with mounting debt and high borrowing costs.

The G20 needs to recognise that unsustainable levels of debt are an obstacle to inclusive growth in these country. This debt limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, climate actions, healthcare, education and other development needs.

Our third priority is to mobilise finance for a just energy transition.

We need increased climate finance flows to developing economies, strengthening multilateral development banks, and leveraging private capital for initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Our fourth priority is to use critical minerals for inclusive growth.

As the world transitions to a green economy, as demand for critical minerals grows, we must not replicate the exploitative practices of our past that have often left resource-rich countries poorer and less stable.

We need to harness critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. We must ensure that those countries and communities endowed with these resources are the ones to benefit the most.

The G20 has an important contribution to make to creating an environment of inclusive economic growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent.

Inclusive growth is essential for creating jobs and economic opportunities. It enables governments to invest in infrastructure, improve the reach of services and deliver public goods like health and education. This in turn raises standards of living, lifts people out of poverty and reduces inequality.

We reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the representivity, effectiveness and impact of the multilateral development banks to support inclusive and sustainable development.

Throughout history, trade has been a powerful instrument of economic growth and social progress.

We must therefore increase mutually-beneficial trade by improving market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade connectivity between our regions. 

Strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue is important to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation. 

In this endeavour, there is much scope for cooperation with East Asia and ASEAN.

Together, we can develop solutions to the challenges we all face as developing economies. 

Together, we can defend multilateralism and address critical issues such as climate change, development and resolution of conflict. 

We must seize this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism and to deepen our partnerships.

We must honour the legacy of Band building a future defined by unity, dignity and progress.

I thank you.
 

At the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit from 29-30 October 2025 to Switzerland, in the capital city of Bern.

The visit will serve to strengthen political, economic and social ties to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in support of inclusive growth and development in areas of trade and investment, skills development and science and innovation.

A key focus of the visit will also be advancement of a youth cooperation framework aimed at promoting training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy.

South Africa is Switzerland’s key partner in science, research and technology on the African continent. Switzerland’s 2022 accession to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) deepened collaboration in space and radio astronomy, underscoring a shared commitment to global scientific advancement.

The relationship between the two countries is long-standing, marked by strong economic ties, constructive political dialogue, and collaboration in multilateral forums.

The bilateral relations are managed through the High-Level Consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers.  These consultations include several working groups on Foreign Policy Working Group; Human Rights Working Group; Joint Economic Committee; Economic Development Cooperation and Science, Technology and Education.

To date, there are 22 bilateral agreements between both countries. The most notable include agreements on Bilateral Air Services, Double Taxation, Development Cooperation, Science and Technology, and a Visa Agreement.

Switzerland is also a host to multiple international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has played an important role in South Africa’s history.

Switzerland remains one of South Africa's key European trading partners. Total trade volume amounted to R18.2 billion in 2024 (Exports R5.7 billion and Imports R12.5 billion - SARS), which places Switzerland as the 30th largest export market for South Africa and Switzerland as the 35th largest source of imports. However, Swiss statistics include South Africa’s gold exports and these show that total trade had reached R159.5 billion (Exports R85.4 billion and Imports R74.1 billion).  This has positioned Switzerland as South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner.

South Africa's primary exports to Switzerland include precious metals and stones-particularly gold, machinery and agricultural products such as wine, fruit and nuts as well as base metals.  While major imports comprise pharmaceutical products, machinery, and medical equipment.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperation, Mr Zuko Godlimpi.

Interested media representative wishing to cover the State Visit should complete the registration form on https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/etc/statevisit-sa.html by 27 October 2025 at 16h00pm (SAST).

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Royal Highness, Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Chancellor of Universiti Malaya;
Your Excellencies, Pro-Chancellors of Universiti Malaya;
The Honourable Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir;
The Honourable Chairman and Members of the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya;
Professor Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Allow me to begin by thanking the faculty and leadership of the Universiti Malaya for this great honour, which I accept with humility.
 
While it is conferred in the name of an individual, this honour recognises the achievements of an entire nation.
 
It recognises the struggle of the South African people for democracy and freedom.
 
It acknowledges the progress we have made in building a new society founded on the principles of equality, justice and solidarity.
 
This Honorary Doctorate in International Relations is being conferred at a time of great turbulence and uncertainty in the world. The principles and values that we have sought to advance in global affairs – such as equality, justice, diversity and sustainability – are being challenged by injustice and inequity, unilateralism, protectionism, disunity, unsustainability, exploitation and environmental degradation.
 
We believe that this Honorary Doctorate is conferred as an affirmation of those values we have always lived by.
 
The conferment of this honour affirms the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and South Africa and affirms the values that we share.
 
This is an honour dedicated to our shared pursuit of knowledge and our shared desire to advance humanity through learning and understanding.
 
It is an honour that I dedicate to people struggling against discrimination, human rights abuses, poverty and inequality, wherever they may be.
 
Your Royal Highness,
 
It is an honour to stand before you to discuss “South-South Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Malaysia and South Africa”, which is a topic that resonates deeply with our shared values of unity, cooperation and mutual respect. 
 
To fully understand relations between South Africa and Malaysia, one has to delve into the historical linkages between our two countries. 
 
We need to understand how these connections established a firm foundation for our relationship today. 
 
And how they can pave the way for a bright future through south-south diplomacy.
 
The bonds that bind our two nations together are not only bonds of friendship. They are bonds of kinship.
 
They are bonds that go back several hundred years.
 
Today, we pay tribute to the rulers and peoples of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago, whose exiles, workers and scholars helped build the South African nation.
 
The earliest recorded arrivals of people from the Malay-Indonesian world at the southernmost tip of Africa were mostly enslaved people.
 
They were brought against their will and in violation of their fundamental rights to provide labour to the early Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
Among these early arrivals were also political exiles, skilled artisans and religious scholars. 
 
Yet even amidst the degradation and dehumanisation of slavery, the arrival of these people was transformational. 
 
This early community carried Islam to South Africa, and the Holy Quran’s message of equality brought comfort to the dispossessed peoples of South Africa.
 
Scholars of early Cape history recall how the Dutch discouraged enslaved people from converting to Christianity. 
 
To admit them into the Christian faith would mean acknowledging their humanity and personhood.
 
In stark contrast, Islam offered a sense of belonging that did not care for race, status or position in society. 
 
At a time of bondage and racial hierarchy, the early Muslim community at the Cape practised the values of equality and dignity – values that we have sought to advance in global affairs through our G20 Presidency.
 
Beyond the sense of belonging and acceptance, the Malay community offered social services like charity, caring for the sick and elderly, orphanages, the recognition of marriages and decent burial.
 
The mosques and madrasas of the community that came to be regarded as the Cape Malays gave spiritual instruction and formal education at a time when most local churches would not let enslaved people even enter the door.
 
The Malay language had a formative influence on the development of Afrikaans, one of our twelve official languages. 
 
It is an extraordinary fact of history that the earliest written Afrikaans was actually in Arabic script, recorded in the madrasas of Cape Town in the 1830s. 
 
Today, Afrikaans is the third most widely spoken language in South Africa. 
 
Yet, the most profound legacy of the peoples of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago in South Africa has not been food, culture or language. 
 
The legacy of these early arrivals is found in the ideas of social justice and human equality brought to our shores long before our freedom was born. 
 
This is an ethos that prevails until this very day.
 
This spiritual dimension would eventually evolve into organised resistance. First against colonial rule and later against apartheid rule. 
 
We recall the contribution of political prisoners like Tuan Guru, who was imprisoned on Robben Island and later established the first masjid in South Africa.
 
We remember leaders like Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar, who, exiled to the Cape, was influential in establishing Islam in the Cape and providing a sanctuary for slaves.
 
From these beginnings, the Cape Malay community has birthed many brave leaders who stood up to challenge racial exclusion, colonialism and apartheid. 
 
Seventy years ago this year, Bandung in Indonesia became synonymous with the global resistance against oppression and colonialism. 
 
The Bandung Conference, held in 1955, was the key event that marked the beginning of the Non-Aligned Movement. 
 
It brought together leaders from 29 Asian and African countries to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as anti-colonialism, economic development and peace.
 
Among the delegates from across the world, the African National Congress was represented by Moses Kotane and Moulvi Cachalia. 
 
The Bandung Conference established the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs and peaceful coexistence. 
 
It laid the groundwork for a broader movement that has grown to include over 120 member states, aiming to foster international cooperation, oppose colonialism and imperialism, and promote economic and cultural development independently of the Cold War superpowers.
 
In the face of empire, Bandung opened up a new era for South-South cooperation.
 
Writing about the Bandung Conference many years later, African National Congress President Oliver Tambo would describe the Afro-Asian solidarity movement as having travelled “a long and complicated, but glorious path”. 
 
He said the Afro-Asian solidarity movement “has proved itself as a steadfast friend of all peoples fighting for national and social emancipation.”
 
All these years later, the Bandung ideals of sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs and peaceful coexistence based on unity, dignity and strategic cooperation remain more important than ever. 
 
These are the ideals that continue to define South Africa’s relations with Malaysia. 
 
When the Bandung Conference took place, Malaya had not yet attained independence. 
 
Yet, upon independence Malaysia would go on to play a leading role in the movements of the Global South and the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and much later, the G77 caucus within the United Nations.
 
We cannot speak of this history without paying tribute to the great Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. 
 
Tunku was a bridge-builder between the nations of the Global South and a true friend of the South African people. 
 
He played a leading role in forcing the withdrawal of apartheid South Africa from the Commonwealth in the early 1960s. He used his stature to condemn the racist regime at the United Nations. 
 
Under Tunku’s leadership, the young independent nation of Malaysia was determined to reflect the principles of Bandung in its foreign policy and in all its affairs. 
 
It is a source of great pride to us that the ties between Malaysia and South Africa have endured.
 
Since the time of the early Cape Malay community, through the anti-apartheid struggle and into our democracy, our destinies have been intertwined. 
 
That spiritual inheritance planted in South Africa by Tuan Guru, Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar and the other exiles and imams, would come to define the principled resistance of the Cape Malay community to apartheid.
 
Our shared history may not have been of our making, but it has evolved into a principled solidarity.
 
When we were liberated from apartheid bondage, Malaysia was at our side. 
 
When President Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was one of the first foreign leaders he met with. 
 
As a liberation movement preparing to govern, the African National Congress sought to learn from Malaysia’s economic success story. 
 
As we crafted our own economic vision for the democratic South Africa, we were eager to glean lessons from Malaysia’s Look East Policy and the New Economic Policy, which focused on rapid industrial growth with social equity and redistribution.
 
Speaking in 1997 at the Malaysian Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, President Nelson Mandela said: “South Africa takes particular interest in Malaysia’s success in overcoming the legacy of colonialism and poverty, and in the economic policies that made this possible.” 
 
He added that South Africa had much to learn from Malaysia’s experience as South Africa restructured its economy.
 
Since the mid-2000s South African parliamentarians and officials have taken study tours to Malaysia to learn about industrial strategy, national planning and policy design.
 
In the formative years of our democracy, Malaysia was one of the earliest and largest investors from Asia, investing in banking, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and other sectors. 
 
Today, South Africa is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Africa. 
 
Our economic relationship holds immense potential. 
 
In the course of our visit to Malaysia, we have been exploring areas of cooperation that are aligned to our respective national development imperatives.
 
On the foundation of our firm diplomatic relations, we are building ties of trade, investment and commerce.
 
Our countries have complementary resources and capabilities.
 
South Africa holds substantial reserves of critical minerals.
 
Malaysia is rapidly expanding electronics, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries.
 
This provides opportunities to develop integrated value chains that recognise South Africa’s ambition to develop its industrial base and add value to the minerals that it extracts.
 
The formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area offers further opportunities for partnership between South Africa and Malaysia in reaching a market of 1.4 billion people.
 
There are significant opportunities for partnership in the production of Halal products and manufactured goods in South Africa for export to the rest of the African continent. 
 
As like-minded and active non-aligned countries, Malaysia and South Africa have common views and interests.
 
As the chairs of ASEAN and G20 respectively, Malaysia and South Africa are advancing similar visions and similar agendas.
 
We cooperate in multilateral organisations such as the United Nations and its agencies, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Indian Ocean Rim Association and others. 
 
Such cooperation is essential at this time of great uncertainty, amidst an increasingly fragile international order. 
 
Conflicts and wars, contestations over trade, the energy transition and the pace of the digital revolution are reshaping the international order. 
 
In some places, they are replicating colonial-era patterns of dependency and threatening to deepen inequality.
 
At a time of global disorder, the countries of the Global South must evoke the spirit of Bandung to chart a new course for our shared future.
 
At a time when suffering, dispossession and the denial of dignity persist, our two countries are called upon to together work towards a future that is more equitable, more humane and that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.
 
Beyond our shared history, beyond our bilateral economic relationship, Malaysia and South Africa stand shoulder to shoulder on the global stage in our mutual quest for social justice for people everywhere. 
 
Our two nations have stood consistently for the reform of the institutions of global governance so that the needs of the Global South are reflected. 
 
We continue to call for reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the realities of the 21st century, and so that it may fulfil its original purpose as a guarantor of international peace and security.
 
There is a need to stand together in combating climate change, both in mitigating its effects and in pursuing a just and inclusive transition to low-carbon economies.
 
We have both a common interest and a common responsibility to ensure that those countries that are historically responsible for greenhouse gas emissions provide substantial support to those countries that are most affected by climate change.
 
We thank Malaysia for its unwavering support for our G20 Presidency, convened under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.
 
We know we can continue to count on Malaysia’s support in support of the four key priorities of our G20 Presidency. 
 
Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and response.
 
We are calling for global cooperation - which includes financial institutions and the private sector – to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.
 
Our second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies.
 
We are advancing solutions for unsustainable sovereign debt level, high deficits and liquidity challenges, extending debt relief and addressing the cost of capital.
 
Our third priority is to mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
 
We need increased climate finance flows to developing economies, strengthening multilateral development banks, and leveraging private capital for initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
 
Our fourth priority is to use critical minerals for inclusive growth: 
 
We need to have value addition near extraction sites and develop low-carbon manufacturing chains. 
 
We must harness critical minerals as engines for growth and development in Africa.
 
Through our Presidency, we are seeking to strengthen the response of the G20 countries and the broader international community to the pressing issues of our time: poverty, inequality, climate change, pandemics and rapid technological change.
 
We seek to build a more peaceful and just world.
 
We pay tribute to the principled solidarity of the peoples of Malaysia with the oppressed and suffering Palestinian people.
 
After decades of dispossession, repression and oppression, the people of Gaza are facing genocide. 
 
We cannot but be moved to action by the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians, forced displacement, deliberate starvation and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.
 
We welcome the ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump and supported by a number of countries in the Middle East and beyond, including the return of the hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners and the resumption of humanitarian assistance.
 
However, we are concerned that this ceasefire is being undermined by continued assaults on Gaza and the West Bank.
 
As an international community, we must make every effort to ensure that the peace deal provides a path towards Palestinian statehood and self-determination.
 
We must pursue the goal of a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with a Palestinian state existing alongside and in peace with the State of Israel.
 
We salute Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in publicly supporting South Africa’s case against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice and for Malaysia’s active leadership within the Hague Group.
 
This is truly the spirit of Bandung: the solidarity of conscience.
 
Our shared history has taught us that through solidarity we can escape the ghosts of the past, overcome the most strident of obstacles and help reshape our common destiny.
 
 As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to strengthen the historical linkages that exist between us. 
 
We should celebrate the rich history that binds Malaysia and South Africa. 
 
It is important for us to honour the struggles and sacrifices made by our forebears and strive to build a future rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. 
 
As members of this esteemed university community, you have an important role to foster and enhance these connections and become ambassadors of goodwill.
 
You can lead the way in strengthening the ties between our nations based on equality, freedom, democracy, justice and dignity.
 
I receive this honorary doctorate with gratitude from the Universiti Malaya, an institution with a rich and proud history.
 
I accept it on behalf of your brothers and sisters in South Africa, who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt. 
 
Thank you for standing with us in our quest for dignity and justice. 
 
As we enter a new and even greater era of South-South cooperation, we carry with us the spirit of the early Cape Malay community whose values are the bedrock of the free South Africa we have today.
 
Let there be friendship.
 
Let there be peace. Salaam Alaikum.
 
I thank you.

At the invitation of the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, undertook an Official Visit to Malaysia in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 24 to 27 October 2025. This marked President Ramaphosa’s first official visit to Malaysia since assuming the Presidency on 15 February 2018. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 8 November 1993, Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa have enjoyed a strong and enduring partnership, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and common aspirations.

President Ramaphosa was received by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Square, Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on 25 October 2025. Following the ceremony, both leaders held a meeting to review the current state of bilateral relations of Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both leaders also reaffirmed the bonds of friendship between the two nations and their aspirations to build a more dynamic and resilient partnership. The substantive discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the deep trust and shared commitment of both sides.

Both leaders recognised the importance of revitalising bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment; halal industry; agriculture; defence; science, technology and innovation; education; tourism and culture; transport; and capacity building. They recognised that enhanced collaboration in these sectors would deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and contribute to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Both leaders expressed confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations and noted the considerable untapped economic potentials between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa. They further agreed to strengthen trade and investment linkages by facilitating participation of businesses from both countries in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums.

Malaysia expressed its intention to expand exports of MSPO-certified palm oil to the Republic of South Africa, in support of the country’s growing demand for sustainably produced food and ingredients within its food processing and manufacturing sectors. Both leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation including research, training programmes, and green manufacturing in the palm oil industry, recognising Malaysia’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production and the Republic of South Africa’s potential as a strategic partner and emerging market. Both sides further agreed to explore opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable growth in this sector.

Acknowledging the strategic importance of technological advancement, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of semiconductor. Both sides recognised Malaysia’s role as a global hub and leading exporter in the semiconductor industry, and expressed commitment to leverage this expertise to promote knowledge-sharing, joint research, and capacity-building. The Republic of South Africa is keen to export to Malaysia iron and related products, aircraft and spacecrafts components, machineries and parts while also encouraged Malaysia to consider investing in green hydrogen, mineral beneficiation, energy infrastructure, energy battery storage and distribution and automotive.

Recognising the growing global demand for halal products and services, both Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in the halal sector, capitalising on Malaysia’s expertise as a globally recognised leader in this field. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating mutual recognition of halal certification, strengthening the halal food supply chain and manufacturing of halal products, as well as exchanging best practices in halal standards and certification processes. Both countries agreed to further explore mutually beneficial opportunities for joint cooperation in utilising the Republic of South Africa as a Halal Hub to access the huge market for halal consumers in Africa.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in agriculture, particularly in the areas of food security, sustainable farming practices, agro-based industries, and agro-tourism. They agreed to explore opportunities for joint ventures and collaborative initiatives in the areas of technology transfer, capacity building, and innovation in agriculture.

Recognising that bilateral defence relations are underpinned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation signed in 1996, both leaders welcomed the initiative to review the MoU through a Protocol of Amendment aimed at revitalising and strengthening defence cooperation in line with current strategic priorities. They further agreed to reactivate the Defence Committee (DEFCOM) as the primary platform of engagement and implementation of the strategic objectives between Ministries of Defence for both countries, with its reactivation expected to commence in 2026. Both leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen collaboration in emerging areas of defence cooperation such as military training and exercises, maritime safety and security, defence science, technology, and industry to deepen existing relations in joint ventures, technology transfer, modernisation, maintenance and repair of defence equipment as well as technology transfer towards mutual interests and partnership.

Both leaders reaffirmed the significance of science, technology, and innovation (STI), as well as especially disruptive technology, as key drivers of economic growth and transformation. They agreed to promote collaboration in emerging sector, particularly through joint research and development, knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, science diplomacy, and capacity-building to strengthen innovation ecosystems in both countries. Both leaders also concurred that the government-led research and innovation must establish robust, reliable research and funding to facilitate sustained collaboration.

Both leaders underscored the importance of education as the cornerstone of sustainable development and shared prosperity. They agreed to enhance cooperation between higher education institutions, promote academic and student exchanges, and strengthen collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including joint research and scholarship programmes to nurture future-ready talent and advance knowledge-based growth.

Both leaders acknowledged the significance of culture and tourism in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering mutual understanding. They agreed to deepen cooperation through exchanges in the fields of arts, heritage, creative industries, and tourism promotion. Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the field of tourism, particularly in the context of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026) campaigns, as well as the Republic of South Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritages.

Recognising the importance of enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa as a key enabler of trade, tourism, and people-to-people linkages, both leaders encouraged continued collaboration between relevant ministries and agencies, to explore opportunities in the maritime, aviation, and logistics sectors. Both leaders welcomed the private sector participation in areas related to rail transport, logistics, and infrastructure development towards facilitating greater economic integration between the two countries.

Both leaders noted with satisfaction the continued success of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) in supporting capacity-building initiatives in the Republic of South Africa. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen cooperation under the MTCP, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, semiconductor and renewable energy.

In realising the full potential of the bilateral relations, both Leaders underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges, consultations, and close coordination at all levels. They also agreed to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration on regional and international issues of common concern within the framework of multilateral organisations including the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Commonwealth.

The President of the Republic of South Africa extended his warm congratulations to the Prime Minister and expressed his strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. The President conveyed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership in advancing ASEAN’s goals of deeper regional integration, peace, and prosperity. The Prime Minister, in turn, commended the Republic of South Africa’s important role as the G20 Presidency as well as its significant contributions within BRICS in promoting inclusive growth, multilateral cooperation, and global solidarity. Both leaders further agreed to explore avenues of cooperation within BRICS, with a view to advancing shared interests and strengthening further South-South collaboration.

Both Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying cooperation under the ASEAN-South Africa Sectoral Dialogue Partnership framework. Malaysia also expressed its readiness to work closely with the Republic of South Africa to advance shared priorities within ASEAN, including the promotion of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and justice in the international arena. They noted the active cooperation on key issues within the framework of international organisations, particularly the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Commonwealth, and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support for each other’s initiatives and candidatures to international bodies.

Both leaders strongly condemned the atrocities in Gaza and reiterated their steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state. They welcomed initiatives aimed at achieving an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire; removal of blockade on Gaza; the protection of all civilians; and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance to those affected. Both leaders emphasised the importance of achieving a just, comprehensive, and solution that would bring lasting peace and stability to the region. Malaysia commended the leadership of the President of the Republic of South Africa for initiating proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the situation in Gaza.

Both leaders further agreed on the necessity of upholding the international order based on the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. Both leaders reaffirmed that military action is never a viable means to resolve any conflict, and that a lasting peace must be pursued through diplomacy, dialogue and collective multilateral efforts.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Government of Malaysia for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. In return, the President of the Republic of South Africa expressed his keen anticipation of welcoming the Prime Minister of Malaysia at the upcoming G20 Summit to be held from 22 to 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.

Both leaders reaffirmed their confidence that the outcomes of this visit would further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the Republic of South Africa, while paving the way towards a brighter, more prosperous, and mutually beneficial future for both nations.

ISSUED BY: THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA