Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will make yet another appearance in the National Assembly, on Thursday 9 March 2017, to brief the National Assembly on government policy and interventions on a number of critical national issues including the quest for inclusive growth for transformation.

The briefing by Deputy President Ramaphosa arises from questions that members of the National Assembly have posed to the Deputy President and are scheduled for oral replies with specific reference to inclusive growth for transformation, economic development, nation- building, social cohesion and  human resource development.

The Deputy President will utilise the opportunity of this session to highlight steps government is undertaking in its quest for inclusive growth for transformation as part of national efforts to push back the frontiers of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

In this pursuit of this objective, the government has committed itself to a programme of radical socio-economic transformation to ensure fundamental change in the structure, systems, institutions and patterns of ownership, management and control of the economy to ensure a better life for all South Africans in particularly the poor.

Deputy President Ramaphosa who is also the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council charged with the task of developing a national strategy for skills development is called upon to reflect on what the impact of the strategic partnership between government and private sector has been on skills development in the country.

In the past two years, Deputy President Ramaphosa has led government delegations on several official visits abroad including Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, the Peoples Republic of China, Mexico and Cuba to exchange views and to learn from the experiences of these countries in skills development and training to achieve their national developmental objectives. In this regard a number of agreements were reached to create training opportunities for South African students to study abroad in a number of critical areas required by our economy.

The Deputy President has also been called upon to brief the National Assembly on measures that government intends introducing as part of social cohesion and moral regeneration in our communities particularly those affected by the recent protests against drugs and other criminal activities. In the same breadth the Deputy President will brief members of the national legislature on efforts to fight different forms of discrimination which undermine social cohesion and nation building.

Once more the Deputy President is expected to reinforce the notion of the constitutional imperative of accountability of members of the national executive to parliament through appearances and participation in various forums created by parliament. In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa in his capacity as Leader of Government Business has ensured a fruitful relationship and accountability of members of the executive to parliament.

On international relations the Deputy President will reflect on bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho with specific reference to the construction of the Polihali Dam expected to ensure bulk water supply to Gauteng province.


Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Johannesburg - Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, will officially open the Global Entrepreneurship Congress on Tuesday, 14 March 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre at 7h00.
 
South Africa will host the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) from 13 to 16 March 2017 in Johannesburg. This is the first time this prestigious international event for entrepreneurs will be held on the African continent.
 
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is attended by global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policymakers.
 
GEC 2017 provides South Africa an opportunity to showcase its entrepreneurial prowess to the world.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa launched the 2016 South African Chapter of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW2016) in November.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress by Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
 
Members of the media are invited as follows: 
Date: Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Time: 7h00 (Deputy President to officially open the Congress Exhibition)
          9h00 (Keynote address)
 
GEC sessions will be conducted by leading global organisations to help entrepreneurs start and upscale new businesses. South Africa is confident that GEC will play an important role in strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial base.
 
Enquiries for the event:
The Presidency
Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 or
 
The Department of Small Business Development
Cornelius Monama on 060 960 3158


Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is poised to engage with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)   during oral replies to questions on a number of issues of national interest including South Africa’s position regarding the intended   withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the background of the recent Gauteng North Court decision on the matter.
 
Among key issues the Deputy President is expected to provide oral replies to matters concerning question on the national minimum   wage, SANAC’S efforts to reduce gender-based violence, public access to the parliamentary communication channel, and  alignment of   provincial plans with the National Development Plan (NDP).
 
 On the national minimum wage members of the NCOP have requested to be briefed on measures that NEDLAC has undertaken to determine the human resource and organisational capacity to monitor and enforce compliance with the proposed national minimum wage of R20-00 an hour and expected to come into effect on 01 May 2018.
 
Equally Deputy President Ramaphosa who also chairs the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) will brief members of the NCOP on efforts to reduce the HIV epidemic as well as the national strategy to reach out to the sex worker sectors against the background of the current legislation that outlaws sex work.
 
The Deputy President is once more expected to brief the NCOP on programmes that government has embarked upon to deal with recent acts of violence and protests in various communities against drugs and crime in general. In his previous interaction with members of the National Assembly, Deputy President Ramaphosa condemned the violence in the communities and stressed that South Africans are not xenophobic.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa has also been requested to reflect on the need to increase the footprint of the national parliamentary TV channel as a means of communication and reaching out to various communities.
 
In the context of the National Development Plan, Deputy President Ramaphosa will brief members of the NCOP on government efforts to ensure alignment of provincial government plans with the National Development Plan as part of efforts to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
 

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is, later today, Wednesday 15 March 2017, poised to engage with members of the National Council  of Provinces (NCOP) during oral replies to questions on a number of issues of national interest including South Africa’s position regarding the intended withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the background of the recent Gauteng North Court decision on he matter.
 
Among key issues the Deputy President is expected to provide oral replies includes, matters concerning question on the national minimum wage, SANAC’S efforts to reduce gender-based violence, the protection of the poultry industry and avoid job losses, and alignment of provincial development plans with the National Development Plan (NDP).
 
On the national minimum wage, members of the NCOP have requested to be briefed on measures that NEDLAC has undertaken to determine the human resource and organisational capacity to monitor and enforce compliance with the proposed national minimum wage of R20-00 an hour that is expected to come into effect on 01 May 2018.
 
Equally Deputy President Ramaphosa, who also chairs the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will brief members of the NCOP on efforts to reduce the HIV epidemic as well as on the national strategy to reach out to the sex worker sectors against the background of the current legislation that outlaws sex work.
 
The Deputy President is once more expected to brief the NCOP on programmes that government has embarked upon to deal with recent acts of violence and protests in various communities against drugs and crime in general. In his previous interaction with members of the National Assembly, Deputy President Ramaphosa condemned the violence in the communities and stressed that South Africans are not xenophobic.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa has also been requested to reflect on the need to protect South Africa’s poultry industry and avoid job losses.
 
In the context of the National Development Plan, Deputy President Ramaphosa will brief members of the NCOP on government efforts to ensure alignment of provincial government development plans with the National Development Plan as part of efforts to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Irene - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), address the National Skills Conference at the St George Hotel, Irene, Centurion, on Friday 24 March 2017. 
 
The conference is organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training in conjunction with the National Skills Authority (NSA). The event will be attended by delegates from industry, SETAs, organised labour, education and training providers, community organisations, colleges, universities, government departments responsible for human resource development, and other strategic agencies in the skills development sector.
 
The theme for the conference is: “An integrated and differentiated Post-School Education and Training system “Past, Present and Future”. 
 
The conference’s objectives are, among others:
 
•  Strengthening the skills development system to enhance productive and decent work for current and future socio-economic growth and development;
•  Unpacking the strategy principles of the proposed National Skill Development Plan in the context of current economic challenges as well as opportunities presented by the NDP and other national growth and development strategies;
•  Deepening the understanding of opportunities for synchronisation and collaboration between post-school education and training institution and skills development bodies;
•  Creating a platform for a strengthened social partnership model for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of skills development and
•  Positioning skills development to address rising youth unemployment.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande. 
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 24 March 2017      
Venue: St George Hotel, Irene, Pretoria      
Time: 09h00      
 
For enquiries and accreditation please contact, Sam Matome Bopape 082 318 5251 or Matome@presidency.gov.za


Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

It was with a profound sense of loss that I learned of the passing this morning of Ahmed Kathrada, a beloved comrade, father and friend.

A warm, courageous, compassionate and resolute person, Kathy will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and enriched.

I join the people of South Africa – and friends from across the world – in extending my deepest sympathies to his wife, Barbara, and his family, friends and comrades. Your love and support sustained him through a lifetime of service, sacrifice and struggle.

He will be remembered as an unassuming freedom fighter, whose wisdom, tolerance, humility, steadfastness and humour earned him the love and respect of our people.

After his release from prison, after the achievement of democracy and the adoption of a new democratic Constitution, even as others contemplated retirement, Kathy was determined to continue to serve the people.

The establishment of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation was born out of his conviction that he could not rest for as long as the people of this country were not free from want, hunger and ignorance.

After a lifetime of struggle, the work of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation will cement his legacy as a resolute champion of non-racialism, reconciliation and nation building.

His dedication, through the Foundation, to the development of a new generation of young leaders will ensure that his impact on the development of a new, better society will endure for years to come.

As we mourn the passing of Ahmed Kathrada, we celebrate a life that was lived in the service of humanity.

As we prepare to lay his mortal remains to rest, we are reminded of our solemn duty to live by his example and to complete his work.


Note to editors:

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was the founding Chairperson of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.


Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Midrand – The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDCSA) has adopted the revised Human Resource Development Strategy: Towards 2030 at its 17th meeting held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Thursday, 30 March 2017.

The Council, chaired by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, has recommended that the adopted strategy be presented to Cabinet for approval.
 
The revised strategy sets out clear roles for government, labour and business in the development of skills that will match the needs of the   economy and society. The revised draft strategy also sets out clear monitoring and evaluation processes.
 
Building on a call in 2016 by Deputy President Ramaphosa that industry adopt TVET colleges, Council members have undertaken to adopt colleges individually, to offer support and mentorship that will enhance the functioning of such institutions.
 
Council members’ involvement in TVET colleges will provide support in relation to infrastructure, and other resources that are needed for the success of the programmes in the colleges.
 
The HRDCSA is a multi-stakeholder body that creates an enabling, coordinated and intergrated environment to focus on improving the human resource development base and skills of the South African people.
 

Enquires: Brenda Ntombela, Email: Ntombela.B@dhet.gov.za ; Cell:  082 573 3716
 
Issued by: The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa Secretariat

BLOEMFONTEIN - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, supported by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, and Members of the Executive Council, will on Friday, 31 March 2017, launch the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs (2017-2022) in Mangaung, Free State.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), a voluntary association that includes government, civil society and all other stakeholders committed to drive an enhanced country response to HIV, TB and STIs.
 
The launch of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) is one of the highlights of the TB month which is commemorated annually across the globe to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB). The NSP is the strategic guide for the national response to HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa. One of the objectives of the Plan is to intensify focus on geographic areas and populations most severely affected by the epidemics.
 
This Plan is usually developed for a period of 5 years, and the current one is coming to an end on 31 March 2017. The slogan of this new NSP is, “Let Our Actions Count” which is a call to action for all South Africans to play a party in achieving the goals of the Plan.
 
This year the government is targeting mainly leaders of society such as Parliamentarians, Members of Provincial Legislatures, Councillors, Traditional leaders, Business leaders, Religious leaders and civil society to commit themselves in the fight against these epidemics and to engage their communities and constituencies.
 
Media is invited to cover as follows:
 
Part 1
Launch of the Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) 9-month regimen
Time: 08h00 - 09h30
Venue: Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein
           
Part 2
Formal Launch of the NSP and Panel Discussions
Time: 10h00 - 12h00
Venue: Clive Solomon Stadium, Bloemfontein
                       
Part 3
Community Activations/Engagements
Time: 13h00 - 13h40
Venue: Hoffman Square, Bloemfontein

 
For enquiries and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Kanya Ndaki on 0832986100
 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Pretoria - The Presidency has noted conflicting media reports and social media commentary on the events surrounding the request for postponement of the Official Memorial Service of the late Mr Ahmed Kathrada. The event was due to take place on Saturday, 01 April 2017 in Soweto.

We wish to place it on record that Deputy President Ramaphosa did not cancel the memorial service but requested a postponement.

The facts are that Deputy President Ramaphosa had been tasked by President Jacob Zuma to lead the government delegation and address the memorial event. Earlier in the week, Deputy President Ramaphosa had led the government delegation to Mr Kathrada’s funeral at the West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, as delegated by President Jacob Zuma.

Government’s participation in the funeral and at official memorial service was coordinated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for state and official funerals.

On the eve of the scheduled memorial event, Deputy President Ramaphosa was of the view that inadequate preparations had been made to enable a successful official memorial service and that in view of political developments in the country, a postponement was required to afford South Africans an opportunity to honour Mr Kathrada with the requisite honour and dignity.

Based on this assessment, Deputy President Ramaphosa requested the Director-General in The Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, to convey to the Inter-Ministerial Committee the Deputy President’s suggestion that the memorial service be postponed until the situation is reassessed.

Based on Deputy President Ramaphosa’s recommendations, the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for state and official  funerals duly effected the postponement. 

The Presidency then communicated the proposal for a postponement to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

President Jacob Zuma was not involved in these processes.

Government is committed to honouring the late Mr Kathrada at an appropriate time in consultation with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the family. Such consultation is routinely undertaken in instances where distinguished South Africans are honoured with official funerals.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the late Mr Kathrada who is held in high regard by government and the people of South Africa.

We regret all the confusion, hurt and confusion that has been caused by this postponement. We will make further announcements on the date and nature memorial as soon as details are finalised with all role players.


Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082-990-4853
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

MIDRAND – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 07 April 2017, deliver closing remarks at the 3rd Presidential Local Government Summit at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

Deputy President Ramaphosa attends the Summit at the invitation of the Minister of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Des van Rooyen.

The Summit takes place under the theme, “Transforming Municipal spaces for Radical and Economic Development” and has the following objectives:

· To set a new intergovernmental agenda for ‘Managing Municipal Spaces for Radical Social and Economic Transformation’;
· To strengthen the system of local government in the second phase of the Back to Basics Programme, reflecting on successes, challenges and the developmental role of local government;
· To discuss the centrality of integrated and spatially coherent development planning across sectors and spheres; and
· To provide an opportunity for interaction with leaders in national, provincial and local spheres of government. 
 
Furthermore, as part of the Back to Basics (B2B) second phase priorities, the Summit intends to set a new strategic framework for intergovernmental contributions to meet the objective goal of the National Development Plan (NDP) for transformation of human settlements and the national space economy.

The Summit is being attended by Ministers, members of Parliament, premiers and members of provincial executive councils, the business sector, unions, traditional leaders, members of the state institutions supporting constitutional democracy, and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association.

Media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Friday, 07 April 2017
Time: 12H30
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng
 

For enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Legadima Leso on 083 378 9495

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria