President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the conclusions of the Independent panel appointed in May to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of a Russian vessel, known as the Lady R, at the Simonstown Naval base.

Herewith is an Executive Summary of the report.

Due to the classified nature of the evidence that informed the report, the government will not publicly engage further on the substance of the report.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
LadyR Report Executive Summary.pdf

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of The Baobab.

President Ramaphosa extends condolences to Mrs Wendy Ackerman, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, and Jonathan and the extended family.

Mr Ackerman, who has passed away at the age of 92, was awarded the Order of The Baobab in 2014 for his commitment to uplifting the lives of South Africans by providing scholarships to young people and conducting socially responsible retail business.

Raymond Ackerman was one of the first retailers to fight on behalf of the South African consumers against the apartheid state’s monopoly on basic goods.

He drastically reduced the cost of essentials such as bread, milk and chicken. He also spoke against the inclusion of value-added tax (VAT) on basic food lines, a course that they fought and won on behalf of the poor.

Mr Ackerman was one of the first executives to promote black South Africans to senior positions and to acknowledge black trade unions. This was at the period when such unions were banned from operating in this country.

He also abolished race classification on the company’s human resources payroll.

Since the 1970s, the Ackerman Family Trust has supported hundreds of young people to become graduates across a broad range of professions.

President Ramaphosa said: “We mourn with the Ackerman family as they bid farewell to a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose name resounded as comfortably in millions of households around the country.

“Raymond Ackerman was an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur who placed people first and stood up to the injustices and discrimination which the apartheid regime sought to outsource to the business sector.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of veteran activist and Esteemed Member of the Order of Luthuli Ms Amy Thornton.

The President’s thoughts are with the family, friends and comrades of the late activist who was born in Cape Town in 1932.

She was honoured in 2016 with the National Order of Luthuli for her excellent contribution and unflinching commitment to the struggle for liberation and equality for all South Africans, and her commendable bravery in the face of an oppressive regime.

As a 16-year-old, Amy Thornton worked with the then Communist Party of South Africa to campaign against the National Party in the 1948 election which resulted in the legislated enforcement of apartheid. 

In 1950 she joined the Modern Youth Society (MYS), a progressive youth movement involving mainly university students. Through MYS, Ms Thornton was involved in night school literacy classes for African workers in the Cape Town docks.

When the Congress of Democrats (COD) was formed in 1952, she was appointed secretary of the Joint Congress Committee (involving the COD, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Indian Congress and the Coloured Peoples’ Congress).

She represented the MYS as part of the South African delegation to the World Federation of Democratic Youth, held in Bucharest, Romania in 1953.
 
In the same year she was recruited to join the underground SACP. She was active in pamphleteering against the Group Areas Act and the Bantu Education Act. She was also involved in study classes in informal settlements around Cape Town (Blouvlei and Elsies River).

In 1955 Thornton was a delegate from Cape Town to the Congress of the People. However, she was part of the delegation that was stopped by the police in Beaufort West and detained over the weekend, so she was unable to make it to Kliptown.

From the start of the Treason Trial in 1956 she served on the Treason Trial Support Committee. She did voluntary work for the Guardian newspaper (and its successors, as each successive title was banned in turn). She did research for the publication and managed the editorial work.

In 1959 she was banned for the first time initially for two years, but this was extended several times. She eventually served 14 years under banning orders, and lost her job as a nursery school teacher.

In 1976 she began to work part-time for the Food and Canning Workers’ Union.

In 1981, she was a founding member and deputy chairperson of the United Women’s Organisation, which later became one of the key organisations in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

In 1983 she was appointed as a patron of the UDF and was among those detained during the two states of emergency.

Ms Thornton was also a member of the Cape Town ANC regional leadership and served on the National Coordinating Committee for the Return of Exiles between 1990 and 1993.

President Ramaphosa said: “Amy Thornton lived a life of principled resistance, bravery and perseverance so that we could live in freedom today.

“She was one of many white South Africans who sustained the non-racial character of the liberation struggle.

“Her contribution and the risks she took on also disproved the often stated claim that white South Africans didn’t know what was unfolding in the country or that they had no agency to change policy or conditions in the country.

“Amy Thornton served our nation with great courage and tireless energy. May her soul now rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Fellow South Africans,

Just over a week ago, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa concluded the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

It was a historic Summit that heralded a new chapter for BRICS.

I would like to report back to you this evening on the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit and what they mean for our progress as a nation.

In addition, I would like to inform you about the report of the independent panel appointed in May to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of a Russian vessel, known as Lady R, at the Simonstown Naval Base.

First about the BRICS summit.

The summit was attended by the five BRICS member countries along with representatives of 61 other countries. Forty-six of the countries that attended were from our continent Africa. This included 20 heads of state and government.

We were also honoured by the attendance of the United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres.

I want to thank the people of South Africa for welcoming these guests from across the African continent and the world. Delegations from some countries consisted of up to 600 people.

All our visitors were warmly received and were able to experience the best of South African hospitality.

We thank the many people involved in organising the Summit events, including the Deputy President, our ministers, officials, law enforcement agencies and our security services, who ensured that the Summit proceeded without incident.

We thank all the staff at airports and border posts, those who worked through the night to set up the venues, protocol officers and ushers, food and beverage staff at our various hotels and guest houses, volunteers, sponsors and partners, musicians and artists, drivers and messengers.

We must also thank the members of the media, from South Africa and from around the world, who ensured that the work of the Summit received wide coverage.

The success of the Summit is a credit to our country and its people. It is another demonstration of our ability to host major international gatherings that have a significant impact on the conduct of international affairs far beyond our borders.

Overall, many people have said that this was a most successful BRICS summit.

Quite often, as South Africans we go about our daily lives, without paying much attention to our relations with other countries and to our membership of global organisations or forums such as the UN, AU, BRICS, the G20, the G77 + China, the Non Aligned Movement and others.

And yet, our country’s relations with other countries and the conduct of our foreign policy affects our lives as South Africans in many ways, such as in trade and investment, sport, peace and security, technology, education, and many other areas.

As we have said before, our international work cannot be separated from our efforts to end poverty, to create jobs and to reduce inequality in South Africa.

Through stronger investment and trade relations with other countries, we are able to grow our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and reduce unemployment.

By supporting peace and stability on our continent, and by promoting Africa’s development, we are able to improve social cohesion in our own country.

By encouraging greater cooperation between countries in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, fighting terrorism, climate change and vaccine production, we are able to strengthen our efforts to tackle these challenges in our own country.

The BRICS Summit made several decisions to take forward the struggle for a fairer and more inclusive world order that is focused on the equal development of all peoples.

One of the key decisions taken by the BRICS member countries was to support the call for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient. 

The Summit said that there should be greater representation of developing economy countries in the UN Security Council’s membership. This is so that countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, can play a greater role in international affairs. 

This was a most significant decision in view of the fact that it was supported by two BRICS members who are permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The reform of the United Nations is important for South Africa and our continent Africa because we stand to benefit from a world that is more fair and from international institutions that are more democratic and more representative.

In taking this position, the BRICS leaders recognised the desire of many other countries to contribute to redefining the terms of international relations.

The other significant outcome of the summit was the decision to expand the membership of BRICS to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

BRICS leaders agreed that the value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. They agreed that BRICS could be more effective and have a greater impact by building partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives.

Through an expanded BRICS, we will be able to better align the voices of those countries that seek a fairer global governance, financial, investment and trading system based on clear rules that apply equally to all countries.

An expanded BRICS also means that we will be able to export more of our products to major markets and, as a result, we will be able to produce more and create more jobs.

While an expanded BRICS will be an important champion for the Global South, South Africa stands to benefit from its relationship with these countries.

Together, these countries make up nearly a third of the global economy and are together home to 46 per cent of the world’s population.

Already we have achieved great benefit from our relations with Brazil, Russia, India and China.

These countries are important destinations for South Africa’s products and services. They are important sources of investment and are becoming even more important as tourism markets.

These economic ties have been strengthened by the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, both of whom presented encouraging reports on their work.

We have regular interaction at many levels, among our business people, our scientists, our professionals, our cultural workers, our sports men and women, our academic, our public servants and our young people. This extends to interactions between political parties in BRICS countries. 

We have agreed to the establishment of a BRICS Youth Council, which will play an important role in defining the direction of these relationships into the future.

Through these interactions, we exchange information, skills, technology and experience. The engagements between our respective business people at this Summit has resulted in several opportunities for the export of South African products to large countries with big markets. 

All this enhances our progress as a country.

We are looking forward to establishing similar links and strengthening the political and economic ties with the countries that will soon be joining BRICS.

The summit also decided that the finance ministers or central bank governors of BRICS countries, as appropriate, should consider the use of our various countries’ local currencies, payment instruments and platforms in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS and their respective trading partners.

They are expected to report back at the next summit.

As BRICS chair, South Africa has always stressed the value of the BRICS alliance to advancing Africa’s developmental agenda.

The Summit deliberated on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential to shift Africa from an exporter of raw materials to a producer of manufactured goods.

South Africa’s participation in BRICS and its support for the expansion of BRICS does not detract from the good and strategic relations we have with many other countries around the world.

From the advent of our democracy, we have always sought to develop ties of friendship, cooperation and respect with all countries.

We have never aligned ourselves with any one global power or bloc of countries.

Our non-aligned approach has enabled us to pursue an independent foreign policy and to forge our own developmental path.

We have consistently advanced the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means.

The second matter I wish to report back to you on is about allegations that were levelled against our country earlier this year regarding a Russian ship that docked in Simonstown late last year, where it was alleged that South Africa had supplied weapons to Russia during the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. 

In recent months, statements from several quarters have used these allegations to call into question South Africa’s commitment to its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The allegations levelled against our country had a damaging effect on our currency, economy and our standing in the world.

To ensure that the docking of the Russian ship in Simonstown was thoroughly investigated, I appointed a three-member independent panel in May to enquire into the circumstances of the docking of this Russian vessel, known as Lady R.

The panel was chaired by Judge Phineas Mojapelo. The other members of the panel were Adv Leah Gcabashe SC and Mr Enver Surty.

I wish to thank the panel for the considerable amount of work it undertook in a relatively short period of time.

During the course of its work, the panel visited Simonstown naval base and obtained evidence under oath from nearly 50 people in every relevant component of government. More than 100 documents were submitted to the panel for examination.

A number of entities and persons that had publicly claimed to have information on this matter were invited to make submissions to the panel. Many of those invited either failed to do so or said they had no independent knowledge of the relevant facts.

From its investigation, the panel found no evidence that any cargo of weapons was loaded for export onto the ship Lady R.

The panel found that there was no evidence to support the claim that the ship transported weapons from South Africa destined for Russia.

The panel established that the ship docked at Simonstown to deliver equipment that had been ordered for the South African National Defence Force in 2018 by Armscor, the country’s arms procurement company.

In terms of the contract for the supply of the arms, neither Armscor nor the South African National Defence Force had any control over the means through which the supplier of the ordered equipment would transport them to South Africa.

In its report, the panel outlined the circumstances that led to the docking of the vessel in Simonstown, as well as the type of goods supplied and the reasons why the goods were unloaded at the time they were offloaded.

South Africa has clear laws that regulate the issuing of permits regarding the importation and exportation of conventional arms. All relevant permits had been obtained for the importation of the equipment that were delivered by the ship. No permit was issued for the export of arms and no arms were exported.

The panel did not find any evidence of criminal conduct by any persons involved. However, the panel made findings and recommendations with respect to the functioning of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee. It also made recommendations about the improvement of communication between Ministers and government officials, including the adequacy of the relevant administrative processes.

Given the fact that the evidence given to the panel was classified and the fact that revealing the details of the equipment offloaded could jeopardise the work and safety of South Africa’s forces in various deployments on the continent, I have decided not to release the report.

In deciding not to release the report, I have taken account of the laws that both mandate openness and transparency and require that certain information that may be prejudicial to the defence and security of the Republic be kept classified and confidential.

To reveal the details of the equipment offloaded would compromise important military operations and put our soldiers’ lives at risk.

Under these circumstances, when lives would be at risk due to the revelation of the type of equipment that is utilised by our armed forces, the need for confidentiality is both necessary and justified.

When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true, and none of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country.

I have noted the panel’s findings and recommendations with respect to the efficiency and efficacy of the relevant administrative and maritime transport processes and have directed that an implementation plan be developed to address these.

The panel has given me an executive summary of the report, which I have decided to release publicly.

Both of the matters on which I have reported this evening – the 15th BRICS Summit and the investigation into the Russian ship that docked at Simonstown – are relevant to the principles that inform our relations with the rest of the world.

Our policy of non-alignment and our efforts to build friendly relations with all countries is driven by a commitment to a world that is peaceful and stable.

That is why we will continue to pursue a foreign policy that advances the interests of our country and the progress of our people, and that promotes human rights, peace, justice and equal development across the world.

May God continue to bless South Africa and its people.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. 
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. 
God seën Suid-Afrika.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afrika Tshipembe. 
Hosi katekisa Afrika.

Good night.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to New Delhi, India to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled on 09-10 September 2023.

The summit will be hosted under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely; Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth; Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure; Building Digital Public Infrastructure; Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony; Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and;  Creating a More Inclusive World. 

The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

The G20 Summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.

The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

President Ramaphosa will during the summit participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed One Earth, One Family and One Future.

The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world.

South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025. 

President Ramaphosa will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 08 September 2023, arrived in New Delhi, Republic of India to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for 09 - 10 September 2023.

The New Delhi G20 Summit is hosted under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

The President will tomorrow, 09 September 2023, participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

On Sunday, 10 September 2023, President Ramaphosa will also join Heads of State and Government at the Wreath Laying Ceremony taking place at the Rajghat Memorial.

The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely; 

- Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth; 

- Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 

- Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); 

- Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; 

- Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure; 

- Building Digital Public Infrastructure; 

- Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony; 

- Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and;  

- Creating a More Inclusive World.

The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

The G20 Summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.

The G20 has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption. 

South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world.

South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025. 

President Ramaphosa is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele,
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane,
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola,
Leadership of the SAPS,
Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to greet all the women of our country’s security and law enforcement agencies making up this Integrated Women in Law Enforcement Parade. 

Today marks the end of Women’s Month. 

It is a month during which we celebrate how far we have come in building a non-sexist society, a society where women are free and equal and enjoy the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. 

Today we are witnesses to the transformation of safety and security in South Africa. 

We have come a long way since the first women were accepted into the then South African Police over 50 years ago to perform administrative and so-called ‘soft’ duties.

Today, women are taking their rightful place in our police and security services. 

Today, we have the first ever female Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

Lieutenant General Mosikili is one of two women co-chairs of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, known as NatJoints.

They are among the women who are leading the way in the transformation of our safety and security institutions.

We have certainly come a long way, but we know that we still have much further to go.

Earlier this morning, we were part of the unveiling of the DNA expansion project
at the Forensic Science Laboratory at the Eben Donges Building here in Gqeberha. 

I commend the SAPS for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in the analysis of DNA retrieved from crime scenes. 

With this new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, we can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide. 

The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations, and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators. 

People who commit crimes against women and children have no place in our society. We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put prison and remain there. 

It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed at six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget. 

It is worth mentioning that this project is driven by a woman, the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Khosi Senthumule.

As we wrap up this Women’s Month, we appreciate all women in the integrated security and law enforcement agencies, across all the ranks. 

It is these women who continue to make significant strides in what was previously considered to be male-dominated environments. 

Women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, tactical response teams, search and rescue teams, flying squads and highway patrol units.

More and more women are becoming pilots and airborne law enforcement officers; forensic, ballistic and DNA analysts; and crime scene reconstruction experts.

They are correction officials, mechanical engineers, motor vehicle reconstruction experts and artisans.

Indeed, there should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women and no area where they are not able to excel.

Let me commend the Ministry of Police and the management of the SAPS, and all the heads of other law enforcement agencies, for ensuring that the goal of gender equality in the workplace is closer to becoming a reality. 

Five out of nine Provincial Commissioners are women. This is the result of hard work that led to well-deserved promotions. 

Let me also recognise and commend efforts by other departments like the SANDF, Correctional Services, metros and traffic police who are also working to make sure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement. 

We appreciate the struggles of women over the generations that laid the foundation for these accomplishments. We welcome this kind of integration of multiple forces and capabilities led by women in the security and law enforcement space. 

It is imperative for all of us gathered here today, men and women, that we support these women who are willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices to ensure that everyone in South Africa is safe. 

While we have much further to go towards making gender equality a reality in all workplaces in South Africa, our integrated law enforcement agencies are leading the way. For this we salute you. 

Halala makhosikazi halala! Halala zimbhokodo halala! 

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Junior Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mr Arabile Maphiri,
Representatives of civil society and business,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is truly an honour to be among you, our next generation of leaders, professionals, businessmen, entrepreneurs, tech gurus, you name it. 

Some of you also hope someday to be husbands, fathers and sons-in-law. 

You all carry hopes to make something of your lives and to follow your chosen career paths. 

If you decide to have families someday, you may take on the role of a co-provider, a carer and nurturer of your children and support to your partner. 

Some people ask why is there a focus on women: Women’s Day, women’s march, women empowerment, girls’ programmes, girls’ spaces?

The answer is a straightforward one. 

There is a crisis in our society. A terrible crisis that will destroy us if we do not overcome it. 

That crisis is violence against women and girls; violence that men perpetrate.

Because it is men who are responsible for this scourge, men need to be part of bringing it to an end.

We are encouraged that we have with us today young men from different parts of our country who have stood up and said yes, we want to be part of bringing about change. Yes, we want to be better men. 

Yes, we want to show by our words and deeds that we respect women and girls and treat them as equals. 

I want to thank you all for taking this important step towards making our country a better place for all its people. 

This young men’s dialogue is very important. 

To end gender-based violence, we must focus on prevention. 

We must stop this violence before it even happens. 

There must be an open and honest conversation about what contributes to violence against women and girls.

We need to talk about patriarchal attitudes and practices. We need to challenge toxic masculinity, which is the idea that being a man means one must dominate and demean women. 

We must talk about the influence of culture and media depictions of men and women.

“What about the Boys?” brings together government, the private sector, academia, civil society, the media and other stakeholders in a collaboration towards raising a nation of good men. 

We have just seen the video and listened to the voices of participants, and it is clear that this programme continues to be well-received and has had a positive impact.

We are correct to ask the question, “What about the Boys?”, because young men and boys must not be left behind. 

They must be part of our journey towards a South Africa free of gender-based violence. 

They must be encouraged and supported to be change-makers in society. 

Participants, Zinsizwa, 

Akulula ukuba yinsizwa kulenzinsuku. 

You face a lot of pressure in the family, in relationships, with your friends, at school and places of higher learning, in your peer groups, and in society as a whole. 

In South Africa today, young black men are most vulnerable to violence. 

Young men and boys are vulnerable to recruitment by gangs and pressure to take part in criminal activities. 

The young men of this country are being made into men before their time. 

You may face pressure from your friends to become sexually active even when you are not ready to, because this is seen as being a real man. 

Worse yet, engaging in unsafe sex practices is also seen as more manly. 

This is leading to teenage pregnancies, the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and other problems. We must talk about this. 

For some of you there may be pressure, especially once you have gone through ritual initiation, to so-called “prove” your manhood in various ways. 

Far too often this is having a destructive effect on women and girls. We must talk about these things and not whisper them in dark corners. 

Kumele sikhulume about sexuality in general; about stigma, bullying and even violence against gay or gender non-conforming young men. This is a problem in many of our communities.

Many young men may not have positive role models.

Absentee fathers are one of the greatest tragedies of our nation. Only a third of South Africa’s children live with both parents. Most children either live with their mother only or with neither parents.

We must talk about what it means for young men and boys not to have a father at home to support, encourage and guide them.

We must talk about the pressure on young men and boys to drop out of school to 
earn a living because they have family members relying on them financially, or because they want to be independent.

As young men, you are vulnerable too. You also experience depression, loneliness, and frustration. These can sometimes manifest in aggressive behaviour, especially towards women and girls, problematic relationships, and violence. We must talk.

As young men, you may be tired of being told you are a problem. 

You want your dignity respected and upheld. You want your good qualities to be recognised. 

We are here to tell you that we see you as not the problem, but as the solution. 

It is in your hands to bring about a new generation of South African men. 

This new generation of men are respectful, masculine in a positive way and sensitive. They would never think of a woman as less than a man. They would never think about raising their hand against a woman. 

We have convened this dialogue because we recognise that we must engage men and boys separately from women and girls. 

We want to create more safe and open spaces where you can talk about your feelings, share with each other and collaborate on strategies that help you advance through different stages of your lives. 

The focus of the programme is to reimagine and reinvent masculinities in sensitive, kind, respectful, accountable, expressive and nurturing ways. 

It is about working with young men and boys through theatres of learning to influence how they view themselves and the kinds of men that they grow into. 
As government, civil society, business and social partners we are committed to supporting you in your journey to becoming better men. 

I would like to thank the Department of Basic Education, Primestars, SterKinekor and all the partners of the programme. Thank you for taking the initiative to design such a positive and uplifting programme, and for your commitment to being part of change.

Thank you to all the participants who have been involved in this engagement.

Your views, thoughts and ideas have enriched our understanding of the challenges young men face and how you are taking responsibility for yourselves and your society.

From what I have heard today, I am more confident than ever that the boys and men of this country are an essential part of our struggle to end all forms of violence against women in our society. 

I thank you.

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebss and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation.

Prince Buthelezi, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Home Affairs, passed away in the early hours of today, Saturday, 9 September 2023, just two weeks after the celebration of his 95th birthday.

My thoughts and prayers and those of government and our nation go out to the Royal Household who have been blessed to share uMntwana waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with him, as well as to the Zulu Nation and the leadership and membership of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Announcements will be made in due course, based on consultations between government and the family, on the arrangements to mourn and honour the Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan as a formidable leader who has played a significant role in our country’s history for seven decades.

We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation.

At this point in time, we embrace the Buthelezi clan in their mourning and pray that the soul of the Prince rests in peace.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20, the premier forum for global economic, trade and financial dialogue for growth and sustainable development.

President Ramaphosa addressed the G20 Leader’s Summit held under the theme One Earth, One Family and One Future in New Delhi in the Republic of India.

President Ramaphosa advocated for the AU’s membership of the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia. The President appreciated India's Presidency in hosting an inclusive summit and placing the interest of the global south firmly on the agenda. President Ramaphosa also acknowledged G20 member states who supported the AU's inclusion.

The participation of the AU will strengthen global economic governance and allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues.

On the margins of the New Delhi G20 Summit, South Africa participated in the EU-African Leader’s meeting attended by the Presidents of the European Council and Commission; African Heads of State invited to attend the G20 summit; the African Union Commission (AUC); Heads of the IMF and the World Bank. The purpose of the meeting was to amongst others discuss AU’s G20 membership, food security, grain and fertiliser supply and the reform of the global financial architecture.

South Africa used the summit to advocate for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development to meet climate change commitments.

“South Africa welcomes the Indian Presidency’s efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.  The achievement of the SDGs must remain at the centre of international financing discussions to ensure that finance is mobilised in sufficient quantities and of suitable quality to support development in low- and middle-income countries,” said the President.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to working closely with President Lula as Brazil prepares to take over the Presidency of the G20 in 2024 and to build on the foundation laid by India.  South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria