Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembi Simelane;
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Councillor Wende Marekwa;
MECs and Members of the Provincial Legislature;
Councillors from Phokwane Local Municipality;
Representatives from COGHSTA and the Deeds Office;
Beneficiaries and community members of Pampierstad;
Members of the media;

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Introduction

It is a great honour to join you here in Frances Baard District in the heart of the Northern Cape to witness this important milestone in the lives of our people.

Today’s Title Deeds Friday handover is not just an administrative exercise. It is a deeply symbolic act of restoring dignity, ownership, and inclusion to hundreds of families who have waited patiently for what is rightfully theirs.

We are here to celebrate the perseverance of the people of Pampierstad and to affirm Government’s commitment to turning houses into homes and settlements into thriving communities.

Background and Progress in Pampierstad 1422

The Pampierstad housing development, known as Pampierstad 1422, is one of the most significant human settlements initiatives in the Frances Baard District.

This project dates back to the early 2000s and was implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1: 200 houses completed
• Phase 2: 500 houses completed
• Phase 3: 722 houses completed

This brings the total to 1,422 residential sites, funded and implemented through the partnership between the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) and the Phokwane Local Municipality.

Following years of administrative delays including the verification of diagrams and encroachment corrections the General Plan was successfully registered at the Vryburg Deeds Office in November 2024.

As of this year, 521 properties have already been registered and transferred to beneficiaries across all three phases, and work continues to finalise the remaining transfers.

Significance of This Moment

Today’s event is not only about paperwork and deeds; it is about the security of tenure, economic empowerment, and social stability.

Owning a title deed means:

• You can now call the land you live on your own.
• You can use it as an asset to build generational wealth.
• You gain access to finance, insurance, and municipal services as a recognised property owner.
• You can pass your home on to your children with pride and certainty.

It is also about redressing the injustices of the past. Pampierstad, as we know, was born out of forced removals under apartheid and today’s ceremony reverses that history by affirming ownership, dignity, and belonging for its people.

Partnership and Delivery

This was made possible through collaboration between the national Department of Human Settlements, COGHSTA Northern Cape, the Surveyor General, Deeds Office, and our municipal leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure compliance and accuracy in the registration process.

It reflects the very essence of the District Development Model (DDM) one plan, one budget, one approach  where all spheres of Government pull together to deliver integrated, people-centred development.

Message to Beneficiaries

To our beneficiaries mothers, fathers, young professionals, and pensioners congratulations. You are now proud homeowners.

I want to remind you that a title deed comes with both rights and responsibilities.

Take care of your property. Keep your documents safe. Participate in your local ward committees to ensure services are maintained. Use your property to empower your family and build your community.

Let this moment be a new chapter one of stability, pride, and hope.

Closing Message

Today we see what is possible when Government works together and remains focused on service delivery that transforms lives.

As we continue implementing the District Development Model (DDM), we will ensure that this integrated approach becomes the norm where land, housing, infrastructure, and livelihoods are aligned to create sustainable human settlements.

To the leadership of the district and province thank you for your partnership and commitment.

To our national colleagues  thank you for ensuring that policy translates into impact on the ground.

And most importantly, to the people of Pampierstad; this day belongs to you.

Thank you. Let us continue building homes, communities, and a nation that belongs to all who live in it.

Ministers from South Africa and Türkiye;
Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Dr. Ömer Bolat;
Chairperson and President of DEİK, Mr Abubekir Salim and Mr Nail Olpak;
Esteemed business leaders;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you today at this gathering that reflects our shared determination to deepen trade, strengthen investment ties, and build lasting partnerships.

Let me begin by thanking our hosts, the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye, DEİK, for their warm hospitality and for their continued efforts to bring our two business communities together. The South Africa – Türkiye Business Council under DEİK’s leadership has become an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the creation of new opportunities.

This Forum comes at an important moment. Both our countries are redefining our place in a rapidly changing global economy, one shaped by new trade patterns, climate transitions, and shifts in regional value chains.

These global challenges are not without opportunity. They give emerging economies like ours the chance to lead differently, to lead with innovation, resilience, and partnership at the centre.

South Africa and Türkiye are natural partners. Both are strong industrial players in our regions, with diverse economies and entrepreneurial energy. We share a belief in the power of innovation, manufacturing, and trade to drive inclusive growth.

Earlier this week, I had the honour of co-chairing the inaugural South Africa – Türkiye Bi-National Commission in Ankara. It was a historic milestone, elevating our cooperation to a new and more strategic level. 

Our discussions were practical and focused on implementation, moving beyond dialogue to real action.

One key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Free Zones, otherwise known in South Africa as Special Economic Zones. 

This follows a benchmarking study by South African officials who visited Türkiye to learn from its successful zone models. Through this agreement, we aim to strengthen our own Special Economic Zones, attract more investment, and develop joint export pipelines between our two countries.

Over the past few days, I also met with leading Turkish companies in sectors such as agriculture, energy, defence, and electronics. Our engagements also included South African firms already partnering with Turkish businesses, and I was pleased to see their optimism and confidence in South Africa as a preferred investment destination.

A great example of this partnership is Arçelik — a company that has become a household name in South Africa through its ownership of Defy. Since acquiring Defy in 2011, Arçelik has built one of the strongest models of Türkiye’s industrial collaboration on the African continent. 

Today, they employ more than 2,700 South Africans across major manufacturing facilities, making Defy the largest producer of household appliances in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond creating jobs, Arçelik has invested in developing local skills, promoting research, and leading green manufacturing. Its success shows the confidence Türkiye has in South Africa’s capacity as a gateway to the African market and as a hub for innovation. We are proud of this partnership, and we want to see many more like it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

South Africa’s economy has shown remarkable resilience over the past year. GDP growth is projected at 1.6 per cent for 2025, supported by stronger manufacturing output, better logistics, and greater energy stability.

Exports grew by nearly 5 per cent in 2024, driven by higher-value products in automotive, mineral processing, and agriculture. Business confidence has steadily improved, reflecting investor optimism in our economic reforms. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Business Confidence Index has shown steady recovery, averaging 115 points in mid-2025, reflecting optimism about our economic reforms and investor confidence. 

Our Energy Action Plan continues to attract investment in renewable energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen; all these areas offer immense opportunities for Turkish collaboration and co-manufacturing.

Looking ahead, we want to deepen this partnership not only through trade but through shared industrial innovation, technology, and skills transfer and development.

Türkiye’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, combined with South Africa’s infrastructure and young, skilled workforce, creates an ideal foundation for cooperation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This collaboration is particularly vital as South Africa works to address the structural challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, while laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. 

We seek to position our nation as a fertile business environment and first mover in a rapidly evolving multipolar global economy; moreover, an Africa that is equal, capable, and competitive. Our partnership with Türkiye is therefore not only economic, but also developmental, empowering our people, strengthening our industries, and contributing to a shared future of prosperity and justice.

While bilateral trade between our countries reached approximately two billion US dollars in 2024, we know we can do much more. Our goal is to diversify and balance our trade relationship. At present, South Africa exports mostly raw minerals, while Türkiye exports mostly finished products. We want to change that dynamic, to grow both sides through value-added production and joint ventures.

Our partnership will be guided by three pillars: diversification, decarbonisation, and industrial collaboration.

Through this approach, we aim to expand South African exports of manufactured and processed goods, including automotive products, mining equipment, agro-processed foods, and pharmaceuticals, while encouraging greater Turkish investment in renewable energy, defence, textiles, ICT, and pharmaceuticals.

We also recognise the need to address trade barriers such as tariffs and standards to unlock the full potential of our partnership.

Currently, Turkish investments in South Africa total around 32 million US dollars, concentrated in textiles, food, and appliances. We welcome this, and we are ready to support further expansion.

Likewise, South African investments in Türkiye have grown from 217 million US dollars in 2022 to 274 million in 2023. This growth shows our confidence in one another’s markets and our shared ambition to build sustainable, innovation-driven economies.

Our Government is working hard to make South Africa an even easier and more attractive place to do business. We are simplifying regulations, strengthening industrial incentives, and expanding our Special Economic Zones.

Importantly, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the largest free trade area in the world, gives Turkish investors access to a market of 1.4 billion people. By investing in South Africa, you gain a foothold not just in our country, but across the entire continent.

The opportunities are vast, from renewable energy and automotive manufacturing to defence, agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation.

Our mineral wealth also offers attractive investment opportunities. South Africa has abundant resources in battery minerals, energy minerals, and materials vital for the green and digital economy. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has identified several investment-ready projects in these areas, and I encourage you to engage with our officials to explore them further.

In energy, South Africa’s growing demand opens new avenues for investment in generation, transmission, distribution, and in repurposing old coal plants for cleaner power. Opportunities in wind and solar energy, and in component manufacturing for these technologies, are expanding rapidly.

We are also prioritising infrastructure development in transport, logistics, water, and energy to improve capacity and efficiency. We invite Turkish firms to partner with South African companies to localise production and build industrial capability for the continent.

To make investment easier, we have launched an Energy One Stop Shop, managed by InvestSA, which streamlines approval processes and helps power-generating companies navigate regulatory requirements quickly and efficiently.

There are also growing opportunities in the automotive and mobility sectors. We invite Turkish companies to consider setting up local operations in South Africa, bringing technical expertise and innovation that can be mutually beneficial.

South Africa’s rich manganese reserves and existing battery industry make our country an ideal destination for lithium-ion battery assembly and manufacturing. 

There are also exciting prospects in semiconductors, glass, and composite materials, all essential components for modern industry. We have the CEO of the Components Manufacturing Association also here with us on this visit, who can outline in detail the opportunities available.

In healthcare, Türkiye’s strong pharmaceutical and medical device industries can play a key role in helping South Africa build a more resilient and localised health system. We see particular promise in partnerships around vaccines, diagnostics, and mRNA research and development.

We also see great potential in the defence and agro-processing sectors. South African defence companies will participate in the Konya Defence Industry Fair in November, showcasing their capabilities and exploring integration into Turkish supply chains. 

In agriculture, we are eager to see more South African products on Turkish shelves and Turkish technology supporting African farming.

To help deepen this cooperation, I extend a warm invitation for Turkish companies to attend our flagship investment events — including the Mining Indaba in February, Africa Energy Week in March, ENLIT Africa in May, Africa Health, and the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in 2026. These platforms will help you understand South Africa’s investment landscape and meet potential local partners.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This forum should mark the beginning of a new phase of practical cooperation, one that includes trade missions, joint ventures, and stronger collaboration between our chambers of commerce and development finance institutions.

We are encouraged by the growing role of the private sector in driving this partnership. Turkish and South African firms are already working together in renewable energy, automotive components, textiles, and construction.

To build on this momentum, we have brought a strong South African business delegation representing key sectors including automotive, healthcare, defence, agro-processing, ICT, mining, and finance.

Our task now is to focus not only on the volume of trade, but on its quality — ensuring that every partnership creates jobs, builds skills, and strengthens our industrial base.

South Africa views Türkiye as a strategic partner, a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, a nation that shares our commitment to industrial development, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

Let this forum serve as a catalyst, a platform to unlock new possibilities in trade, investment, and technology cooperation.

The future belongs to those who build together, who look beyond borders, and who transform shared aspirations into shared prosperity.

Together, South Africa and Türkiye can advance a new development compact, one that is green, digital, and inclusive, uplifting our people and strengthening the bonds of our shared humanity.

Thank you.

The National Dialogue process has reached a pivotal stage with the completion of the nomination of sectoral representatives to the National Dialogue Steering Committee. 

The first National Convention, held on 15-16 August 2025, approved the mandate, responsibilities and composition of the Steering Committee, and agreed that each of the identified sectors would hold consultations to decide on nominees to serve on the Steering Committee and its sub-committees.

No less than 26 sectors have to date submitted nominations for the Steering Committee.

The list of nominated Steering Committee members has been handed over to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for quality assurance. For its part, the EPG will submit its recommendations to the President in his role as head of state and convener of the National Dialogue for finalisation.

Once approved by the President, the Steering Committee will coordinate the roll out of public dialogues across the country.

It is anticipated that the process of appointing the Steering Committee will be concluded in the coming weeks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the Handover Report of the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and the Report on the National Convention, bringing to an end the mandate of the COC.

The Convention Organising Committee was tasked by the President with organising the first National Convention following the withdrawal of some foundations from the process.

President Ramaphosa said: “As a country, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Convention Organising Committee. Working with the Eminent Persons Group and the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the committee made sure that hundreds of delegates from around the country were able to gather at the National Convention to endorse and to launch the National Dialogue. Through a truly collective effort, the National Convention proceeding smoothly and gave people from all sectors an opportunity to express themselves.”

“We must also recognise the vital role played by the legacy foundations and other civil society organisations in the Preparatory Task Team, which were instrumental in getting the National Dialogue off the ground.”

“It is extremely important now that the momentum that has been built up and the expectations that have been raised are not allowed to dissipate. We need to ensure that as the Steering Committee is established, there is no disruption in the processes that need to happen,” he said.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the Presidency remain custodians of the process’s integrity and will continue to safeguard its credibility until it is handed over to the Steering Committee. 

Work is underway to establish a fully-fledged National Dialogue Secretariat, housed at NEDLAC, which will provide institutional support to the process. 

The Report of the National Convention is available for download: https://tinyurl.com/4v7z7rfu

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Cllr Barbara Bartlett;
MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms Fufe Makatong;
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa;
Fellow Councillors;
Community Development Workers;
Representatives from SAPS, CPF, Youth Against Crime, and Women Against Crime;
Faith-based leaders, civil society, and business forums;

Good morning, Roodepan community.

Thank you for welcoming us into your home this engagement is not a speech, it is a conversation. The District Development Model is about working together, not talking past one another.

Today, we are here to listen, understand, and act together.

As we meet here today, South Africa holds the Presidency of the G20 a platform of the world’s largest economies. Our Presidency theme, “Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future,” reminds us that real progress begins in communities like Roodepan.

The District Development Model is the local engine that turns global commitments into tangible change through jobs for our youth, clean water, functioning infrastructure, and safe neighbourhoods. The conversations we are having in Frances Baard today are part of the same national and global movement to make development people-centred, inclusive, and accountable.

Understanding the DDM

The District Development Model, or DDM, was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the silo approach that has slowed service delivery.

It brings all three spheres of Government national, provincial, and local into one plan, one budget, and one accountability framework.

In Frances Baard, the One Plan focuses on:

• Water security and sanitation improvements;
• Human settlements and housing rectification;
• Roads and infrastructure maintenance;
• Youth employment and skills development;
• Building safer and cohesive communities.

 

Role as District Champion

As your District Champion, my role is to:

• Ensure there is alignment between what is promised and what is delivered.
• Facilitate coordination between departments to unblock delays.
• Ensure that community voices are not only heard but shape government priorities.
• Monitor progress and report back to the Presidency and to you the people.

This means I am accountable to ensure that the One Plan for Frances Baard is not a paper exercise but a living document that delivers change.

 

Community Priorities and Issues

From the recent GCIS environmental assessment and engagements, we know the issues you face:

• Ageing infrastructure and water shortages in areas like Roodepan, Windsorton, and Pampierstad.
• Delays in housing projects and title deeds.
• Unsafe streets, drug abuse, and lack of youth recreational facilities.
• Poor health service experiences and shortages of medication.
• High electricity costs and frequent outages.

These are not statistics they are your lived experiences. And that is why the DDM approach is so important: it links problems directly with solutions, roles, and resources.

 

Government Response and Commitments

• The Sol Plaatje Municipality is installing high-mast lights and new taps in Lerato Park.
• Phokwane is distributing water tanks and repairing potholes.
• Magareng is upgrading its water treatment plant.
• The 1 Billion Housing Project launched by President Ramaphosa includes units for Diamond Park and Roodepan.

Our task now is to ensure that these projects are completed, maintained, and serve the people they are meant for.

 

Partnerships with Civil Society

We cannot govern alone.

Faith-based organisations, NGOs, and business forums here in Roodepan are doing remarkable work  from running soup kitchens to helping young people find purpose.

The DDM recognises that every citizen is a partner in development. Together, we can rebuild trust, fight drugs, create work opportunities, and restore pride in our neighbourhoods.

 

Listening and Accountability

Today’s meeting is not the end it is the start of ongoing communication.

We will set up regular feedback sessions, so that your issues are captured in the One Plan review and acted upon.

Accountability means: if a pipe bursts, a team responds. If a house cracks, someone is answerable. If youth programmes stall, we fix it  together.

 

Closing

Frances Baard is a proud and resilient district the economic heart of the Northern Cape. The challenges you face are not insurmountable.

Let us work together, community and Government hand-in-hand, to turn Roodepan into a model of cooperative governance in action.

Because the DDM starts with you the community.

Thank you.

His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is today, 16 October 2025, leading the second day of bilateral engagements between South Africa and Türkiye.

Today, the Deputy President has held bilateral engagements with the ATA Holding group, led by its Chairman, Mr Korhan Kurdoğlu, who expressed the major company's readiness to invest in South Africa in the areas including food production and agri-business; cold chain logistics and distribution science and technology; digital transformation; infrastructure and foreign trade synergies; financial services and co-investments, as well as sports, culture and tourism.

Yesterday in Ankara, with his counterpart, Vice-President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Cevdet Yılmaz, he successfully co-chaired the inaugural South Africa - Türkiye Bi-National Commission (BNC) that concluded with the Signing Ceremony for a number of agreements between South Africa and Türkiye, including the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Higher Education and Training, and Memorandum of Understanding regarding Cooperation in the field of Special Economic Zones/Free Zones.

Earlier in the day, Deputy President Mashatile visited the Anitkabir Mausoleum in Ankara, where he laid a wreath as a tribute to Türkiye’s Founder and first President, His Excellency Mr Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 

"I sincerely hope that your immortal spirit will guide our discussions and the high-level dialogue and joint decision-making that our two countries will be engaged in, for mutual development, cooperation and lasting prosperity. We are honoured to be in this sacred midst of history and greatness," said the Deputy President in his message.

Coordinated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, other engagements on 16 October 2025 included a bilateral meeting with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI/TUSAṢ; engagement with Mr Ahmet Akyol, CEO & President of Aselsan.

On 17 October 2025, Deputy President Mashatile will attend and deliver keynote addresses at the South Africa - Türkiye Business Council as well as the 5th Biennial Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum which will be held in Istanbul.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe; and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, together with the Deputy Minister in The Presidency and DDM District Champion, Nonceba Mhlauli, and the Northen Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will hand over title deeds to the rightful owners in Pampierstad within the Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape.

This marks a significant step in the Department of Human Settlements’ ongoing commitment to eliminate the national title deeds’ backlog.

In August 2025, the Minister and the Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays Campaign, a nationwide drive aimed at mobilising all stakeholders to support the title deeds restoration programme. The campaign seeks to restore dignity, strengthen tenure security, and promote economic empowerment for beneficiaries. 

The Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa, the Mayor of Phokwane Local Municipality, Cllr Willem Harmse, and other local Mayors within the Frances Baard District, will also be in attendance.

Details are as follows:

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025

Activity 1: Door-to-door delivery of title deeds to five senior citizens

Time: 10h00
Venue: Ward 1, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality. 

Activity two: Community engagement and title deeds handover

Time: 10h30
Venue:Condo Open Space, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality

 

Media enquiries: Tsekiso Machike, Spokesperson to the Minister, on 077 410 5050 / Tsekiso.machike@dhs.gov.za OR Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 17 October 2025, address the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The multi-stakeholder Summit is hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice.

The Summit brings together policymakers, legislators, civil society, traditional leaders, academics and the Judiciary to engage in high-level dialogue under the theme: “Social Justice, Food Security and Peace: Pathways to Equality, Solidarity, Sustainability and Climate Resilience.”

The Summit leverages the country’s G20 leadership to champion the African agenda and global cooperation. 

As a platform for inter-sectoral collaboration, the Summit will deliberate constitutional commitments and policy outcomes, including the positioning of food justice as a transformative driver of social cohesion, regional food security and global solidarity.

Details of the Summit are as follows:

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
Time: 08h30
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Mr Imtiaz Fazel, pending a decision in an investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) into the Inspector-General’s conduct.

The JSCI has informed President Ramaphosa that it has received a complaint on the conduct of the Inspector-General and that the Committee will conduct an investigation in line with section 7(4) and 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act (Act 40 of 1994).

Section 7(5) of the Act provides that "if the Inspector-General is the subject of an investigation by the (JSCI) in terms of subsection (4), he or she may be suspended by the President pending a decision in such investigation".

Mr Fazel has been suspended with immediate effect.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
High Commissioner of South Africa to the UK, Mr Jeremiah Mamabolo;
Minister of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean McPherson;
The entire South African Delegation;
The Investor Community;
Distinguished delegates;
Investors, Development partners;

Good morning.

It is with a great sense of privilege that I represent The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa at this conference: a platform that seeks to match African opportunity with global capital.

I bring you warm greetings from President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and from a nation that is proudly forging ahead, breaking new ground, and inspiring new ways, in spite of the many geopolitical and economic headwinds. 

Resilience, reinvention and opportunities for all, are the hallmarks of the unfolding South African story. It is a story of a country that continues to reform, diversify, and digitise its economy while driving investment into sectors that power sustainable and inclusive growth.

Programme Director,

South Africa remains Africa’s most globally integrated and diversified economy, with a Gross Domestic Product of approximately R7 trillion (about €348.5 billion). South Africa, hosts the continent’s most advanced and diversified digital economy. 

It has consistently proven itself as a trusted investment destination, with a diversified economy, strong governance, and over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies already headquartered in our country.

Its economy is underpinned by world-class infrastructure, a sophisticated financial services sector, and a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

The digital economy is projected to contribute between 15–20% of GDP in 2025, up from 8–10% in 2020, reflecting double-digit annual growth rates across e-commerce, fintech, and digital services.

Other sectoral contributions underpinning our economy are:

- Finance, Real Estate, and Business Services – 28%,
- Manufacturing – 17%,
- Trade, Catering, and Accommodation – 17%,
- General Government Services – 10%,
- Personal Services – 19%,
- Transport, Storage, and Communication – 9%.

South Africa’s merchandise exports are valued at approximately R2.04 trillion (€101.7 billion), and imports at R1.94 trillion (€97.1 billion). This trade balance reflects our diversified industrial base and global competitiveness.

Ours is an economy that offers great opportunities, where manufacturing, financial services, mining, agriculture, energy, and digital industries intersect to create a vibrant and investment ready environment.

Distinguished delegates,

Technological infrastructure significantly influences South Africa's economic development by driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and improving access to global markets. However, its full potential is constrained by a persistent digital divide, especially between urban and rural areas.

Investment into tech infrastructure boosts several positive spin-offs, and that includes the following:

I. Boosts and promotes trade and investment:

- Enhances global integration: Reliable and high-speed ICT infrastructure is crucial for businesses to connect, trade, and compete internationally. South Africa is positioned as a regional digital hub, with submarine fibre optic cables providing high-speed international connectivity and attracting data center investments from global cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

- Fosters e-commerce: Robust digital infrastructure supports the growth of e-commerce, allowing businesses of all sizes to reach broader markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this sector accelerated rapidly, driving sales for major platforms like Takealot.

- Attracts foreign investment: High-quality ICT infrastructure is a key factor for foreign companies looking to invest and set up operations in the country. A favourable digital environment supports the growth of technology hubs and startups, attracting venture capital. 

II. Driving job creation and innovation:

- Supports a growing digital economy: As a major ICT market in Africa, South Africa's tech sector is a significant contributor to the nation's GDP and a source of new jobs. The platform economy, including services like Uber Eats and Mr. D, is also a rapidly growing source of employment.

- Fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem: Reliable connectivity and access to digital tools enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to innovate, streamline operations, and overcome geographical barriers to market entry. Tech hubs in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg nurture startup ecosystems in fields such as fintech, health tech, and edtech.

- Increases productivity: Technology drives efficiency across all sectors of the economy. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) is used in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing to monitor and optimise operations. 

III. Improving public services and social inclusion:

Enhanced digital infrastructure allows for the digitisation of public services, such as health, education, and social grants. E-government services improve accessibility, transparency, and administrative efficiency for citizens, especially in remote areas.

- Enables skills development: The expansion of digital infrastructure and e-learning platforms helps to upskill the population, equipping them with the digital skills necessary to participate in the modern economy.

- Boosts financial inclusion: Digital payment systems and mobile banking allow unbanked and underbanked populations to access financial services, fostering entrepreneurship and economic activity.

Programme Director,

South Africa has invested significantly in digital infrastructure, anchored by submarine cable systems such as Seacom 2.0, Equiano, and 2Africa, which connect the country to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These cables, together with the West African Cable System (WACS), position South Africa as a regional hub for digital traffic. 

Our State-owned digital infrastructure company, Broadband Infraco, is a Tier-1 investor and responsible for supporting 70% of key projects of national interest, as well as extensive terrestrial fibre networks. It plays a strategic role in ensuring sustainable and cost-effective international bandwidth for Government and national projects, while also extending connectivity into all neighbouring SADC countries. 

The expansion of 4G and 5G networks, coupled with last-mile connectivity initiatives such as SA Connect, continues to drive access, affordability, and digital inclusion.

The data centre market is also expanding rapidly, with facilities established by Teraco, Equinix, Africa Data Centres, Vantage, and NTT. These hubs are critical to supporting hyperscale cloud services, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications, ensuring South Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

South Africa has one of the largest and most advanced information and communications technology (ICT) markets in Africa, firmly positioning itself as a technological and innovation hub for the continent. The sector spans software development, hardware manufacturing, telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital services, fintech, and digital payments. It is a growing contributor to GDP and is recognised as both sophisticated and rapidly developing.

Several international corporations have established African headquarters or subsidiaries in South Africa, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, SAP, Dell, Amazon Web Services, Novell, Meta, and HP. 

These firms view the country as a regional hub and a supply base for the region. In parallel, South Africa is home to vibrant startup communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with active ecosystems in fintech, healthtech, edtech, and agritech that are attracting increasing amounts of venture capital.

Distinguished delegates,

E-commerce has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital economy. Sales reached $4.1 billion (R71 billion) in 2023, up 29% from 2022, driven by local platforms such as Takealot, Superbalist, and OneDayOnly, as well as the entry of global players like Amazon, Alibaba, Shein, and Temu. Food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and Mr D have further embedded digital consumer behaviour, particularly in urban areas.

Cloud computing is projected to grow at an annual rate of 25% in 2025, while the number of IoT connections is expected to rise to 43 million by 2025 this will be up from 17 million in 2020, enabling new efficiencies in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

For its part, the South African Government has set four national priorities:

- Universal access to internet – extend high-speed broadband to all households and schools, leveraging submarine cables, national fibre, and last-mile solutions (5G, fixed wireless, satellite).

- Digital skills development – expand intermediate and advanced skills through national training programmes and talent visas to support innovation.

- Productive digital use – shift usage from social media to e-commerce, e-government, and digital finance, raising GDP impact.

- Supportive environment for investment and innovation – continue spectrum licensing, improve regulatory clarity for AI and cybersecurity, and streamline approvals for infrastructure projects.

South Africa’s combination of having the most advanced banking systems on the continent, fintech hubs, ICT infrastructure, and data centres provides a springboard for scaling innovation across the AfCFTA.

It is uniquely positioned to enable the next generation of integrated, cloud-based platforms that connect banks, fintechs, regulators, and entrepreneurs across the continent through shared and secure digital infrastructure.

Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $712 billion by 2050, supported by over 1.1 billion mobile money accounts and a young, connected population. By leveraging its comparative advantages, South Africa is poised to serve as both a regional digital hub and a gateway for AfCFTA-driven digital trade and investment.

Delegates,

I am certain that you now want to know: what are the available opportunities in South Africa’s Digital Economy and Tech Infrastructure?

- Data Centres and Cloud Services: South Africa offers significant opportunities in the expansion of hyperscale and edge facilities, with growing demand for renewable-powered operations and interconnect platforms.

- Metro Fibre and Last-Mile Broadband: Investors can participate in closing the rural and township connectivity gap through fibre networks, 5G fixed wireless solutions, and satellite technologies.

- 5G Rollout and Smart Infrastructure: The rollout of 5G enables new opportunities in industrial IoT applications across mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

- Digital Trade and Government Services: There is strong potential to invest in e-customs, licensing, digital identity, and trade-tech platforms aligned with AfCFTA integration.

- Fintech and Digital Payments: The market continues to expand in mobile wallets, merchant acquiring, SME credit, and cross-border payment services.

- E-Commerce and Logistics Enablement: Growth in online retail is driving investment opportunities in warehousing, fulfilment centres, and last-mile logistics.

- Digital Skills and Talent Platforms: There is demand for scalable training and certification in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.

- Renewable Energy for Digital Infrastructure: Linking renewable energy generation to data centres and telecom towers creates opportunities to stabilise operations while meeting ESG requirements.

Why should you invest in South Africa?

There are five enduring reasons for investors choose South Africa, despite the economic headwinds.

1. Infrastructure – With R900 billion committed to transport and energy infrastructure by 2027, our logistics ecosystem is among the most advanced in Africa.

2. Market Access – As the most industrialized economy in Africa, South Africa provides a natural entry point to the AfCFTA’s 1.3 billion consumers and the SADC region’s integrated markets.

3. Presence of Multinationals – Over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies operate in South Africa, and half of all multinationals headquartered in Africa are based in our country.

4. Human Capital – A young, tech-savvy population and world-class universities make South Africa an ideal location for digital talent and R&D.

5. Policy Certainty – Our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, coupled with investment-friendly reforms, ensures stability and predictability for investors.

The rule of law and our stable democratic system provides sufficient tailwinds to propel the growth and stability of our economy.
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Ladies and gentlemen,

As we invest in South Africa, we are also investing in Africa’s shared prosperity. Through AfCFTA, we are driving regional industrialisation, digital trade, and green growth.

We envision an Africa that trades not only in minerals and commodities but in data, design, and digital value. South Africa’s partnerships across energy, logistics, and technology are guided by this vision: to build a better Africa, and a better world.

Programme Director,

South Africa is not merely open for business: we are open and ready for sustainable partnerships. We invite investors to join us in transforming African markets through digital innovation, infrastructure connectivity, and sustainable industry.

As we stand at the intersection of the digital and green revolutions, let us together shape a future where South Africa is not just the gateway to Africa, but the engine of Africa’s digital and industrial renaissance.

Thank you very much!

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Mr Odinga, who led Kenya from 2008 to 2013, has passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

President Ramaphosa said: “The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our Continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first.”

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria