President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises Mr Pravin Gordhan, who has passed away at the age of 75, following a period of illness.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Mr Gordhan’s spouse, Ms Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as the former Minister’s older brother, Manecklal Gordhan, and sister Shanta Harilal.

The President’s thoughts are with former Minister Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations with whom he established relationships as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and Member of the National Executive.

He served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement.

Mr Gordhan was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.

His contribution to the public sector arose from his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, including his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and ‘80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and military military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress.

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Mr Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue and was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

2023 marked 50 years since Mr Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree which led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.

In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.

President Ramaphosa said: “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.

“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.

“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much needed and deserved time together. 

“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution. 

“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

At the invitation of Hosi Dr N’wamitwa II, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on Saturday, 14 September 2024, attend and deliver a keynote address at the N’wamitwa Day Celebrations to be held at Valoyi Cultural Village, Greater Tzaneen, Mopani District, in the Limpopo Province.

The Deputy President, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, will address the Celebrations under the theme “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”.

The N’waMitwa Day is aimed at commemorating the inauguration of Her Royal Highness Hosi Dr N’waMitwa II, which took place on 29 August 2008 as a pioneer woman traditional leader among the Vatsonga people. The installation of Hosi N’waMitwa II advances the Constitutional values of gender equality and non-discrimination in the country.

As part of his delegated responsibility of promoting social cohesion and nation-building initiatives in the country, the Deputy President, during his address at the Dialogue with National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in April 2024, reiterated government's dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of traditional leaders as well as continuing to collaborate with traditional leaders to tackle rural issues to ensure that marginalised voices are heard.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa and the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs's MEC, Mr Baiskopo Makumu.

The media is invited as follows:
Date: Saturday, 14 September 2024
Time: 08:00
Venue: Valoyi Cultural Village, Greater Tzaneen, Mopani District, Limpopo

Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to send their full details to Ms Rudzani Muthambi (Office of the Premier) on 083 2824404 or Ms Linah Ledwaba (The Presidency) on 066 240 7635. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 or Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela, Limpopo Provincial Government Spokesperson on 082 200 5357. 

Issued jointly by: The Presidency and Limpopo Provincial Government
Union Buildings
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 September 2024, brief the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town, on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals, and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

In his response to NCOP Questions for Oral Reply, President Ramaphosa will also address progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the Second Presidential Health Compact.

The President will outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity.

President Ramaphosa will also address a question regarding employment equity.

Details of the engagement are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 12 September 2024
Time: 14:00
Venue: National Council of Provinces, Cape Town

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 12 September 2024, in his capacity as a Special Envoy to South Sudan, meet with the African Union (AU) Panel of the Wise, for the Panel to brief him on their regional diplomacy efforts to build consensus and support for the Government of the Republic of South Sudan in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The AU Panel of the Wise is one of the critical pillars of the Peace and Security Architecture of the AU and its work complements the efforts of the C5 and the Tumaini Initiative in their efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan. In particular, the Panel of the Wise will apprise Deputy President Mashatile on South Sudan’s state of readiness to hold elections, which according to the R-ARCSS roadmap are supposed to be held this year. 

The current Panel of the Wise is comprised of the following members serving three-year terms from each of the AU’s five regions: H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi and Chairperson of the Panel of the Wise, H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. Amre Moussa, former Foreign Minister of Egypt and former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Hon. Lady Justice Effie Owuor of the Republic of Kenya, and Professor Babacar Kante of the Republic of Senegal.

Two members of the Panel of the Wise, namely, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Hon. Lady Justice Effie Owuor of the Republic of Kenya, will meet the Deputy President. They will be accompanied by Dr Akok Madut, Head: Mediation and Dialogue Division of the Department of Political Affairs, AU Peace and Security; Ms. Netsanet Tekeda Alemu, Coordinator of the Panel of the Wise Secretariat, and Ambassador Luigi Pepani, Advisor to former Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka. 
  
Details of the meeting are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 12 September 2024
Time: 09h00 (media to arrive 08h30)
Venue: Room 26, Tuynhuys, Parliament, Cape Town.  

Media is hereby invited for a photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting and a media doorstop after the meeting. 

Members of the media wishing to cover the meeting are requested to submit their full details to Mr Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will today, 11 September  2024 host a media briefing to update the public on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s programme and address topical issues of interest.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Imbizo Centre, Cape Town
 
RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to makungu@presidency.gov.za

Media following remotely can text their questions to 083 376 9468. The media briefing will be streamed live and the link will be shared prior. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 13 September 2024 sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.

The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights.

The Signing Ceremony will take place as follows:

Date: Friday, 13 September 2024
Time: 10h30 (media to arrive at 09h30)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony should send their details to Hlobisile Nkosi on hlobisile@presidency.gov.za / 079 988 9954 and Makungu Mbetse on makungu@presidency.gov.za / 079 788 3077 by Thursday, 12 September 2024 at 14h00. No late submissions will be accepted.

Members of the media are also requested to present valid ID documents and press cards on arrival at the entrance. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

South Africa will be filing its memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) next month ( October 2024). South Africa intends to provide facts and evidence to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in Palestine. 

This case will continue until the court makes a finding. While the case is in progress, we hope that Israel will abide by the court’s provisional orders issued to date.

The case represents a growing  global effort towards ensuring peace in the Middle-East. Several countries, namely, Nicaragua, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia have all joined the South African case against Israel. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of acclaimed poet, writer and political and cultural activist Mr James Matthews at the age of 95.

Mr Matthews was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikamanga, who received this honour in 2004 for his excellent achievements in literature, contributing to journalism and his inspirational commitment to the struggle for a non-racial South Africa.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the Matthews family whose loss is shared by communities across South Africa and associates globally of the poet, writer and patron of the Congress of South African Writers who exercised his creative endowment and political voice for close on 80 years of the 95 years of his life.

Born into a working-class District Six family, a teenage James Matthews worked as a messenger at a Cape Town newspaper where, in his own words, his introduction to a library was “one of wonderment”.

This revelation started him on a career and life’s mission of journalism, poetry, short stories, essays and tireless denunciation of the apartheid system, the response to which included periods of detention and denial of a passport for more than a decade.

President Ramaphosa said: “James Matthews’s voice will ring in our consciousness following his departure and we will remain captivated and inspired by the rage and elegance with he articulated the stark struggles of the oppressed.

“We will be comforted by the many works he has left for us to revisit and by our memories of his appearances at rallies, ghoembas, the frontlines of street protest and intimate circles of kindred creatives where, beret askew on his head, he would feed the souls and fighting spirit of those around him.

“May he now rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Saturday, 07 September 2024, join the Nazareth Baptist Church known as Bethlehema LamaNazaretha akwa Shembe at the Holy Temple of Ntabazwe in Platenberg near Harrismith in the Free State Province.

The Deputy President will be a Special Guest of His Holiness Inkosi Unyazi LweZulu, the Leader of the Church. Deputy President Mashatile is tasked by the President to lead social cohesion and nation-building initiatives in the country, including fostering social compacts with Faith-based communities, amongst others.

Details of the visit are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 07 September 2024
Time: 08h30 (media to arrive 08h00)
Venue: Ntabazwe/Bethlehem Holy Temple, Platenberg, Harrismith (along N3 Highway), Free State Province.  

Media wishing to cover the visit is advised of the strict dress code applied by the church: Headdresses and covering of shoulders for females; no pants/trousers for females; covering of shoulders for males, and strictly no shoes for everyone at the holy mountain.

Members of the media wishing to cover the visit requested to submit their full details to Mr Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Task Team established to address water challenges in various areas in the country, will on Friday, 06 September 2024, visit the Limpopo Province to assess progress achieved on various intervention projects undertaken to improve water services in Greater Giyani Local Municipality.

The Task Team, led by Deputy President Mashatile, is an institutional coordinating mechanism, which brings together key role players within Government to provide leadership and technical assistance towards the resolution of challenges in the provision of water services in the country.

The two-day oversight visit is aimed at ensuring that there is access to functional basic water supply infrastructure for the surrounding communities of Giyani, as well as to deal with the long standing challenges of water backlog in the area.

In this regard, the Deputy President, supported by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, will commence the visit by conducting a walkabout at the Nandoni Dam Pump Station and proceed to several other project sites, including a Canal at Xikukwana, Giyani Water Treatment Works, and a reticulation project at Nwakhuwani.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; Deputy Ministers, Mr David Mahlobo and Mr Isaac Seitlholo; Acting Premier of the Limpopo Province, Mr Basikopo Makamu; Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council; District and Local Mayors; as well as Traditional leadership representatives.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

DAY 1: FRIDAY, 06 SEPTEMBER 2024

Photo Opportunity on arrival of the Deputy President and Delegation

Time: 09h30 (media to arrive at 09h00)
Venue: Nandoni Dam Pump Station

Media in attendance

10h00 - Site inspections visit to Nandoni Dam Pump Station, Thohoyandou

10h40 - Showcasing of Middle Letaba Canal - Xikukwana Village

11h30 - Site visit to Giyani Water Treatment Works - Giyani Water Treatment Work (Nsami)

13h00 - Site visit to Giyani Water Pipelines and Reticulation - Nwakhuwani

For more information and accreditation please contact:

The Presidency - Mr Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251
Water and Sanitation - Dr Mandla Mathebula on 083 235 8675  or Mr Raletjena on 082 928 4148

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria