Government has, in terms of the Disaster Management Act of 2002, declared a national state of disaster to enable an intensive, coordinated response to the impact of floods that are affecting Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and North West provinces.

The National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, classified the impact of current, above-normal rainfall in various parts of the country – with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape provinces as the most affected – as a national disaster.

A national disaster may be declared by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs where disastrous events occur or threaten to occur in more than one province.

The National Disaster Management Centre has received reports ranging from flooded homes, vehicles swept away by floodwaters and overflowing dams and sewerage facilities, to the loss of basic infrastructure and damage to roads, bridges and a Limpopo hospital.

In agriculture, farmers have suffered crop and livestock losses, and anticipate further losses as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts that current heavy rains will persist.

These conditions have been brought on by the La Niña global weather phenomenon which occurs in the Pacific Ocean but impacts on a country like South Africa with above-normal rainfall.

Forecasts indicate this weather pattern will remain in this state during the early part of 2023.

The presence of a La Niña event usually has its strongest impact on rainfall during the mid-summer months.

With the continued strengthening of the La Niña event, the country can expect above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures over the summer rainfall areas.

Taken together, these conditions demand the provision of temporary shelters, food and blankets to homeless families and individuals and the large-scale, costly rehabilitation of infrastructure.

National entities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), may be required to play a role in the response to the disaster.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) continues to monitor, coordinate response and recovery measures by the relevant organs of state and stakeholders. This further includes the dissemination of early warnings and advisories on weather forecasts by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with affected communities across the country and the President appreciates the way in which entities of Government, non-governmental organisations and community-based structures have responded to date.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Majesty King Letsie III,
The Right Honourable Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho,
Minister of Natural Resources of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr Mohlomi Moleko
Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Senzo Mchunu,
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Gwede Mantashe,
Minister of Electricity of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
The Principal Chief of Tlokoeng,
Members of the community of Tlokoeng and of Mokhotlong District,
Dumelang Basotho ba batle,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is a great occasion indeed. 

Two neighbours, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa, are making history. 

We are breaking ground on Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, comprising the Polihali Dam and transfer tunnel. There will also be the Senqu Bridge that will stand above the Senqu River. 

As we all know, this project was delayed for a few years, but it is pleasing that the challenges have been overcome and we can do the sod-turning today. 

Metsi a lihlaba, Gauta e tsoeu ea lithaba tsa Lesotho. 

(Highlands water is the white gold of Lesotho) 

As Basotho and South Africans, we share deep connections of language, culture and custom. Our respective peoples are also forever joined together because we rely on the life-giving water that flows in Lesotho. 

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is the biggest infrastructure investment outside South African borders in which South Africa has participated. 

This project is a good example of public-private collaboration to build key public infrastructure. Most of the approximately R40 billion in capital required for Phase Two will be raised in South Africa’s financial markets by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority. The private sector is playing a similar role in many of our other major water resource infrastructure projects in South Africa. 

The water South Africa receives from Lesotho augments the Integrated Vaal River System, which supplies water to Gauteng and its surrounding areas. 

Once Phase II is completed, more than 400 million cubic meters of water will flow every year from the upper reaches of the Senqu River in Lesotho through the existing conveyance infrastructure to the Vaal Dam in South Africa. 

We are determined that this massive trans border project should equally benefit the peoples of Lesotho and South Africa 

In addition to the royalties Lesotho receives from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, local jobs have been created and new roads have been built in the Kingdom.

Both Phase I and II include the construction of hydropower facilities to provide electricity for Lesotho.

It has been critical for us as both Lesotho and South Africa that all communities affected by the construction of the Polihali Dam were consulted, that there should be fair compensation and relocation to alternative housing nearby. 

As African countries all our water resources are interconnected. South Africa shares 60 per cent of its freshwater resources with its neighbours. 

We are therefore committed to multilateral trans border  collaboration to ensure that shared water resources are used for the benefit of all. 

As South Africa, we are also working with Namibia on the joint planning of additional dam infrastructure on the Lower Orange River. This is to ensure that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project does not negatively impact the Lower Orange River system. 

In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is more than just a water project. 

It is a beacon of hope, a symbol of progress, a symbol of international cooperation, and a testament to the strength of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa. 

Thank you to all who have gotten us to this milestone, particularly the Minister of Natural Resources of Lesotho, the Honourable Mohlomi Moleko and South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Mr Senzo Mchunu. 

Our appreciation is also extended to the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority for their efforts. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Lesotho for their unwavering commitment to this project. 

Together, we have achieved a lot, and I have no doubt that we will continue to work together to ensure that this project is completed successfully. 

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns the intimidation, by alleged protesters, of KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and her family in their private home.

The President welcomes the current investigation into the incident in which a group of people made their way to the Premier’s private home under cover of darkness, to intimidate the Premier and her family.

President Ramaphosa wishes the Premier and her family well in the aftermath of this harassment and condemns this action in the strongest terms.

The President said: “We must condemn and resist any and all attempts by anyone to render our society lawless and chaotic.

“The Bill of Rights in our Constitution affirms that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected, as well as the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.

“These rights apply to each and every citizen, including elected leadership or public officials, who choose to serve our nation, and their families.

“These rights must be respected even when people have legitimate issues to raise, and such issues must be raised through the channels that exist within our open democracy.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Thank you, colleagues in the media, for joining this briefing by The Presidency as part of our ongoing, interactive engagement between The Presidency and the media.

It is through you and citizens’ reactions on social media that we have over this weekend been able to see the nation’s response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address.

We are a listening Presidency at the apex of a listening Government and we welcome feedback and engagement as part of democratic participation and the national discourse.

Leaving no-one behind requires us to listen and respond effectively to the concerns, wishes and experiences of individual citizens and stakeholder constituencies.

DEBATE ON STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 14 and 15 February, the President will be following the National Assembly Debate on the State of the Nation Address.

This is a platform for all political parties to respond to the Address in which the President outlined government’s vision for ensuring that 2023 is a better year than 2022 and that we emerge more motivated and prosperous as a nation that leaves no-one behind.

On Thursday, 16 February, the President will reply to the Debate and underscore key contributions by Members of Parliament and elaborate on matters arising from his Address last Thursday.

AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT

On Friday, 17 February and Saturday, 18 February, the President will participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union from 17 to 19 February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 Africa’s political leadership will convene under the economically focused theme, “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement” in a year which marks the the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the continuing 20th anniversary of the creation of the African Union in 2002 as successor to the OAU.

The President will also chair the AU Peace and Security Summit - on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The President indicated that our focus will be on collaboration on sustainable development, the just energy transition, industrialisation and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
 
South Africa, together with our neighbours in the Southern African Customs Union, will soon finalise our industrial offer on the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
 
Once fully operationalised, the Continental Free Trade will provide an unprecedented opportunity to deepen African economic integration, grow national economies, and open up new frontiers and markets for South African companies.

ARMED FORCES DAY

On Tuesday, 21 February, President Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, officiate Armed Forces Day in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

This is an occasion on which South Africans can witness and take pride in the human and technological capabilities of our armed forces.

But it is also an occasion on which we honour men and women who have lost their lives in the course of their patriotic duty in the country or on international missions.

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

NATIONAL BUDGET

On Wednesday, 22 February, the President will attend Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s presentation of the National Budget to Parliament.

This is an important engagement on our political calendar that underscores and allocates the required resources to the plans set out in the State of the Nation Address.

NATIONAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL AND KHOISAN LEADERS

On Thursday, 23 February, President Ramaphosa will officiate the annual Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

The National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) is a body composed of traditional leaders who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, representing the Provincial Houses at national level.

The mandate of the House is to: promote the role of traditional leadership within the constitutional dispensation; promote nation-building; peace, stability and cohesiveness of communities; develop, preserve and promote culture and traditions of communities.

The House also considers Parliamentary Bills referred to it by the Secretary; participates in intergovernmental structures and advises the national Government and make recommendations on any matter that Government may require.

In this regard, the President views the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and the communities they represent as a critical component of our democracy in social transformation and economic development.

INCOMING UGANDA STATE VISIT

President Ramaphosa is looking forward to the honour of hosting a State Visit to Pretoria by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Republic of of Uganda.

This visit will take place on Tuesday, 28 February.

President Ramaphosa will host President Museveni with the aim of strengthening political, economic and cultural relations between South Africa and the Republic of Uganda.

South Africa and Uganda enjoy longstanding historical relations dating back to the struggle against apartheid. Uganda hosted and trained South African anti-apartheid activists and freedom fighters in the late 1980s. Political and economic relations between South Africa and Uganda have been improving since 1994.

The South Africa-Uganda Joint Commission seeks to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, consolidate political, economic and social cooperation, and oversee the implementation of the signed agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.

The Commission is also mandated to explore possible new areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation, including the opportunities for bilateral commercial cooperation, joint ventures and possible collaborative projects presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

CONCLUSION

The President’s programme is a central part of the his call in the State of the Nation Address that we undertake various actions and interventions, not only to overcome our immediate challenges, but to renew the promise of South Africa.

EFF DISRUPTION OF PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS 

The disruptive conduct of members of parliament from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is a matter for Parliament to address through its rules and processes. President Ramaphosa retained his composure throughout the evening. The energetic and focused manner in which he delivered his State of the Nation Address showed a President who remains resolute on the task of resolving the myriad of challenges facing the country and importantly, who remains accountable to the nation about the work of his Administration.

The disruptive scenes led by the EFF in Parliament have become an unfortunate and disturbing permanent feature of the SONA and other Parliamentary activities such as The Presidency Budget Vote speech. Out of 400 Members of Parliament, only 44 partake in a behavior that is unbecoming of law makers, in conduct that is harmful to the image of the country and in violation of the rights of the majority of voters who did not vote for the 44, and prefers not to witness any of the troubling scenes that precede the President’s address.      

ELECTRICITY CRISIS: STATE OF DISASTER AND CREATION OF ELECTRICITY MINISTRY IN THE PRESIDENCY 

South Africa is facing an enormous crisis, which threatens both economic and social stability. In consultations with business, labour, interfaith leaders, community organisations and the Presidential Coordinating Council, President Ramaphosa was being urged to take bold measures that will effectively deal with the current electricity crisis. Some of those calls were specific to the declaration of the state of disaster, particularly from Premier Winde and Executive Mayor Gideon-Hill Lewis, who are both senior DA leaders.

The President has responded in a bold manner both in terms of capacity to resolve the crisis through the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Electricity in The Presidency that will work with National Energy Committee (NECOM) and the appropriate enablement through the State of Disaster declaration. The impact of power outages on food security, water supply, livelihoods, people’s health and the economy requires all South Africans to rally behind the efforts that are underway.

This is not the time for finger pointing or politically motivated court actions or law-fare. This is the time to look past ideological and political differences and work together in the interest of our nation, in the interest of growing the economy and sustaining livelihoods. Even those that harbor reservations about the approach the President has chosen, are expected to join in and put shoulder to wheel, because ultimately we are all working towards the same goal. 
 
With respect to concerns of abuse and corruption around the State of Disaster, President Ramaphosa announced measures to deal with any form of abuse. Over and above the Auditor General keeping a close eye on various processes as they roll out, the President expects law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and to act with speed in dealing with those who will seek to take advantage of the situation.

 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Prime Minister Lee and I have just concluded productive discussions during his first Official Visit to South Africa. 

This is a significant year, as we are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore. 

It was a pleasure to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen our bilateral relations, cooperation and partnership.

We believe that there is significant potential to further develop our economic partnership.
 
This is evident in the business delegation that accompanied Prime Minister Lee, comprising representatives of a number of sectors, including ports, logistics, healthcare and biomedical, food manufacturing and engineering. 

Prime Minister Lee and I will have an opportunity later today to participate in a business roundtable with some of these business people.

Our two countries share a common interest in promoting economic growth, social development and prosperity for our citizens. It is in this spirit that we have worked together to strengthen our ties.

This visit provided South Africa and Singapore an opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation that are firmly focused on the future. 

This includes cooperation in the fields of digitalisation, communications and technology, water and sanitation, and skills development, among others. 

We have also agreed to deepen our cooperation on science and innovation.

This was also an opportunity to express our appreciation to the Government of Singapore for their support over the years in training South African civil servants.

We discussed South Africa’s application to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. 

The global role of the ASEAN region has been growing over the last five decades creating the sixth largest market in the world. 

Further deepening the cooperation between South Africa and ASEAN would open up opportunities in various fields, such trade, infrastructure development, technology transfer, education, science, innovation and tourism. 

While we discussed several areas of bilateral cooperation, this visit has also provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

These include developments on the African continent, in particular the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the potential it offers for both domestic and international investors.

We discussed the current instability in international relations and the global economy. We agreed on the need for all countries to work together to develop inclusive, just and sustainable solutions to conflict, climate change, pandemics and other challenges.

I had an opportunity to brief Prime Minister Lee on South Africa’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Over the weekend I presented an African leaders peace mission to President Vladimir Putin and President  Volodymyr Zelenskyy during separate telephone calls.

Principal to our discussions are efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict in the Ukraine, its cost in human lives and impact on the African continent. 

In this regard, I presented the initiative on behalf of African Heads of State, from Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa.

The two leaders agreed to receive the mission and the African Heads of State, in both Moscow and Kyiv.

I agreed with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy to commence with preparations for engagements with the African Heads of State. The Secretary General of the United Nations was briefed and welcomed the initiative.

Prime Minister Lee,

I am grateful that we had an opportunity to discuss these and other issues of importance to our countries and to the broader global community. 

I would like to thank Prime Minister Lee for very productive deliberations and for his commitment to building stronger ties between our countries. 

I thank you.

11TH HIGH-LEVEL REGIONAL OVERSIGHT MECHANISM OF THE PEACE, SECURITY AND COOPERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND THE GREAT LAKES REGION
 
Your Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework,
Your Excellencies, Signatory Countries to the PSC Framework,
Your Excellency, António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Representatives of the Guarantors, namely the UN, African Union, the International Conference for the Great Lakes, and the Southern African Development Community,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
Allow me to begin by congratulating His Excellency President Ndayishimiye on assuming the role of the Chairperson of the PSC Framework. Be assured of South Africa’s full support
 
This year marks ten years since the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region was signed on the 24th of February 2013.
 
At the time, hopes were high that the signing of the Framework would usher in peace, security, stability and development for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
 
Unfortunately, a decade later, these noble goals have not been achieved.
 
The eastern DRC and the region remain mired in conflict and violence, being driven by armed groups that it is well-established are both Congolese and foreign.
 
The resurgence of the M23, an armed group that was thought to have been dismantled in 2013/2014, is even more worrying.
 
The current security situation in the eastern DRC requires our urgent attention. Over the past year a humanitarian catastrophe unfolded before our eyes.
 
To date, more than 800 000 people have been displaced by the conflict.
 
We cannot but be moved by their plight, and by the gross violations of human rights that are taking place. We cannot but be outraged at the scale of violence being perpetrated against women and girls, and by the blatant disregard of the provisions of international humanitarian law.
 
Ten years since the Framework was signed is an opportune occasion to take stock of where we are and to reflect on our successes as well as our ongoing challenges.
 
Actionable decisions need to be taken to address the shortcomings emanating from the Framework not being implemented. It is critical that all parties to the Framework demonstrate the highest political will, and reaffirm their commitment to its successfully implementation.
 
South Africa fully supports the revitalization efforts of the PSC Framework to respond to the current evolving challenges.
 
The focus, in our view, should be on the following:
 
- ddressing the root causes of the conflict and drivers of violent conflicts in the region, if we are to deepen and consolidate democracy and promote good governance.

- Developing a comprehensive strategy to combat the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, corruption, money laundering, and transnational organised crime.

- There needs to be greater investment in building the institutional capacity of border management and control, as well as of justice and law enforcement agencies.

- Calling on the UN system to continue to provide capacity and technical assistance for State institutions to maintain standards of accountability with respect to gender-based violence and to strengthen legal frameworks.

- Strengthening cooperation, coordination, and complementarity of efforts between MONUSCO, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the EAC Regional Force.

- Mobilising resources to support the deployment of a Regional Force to the eastern DRC under the auspices of the EAC; and strengthening MONUSCO’s capacity.

- Countries in the region accelerating developmental initiatives that address poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
 
It is critical that there is harmonization between the various initiatives aimed at addressing the situation in the DRC and the region. The PSC Framework should be the focal point all our efforts.

All the signatories and guarantors should work towards ensuring that the Regional Oversight and Ad Hoc Verification Mechanisms are fully enhanced.
 
We commend the facilitation efforts undertaken by the African Union and ICGLR Chair, His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in support of the implementation of the Luanda Roadmap.
 
We further commend the EAC Facilitator, former President Kenyatta of Kenya, for the progress that has been made in the context of the Nairobi Process, with the support of the Chair of the East African Community, His Excellency President Ndayishimiye.
 
We also commend the East African Community for the deployment of the East African Community Regional Force.
 
As we meet here today, we are painfully aware of the impact of another deadly conflict brewing on our continent.
 
South Africa is deeply concerned at the unfolding crisis in the Republic of Sudan. We call upon the warring armed forces to put down their weapons for the sake of preserving human life, and to begin dialogue and negotiations without delay.
 
We further call on the Sudanese authorities to swiftly work towards the restoration of civilian-led government in line with the Political Framework Agreement signed in December last year.
 
Excellencies,

It is our hope that as we enter the second decade of existence of the PSC Framework that we breathe new life into its implementation. We owe it to both current and future generations to give effect to the aspiration of Silencing the Guns across Africa.
 
I thank you.

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will on Sunday, 12 February 2023 update the public, through a hybrid media briefing, on the President’s public programme.   
 
The spokesperson also utilises the media briefing to address topical issues of public and media interest. 
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Sunday, 12 February 2023
Time: 11h00 
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria
 
RSVP: Media wishing to attend the media briefing physically are requested to submit their details to Khutjo Sebata on 079 898 4621 / Khutjo@presidency.gov.za 

Members of the media will also be able to participate virtually on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/mrxhd542

 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has undertaken a number of consultations with stakeholders in government and civil society as part of his preparation of the 2023 State of the Nation Address.
 
The President will address a Joint Sitting of Parliament in the City Hall, Cape Town, at 19h00 today, Thursday, 9 February.
 
The State of the Nation Address is an occasion in which the three arms of the state – the Judiciary, the National Legislature and the Executive – participate as a demonstration of the country’s constitutional dispensation and culture, and to ensure that all three arms are focused on national priorities.
 
The Address follows the recent, first Cabinet Lekgotla of 2023 which allowed the National Executive to review the performance of government against targets and objectives set in 2022.
 
The Lekgotla also enabled the national leadership to agree on key actions that are needed this year to advance the country’s economic recovery and long-term development, with resolution of the electricity crisis as the top priority.
 
In addition, the President has reached out to different stakeholder constituencies to take on board challenges and proposed solutions.
 
The President has also noted the many appeals and proposals emerging from citizens and as reflected in public media including social platforms.
 
Political parties will debate the President’s Address in the National Assembly on Tuesday and Wednesday 14 and 15 February, with the President replying to this debate on the afternoon of Thursday, 16 February.
 
This evening’s proceedings will be broadcast, streamed and posted on a range of channels or platforms operated by government as well as national and international media organisations, including radio streaming apps.
 
This will enable audiences to follow proceedings on traditional radio and TV and their online iterations, including on handheld devices.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 9315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla,
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi,
MEC’s of Health,
Traditional leaders present,
Representatives of the healthcare fraternity,
Representatives of academia and the scientific community,
Representatives of the World Health Organization and other international health bodies,
Representatives of business, labour and civil society,
Delegates, including those joining us virtually,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon, it is a pleasure to be here. Thank you for the warm welcome.

It has been four years since the Presidential Health Compact was signed at the inaugural Presidential Health Summit. 

The summit brought together government, business,  labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia, and researchers to develop short and long-term solutions to challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare system.

As we know too well, it was not that long after the summit took place that COVID-19 broke out.

In the words of the World Health Organisation, it was the most severe health emergency the agency has ever declared. 

Beyond its toll on human health worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic also triggered the most serious economic crisis since the Second World War. 

It was a time in which countries and national economies had to take sharp detours when it came to funding and resource allocation decisions. 

With financial and other resources being diverted to fighting the pandemic, a lot of other health priorities had to be put on the back burner. 

There are ample studies showing the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization, reproductive healthcare, non-communicable disease management, maternal and child healthcare, and other services. 

With the pandemic now in abeyance, it is a case of playing catch-up for many countries, including our own. 

Even though countries like South Africa were particularly negatively affected by COVID-19, our health systems have proven to be remarkably resilient.  

The pandemic disrupted implementation of the nine pillars of the Compact. 

We have had mixed results, including with the apex issue of National Health Insurance and establishing a National Public Health Institute for South Africa.

But work did not grind to a halt. To the contrary, it continued despite the difficult terrain we were navigating at the time.

To use the old adage, every cloud has a silver lining. 

Having a Health Compact in place actually gave us a launch-pad from which to build a coherent and highly effective pandemic response that was acclaimed around the world.  

We were also fortunate in that we put the legislative wheels for NHI in motion before the pandemic struck. 

The National Health Insurance Bill was introduced in Parliament in August 2019 and has been processed through the parliamentary programme since then.  The Bill is expected to be debated in the National Assembly by June 2023 and then considered in the National Council of Provinces.

Implementing the pillars of the Compact are key if our country’s health system is to be prepared for NHI.
 
At the same time, we recognise the need for agility and adaptability in response to both prevailing conditions and lessons learned.

For this reason, stakeholders have called for a stocktake of our COVID-19 response and its learnings as we resume the pathway towards NHI.

Also on the issue of agility, the world and the AU region are negotiating pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery mechanisms to ensure a far more pre-emptive and protective approach to future outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.  

We have therefore resolved to add a tenth pillar to the health compact: Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery. 

I have had the opportunity to go through the robust summit programme and have had sight of some of the presentations and discussions that have taken place over the past two days. 

I have also received the mid-term review report.

Though there has been progress, there is a lot of work ahead of us.

We have to reassess and redefine our country’s health priorities to align them with firstly, the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030; and secondly, the African Union’s New Public Health Order announced ahead of the 77th UN General Assembly last year.

The AU’s New Public Health Order is a continental health security policy anchored by five pillars.

These are, respectively; strengthened public health institutions; increased domestic financing of health; attaining biotech sovereignty through local pharmaceutical manufacturing; building a capable health workforce; and fostering respectful, action-orientated partnerships.  

South Africa is a signatory to the UN’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and is striving to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Achieving Universal Health Coverage falls under SDG 3, namely Good Health and Wellbeing. 

The aim is to ensure that everyone can access quality health services without incurring financial hardship.  

The aim furthermore is to promote health equity and reduce health disparities by providing essential health services to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.  

To achieve this, health systems need to be strengthened, health coverage needs to be expanded, and out-of-pocket expenses for health services need to be reduced.
 
Promoting UHC and achieving sustainable development relies on collaboration between governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

As a country we have come a long way towards creating one health system for all, However, disparities between public and private healthcare continue to increase.

Moreover, despite efforts to integrate health departments, quality of healthcare is still largely influenced by where you live. 

The objective of NHI is to provide access to quality healthcare services to all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location.

It aims to reduce health disparities between different population groups and regions of the country, and to protect individuals and families from the financial burden of healthcare expenses.

The journey towards NHI requires working with key stakeholders to prepare the health system to accommodate the entire population in one system and ensure all can access quality health care. 

Our vision is to create a world-class health system accessible to all citizens regardless of socio-economic status.
 
It is to ensure every citizen can access quality health services and receive the right diagnosis and treatment at the right time for free at the point of care.  

Such a healthcare system should be adequately staffed with well-trained and motivated healthcare professionals supported by effective management and leadership.

To achieve this vision, government must prioritise several key areas. One, funding.

We need a well-funded health system.  Resources will need to be pooled to provide access to quality health care for all, starting with government funding health services that have experienced a massive budget reduction in the past few years. 

We will also need to mobilise resources to address perennial problems such as HIV, TB and other non-communicable diseases.

Two, strong governance and leadership by the Department of Health. This is to ensure that the entire health system, public and private, is well-managed, transparent, and accountable to the public. In this regard we look to partnerships with civil society to improve oversight and accountability. The Department of Health should be at the forefront of highlighting the importance of health for economic development and social well-being. 

Three, stepping up investment in healthcare infrastructure. We have to upgrade existing healthcare facilities, build new ones where necessary, and ensure that they are properly equipped with the latest medical equipment and technologies.  

Four, developing a motivated, capable, compassionate workforce, and working with medical schools, nursing colleges, and other healthcare training institutions in this regard. 

Government must invest more in training programs for healthcare professionals and increase staffing levels to meet the population's needs. 

We have heard from labour at this Summit on the critical issue of increasing human resources in healthcare, and that community healthcare workers have to be integrated into NHI.

Five, ensuring that essential medicines and medical devices are available in all healthcare facilities, including rural areas and points of access closest to the people, like community pharmacies.

Six, advancing the local production of therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines and other medical countermeasures in South Africa. 

As a country we have an opportunity to leverage public procurement spend to develop our local industries.
 
We have to ensure that a reasonable balance is struck between considerations of pricing, which are naturally important, with supporting localisation, an economic growth imperative. 

Seven, a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in the healthcare sector, with strict measures to ensure that medical supplies and services are procured transparently and efficiently.  

The highly-publicised situation at Tembisa Hospital and many such examples in various provinces, are unacceptable.  We must protect whistle-blowers to ensure we can root out corruption that has become endemic in our health system.  

I applaud the excellent work of the Health Sector Anti-corruption Forum, some of the results having been presented at this Summit by the Special Investigating Unit.  

As the Presidency we will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, health professionals, the labour movement, businesses, service users, civil society, and regulators to ensure everyone is on board with our vision and committed to making it a reality. 

We also aim to step up engagement with communities across the country to make them aware of what NHI is, how it will benefit them, what their rights are, and how to access services. 

The government, private sector, civil society organisations, and individuals should work together to create a society where everyone can access the resources needed for a healthy life.  

This includes implementing policies that address poverty, education, housing, transportation, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes.  

By addressing social determinants of health across sectors, this country could promote health equity, reduce health disparities, and ultimately create a society where everyone can live a healthy life.

At this year’s UN General Assembly in September we hope to attend the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage to confirm our global commitment to achieve UHC by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

It will be an opportune time to share with the world the progress we have made since 2019 towards National Health Insurance. We have been able to learn from the experiences of others as well as adopt best practice in implementing UHC policies and programs.

Ahead of this UN High-Level Meeting we will also converge at the AU mid-year coordinating meeting to ensure that we are aligned as African countries.

Our goal as South Africa is to create a healthcare system that is the world's envy; that is accessible, efficient, and effective in meeting the needs of all citizens.  

By working together and focusing on our shared vision, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

I thank you.

Following his delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) to a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 9 February 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa will champion the cause of dignity for learners by teeing off the annual Presidential Golf Challenge in support of the Adopt-a-School Foundation.

The Presidential Golf Challenge mobilises financial and technical support for charities designated by the sitting President of the Republic and provides an opportunity for decision-makers in the public sector and the private sector to engage informally on ways to work together to address challenges in our society.

This initiative is coordinated by the Ministry for the Public Service and Administration in partnership with the private sector to empower communities in need.

It has become customary for the event to take place on the Friday morning following the State of the Nation Address. As a result, this year’s event will be staged at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate at Melkbosstrand on Friday, 10 February 2023.

Contributions by participating organisations will benefit the Adopt-a-School Foundation, which is a partner entity to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

Funds raised at the 2022 Presidential Golf Challenge have been allocated to the construction of school ablution facilities in support of the Department of Basic Education’s Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative.

Through its Community-based Infrastructure Model, the Adopt-a-School Foundation is implementing sanitation projects at Lower Ndakana Primary School in Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape and Mbokota Primary School in Mbokota village in Limpopo.

The schools were identified in partnership with the Department of Basic Education.

The projects commenced at both schools in August 2022, after drawings were approved in November 2022, and are currently underway.

At Lower Ndakana, a Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) ablution facility is being constructed, while a flushing system is being constructed at Mbokota Primary School.

Through the implementation of Adopt-a-School Foundation’s Community-based Infrastructure Model, 14 job opportunities on site have been created at Mbokota Primary School, and 18 at Lower Ndakana Primary School.

Established in 2002, the Adopt-a-School Foundation strives to support the delivery of enhanced and conducive teaching environments.

This is done with the support of public and private partners that assist the Foundation in implementing its replicable model of Whole School Development (WSD).

The model focuses on developing four critical areas within a school environment: leadership, curriculum, infrastructure and social and learner well-being in adopted schools.

President Ramaphosa will officiate the Challenge by teeing off alongside talented teenage golfer Jimmy Takalani Musandiwa, whose home course is Soutpansberg Golf Club where he plays off a 7 handicap with a number of provincial and junior tournaments on his record.

The President will play one or two holes before returning to the office to continue his focus on the work of Government.

Fourballs are fully subscribed.

For more on the Foundation, visit http://www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/

NOTE TO MEDIA: MEDIA POOL ARRANGEMENT IS IN PLACE AND ONLY ACCREDITED MEDIA WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE PGC. ACCREDITATION ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO SHADI BALOYI ON 072 571 6415 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 67315

Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town