President Emmanuel Macron,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Summit is taking place at an important moment in the international climate discussions. 

The Summit is a valuable platform for engagement that needs to complement – but should not supersede – the discussions in the appropriate multilateral forums, particularly the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In November 2021, South Africa announced a historic Just Energy Transition Partnership with the governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union. 

This partnership was established to support South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon economy and a climate-resilient society. The partners agreed to an initial commitment of $8.5 billion towards this goal. 

South Africa has since produced a Just Energy Transition Investment Plan that sets out the scale of financing need at approximately $98 billion. 

This investment plan would support investments in electricity infrastructure, support for communities and workers in coal mining areas, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen and skills development.

We have learnt several lessons during this process. 

Firstly, it is important that just energy transition partnerships are country-led and -owned. 

South Africa is undertaking this transition with a unique set of challenges that include high levels of poverty and an energy deficit. 

We have high levels of unemployment among unskilled workers, which makes potential job losses in the coal value chain more challenging. We have a constrained fiscal environment that limits the ability of government to provide social security in the event job losses. 

Secondly, more emphasis must be placed on the just component of the transition, in both the structuring of the investment plan and the corresponding financing package. 

Countries going through a just energy transition need to be clear about how they define ‘just’, particularly with respect to social impact. 

Thirdly, given South Africa’s current energy crises, we have come to realise that flexibility is key. 

Countries must be able to decide on a transition pathway that takes into consideration development objectives such as energy security. 

This brings me to my fourth point: just energy transition partnerships must translate into tangible financial support. 

The scale of financial support needs to consider the level of development of the countries and the magnitude of the required transition. 

For example, the current commitment of $8.5 billion from our partners is less than a tenth of what will be needed in the next 5 years for a meaningful and just transition. 

Grants need to form a substantial portion of financial support, and any debt-related terms should be more attractive than what the country could secure in capital markets.

It is important that the financing reflects the obligation of developed economies to finance mitigation and adaptation measures in developing economies. 

The financing must be predictable and certain. 

My fifth point is that the transition process needs to support green industrialisation through the transfer of technology and skills. 

In closing, a just energy transition requires long-term partners that will support developing economies as they move towards sustainable and green economic growth and development. 

I thank you.

Your Excellency Prime Minister Frederiksen,
Your Excellency Prime Minister Rutte,
Ambassadors representing South Africa, Denmark and the Netherlands,
Ministers,
Officials,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to South Africa.

It is not every day that we have the privilege of welcoming two Heads of Government at the same time.

This joint Working Visit is indicative of our shared objectives in the areas in which we cooperate.

Both your countries have long and historic relationships with South Africa, which have grown in substance and diversity over recent years.

I know that you appreciate the mutual benefit that we can derive from this relationship, but you also understand the challenges we face.

You will be familiar with the pressure on our electricity network and the impact it has on the South African economy.

For this reason, your visit and our engagements on closer cooperation in the energy space are very opportune and important.

Renewable energy forms an increasingly important part of our energy mix and is vital to both the achievement of a just transition and greater energy security. We hope to benefit from closer cooperation with your countries in this regard.

Given the current challenges in Africa and Europe, it is important that we broaden our dialogue to include regional issues.

Denmark, the Netherlands and South Africa – alongside the African Union and European Union – are important partners in addressing our common and respective challenges.

If we are to bridge the growing divides between nations, between regions and between the Global North and South then we must begin with dialogue.

We must work to create a peaceful and prosperous world by building mutually beneficial partnerships that support the aspirations of all our peoples.

As you would be aware, South Africa was part of a delegation from seven African countries that recently returned from meetings with President Zelenskyy and President Putin.

Among other things, we called for a de-escalation of fighting and for negotiations to commence with urgency; for the release of prisoners of war and return of children; for greater humanitarian support; and for reconstruction efforts to be prioritised.

We used the meetings to highlight the damaging effect that this conflict is having on African countries and economies, contributing to food shortages and a rise in the cost of living.

We believe that our mission was successful in registering the willingness of African leaders to contribute to a negotiated peace and to highlight the broader effects of the conflict. We hope that it will contribute in some way towards international peace efforts.

As South Africa, we are grateful to count Denmark and the Netherlands as longstanding partners in our progress and development.

We look forward to today’s deliberations.

I invite you now, Prime Minister Rutte, to deliver your opening statement.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in terms of section 33 (1) (b) of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership, 2019 (Act 3 of 2019), deliver the annual address to the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (the House).

The annual address will mark the official opening of the House which facilitates the important task of promoting nation building and social cohesion.

The House plays an integral role in streamlining the interests of our communities which are championed by Traditional Leaders as custodians of our heritage and diverse culture.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 February 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber, Parliament, Cape Town
 
Invited guests include Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs responsible for Traditional Affairs, Kings, EXCO Members of Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders, CONTRALESA, Business Sector, Religious Sector, NGOs and representatives from amongst others, SADC countries, National Khoi-San Council as well Chapter 9 institutions.

Members of the media interested in covering the event can RSVP with Mandla Linda (NHTKL) on 079 517 4402 and Tsakane Khambane (The Presidency) 082 084 5566.
 

Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark,
Your Excellency, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Business leaders from the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa,
Representatives of organised labour,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we come to the end of a successful business forum, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Netherlands and Denmark to work together with South Africa to strengthen and deepen our economic relationships.

Both countries have shown great interest to become key trading partners in the green hydrogen and green energy sectors.

At the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh last year, South Africa elaborated on its just transition. We presented our Just Energy Transition Investment Plan as the basis for our pathway towards a low-carbon and a climate resilient society.

While enabling the country to meet its ambitious emission reduction goals, the Just Transition Investment Plan brings about many trade and investment opportunities in the green hydrogen and green energy sectors.

For South Africa, it is important to develop green hydrogen projects that contribute to the export market while developing local economies.

The engagements that have been held during this visit are important for all of our countries.

They provide a glimpse of what South Africa has to offer and allow for direct exchanges on how we can best collaborate on the numerous available opportunities.

It is significant that these engagements have involved government, business, labour and other social partners. It reinforces our view that these developments need to be inclusive and need to benefit all within society.

South Africa today is well poised to attract and implement renewable energy projects and we have the capability to build some of the components that these projects will require.

From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in South Africa.

Such investments are particularly important as South Africa faces severe electricity shortages.

The development of new renewable generation capacity – alongside the recovery of our existing fleet of power stations – is vital for our long-term energy security.

The reforms that are underway in the electricity sector will enable a more competitive, cost-effective and sustainable electricity market.

We also need to acknowledge the investments that are breathing new life into mining, one of the country’s oldest industries and still one of its most important.

Through these investments, we will be expanding our production of platinum group metals and other minerals that are vital to the emerging technologies of the future.

South Africa also offers valuable investment opportunities in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and innovation.

I want to thank the companies and institutions from the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa for the investment announcements and partnerships made today.

From the Netherlands, we welcome the commitment of $1 billion for the establishment of SA-H2 Fund to mobilise green hydrogen investments.

We thank Invest International for their announcement of a concessional financing package for water- and energy-related public infrastructure.

We welcome the establishment of a Climate Smart Horticulture demo facility at Eskom’s Grootvlei power station, which will serve as a hub for agricultural production, packaging and distribution for the surrounding areas.

We also welcome the expansion of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme to build capacity in wind and electricity.

We congratulate Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Mulilo Energy Holdings SA on their announcement to invest $200 million to set up a New Funds Market for investments in green energy infrastructure.

Equally important for South Africa is skills development in the green energy sector.

We therefore welcome the establishment of a Labour Market Consortium to promote social dialogue and skills development for a just and inclusive energy transition in South Africa.

I wish to thank you all for making this business forum a success.

Thank you to our business leaders and delegations from the Netherlands and Denmark for supporting the business forum and advancing its purpose.

As we conclude today, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest shown by the Netherlands and Denmark to work with South Africa in developing a green hydrogen economy.

I am certain that the strong ties between our countries will translate into economic gains for all our people and will contribute to our efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

As the South African government, we remain committed to creating a business environment that is conducive to supporting trade and investment.

In conclusion I wish to thank all of you for your attendance and participation.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, the daughter of King Solomon kaDinuzulu.

Princess Alice is the sister to the late King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon who succeeded King Solomon kaDinuzulu as the Zulu King from 1948 until his death in 1968.

On behalf of Government and  the people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extends his prayers and thoughts to the Zulu Royal Family and the Zulu nation for the loss. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President of the International Labour Conference, Dr Al bin Samikh Al Marri,
Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Mr Gilbert Houngbo,
Heads of State and Government,
Representatives of international agencies,
Representatives of employers and workers groups present,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address this esteemed World of Work Summit.

As South Africa, we carry a profound sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to the advancement of social justice.

This commitment to social justice stands at the centre of our democratic Constitutional order and has guided us over the last three decades as we have sought to build a new nation.

As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration as we work to address the challenges facing our global society.

The International Labour Organization was founded on the principle that universal and lasting peace can only be achieved through social justice. 

And yet, despite our collective efforts, progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been slow and uneven. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, economic shocks, rising costs of living and environmental change have exacerbated poverty, inequality and social fractures in many countries. 

We need urgent action to address these challenges. 

We are therefore encouraged by the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for a new social contract to give effect to our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable society. 

We are encouraged by – and support – the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice, which aligns with the vision of the UN Secretary-General and seeks to promote decent work while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

As leaders, we must prioritise the actions we need to take to advance social justice.

Through this Summit, we should generate renewed momentum towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

South Africa was honoured to participate in the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work.

The Commission’s report highlighted the transformative forces shaping the world of work and the need for decisive action to harness the opportunities they present. 

We fully support the report's human-centred agenda for the future of work and its recommendations, such as increasing investment in people's capabilities and in decent and sustainable work.

We firmly believe that social justice is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

That means we must remove the structural barriers that hamper equal access to opportunities. We must prioritise the removal of discrimination based on gender, age, race, migration status and other grounds. 

Institutions must deliberately work to dismantle these barriers, while actors in society should work towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for all. 

We must create platforms for open and inclusive discussion, where all stakeholders can contribute their perspectives. 

Social dialogue allows us to harness our collective wisdom and find solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of all segments of society.

Income inequality must be addressed. 

Wage policies and collective bargaining have a vital role in reducing income inequalities and ensuring a just distribution of economic progress. 

We must focus on increasing the labour earnings of non-wage workers, who often find themselves at the lower end of income distribution. 

Social partners all have a role to play in narrowing income gaps and promoting fair and equitable societies.

Social partners also need to collaborate to foster productivity and ensure that its gains are shared fairly. 

By narrowing productivity gaps across countries, industries and enterprises, we can contribute to a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities.

We need to ensure our labour market strategies and interventions also benefit people working in the informal economy.

At the same time, we must extend social protection to workers in the informal economy, provide them with access to quality health care and education, and support their transition to formal employment.

By aligning education and skills development with the demands of the job market, we can enhance productivity, sustainability and decent work opportunities.

Trade and investment arrangements should incorporate a social dimension that respects labour and human rights, as well as decent work standards. 

It is important that we pursue transitions to low-carbon economies in a just and inclusive manner. These transitions need to be guided by the needs, interests and views of those workers, communities and industries most affected by the changes that must necessarily take place.

As we develop opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital industries and the green economy, we must ensure that these jobs are decent and provide comprehensive social protection for workers and their families.

As leaders, we must demonstrate our commitment to social justice through concrete actions. 

We need to implement policies and programmes that contribute to job creation, promote entrepreneurship and ensure fair wages and working conditions for all workers.

At a time of great uncertainty, amid heightened geopolitical contestation, we need to work together to safeguard the mandate and critical work of institutions like the International Labour Organization. 

We should  not allow ourselves to be diverted from the path of social justice by partisan interests.

The Global Coalition for Social Justice is a significant step towards collective action. 

It will provide a platform for sharing experiences, learning from each other's successes and challenges, and mobilising resources to address the complex issues that hinder social justice.

Let us therefore use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to social justice and redouble our efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive world. 

Let us use this World of Work Summit as a catalyst for change.

I urge all member states, organisations and stakeholders to join forces and contribute to the realisation of the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice. 

Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance, has equal access to opportunities, rights and a decent quality of life.

May this Summit be a catalyst for the fundamental global change we seek towards the achievement of social justice for all.

I thank you.

Your Excellency, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa,
Chargé d’Affaires of the Portuguese Embassy, Mr Manuel do Vale,
Ambassador-Designate of the Portuguese Republic to South Africa, Mr José Costa Pereira, 
Ambassador Mmamokoena Gaoretelelwe, Head of Mission at the South African Embassy in Lisbon,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the Portuguese and South African delegations,
 
Good Morning,
 
I wish to thank you, Your Excellency, for honouring our invitation to visit South Africa. 
 
We hope that this, your first visit to South Africa will be a productive one.
 
The 10th of June is Portugal Day, and it is no doubt a great honour for South Africa’s Portuguese community that you are here to celebrate this occasion with them. 
 
South Africa is home to the world’s third largest community in the Portuguese Diaspora. The Portuguese community’s culture, traditions, customs and food are very much part of our national life. 
 
One of South Africa’s greatest strengths is that we are united in our diversity. The Portuguese community contributes much to that diversity and to that strength.
 
We congratulate you, your delegation and the South African Portuguese community in advance as you celebrate Portugal Day.
 
The relationship between Portugal and Southern Africa stretches back several centuries and has evolved into a partnership of cooperation and solidarity.
 
Our bilateral relationship is of strategic importance to South Africa. We collaborate in several sectors, such as education, science and technology, trade, investment and defence. 
 
Our meeting today is an opportunity to deepen our collaboration in another important field, namely energy. 
 
Portugal is one of the countries in Europe that has been pioneering the deployment of renewable energy. As we confront our own energy challenges, we are keen to discuss best practice, technology transfer and investment potential in this sector.
 
In recent years, we have come to appreciate how interconnected the global community is, and how we need to work together to solve common challenges like climate change, pandemics and armed conflict.
 
As the countries of the world work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must step up our collaboration to address these challenges.
 
The countries of Africa recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. This anniversary comes at a time when the cause of continental economic integration is finding expression in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
This free trade area will create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion. Not only will it boost intra-African trade and investment, but it will also create opportunities for greater trade and investment between Africa and other parts of the world.
 
It is therefore encouraging at this time to receive visits from countries such as Portugal that are committed to the cause of Africa’s development and prosperity.
 
In our discussions today, we will also take note of multilateral matters of mutual importance.
 
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a global impact. 
 
As South Africa we believe that negotiation and dialogue can indeed play an important role in resolving conflict. We know this from our own experience of our transition to democracy. 
 
We continue to advocate for rules-based multilateralism that should be at the center of global efforts to address common challenges.
 
It has always been our view that peace and security create more space and favourable conditions for development and advancing mutual prosperity.
 
I welcome you once more to South Africa and look forward to our engagement.
 
I now invite you, Mr President, to make your opening statement.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the just-concluded African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a platform that demonstrated the progressive impact of cooperation across the continent in meeting challenges and unlocking opportunities.

The President led South Africa’s participation in the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Summit of heads of state and government, which was framed by the continent’s theme for 2023, “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation”.

In the President’s assessment of the gathering, “this has been a very productive Assembly, which paves the way for peace, economic growth and trade and for the African Peer Review Mechanism to start working more effectively so that countries on the continent can be able to review each other’s processes, democratic and otherwise, (and which)  paves the way for the empowerment of women and young people”.

President Ramaphosa said while the continent faced challenges in the economy and in areas such as infrastructure, it was working collectively to deal with these issues – a clear demonstration of which could be seen in the collective response to COVID-19.

President Ramaphosa and South Africa’s participation in the Assembly straddled a number of areas that included his roles as AU Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and COVID-19 Champion.

The President also reported on progress in the operations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On South Africa’s role as Chair of the AU PSC, President Ramaphosa outlined progress with regards to the project of silencing the guns throughout the continent.  

In this regard, the President reported on a breakthrough in the conflict between the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Liberation Front where a process facilitated in South Africa secured a ceasefire agreement and a commitment by the parties to pursue peace.

The settlement was facilitated in South Africa by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya and former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of the Republic of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa also set out progress with efforts to end conflict in the eastern Democratic of Congo (DRC) and said he was encouraged by a report presented by President João Lourenço of Angola on the commitment of all parties to this conflict to work towards a cessation of hostilities.

President Ramaphosa commended steps taken by the Southern African Development Community to end conflict in Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa welcomes AU PSC’s call for an immediate return to peace or to democracy in four Sahel states that have been suspended as a result of unconstitutional taking over of power through force of arms.

In the Summit, South Africa, as AU COVID-19 Champion, presented a number of proposals on how the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) can be strengthened and adopt measures to better prepare the continent for pandemics.

As part of his Working Visit, President Ramaphosa chaired a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council; addressed a high-level breakfast meeting of Heads of State and Government on Africa Centres for Disease Control, and participated in a session on gender advocacy.

The President also held bilateral meetings with a number of leaders to discuss several issues of common interest, including meeting with the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres; President Filipe Nyusi of the Republic of Mozambique; Former President United Republic of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete on facilitation efforts in Lesotho, and President Denis Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied to the Assembly by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister in The Presidency Mondli Gungubele: Minister of Health Dr of Joe Phaahla; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President de Sousa,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the Portuguese and South African delegations,
Members of the Portuguese, South African and international media,

Good morning.

South Africa is honoured that President de Sousa is celebrating Portugal Day in our country this year. It is President de Sousa’s first visit to South Africa and we hope it will leave a lasting impression.

South Africa’s Portuguese community is an integral part of the diverse cultures that enrich our national life and has played an important role in the development of our economy. 

We are enriched by the community’s contribution to the arts, culture, cuisine and music scene in South Africa.

South Africa and Portugal have a strong bilateral relationship that we hope will be strengthened by this visit. 

Our discussions today focused on opportunities of mutual benefit in defence, science and innovation, education and energy.

Portugal is one of the leaders in Europe in the deployment of renewable energy and we discussed opportunities for sharing best practice, investment, technology transfer and skills development. 

We are keen to see higher levels of trade and investment between Portugal and South Africa across a range of sectors.

The Agreement on Defence Cooperation that was signed following the official talks is expected to provide a legal framework for closer cooperation in this area of the relationship.

We also had an opportunity to discuss issues of regional and international importance, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We also discussed effective responses to other issues that confront humanity today, such as climate change.

We consider visits such as this one to be important not only for South Africa, but also for the African continent. The operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will bring great benefits not only to African countries but also to other countries that have trade and investment ties with the continent.

In conclusion, I wish President Rebelo de Sousa and his delegation all the best for the remainder of their visit to South Africa and a safe journey home.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), officiate the annual Armed Forces Day programme at Richard’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, 21 February 2023.

Armed Forces Day is held annually on 21 February in commemoration of the World War I naval tragedy in which 616 black South African troops died when the SS Mendi steamship sank on its way to France.

Armed Forces Day honours women and men who have lost their lives in the course of their patriotic duty in the country or on international missions.

The day also seeks to expand public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate through live simulations of military action the capability of the army, navy, air force and South African Medical Health Service.

Furthermore, Armed Forces Day fuels the imagination of young South Africans in terms of choosing career paths and exercising their passion and abilities.

The President will commence the day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Empangeni World War II Monument.
 
President Ramaphosa will then proceed to the military parade where he will take a salute from the South African National Defence Force and deliver an address to the forces and the public.

The President’s programme is as follows:

First Part: Wreath Laying Ceremony

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Empangeni World War II Monument

Second Part: Military Parade

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Bullion Boulevard Street, Richard’s Bay 

NOTE TO MEDIA: THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS CALL FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION IS CLOSED. MEDIA ENQUIRIES IN THIS REGARD SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT.

Media enquiries:

Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315
Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, Head of Communication for the Department of Defence and Military Veterans - 083 645 4294

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria