Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 31 October 2024, brief Members of Parliament in the National Assembly on a range of issues including progress made by Government in addressing water challenges in the country and resolving the high-unemployment rate in productive sectors of the economy. The Deputy President will also update Members on Government efforts to building requisite skills to meet the labour market demand.

Following his recent successful Working Visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Deputy President will provide an update on the keenness of investors from the United Kingdom and Ireland to tap into various sectors such as the finance, energy, transportation and infrastructure development. 

As the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, the Deputy President will outline critical measures undertaken by Government to avert a stage where adequate supply of water becomes a crisis in the country. 

Additionally, the Deputy President will highlight the steps taken by the Department of Water and Sanitation against some municipalities for various acts of pollution and environmental damage, as well as other long term strategies to address the wide-spread contamination of water and infrastructure challenges in municipalities.

The Deputy President will further update on the discussions around the proposed National Dialogue and on progress regarding the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to give effect to the expropriation of land without compensation.

Details of the sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 31 October 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Nieuwmeester Marquee, Cape Town

Livestreaming: on DSTV Parliamentary Channel 408

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Leadership of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,
Representatives of the South African Government,
Representatives of the South African Reserve Bank,
Representatives from business, industry and the investor community,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Delegates,
Guests,
 
Allow me to thank the organisers and sponsors of this important conference, which in many ways showcases trade and investment opportunities in South Africa.
 
This conference takes place at an important time, as South Africa enters a new era of optimism and progress. 
 
It is just over a hundred days since the Government of National Unity was formed following our successful elections in May.
 
The new Government took office with three strategic priorities:
 
Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. 
 
Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. 
 
Thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
South Africa has a great deal to offer as an investment destination. 
 
We are the most advanced, diverse economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
South Africa has deep and well-regulated capital markets. We also have a mature financial and services sector and strong and functioning institutions. 
 
South Africa is open for investment in industries as diverse as financial services and advanced manufacturing, energy and healthcare infrastructure and mining. 
 
We are developing the value chains of the future. With substantial reserves of critical minerals, we aim to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution. 
 
We have a competitive advantage in the production of sustainable energy technologies, renewable energy components, green hydrogen and many others. 
 
Against the backdrop of poor economic performance over the past 15 years and subdued investment, we are working with partners across society to create the conditions for growth and jobs.
 
A year ago, we established a partnership between government and business to tackle some of the most immediate challenges facing our economy.
 
Through a Government-wide initiative known as Operation Vulindlela – meaning ‘to open the way’ – we  have been driving structural reforms to unleash growth and create jobs. 
 
Working with partners in business and labour, we have made tremendous progress in stabilising the country’s electricity supply.
 
Through regulatory reforms, we have driven massive private sector investment in renewable energy.
 
We have established the legislative and institutional framework for a more competitive and sustainable energy market. 
 
We have undertaken immigration reform to attract more skilled workers and tourists.
 
We are opening up our rail network and port infrastructure for participation by third party operators, meaning the private sector.
 
We are working with business and relevant agencies to implement the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force to remove South Africa from the FATF grey list. 
 
The Government of National Unity is committed to sound macroeconomic policies that support inclusive growth, stability and development.
 
Next year, South Africa assumes the Presidency of the G20. The theme we have chosen is: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development’. We will use our G20 Presidency to advocate for increased investment on the African continent and across the countries of the Global South.
 
We will continue to promote a global economic order that is inclusive and fair. We will continue to work with our partners to achieve shared and sustainable prosperity for all countries.
 
The last few months has seen a renewal of investor interest in the South African economy. This has been prevalent in both the local market and offshore. The message I bring to investors today is that this interest is well-placed. 
 
South Africa is firmly on the road to recovery. Investments in South Africa are secure. Our business environment is stable. 
 
This is supported by policy certainty and regulatory safeguards that we have. 
 
In many ways, South Africa is open for business. 
 
Together, we can forge a path to shared success, prosperity and progress. 
 
I thank you for your attention and wish you well with your deliberations.
 
I thank you.

Video link to the President's Address: https://we.tl/t-AQyd92Rr8z

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Tuesday 29 October 2024, host His Excellency President Dr Nangolo Mbumba of the Republic of Namibia for a working visit to the Republic of South Africa at the Genadendal, the Official Residence of the President in Cape Town.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to consolidate the strong ties whose foundation was forged during their common struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

President Mbumba’s working visit to South Africa follows Minister Ronald Lamola’s recent participation at the Ministerial Meeting of the Political, Diplomatic and Legal Committee of the South Africa - Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in  Swakopmund, Namibia.

It is envisaged that President Mbumba will use his meeting with President Ramaphosa to reflect on his tenure as the President of Namibia as well as apprise the President on the political and economic situation in Namibia, and within the governing party, SWAPO.
  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Thoko Didiza; Chairperson of the Eskom Board, Dr Mteto Nyathi; Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission, Dr Crispin Olver; UNDP South Africa Representative, Mr Maxwel Gomera; President of Open Society Foundation, Ms Binaifer Nowrojee; Members of the Diplomatic Corpse; Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

It is a great pleasure for me to form part of this engagement on our country’s journey towards a sustainable future.

Speaking recently at the Inaugural Just Energy Transition (JET) Municipal Conference, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated that rapid, sustainable and inclusive economic growth is a central priority of the Government of National Unity and thus, low-carbon, climate resilient development is central to achieving this inclusive growth.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, South Africa is committed to contributing its fair share to the global climate change effort, Ramaphosa said.

Part of this commitment as government is to domesticate this engagement to ensure that we not only speak about a Just Energy Transition but also answer the question on access to energy and energy security to grow the economy for the benefit of all. It is for this reason that the Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan and the JET Implementation Plan for 2023 to 2027 embody our commitment to an energy transition that aligns with our climate goals which are an environmental necessity, to our imperatives for social justice, economic growth, and the well-being of our people.

In addition, The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has a bold strategy to accelerate South Africa's transition to renewable energy and align the country’s energy policies with international climate commitments. The PCC’s strategy includes ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, aiming for 50 to 60GW of renewable power over the next decade – which averages out to between six and 8GW of new capacity annually.

Fellow compatriots,

The South African government has committed to the goals set forth in our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Our NDC outlines a clear emissions trajectory, one that recognises the urgency of our climate crisis and our responsibility to mitigate its impacts. And we must do this at a pace, scale and cost that is consistent with the country’s social and economic development path.

This year, we took a significant step forward with the signing of the Climate Change Act into law. This legislation does not merely serve as a guideline; it enshrines our emissions reduction trajectory into statute.

It mandates that all government policies must align with our climate goals, incorporating carbon budgets and sectoral emissions targets. This legal framework underscores our commitment to climate mitigation and adaptation, making it clear that our path forward must be both ambitious and accountable.

The Climate Change Act, incorporates the country’s emissions reduction trajectory into statute, and requires all government policies and measures to align with its goals on climate mitigation and climate adaptation. It introduces carbon budgets, placing obligations on major emitters, and establishes sectoral emissions targets.

It is our firm belief as government that climate action must support our national imperatives to address poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

Colleagues, we must remind ourselves that the scale of investment needed to achieve our greenhouse gas emissions targets is substantial. The JET Investment Plan estimates that we require approximately $98 billion to mobilise from diverse sources.

This funding will not only be invested in renewable electricity but also in new energy vehicles and the green hydrogen sector.

Additionally, we recognise the vital importance of supporting the Mpumalanga province through this transition, ensuring that municipalities are equipped to play their part, and addressing the pressing skills requirements that this transition demands.

Skills Development for the Future

Ladies and gentlemen, at the heart of our Just Energy Transition lies a commitment to skills development.

We must reskill our existing workforce and equip our youth with the skills necessary for the clean energy economy. This dual focus is critical for fostering new industrial opportunities and ensuring that our young people can access jobs within the clean energy value chain.

Access to jobs by young people is all the more critical as the youth of South Africa aged between 15 and 34 continue to battle high levels of unemployment. The recent data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) of Statistics South Africa show that the youth remain very vulnerable in the labour market.

Thus the JET Implementation Plan is designed to create institutional capacity across government, ensuring that the Just Transition is mainstreamed into all levels of policy and action.

To achieve this, the Department of Higher Education and Training will lead the establishment of the JET Skills Desk. This desk will work closely with the Human Resources Development Council and engage a broad range of stakeholders in the higher education and training sector, both within and outside of government.

Our plan includes the creation of Skills Development Zones tailored to the key value chains associated with the JET. For instance, we will focus on electricity sector skills initiatives in Mpumalanga, develop green hydrogen activities in the Northern, Eastern, and Western Cape, and bolster skills for the new energy vehicle sector in the Eastern Cape and other manufacturing hubs.

These Skills Development Zones are designed to foster multi-stakeholder support, establishing the partnerships necessary to ensure a robust supply of skills that can meet the evolving demands of the job market.

We envision an ecosystem for the Just Energy Transition that harnesses the potential of new technologies and value chains to provide meaningful employment for both existing and new workers.

This ecosystem will be built on coordinated curricula and skill development opportunities tailored to the needs of our economy. We recognise that successful implementation hinges on strong institutional architecture and a commitment to collaboration across sectors.

By working together—government, private sector, educational institutions, and communities—we can mobilise significant resources to address the skills needs of our Just Energy Transition.

In closing, it is crucial to understand that South Africa not only acknowledges the existential threat posed by climate change but also embraces the immense opportunities that arise from climate action.

By investing in a Just Energy Transition, we are not merely responding to an environmental crisis; we are laying the groundwork for economic growth and the creation of new employment opportunities for future generations.

A just transition to a low-carbon economy will benefit all South Africans by driving economic growth, creating jobs and increasing our energy security, while addressing the serious threat of climate change.

Our commitment to a just and equitable transition is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic choice for a resilient and sustainable future. Let us work together to ensure that South Africa emerges from this transition as a leader in renewable energy, innovation, and social equity.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to collaborating with all of you on this transformative journey.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed 11 Ministers and Deputy Ministers as members of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee who will serve a five-year term of office with Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as Chairperson.

The Deputy Chairperson is Mr Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
 
The President has made these appointments in terms of Section 5(1) of the National Conventional Arms Control Act of 2002.
 
In terms of Section 4 of the Act, the mandate of the Committee is to implement Government policy regarding trade in conventional arms in order to establish, apply and ensure a legitimate, effective and transparent control process which conforms to international law and guiding principles and criteria set out in the same law.
 
The Committee is responsible for the control and regulation of trade in conventional arms and protection of South Africa’s economic and national security interests by ensuring adequate control of trade in conventional arms.
 
The Committee is also tasked with fostering national and international confidence in the control procedures and may conduct inside or outside the Republic, any investigation into, inspection of and research in connection with any trade in conventional arms.
 
President Ramaphosa has assigned these responsibilities to the newly appointed National Conventional Arms Control Committee comprising:

- Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency (Chairperson),
- Ms Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,
- Mr Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,
- Ms Thembi Simelane, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development,
- Mr Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Police,
- Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation,
- Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition,
- Gen (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,
- Dr David Masondo, Deputy Minister of Finance,
- Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and
- Mr Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (Deputy Chairperson).
 
President Ramaphosa wishes the Committee well in its deliberations and decisions.
  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

South Africa has filed its Memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) today, 28 October 2024, in its case on the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

In accordance with the Rules of Court, the Memorial may not be made public. The filing of this memorial takes place at a time when Israel is intensifying the killing of civilians in Gaza and now seems intent to follow a similar path of destruction in Lebanon. The action taken by South Africa since December 2023, culminating in the filing of this Memorial has generated overwhelming national and international interest. 

The Memorial – the name for the document recording the main case of South Africa against Israel – contains evidence which shows how the government of Israel has violated the genocide convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza, physically killing them with an assortment of destructive weapons, depriving them access to humanitarian assistance, causing conditions of life which are aimed at their physical destruction and ignoring and defying several provisional measures of the International Court of Justice, and using starvation as a weapon of war and to further Israel’s aims to depopulate Gaza through mass death and forced displacement of Palestinians. 

The evidence will show that undergirding Israel’s genocidal acts is the special intent to commit genocide, a failure by Israel to prevent incitement to genocide, to prevent genocide itself and its failure to punish those inciting and committing acts of genocide. 

The evidence is detailed in over 750 pages of text, supported by exhibits and annexes of over 4,000 pages. South Africa’s Memorial is a reminder to the global community to remember the people of Palestine, to stand in solidarity with them and to stop the catastrophe. The devastation and suffering has been possible only because despite the ICJ and numerous UN bodies’ actions and interventions, Israel has failed to comply with its international obligations.

Last week, the world commemorated the signing of the Charter of the United Nations seventy-nine years ago. The UN was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To live up to this aspiration, all nations must insist on compliance with the UN Charter and international law. The action taken by South Africa and joined by other states is primarily to stop a genocide in Palestine peacefully, through holding Israel accountable in the institutions set up for this very purpose by the United Nations. 

Israel has been granted unprecedented impunity to breach international law and norms for as long as the UN Charter has been in existence. Israel’s continued shredding of international law has imperilled the institutions of global governance that were established to hold all states accountable . 

As President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in his address to the UN General Assembly this year, “The South African story bears witness to the enduring role of the United Nations in global matters. In supporting our struggle, the UN affirmed the principles of the UN Charter – fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of every person, and the equal rights of nations, large and small”. President Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s action through the ICJ was an attempt to ensure that the same global solidarity that helped end Apartheid in South Africa should be mobilised to end the Apartheid that Palestinians are experiencing, including an end to the genocide of Palestinians.

The glaring genocide in Gaza is there for all who are not blinded by prejudice to see. South Africa expresses gratitude to the other nations that have filed Article 62 and 63 interventions to join the case that has been initiated at the ICJ.

We reiterate our appeal for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine, in Lebanon and entire region, and the start of a political process to ensure a just and lasting peace.

The Palestinian struggle against imperialism, Israeli Apartheid and settler colonialism is the daily reality of the Palestinian people. Since 1948, they have faced various forms of colonisation, often backed by historical colonial powers and, more recently, by states intent on shaping a world order in their interests. The global fight against settler colonialism persists in some parts of the world, including in occupied Palestine, both in Gaza and the West Bank.

The international community cannot stand idly by while innocent civilians – including women, children, hospital workers, humanitarian aid workers and journalists, are killed for simply being. That is a world we cannot accept.

South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice is a comprehensive presentation of the overwhelming evidence of genocide in Gaza. 

The Government wishes to thank its legal team for their dedication, skill and commitment.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Crispian Olver as the new Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), with effect from 1 January 2025. The position of the Deputy Chairperson was previously held by Mr Valli Moosa since its inception in December 2020 until his retirement earlier this year. Dr Olver served as the Executive Director of the PCC supporting Mr Moosa since the start of the Commission. 

The PCC, which is chaired by President Ramaphosa, followed recommendations from the Presidential Jobs Summit in 2018 when social partners agreed to a creation of a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee the just transition towards a low-carbon, inclusive, climate change resilient economy and society. The Commission has since been enacted as a Schedule 3 A public entity with the signing of the Climate Change Act, by President Ramaphosa in July this year. 

Dr Crispian Olver brings not only his experience in the PCC, but a wealth of skills and expertise. He served in the first democratic Government in various capacities, including as Director General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (1999 – 2005), in which position he crafted much of the climate policy and environmental legislation, as well as leading South Africa’s hosting of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002).

The President welcomes and congratulates Dr Olver in his new role and has urged him and the entire Commission to continue working towards forging social dialogue and engagement in ensuring that South Africa’s climate change response and just transition is inclusive and champions socio-economic interest in pursuit of South Africa’s global targets to address the climate crisis. 
 
On behalf of the Commission, President Ramaphosa would like to thank the outgoing Deputy Chairperson, Mr Valli Moosa, for his relentless service and dedication to the Commission and for successfully steering it since its establishment in 2020.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On the 20th of August 2023, ahead of the South African Chaired 15th BRICS Summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an address to the nation on South Africa’s foreign policy.  

In the address, President Ramaphosa articulated the principles and values that shape our foreign policy and inform our international relations when he said: “Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in the international community, condemned for committing a crime against humanity.

The foreign policy of apartheid South Africa was defined by coercion, destabilisation and military aggression. Since the advent of democracy, South Africa’s foreign policy has been based on what our forebears inscribed in the Freedom Charter in 1955, when they declared that: “South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and the sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war”.

The President further affirmed South Africa’s foreign policy as vital element of our nation's progress. South Africa’s strong relations with other countries manifested through investment and trade relations that can contribute to the growth of our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and create jobs.

President Ramaphosa has been steadfast in maintaining South Africa’s commitment to the policy of active non-alignment. South Africa has resisted pressure to align with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations in their pursuit of power contestations that are unfolding in countries across the globe.

The President observed during his foreign policy address that, “during the ‘Cold War’, the stability and sovereignty of many African countries was undermined because of their alignment with the major powers. This experience has convinced us of the need to seek strategic partnerships with other countries rather than be dominated by any other country.

While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers. Instead, our country strives to work with all countries for global peace and development."

It is this resolute adherence to the policy of non-alignment and to the prescripts of the Freedom Charter which informed our constitution that South Africa continues to contribute towards the attainment of world peace and silencing the guns on our continent.

In declaring President Putin and the people of Russia as “valuable friends and allies”, President Ramaphosa was not projecting any particular country or block of countries as the enemy. Similarly, as a country that has no enemies, South Africa regards the members of BRICS as friends. 

It is through the policy of non-alignment that South Africa has been able to constructively engage with both Russia and Ukraine.

In several engagements, President Ramaphosa has emphasised the centrality of the United Nations Charter and the need for peaceful dialogue in resolving conflict. In the process South Africa has also maintained its strong historical ties with the Russian Federation, whilst enjoying cordial diplomatic bilateral relations with Ukraine. 

South Africa has also been unwavering in advocating for a peace process that includes the full participation of both countries.  

On Monday, 28 October 2024, South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Hon. Ronald Lamola, will host his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Andrii Sybiha. Amongst the highlights of the visit will be the signing of an Agreement on Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Service or Official Passports.

This will enable South African officials to travel to Ukraine for peace formula meetings without visa logistical impediments. This development, which has been in the making since 2020, signals South Africa’s commitment to growing diplomatic relations with Ukraine.  

Within the first six months of 2025, the year of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, our country will also host the South Africa-European Union summit. South Africa is the only partner in Africa amongst the EU’s 10 bilateral strategic partnerships. The summit will further enhance the existing partnership with the European Union.

South Africa will continue working towards strengthening the strategic, trade and political bilateral relationships with key partners including the Peoples Republic of China, United States of America, Germany, Japan, India and others.

South Africa will further consolidate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is set to eliminate trade barriers, boost intra African trade and achieve prosperity for all of Africa. The AFCFTA will also accelerate manufacturing and industrial capacity on our continent.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to lead the 7th Administration in strengthening all key political and trade ties, working in solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world in Palestine and Western Sahara, while advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts around the globe, South Africa will maintain a foreign policy that is informed by solidarity, peace, equality, human rights and sustainable development for the benefit of all.

This is the responsibility that President Ramaphosa will continue to exercise without any undue pressure and in line with South Africa’s national sovereign interest.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President  Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the release of preliminary results of the General Elections in Mozambique by the National Electoral Commission (CNE). 

The general elections were held in Mozambique on 09 October 2024.

The Mozambican Constitutional Council is expected to validate and proclaim the electoral results in the next 14 days.

Based on the preliminary results, President Ramaphosa offers his warm congratulations to President-Elect Daniel Chapo and his party, FRELIMO.

President Ramaphosa commends the people of Mozambique for their active and enthusiastic participation in the elections, especially women who constituted 53 percent of the voters. 

Similarly, President Ramaphosa applauds the CNE for the professional way in which they conducted the elections.

The President notes that these elections are historic since they were held 32 years following the signing of the General Peace Agreement (GPA), which brought an end to the civil war and introduced multi-party democracy in Mozambique. 

President  Ramaphosa has also expressed concern about the ongoing post-election violence and the deaths of Messrs. Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe and other people who have lost their lives.

President Ramaphosa conveys his deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and the families of the deceased.

President Ramaphosa reiterates the call made by various leaders in Mozambique to the law enforcement agencies to speedily investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa calls for calm and restraint and urges all the disaffected parties to exhaust the established legal remedies to resolve their election grievances. 

President  Ramaphosa remains committed to strengthening the historic and fraternal relations between South Africa and Mozambique as well as consolidation of peace and security to enable the country to fully realise its potential for development.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria