His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake working visits to Ireland on 08 October 2025 and to the Kingdom of Belgium on 09 October 2025.

On Wednesday, 08 October 2025, the President will hold official talks in Ireland with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

This official visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment. The visit will elevate cooperation to a strategic partnership, creating new opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries and highlighting South Africa's strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member.

The leaders will also discuss global and regional geopolitics as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation. A historically significant relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, binds the two countries. Ireland’s principled stance in support of the anti-apartheid movement exemplified this bond, reflecting its deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

The ongoing collaboration between the two countries shows how important working together is to address shared challenges and to foster understanding and cooperation for a more harmonious future.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023. South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024. South Africa’s imports from Ireland also grew by 5%, from $448 million in 2023 to $470 million in 2024.

Ireland is an invited guest country to the G20, alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and the UAE.

President Ramaphosa will also meet with leading Irish companies to promote investment and collaboration.

On 09-10 October 2025, at the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) in Brussels, Belgium.

The European Union's external investment strategy, Global Gateway, aims to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.

EU President von der Leyen leads the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society. Together, they will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries. Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity in the face of geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the AU Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the GGF.

The visit to Brussels follows a recent meeting between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen on the margins of UNGA80 in New York, as well as the successful 8th South Africa-EU Summit in March 2025. This summit took place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU. As a bloc, the EU remains South Africa's largest trade and investment partner and a significant development cooperation partner.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr, Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi and senior government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria 
 

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 07th October 2025, embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum. 

Deputy President Mashatile attends the 2025 Invest in Senegal Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal. 

The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world. 

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal's 2025 National Transformation Agenda.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal. 

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes South Africa’s Jewish community chag sameach as they mark Yom Kippur today, Thursday, 2 October 2025.

President Ramaphosa said: “We wish the Jewish community in South Africa and in all parts of the world G’mar chatima tova and well over the fast as they observe Yom Kippur. We hope that this next year will bring peace, reflection, and renewal, as well as life and good health for all.”

“Let us work together to make our country and world a better place in fulfilment of the mission of tikkun olam.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of Israeli authorities’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The flotilla comprises humanitarian vessels seeking to deliver aid to Gaza.

President Ramaphosa says the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.

South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla, while confirmation is pending on the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.

President Ramaphosa said: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.

“On behalf of our Government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.

“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.

“This action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.

“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.

“South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.

“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 02 October 2025, deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Local Government Indaba Gala Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. 

The Indaba aims to drive a turnaround for municipalities in South Africa.

The Indaba will gather delegates from across Government, traditional leadership, business, academia, civil society and organised labour under the symbiotic commitment to revitalise municipalities and restore public confidence in local governance.

The Indaba takes place against the backdrop of recurrent poor municipal audit outcomes as documented by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), which underscore the urgency of reform.

The Indaba has been conceptualised as a springboard for bold action in strengthening governance and accountability, while cultivating ethical leadership and effective oversight in municipal councils.

A highlight of the Indaba will be the Local Government Good Governance Awards, celebrating municipalities that exemplify best practices in governance and financial stewardship. 

Members of the media are invited to cover the Indaba as follows:

Date: Thursday, 02 October 2025

Time: 18h00

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is saddened by the passing of Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi "Nathi" Mthethwa, South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, who has died in tragic circumstances in the French capital at the age of 58.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the Ambassador’s extended family.

The President extends his sympathies to the Ministry and Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and in particular officials in our Embassy in Paris.

The President’s thoughts are also with the extensive network of partners and stakeholders, including the French Presidency and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with whom Ambassador Mthethwa had established strong relationships since his diplomatic appointment in December 2023.

Ambassador Mthethwa served in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; and Police. 

President Ramaphosa said: “The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which Government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family.

“Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically.

“In his last tenure of service he has facilitated the deepening of relations between South and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 02 October 2025, receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a Credentials Ceremony to be held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
 
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.

President Ramaphosa will receive Heads of Mission-Designate from the following 18 countries:
1.⁠ ⁠The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; 
2.⁠ ⁠The Republic of Chile;
3.⁠ ⁠The Kingdom of Spain;
4.⁠ ⁠The Republic of Ecuador; 
5.⁠ ⁠The Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
6.⁠ ⁠The Kingdom of Thailand;
7.⁠ ⁠The Democratic Republic of Congo;
8.⁠ ⁠The Republic of Serbia;
9.⁠ ⁠The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka;
10.⁠ ⁠The Islamic Republic of Mauritania;
11.⁠ ⁠The Republic of Argentina;
12.⁠ ⁠The Republic of Sierra Leone;
13. The Republic of Uzbekistan;
14. The Republic of Liberia;
15. The Kingdom of Sweden;
16. The Republic of the Sudan;
17. The Republic of Tajikistan;
18. The Republic of Zambia.

Media are invited to cover the credentials ceremony as follows:
Date: Thursday, 02 October 2025
Time: 09h30 (Media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, Pretoria

Media RSVPs can be directed to Makungu Mbetse on makungu@presidency.gov.za and cc Patience Mtshali on Patience@presidency.gov.za not later than Wednesday, 01 October 2025 at 10h00 in the morning.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 02 October 2025, embark on a service delivery Working Visit to the community of Qunu, in OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province as part of Government efforts to strengthen the capacity to deliver public services to communities.  

The Working Visit by the Deputy President takes place in response to service delivery concerns raised by representatives of the Qunu community, during his recent visit to eNyandeni in Libode on 19 August 2025, relating to, amongst others, lack of adequate water and sanitation, electricity, access roads and infrastructure.  

In line with the responsibilities that have been delegated to Deputy President Mashatile by the President, which includes leading the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery, the visit offers the opportunity for Government to address service delivery challenges affecting the community of Qunu, and will be a platform to evaluate progress achieved in the roll-out of the District Development Model.  

The DDM intergovernmental framework encourages collaborative planning and budgeting among all three domains of government to enhance service delivery and stimulate economic development in specific districts and metropolitan areas.  It also prioritises Districts and Metros for development and allows for a spatially integrated "One Plan" to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality and create jobs by developing infrastructure like water, sanitation, roads, and electricity.

The visit will also showcase a number of initiatives and programmes led by various government departments, which affirms the commitment to build important infrastructure for communities in the OR Tambo District, towards realising the goal of accelerating the delivery and maintenance of infrastructure in the  Municipalities.

Moreover, it is envisaged that the visit also will enhance public participation in Government programmes aimed at empowering and developing communities through a strengthened partnership with stakeholders such as the Traditional Leadership, business, academics as well as non-governmental organisations.  

Deputy President Mashatile, joined by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and several Cabinet Ministers, will interact with local
stakeholders, and visit key projects in sectors such as agriculture, water and sanitation, small, medium and micro-enterprises, which continue to drive job creation initiatives, enhance economic growth, and help to eradicate poverty.

As part of the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme, which aims to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life, to join Government, private sector, Inter-Faith formations, business, Traditional Leadership, NGOs, and youth, in planting trees, Deputy President Mashatile will plant trees at various sites as part of the campaign to bring all the citizens together to plant trees and to mitigate against climate change.    

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Media programme

Wednesday , 01 October 2025 – Build-up Programmes
09h00: Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe to engage with Youth showcasing talent in various cultural fields - Mthatha Arts Centre. 

11h00: Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala to Handover the Vehicular and Pedestrian Welisizwe Bridges Ngqezu Bridge – Port St John.

Thursday, 02 October 2025 
09h00: Deputy President Mashatile supported by the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni to visit Siphe Development and Capacitation Agency.  

Venue: Kaplen Village, Mthatha 

09h45: Deputy President Mashatile supported by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina to visit KSD Local Municipality Reservoir - Ward 19, Qunu.

10h00: Deputy President Mashatile Meeting with Traditional Leaders - Nelson Mandela Museum Youth & Heritage Centre in Qunu.

11h30: Deputy President Mashatile to address the Community - Sports Hall, Nelson Mandela Museum Youth & Heritage Centre in Qunu.

For enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Ishmael Selemale on 073 163 1123.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria