President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 11 March 2019, arrived in Harare in the Republic of Zimbabwe where together with His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, will seek to strengthen mutual cooperation and deepen implementation of 45   bilateral agreements during the Bi-National Commission (BNC). 

The two Heads of State will tomorrow, 12 March 2019, co-chair the third session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission.

The BNC is preceded by a ministerial session which was held earlier today, 11 March 2019, to consider and adopt the draft agreed minutes and joint communique negotiated by senior officials on 07 and 08 March 2019. Ministers also coordinated the agenda and programme for the Heads of State  session.  

Relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe are conducted through the BNC which was established in 2015.

During the BNC, the two Heads of State will review bilateral cooperation and progress made with the implementation of bilateral agreements. 

South Africa and Zimbabwe are signatories to 45 agreements which cover a wide range of fields, including trade and investment, health, labour, migration, defence, taxation, tourism, scientific and technological cooperation, water and the environment.

In terms of trade, South African exports to Zimbabwe totalled R30,8 billion, while imports from Zimbabwe amounted to R3,6 billion.

South Africa and Zimbabwe enjoy sound bilateral political, economic and social relations underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.

Deputy President Mabuza will act as President of the Republic during the President’s absence. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu;  Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni; Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Home Affairs, Dr Siyabonga Cwele; Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande; Police, Mr Bheki Cele and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

1. At the invitation of His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA, President of the Republic of South Africa, paid an Official Visit to Zimbabwe from 11 - 12 March 2019, for the Third Session of the   Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries. President Ramaphosa was accompanied by five (5) Cabinet Ministers.

2. The Third Session was preceded by the meetings of the Ministers on 11 March 2019 and Senior Officials from 7 - 8 March 2019.

3. During the meeting, the two Heads of State held discussions with a view to further strengthening and deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa. They also exchanged views on regional, continental and international issues of mutual interest.

4. The two Presidents underlined the close and friendly bilateral ties deeply rooted in shared history, sustained and nourished through growing economic partnership, multifaceted cooperation as well as vibrant people-to-people contacts.

5. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere.

6. The two Heads of State welcomed the positive outcomes of the Third BNC held in Harare in 2019. They directed the Ministers and Officials to implement the decisions taken by the Heads of State to further cement the strategic bilateral partnership.

7. The two sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment to drive the strategic engagement forward. In this regard, the Heads of State directed their Finance and Trade Ministers to work together to achieve these goals.

8. Zimbabwe highlighted the key initiatives taken by Government to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further informed on the country’s efforts to simplify and rationalize investment rules with the view to attract foreign direct investment.

9. The relevant Ministries agreed to consider options for expanding the standing Facility arrangement between the respective Central Banks. Other Financing Options beyond this are also being explored (for example a facility from South African private banks to the Zimbabwe private sector and guaranteed by the South African Government, with an appropriate counter-guarantee from the Zimbabwe Government).

10. They also agreed to work together on re-engagement with the International Co-operating Partners in support of Zimbabwe’s economic reform and Debt Arrears Clearance Agenda.

11. Zimbabwe expressed appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the Government and people of South Africa in calling for the removal of illegal and unwarranted sanctions which are stifling the country’s economic recovery programme.

12. The two Leaders unequivocally called for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe whose adverse effects have been far-reaching across the political and socio-economic spectrums.

13. The two Presidents emphasized the importance of enhancing strategic bilateral engagement, particularly in defence and security cooperation, to accomplish the common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

14. At the multilateral level, the Commission welcomed the convergence of views on regional, continental and international issues and agreed to further harmonize their positions especially in view of South Africa’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and its upcoming assumption of the Chair of the African Union in 2020.

15. Zimbabwe expressed goodwill and confidence in the successful holding of elections in South Africa which will take place on 8 May 2019.

16. The two leaders expressed their deepest condolences to the Government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and all other nations on the sad loss of lives in the recent air disaster involving flight ET103.

17. At the conclusion of the BNC, His Excellency, Cde Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

18. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to his counterpart, His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to attend the Fourth Session of the BNC, to be hosted by South Africa in 2020, on a date to be agreed and communicated through diplomatic channels.

Harare, 12 March 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the multi award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir at the Market Theatre Square in Johannesburg tomorrow, Thursday   14 March 2019.

The Choir recently won its third Grammy Award in February 2019, with the group’s album “Freedom” crowned Best World Music.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, will have a short interaction with the group during which he will congratulate the choir on their achievement.

Media are invited as follows:
Date: 14 March 2019
Time: 10:00
Venue: Market Theatre Square, corner Lilian Ngoyi and Margaret Singana St, Newtown, Johannesburg

Media wishing to cover the event are requested to liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 or Petunia Lessing on 066 301 4645.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate multiple allegations of maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct and intentional or negligent loss of public money concerning the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

The NHLS is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa with the responsibility of supporting the national and provincial health departments in the delivery of healthcare.

The Service provides laboratory and related public health services to over 80% of the population through a national network of laboratories.

The allegations of wrongdoing pertain to the period between 1 July 2015 and the present.
In a proclamation in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (Act 74 of 1996), the President has directed that   allegations be investigated and that civil proceedings emanating from such investigation be adjudicated upon.
The SIU investigation will cover:

 • the provision of end user computer hardware and related maintenance and support services for a period of three years in terms of Tender RFB 027/15- 16;
 • the provision of a multi-protocol label switching wide area network (MPLS WAN) service to the NHLS for a period of three years in terms of Tender RFB  030/15-16;
• the leasing of motor vehicles for the NHLS for a period of five  years in terms of Tender RFP 001/15-16;
• the replacement of water, sewer and drainage pipes in terms of Tender RFP1455602;
• the  renovation of the library at the National Insitute of Occupational  Health in Braamfontein in  terms of Tender RFQ 1438906;
• the renovation of the virology laboratory at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in terms of Tender RFQ 1481824;
• the renovation of toilets at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 0695750;
• professional services for the construction of a refectory at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 1409815;
• professional services  for  the design,  project  management  and the certification of renovations and structural changes to the Ermelo Laboratory in terms of Tender RFQ 706002;
• the replacement of the waterproofing at the Centre for Enteric Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 0961241;
• the renovation of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis in terms of Tender RFQ 1486702;
• professional  services  for the design,  project  management  and the certification of renovations and structural changes to the Diagnostic Media Products Building in terms of Tender RFQ 1351823; and
• construction of a kitchen and function area in terms of Tender RFB031/16-17, which was re-advertised as Tender RFB062/15- 16.

Any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the NHLS or applicable service providers will be examined by the SIU.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate alleged wrongdoing within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality or by service providers in the city’s procurement of or contracting for vehicles - known as the “red fleet” - from Fire Raiders (Pty) Ltd in a   2014 tender valued at R86,4 million.

Whistleblowers have alleged that while the costs associated with the purchase of the “red fleet” were paid over to the service provider, delivery was   not effected.

The President has referred allegations to the SIU in terms of Section 2(1) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (Act No 74   of 1996).

The SIU has been authorised to investigate any alleged serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the municipality; improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the municipality; unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property, and unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive acts, transactions, measures or practices that have a bearing on state property.

The SIU will probe whether municipal employees or officials or contractors or service providers had acted in a corrupt manner; engaged in fraudulent, unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure, or had acted in a corrupt manner or unduly benefited themselves or other persons or entities.

The investigation will cover the period between 1 January 2009 and the present will look into suspected intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property; possible offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and unlawful or improper conduct which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

These terms of reference will apply also to allegations of wrongdoing regarding repairs and maintenance work at fire stations in the City of Johannesburg; the procurement of closed-circuit television equipment and related services from SOS Protecsure National Division CC, and the procurement of or contracting for office accommodation and furniture for the city’s Integrated Operations Centre.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of condolence to the government and the people of New Zealand following the massacre that took place at two mosques in Christchurch on 15 March 2019.

“The Government and the people of South Africa convey their deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish all the injured a speedy recovery.

The South African Diplomatic Mission in Wellington has been directed to provide consular assistance and support to any South Africans affected” said  President Ramaphosa.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 March 2019, deliver the keynote address at the Zion Christian Church’s handover ceremony of their refurbished and extended facilities of the Marobathota High School and Evelyn Lekganyane Clinic in Zion City, Boyne in the   Limpopo Province. 

This initiative is a demonstration of active collaboration between government and social partners to realize the five urgent tasks identified by President Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address earlier this year. These tasks include improving the education system and developing required skills as well   as improving the conditions of life for all South Africans, especially the poor.

Media details
Date:  20 March 2019
Time: 14h00
Venue: Marobathota High School, Zion City, Boyne, outside Polokwane, Limpopo Province
RSVP: Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707  


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the 25th commemoration of Human Rights Day tomorrow, Thursday, 21 March 2019.

The national event will take place at the George Thabe Sports Ground in Sharpeville, Vereeniging, Gauteng, under the theme “The Year of Indigenous Languages: Promoting and Deepening a Human Rights Culture”. 
 
Human Rights Day has its origins in the events that unfolded at Sharpeville and at Langa in the Western Cape on 21 March 1960, when apartheid security forces cracked down on peaceful marches that opposed pass laws that had been imposed on black South Africans.
 
On that day, an anti-pass march at the Sharpeville police station came to a brutal end with the mass killing of peaceful protesters. Later that day, in   Langa, police baton-charged and fired teargas at the gathered protesters, shooting three and injuring several others.
 
The Sharpeville Massacre, as the event has become known, signalled the start of armed resistance in South Africa and prompted worldwide condemnation of South Africa's apartheid policies. 

Since the advent of democratic governance in South Africa 25 years ago, Human Rights Month has been leveraged as a vehicle to foster social cohesion, nation building, national identity, socio-economic development and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and all related intolerances.
 
The objective of Human Rights Day 2019 is to amplify efforts to preserve, promote and revitalise endangered languages, to affirm that South Africa is committed to human rights for all, and to emphasise that the Bill of Rights promotes linguistic diversity and encourages respect for all language rights.
 
Media Programme is as follows:

Part 1

Wreath-laying Ceremony
Time: 09h50
Venue: Sharpeville Memorial Site

Part 2

Keynote Address by President Ramaphosa
Time: 11h30                          
Venue: George Thabe Sports Ground

RSVP: Nangamso Gxaba - 072 321 6355

 
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has intensified government’s campaign against corruption and state capture with a proclamation establishing an Investigating Directorate in the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions to address allegations emerging from current and recent commissions of inquiry, and corruption-related crimes in general.

President Ramaphosa has proclaimed the establishment of the Investigating Directorate in terms of Section 7(1) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No.32 of 1998). This has been done on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, the  Minister of Police and the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

The new directorate will investigate common law offences including fraud, forgery, uttering, theft and any offence involving dishonesty.

The directorate will also attend to statutory offences including but not limited to contraventions of:

• The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 6 of 2000;
• The Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1988;
• The Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004;
• The Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999;
• The Municipal Management Act 56 of 2003;
• The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001; and
• Any other statutory offence involving dishonesty.

In addition, the directorate will investigate any unlawful activities relating to serious, high profile or complex corruption including but not limited to offences or criminal or unlawful activities arising from the following commissions and inquiries:

• The Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State promulgated under presidential proclamation No. 3 of 2018 in Government Gazette No. 41403, 25 January 2018;

• The Nugent Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) established by presidential proclamation No 17 of 2018 published in Government Gazette No. 41562 constituted on 24 May 2018;

• The Mpati Commission of Inquiry into Allegations for Impropriety regarding the Public Investment Corporation established by presidential proclamation No. 30 of 2018, as published in Government Gazette No. 41979 of 17 October 2018; and

• any other serious, high profile or complex corruption case referred to the new directorate by the National Director, in  accordance with Section 28(1)(b) of the NPA Act.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the Minister of Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande, to urgently resolve the challenges plaguing commuter rail agency, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

The President held a meeting with Minister Nzimande at Tuynhuys in Cape Town on Tuesday 19 March 2019 following the President’s first-hand experience of the difficulties regularly experienced by commuters when the President boarded a train from Mabopane to the Tshwane CBD earlier   this week.

Among the challenges raised at the meeting was the deterioration of infrastructure and unacceptable delays of train services, which often result in commuters arriving late for work, school and other commitments. Passenger and driver safety also received attention.

The President stressed the need for a safe, reliable and integrated public transport system to support the country’s economic development aspirations. 

While appreciating that Prasa is currently implementing one of the largest urban rail modernisation programmes in the world, the agency’s failure to implement its turnaround plans and, in the process, pay due attention to critical rail operational functions, is a cause for concern. 

The President has directed immediate action to strengthen governance by stabilising the leadership cohort at Board level and filling critical vacancies, including that of the Group Chief Executive Officer. 

The President has also called for practical and urgent action to bridge the gap between the turnaround strategies developed and their day-to-day implementation. He directed that a capable and skilled team of specialists should be established to conduct due diligence on the rail network to determine the extent of challenges.

Urgent action is required to accelerate the implementation of the R172 billion modernisation programme meant to eliminate challenges occasioned by aged infrastructure. 

Minister Nzimande is expected to make announcements in due course on the delivery of these commitments and other actions to be undertaken to restore service performance at Prasa.

The President has further welcomed the imminent introduction of 24 new train sets in Gauteng to augment the 18 new sets delivered last year, emphasising that this intervention will go a long way to improve train availability and performance.

The increase in rolling stock availability from 160 to 260 sets during the current financial year is expected to alleviate the burden in other parts of the country.

President Ramaphosa accepts that there are longstanding challenges at Prasa that will require substantial resources and several years to address, but believes there are immediate steps that can and will be taken to increase efficiency and improve the daily experiences of commuters.

President Ramaphosa said: “There is no reason why commuters should have to endure frequent delays or feel unsafe on our trains. This is a problem that we can work together to solve.”


Media enquiries:Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by:The Presidency
Pretoria