President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Thursday, 23 October 2025, arrived in Hanoi for a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The visit by President Ramaphosa is both timely and symbolic, reaffirming the importance South Africa accords to its bilateral relations with Vietnam, as well as its broader engagement with the Southeast Asian region. 

The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. This year, Vietnam is commemorate 80 years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance.

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations.

The State Visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation. The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors.

Vietnam's dynamic economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in South Africa’s efforts to diversify markets and expand trade opportunities. Strengthening this partnership aligns with South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy goals, particularly in enhancing access to high-growth regions and fostering inclusive, sustainable development

MEDIA PROGRAMME:

Thursday, 23 October 2025

SAST: 10h15 - Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Monument Heroes and Martyrs

SAST: 10h20 - Wreath Laying Ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum       

SAST: 10h30 - Official Welcome Ceremony at the Presidential Palace   

SAST: 11h00 - Official Talks

- Opening Remarks by President Cưòng
- Remarks by President Ramaphosa 
  
SAST: 12h00 - Press conference

SATS: 12h45 - President Ramaphosa pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh

Friday, 24 October 2025

SAST: 08h00 - Vietnam-South Africa Business Forum

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon Theliswa Mgweba;
Committee Members;
Acting Statistician-General  of Stats SA, Yandiswa Mpentsheni;
Chairperson of the Stats Council, Dr Nompulelo Mbele;

Thank you, Honourable Chair and Members of the Portfolio Committee, for inviting us to present the Annual Report of Stats SA for the 2024/25 financial year.

We are joined today by the acting Statistician-General, Ms Yandiswa Mpentsheni, and her team as well as the Chair of the Statistics Council, Dr Nompumelelo Mbele.

The Statistics Council is appointed by the Minister. The Council is an independent advisory body to both the Minister and the Statistician-General on matters statistics. The role of the Council is to safeguard official statistics in the country.

The year 2024 marked three decades of democracy in South Africa, a milestone celebrated through the peaceful exercise of our citizens’ democratic right to vote. This historic moment led to the formation of a Government of National Unity, united in its mission to improve the lives of all who live in our country.

Statistics South Africa, our national statistical agency, plays a crucial, yet often under-estimated role in how we craft our developmental agenda as a nation. The organisation provides us with official data to make informed decisions, based on facts rather than anecdote.

The 2024/25 financial year marked the final year of implementing the 5-year Strategic Plan. 

Amid financial and human resource constraints, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) demonstrated remarkable resilience and performance, achieving over 90% of its targets since the start of the strategic planning cycle in 2020/21 that ended in 2024/25. This achievement is not merely a testament to operational efficiency – it reflects the organisation’s pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policy and driving developmental outcomes across the country.

We are here today to share with you the financial and organisational performance of Stats SA. The SG will highlight key achievements against the strategic outcomes in the 5-year Strategic Plan.

For the year under review, we have obtained a financially unqualified audit opinion with matters of emphasis.

Stats SA continues with financial challenges, both in Cost of Employment (CoE) as well as goods and services. This continues to have a negative impact on the vacancy rate and meeting our employment equity targets. 

We have successfully provided timely, relevant, and accurate information on the dynamics of the economy and society through the publishing of over 290 statistical releases. 

The sustainability of our core series is however at risk if we are unable to address the resource challenges that we are facing.

I would be amiss not to share the good news that the Amendment Bill has been signed into law - called the Statistics Amendment Act (No. 29 of 2024) - by the President in December 2024. This Act paves the way for enhanced statistical production and coordination through strengthened partnerships among data producers.

Stats SA continues to collaborate with Government departments to improve the quality of their statistics, with the goal of achieving official status. As implementation of the Act progresses, we anticipate Stats SA’s leadership role in shaping South Africa’s data ecosystem.

Chair and Honourable members, allow me to hand over to the Statistician-General that will present the organisational and financial performance of Stats SA.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 23 October 2025 deliver the keynote address at the 6th Urban Agri World Summit 2025 taking place at The Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.

The three-day global Summit, hosted by Enterprise iLembe in partnership with Magenta Global, brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to explore sustainable, technology-driven solutions for resilient food systems and inclusive growth.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli will speak on “Urban Agriculture as a Pathway to Youth Empowerment, Food Security, and Inclusive Growth in South Africa.” 

The details of the Summit are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Time: 09h00 – 15h30
Venue: The Capital Zimbali Resort, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to arrive in Hanoi on Thursday, 23 October 2005 for a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is both timely and symbolic, reaffirming the importance South Africa accords to its bilateral relations with Vietnam, as well as its broader engagement with the Southeast Asian region.

The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. This year, Vietnam is commemorate 80 years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance.

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations.

The State Visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation. The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors.

Vietnam's dynamic economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in South Africa’s efforts to diversify markets and expand trade opportunities. Strengthening this partnership aligns with South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy goals, particularly in enhancing access to high-growth regions and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.

MEDIA PROGRAMME

Thursday, 23 October 2025

SAST: 10h15 - Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Monument Heroes and Martyrs

SAST: 10h20 - Wreath Laying Ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

SAST: 10h30 - Official Welcome Ceremony  at the Presidential Palace   

SAST: 11h00 - Official Talks

- Opening Remarks by President Cưòng
- Remarks by President Ramaphosa
  
SAST: 12H00 - Press conference

SATS: 12h45 - President Ramaphosa pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh

Friday, 24 October 2025

SAST: 08h00 - Vietnam-SA Business Forum

President Ramaphosa departs Vietnam

The President's tour to Southeast Asia will conclude in Kuala Lumpur, on a  Working Visit to Malaysia from 25-28 October, where the President will be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit.

The President's participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa's recognition as a Sectoral  Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development throughout enhanced political, economic and multilateral collaboration.

South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships.

The relations with Malaysia and, by extension, Southeast Asia and ASEAN are of strategic importance to South Africa's Foreign Policy. They offer a gateway to dynamic regional markets, emerging technologies and help reinforce South Africa's position as a proactive and globally engaged partner in the Global South.

MEDIA PROGRAMME

Saturday, 25 October  2025

SATS: 06h00 - ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (Fireside Chat) 

SAST: 10h00 - Official Welcome Ceremony for the Working Visit by President Ramaphosa to Malaysia 

SAST: 11h00 - Official Talks 

- Opening remarks by Prime Minister Anwar 
- Remarks by President Ramaphosa 

SATS: 11h30 - Joint Press Conference By Prime Minister Anwar and President Ramaphosa 

Sunday, 26 October 2025

SAST: 04h45 - Official Opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit at Kuala Lampur Convention Centre 

Monday, 27 October 2025

SAST: 04h00 - Conferment of Honorary Doctorate to President Ramaphosa at the University of Malaya

SAST: 04h30 - Public Lecture by President Ramaphosa 

SATS: 09h00 - Opening Session: 20th East Asia Summit

- President Ramaphosa to deliver remarks: Boosting Sustainable Growth through  EAS and G20 Collaboration

SATS: 10h30 - Media Wrap-up interview

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Prabowo Subianto,
Ambassadors,
Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
 
It is a great honour to undertake my first State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia. 
 
I am accompanied by Ministers responsible for international relations, defence, trade and investment, and agriculture. 
 
We have also brought a strong business delegation with a view to building new commercial partnerships between our two countries. 
 
The relationship between South Africa and Indonesia is deeply rooted in historical ties that span over 350 years, beginning in the 17th century when people of Indonesian descent were first brought to the Cape by Dutch Colonialists. 
 
These early connections laid the foundation for a longstanding relationship between our two nations.
 
During today’s visit, I held official talks with President Prabowo on various issues of mutual interest.
 
I congratulated Indonesia on the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the historic Bandung Asia-Africa Conference of 1955, where the South African people were represented by two great leaders of our liberation struggle, Moses Kotane and Maulvi Cachalia.
 
I welcomed the Republic of Indonesia as one of the newest members of the BRICS family.
 
During our discussions we affirmed the importance of expanding and deepening bilateral relations on both political and economic fronts through existing bilateral mechanisms.
 
We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. 
 
We spoke of the importance of building more resilient and diversified economies for the benefit of the peoples of both countries as we face similar geopolitical headwinds.
 
This State Visit was preceded by a Business Forum, which provided a platform for South African companies to engage with their Indonesian counterparts. 
 
One of the key goals of the Business Forum was to find meaningful ways for our two countries to develop pathways to boost economic growth through business-to-business partnerships.
 
We discussed global issues as partners in organisations such as BRICS, the G20 and the Non-Aligned Movement, amongst others. 
 
We affirmed the need to strengthen the multilateral system and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.
 
We exchanged views on efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and to secure a just and lasting peace that realises the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination.
 
We are looking forward to hosting President Prabowo at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month under the theme of Sustainability, Equality and Solidarity. 
 
Through our G20 Presidency, we have focused on the measures we should all take together to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent.
 
We are grateful for the constructive discussions we have held today and for the warm welcome we have received.
 
We would be honoured to host President Prabowo Subianto on a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually agreed date.
 
Indonesia and South Africa share bonds of great historical significance. 
 
It is clear from our engagements today that we also share a common future, of progress, development and prosperity for all.
 
I thank you.
 

Your Excellency, President Prabowo Subianto,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
It is a great honour to join you today for this important meeting, which is aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship and diplomatic cooperation between our two countries. 
 
Allow me, Your Excellency, to once again extend a warm welcome to you and the Republic of Indonesia to the BRICS group of nations.
 
We congratulate you on the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference. The Bandung Conference in 1955 was a great inspiration and source of encouragement to the leaders of our liberation struggle who were present there.
 
For all these years, the people of South Africa found a steadfast ally in Indonesia, which consistently supported the anti-apartheid struggle. We will forever remain grateful for the support and solidarity of the Indonesian people.
 
We look forward to working closely Indonesia and all BRICS members and partner countries on shared priorities, such as driving much-needed global reforms. 
 
The BRICS economic partnership also provides great potential to support development and transformation in our countries amidst current global disruptions. 
 
We encourage the deepening of Indonesia’s participation in all BRICS structures, particularly in the BRICS economic partnership. This could also be a catalyst for the growth of bilateral economic relations between our two countries.
 
Today’s meeting brings together key ministers from both our countries, including those responsible for Defence, Trade and Agriculture. 
 
This is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to deepening cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors.
 
This engagement takes place at a very important time in our bilateral relations.
 
This year, South Africa is honoured to hold the Presidency of the G20. We appreciate Indonesia’s representation and contribution to the various G20 meetings. 
 
We are especially pleased that Your Excellency will participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November. 
 
Indonesia’s presence will enrich the dialogue and reinforce the importance of inclusive multilateralism and South–South cooperation in shaping a more equitable global order.
 
As the Incoming Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa is working to strengthen regional integration and economic development across the continent. 
 
We encourage Indonesian partners to explore the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers access to a market of over 1.4 billion people. 
 
South Africa, as a gateway to the continent, is well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Indonesian investment and trade expansion into Africa.
 
In light of recent global trade tensions, including the imposition of tariffs by major economies, it is increasingly important for countries like ours to strengthen South–South trade and economic cooperation. 
 
Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access between South Africa and Indonesia is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics. 
 
Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth.
 
Over the past two decades, South Africa and Indonesia have solidified our bilateral relations and collaborated across regional, continental and international fora. Importantly, we have used this broad collaboration to benefit our respective people.
 
It is important that our two countries continue to engage through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. 
 
South Africa remains committed to working closely with Indonesia to further expand and deepen our political, economic and sectoral cooperation.
 
We would like to see our two countries finalise and implement existing agreements. This will elevate bilateral relations between South Africa and Indonesia, based on mutual political trust and partnership.
 
This instrument will serve as a foundation for deepening our cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to our peoples.
 
Let us use this moment to reaffirm our shared values, strengthen our strategic alignment and build a partnership that contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
 
I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, as Acting President from today, 21 October until Monday, 27 October 2025.

President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in view of consecutive international visits the President is undertaking in the coming days.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paul Mashatile will be on leave during this period.

President Ramaphosa travels to Indonesia today for a Working Visit on Wednesday, 22 October.

This will be followed by a State Visit to Vietnam on Thursday, 23 and Friday, 24 October.

Thereafter, President Ramaphosa will undertakes a State Visit to Malaysia from 24 to 27 October, during which the President will also participate in a Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

From 29 to 30 October, President Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to Switzerland.

These visits will advance South Africa’s bilateral relations with the respective host countries, particularly in trade and investment.

The visits will also enable South Africa to strengthen cooperation with partner states in global forums, and contribute to the President’s preparations for his chairing of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November 2025.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia from 22 to 28 October 2025, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with this dynamic region. The visit will include a state visit to Indonesia (22–23 October), a state visit to Vietnam (23–24 October), and a working visit to Malaysia (25–28 October), where President Ramaphosa will also participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

INDONESIA STATE VISIT
On Wednesday, 22 October 2025, President Ramaphosa commences in Indonesia with a state visit at the invitation of His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto. President Ramaphosa will observe the Welcome Ceremony at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jarkata. The two leaders will hold a tête-à-tête, priming the subsequent official bilateral talks with respective ministerial delegations in support.

President Ramaphosa will deliver opening remarks at the bilateral talks to encapsulate relations with Indonesia and further strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, tourism and defence. This engagement aims to diversify trade in the face of global dynamics.

SA-Indonesia relations go back more than 350 years - when the first people of Indonesian descent arrived in the Cape in the mid-1600s. Starting with the Bandung Conference of 1955, Indonesia became one of the fiercest critics of apartheid and supported the anti-apartheid struggle throughout. Formal diplomatic relations between Indonesia and SA were established in 1994. 

President Ramaphosa will join His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto for a joint media briefing following official bilateral talks. The state visit will be preceded by a SA- Indonesia Business Forum taking place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. Indonesia is the third largest trading partner of South Africa in the Southeast Asia region. President Ramaphosa will on the margins of the state visit connect with leading Indonesian business leaders to expand trade and investment. 

Both countries continue playing leading roles in developing and enhancing South-South Cooperation and continue to be locomotives of South-South Cooperation. Contemporarily they are member states of the BRICS. 

INDONESIA MEDIA PROGRAMME
DATE: WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2025

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OBSERVES WELCOME CEREMONY AS GUEST OF HONOUR OF PRESIDENT PRABOWO SUBIANTO
Time: 06:00 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA DELIVERS OPENING REMARKS AT THE SOUTH AFRICA – INDONESIA BILATERAL TALKS ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT
Time: 06:30 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE MEDIA BRIEFING FOLLOWING BILATERAL TALKS ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 
Time: 7:30 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

VIETNAM STATE VISIT
On Thursday, 23 October 2025, President Ramaphosa proceeds to, Hanoi, on a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is both timely and symbolic, reaffirming the importance South Africa accords to its bilateral relations with Vietnam, as well as its broader engagement with the Southeast Asian region. 

The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. This year, Vietnam is commemorate 80 years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance. 

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations

The state visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation. The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors. 

Vietnam’s dynamic economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in South Africa’s efforts to diversify markets and expand trade opportunities. Strengthening this partnership aligns with South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy goals, particularly in enhancing access to high-growth regions and fostering inclusive, sustainable development

MALAYSIA WORKING VISIT
The President's tour to South East Asia will conclude in, Kuala Lumpur, on a  working visit to Malaysia from 25-28 October ,where the President will be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit. 

The President's participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa's recognition as a Sectoral  Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South  cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development throughout enhanced political, economic and multilateral collaboration. 

South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships. 

The relations with Malaysia and by extension Southeast Asia and ASEAN are of strategic importance to South Africa's Foreign Policy. They offer a gateway to dynamic regional markets, emerging technologies and help reinforce South Africa's position as a proactive and globally engaged partner in the Global South.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his best wishes to the Matric Class of 2025 for the final examinations and says this is a moment for this cohort of young people to shine.

President Ramaphosa said: “You’ve got this, Class of 2025. All your years and hours of progressing to this point in your education are assets that you can use to your advantage in these exams.

“As you apply 12 years of learning and exploration in these exams, you will be opening new doors to your future and to the success of our nation.

“Each of you has grown intellectually and emotionally during your years in school, and your families and communities have followed your journey with pride and support.

"We are all by your side as you focus and persevere during these exams.

“There will be moments of stress and doubt - this happens during high-pressure situations. But we know the odds are in your favour.

“Reaching these exams is an achievement of which you can be proud, and which gives the nation the confidence that the Class of 25 will move our nation forward.

“Good luck!”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes South Africa’s Hindu community a blessed and revitalising Festival of Lights on Monday, 20 October 2025.

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Hindu community a blessed festival that brings together elements of faith, cultural expression, outreach to people in need and belief in the centrality of family.

“This is a time of spiritual renewal and pride in traditions founded on a plurality of beliefs and values that underscore the diversity and unity of all of humanity.

“It is our shared prayer and hope that these values will triumph in communities and nations affected by division, hardship and conflict.

“May the observance of Diwali enrich our nation’s social fabric and advance tolerance, inclusion and unity.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria