President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend and in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

At least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats during a 24-hour period over the weekend while 11 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and says Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.

With reference to the Western Cape tragedies, President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

President Ramaphosa recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.

President Ramaphosa assures residents that Government is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

On today’s learner transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa says it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.

The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile,
Members of the National Dialogue Steering Committee,
Members of the Eminent Persons Group,
Former members of the Convention Organising Committee,
Executive Director of NEDLAC, facilitators and Secretariat staff,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank you as the members of the Steering Committee for accepting this call to service at a critical moment in our nation's journey. 

As you assume your responsibilities on the Steering Committee, you take on a pivotal role in one of the most significant initiatives in our democratic history.

We meet at a time of profound challenges. 

While we have made important progress over the last 32 years in forging a united, democratic nation, the vestiges of our apartheid past remain. 

Poverty, unemployment and inequality are deep wounds that prevent our country from reaching its full potential. 

Crime, gender-based violence and corruption continue to haunt our communities. Many people have become disengaged from the democratic process.

Yet, at several notable and important moments in our history, we have come together to confront our challenges and forge a path forward. 

From the Freedom Charter to our democratic Constitution, from the National Peace Accord to our response to COVID, South Africans have pursued dialogue, cooperation and partnership to give expression to the voice of ordinary women and men. 

As a people, our diversity is our strength. We have a wealth of experiences and perspectives on which to draw.

That is why the National Convention held on 15-16 August 2025 directed that an extensive process of sectoral consultation be undertaken to nominate individuals to serve on the Steering Committee.

As a consequence, the process took several months and required much time and effort.

We are grateful to the Eminent Persons Group, which played a critical role in bringing together the nominations from sectors and presenting these to the Convenor for confirmation.

We are also grateful to the members of the erstwhile Convention Organising Committee and the Secretariat that helped to facilitate many of the sectoral consultation processes.

The Steering Committee has a crucial responsibility. 

You will set strategic priorities and coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue process. 

Your work will determine whether this truly becomes a citizen-led, society-wide process that helps us reimagine our future and forge a new social compact for our country's development.

As you carry out your mandate, I ask that you be guided by several key principles.

First, this dialogue must be as inclusive as possible. 

Every voice matters. We must give all sectors of our society, every community and every individual the space to determine how we address today's problems and build the South Africa we want for future generations.

Second, this dialogue must be citizen-led. 

While the Head of State convenes the National Dialogue and government provides support, the outcomes must reflect the collective views of the South African people.

Citizens must be able to freely participate as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies. 

The people of this country need to take ownership of this process.

Third, coordination and governance must be effective. 

The Steering Committee – working with the Eminent Persons Group, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat – must ensure this process is well-organised, transparent and credible.

I propose that one of the first tasks of the Steering Committee should be to engage with the Eminent Persons Group to establish effective mechanisms for coordination and cooperation.

For the Eminent Persons to effectively undertake their mandate as champions and guarantors of the National Dialogue, they need to work closely with the Steering Committee and Working Committee. 

There needs to be a regular flow of information and clear guidelines for interaction between these two vital bodies.

The fourth principle is that the process must promote understanding and healing. 

As we confront uncomfortable truths and ask difficult questions, we must create spaces where discussions encourage healing. 

We must speak with courage and listen with humility.

Through your work, the views and proposals from thousands of conversations across the country will be synthesised into a clear vision and an agreed programme of action for adoption by the second National Convention.

We look to you to use your experience, networks and credibility to give South Africans confidence that participation can help advance their interests and secure a better future for their children.

In a number of ways, the members of the Steering Committee carry the hopes and aspirations of millions who long for a country where everyone can thrive.

I once again thank you for your service to our nation and wish you strength and courage as you undertake this vital work.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Convenor of the National Dialogue, will on Saturday, 17 January 2026 deliver the keynote address at the National Dialogue Induction of the Steering Committee to be held at the University of South Africa (Unisa)’s Muckleneuk’s main campus in Pretoria. 

The induction, which will take place until Sunday, 18 January 2026, follows the National Convention and the handover from the Convention Organising Committee.

In line with his responsibility in terms of Section 83 of the Constitution to promote national unity, President Ramaphosa convened an inclusive National Dialogue to address the challenges confronting the country.

The National Dialogue Steering Committee is responsible for setting strategic priorities and coordinating implementation of the National Dialogue process across the country.

The Steering Committee induction will focus on governance, ethics, decision-making protocols, public accountability, and the realities of rebuilding trust in a context where many South Africans are understandably sceptical of consultative processes that do not lead to change. 

Furthermore, the Steering Committee induction will work towards outlining the practical roadmap for the implementation roadmap and phased plan for dialogues. 

Over the last few months, many organisations in the 33 identified sectors and 6 sub-sectors held various meetings to identify their nominees. Every effort has been made to ensure that no sector of our society is left behind.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 January 2026 
Time: 08h00
Venue: University of South Africa (Unisa) Muckleneuk Main Campus, Pretoria

President Ramaphosa will address the meeting virtually.

You're invited to Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/34887391063019?p=FkzUYmEDVUh5y8i30x. Tap on the link or paste it in a browser to join.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, for a briefing at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the Official Residence in Pretoria.

Colonel Randrianirina briefed President Ramaphosa on the steps being taken towards a peaceful transitional process, which includes a national dialogue amongst all the people of Madagascar. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the briefing and, in line with the decision of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), took the opportunity to reiterate the need to support Madagascar’s transition to constitutional democracy with an inclusive national dialogue that will lead to elections as soon as possible.

In this regard, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed SADC's decision to deploy the Panel of the Elders to Madagascar. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Thursday, 15 January 2026, visit flood-stricken parts of Limpopo Province to assess the extent of the damage and the response of Government. 

The President’s thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property.

Due to the constraints presented by the state of the roads in the flood areas and rescue missions currently under way, facilitation of media coverage will be constrained.

The Presidency will endeavour to gather footage and distribute to the media.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The South African Government is following the developments in Iran with concern.

The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

South Africa firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be upheld without exception.

We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace.

Sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through solutions that center the agency of the Iranian people.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025 following the release of the National Senior Certificate results.

The Deputy President commends the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone, noting that their achievement represents both personal success and a critical contribution to the country’s future development.

In his message, the Deputy President encourages the matriculants to take advantage of government-supported opportunities aimed at supporting young people as they transition into higher education, skills development, and employment.

The Deputy President reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 12 January 2026, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW 2026 held under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”, brings together the global sustainability community to ignite impactful dialogues and bold ideas aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration and delivering breakthrough solutions to advance sustainable development worldwide.

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, President Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ahead of the ADSW Opening Ceremony.

The President will attend the opening ceremony as well as the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which celebrates 11 winners driving real-world impact across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

In advancing discussion on economic transformation, ethical governance, and youth empowerment, the President will address the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub, under the theme Leading the Just Transition: Youth, Skills, and Inclusive Growth.

The President will also participate in the Heads of State Panel discussion on the topic: “A vision for Global Energy”. In addition, he will also participate in a high level session titled: Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure, which will focus on accelerating bankable, scalable infrastructure investment across the Global South.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

ADSW Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Ceremony: 07h00 - 09h00 SAST

Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub: 12h10 – 12h15 SAST

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Heads of State Panel: 12h35 - 13h10

Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure: 13h30 – 14h00 SAST

ADSW proceedings can be followed on https://youtube.com/@adswagenda?si=PgEde1II--HEPSoI

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 12-13 January 2026, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW is an annual event hosted in Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 event will be held from 11-15 January 2026, under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.

The ADSW summit brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

In 2024, bilateral trade between both countries reached US$5,22 billion.

South Africa’s exports to the UAE totalled US$2,68 billion, reflecting an increase of 5.53% compared to 2023. Imports from the UAE amounted to US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25,8% over the same period. As a result, South Africa recorded a trade deficit of US$284 million in 2024.

The strong trade relations underscores the importance of the UAE as a strategic economic partner for South Africa in the middle east and highlights ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The President will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment, as well as other high level sessions of the summit. During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, condemns attempts to vilify her image. The photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation is not only distasteful but shameful as well.

In a country that is battling with a scourge of gender based violence, the continued use of sexual images to tarnish women is deplorable at the least. The cowards responsible for the photoshop represent the worst sexists and gender based violence perpetrators.

The public is warned about uncouth images published allegedly on the Minister’s account. The Minister’s account is not hacked but the images are photoshopped. Attempts to defocus Minister Ntshavheni from the tasks at hand will not succeed.

Government has also noticed the coordinated misinformation campaign primarily targeting Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Minister Ntshavheni is not fazed by acts of cowardice.

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa - Acting Government Spokesperson, 083 653 7485

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria