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Deputy President Mashatile, CoGTA and Business to convene a Thought Leadership Dialogue to collaboratively strengthen local government
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, with the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), in partnership with the National Business Initiative (NBI), will convene a Thought Leadership Dialogue to strengthen local government, as a convergence point of service delivery. The theme for the strategic dialogue is: “Co-creating a Functional and Effective Society: Public and Private Sectors Collaborating to Strengthen Local Government.”

The dialogue will be led by Deputy President Mashatile and CoGTA Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, and Deputy Minister Parks Tau. 

The dialogue will also see prominent government leaders across the three spheres of government, business leaders, non-governmental organisations, state institutions and international organisations come together to build a best practice forum, that will guide the public-private partnership model for a successful running of local government.

This engagement is an important step in the direction of realising a strategic partnership framework for the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM).

The Deputy President is tasked to assist the President in the roll-out of the District Development Model through effective coordination of the different spheres of government which will improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.

In this regard, the desired output of the dialogue is a collective implementation plan anchored on the DDM.

It is within this context that a call for partnerships and collaborations is pursued, to harness all society’s efforts through the cooperation between the National Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) and the National Business Initiative (NBI).

The dialogue will reflect on the achievements of the last 30 years of freedom and democracy as well as build on the good work going forward towards the seventh administration.

Details of the dialogue are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024
Time: 08:30-13:00
Venue: Deloitte Offices,5 Magwa, Crescent, Waterfall City Waterfall, JNB

Media wishing to RSVP for the Dialogue must please send their confirmations to Legadima Leso of CoGTA on 066 479 9904 or Bongani Majola of Presidency on 082 339 1993.


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

Issued by: The Presidency, Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and National Business Initiative
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes working visit to the Republic of Rwanda
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to Kigali, Rwanda.

This morning, 7 April 2024, President Ramaphosa, joined  fellow Heads of States and Government, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the President of the European Council, well as other dignitaries including Former Heads of States and Government and First Ladies, for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This was followed by a National Commemoration Ceremony at the BK Arena. The ceremony marked 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi, which began on 7 April 1994. 

On arrival in Kigali yesterday evening, 6 April 2024, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with HE President of the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame at the Kigali Convention Centre.

The two leaders held extensive discussions on rekindling the once very strong political and economic ties. 

The discussions also focused on the importance of joint efforts and cooperation in finding a peaceful solution to ending the conflict in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Minister of Electricity to brief media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan
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The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will on Tuesday, 09 April 2024, brief the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 
 
Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Time: 09:00 (media to arrive at 08:30 for setup)
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 
 
Live Streaming details:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA   
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  
 
Members of the media are required to RSVP by sending their details (name, surname, media house and car registration) to Kutlwano Huma – kutlwano@presidency.gov.za or 078 133 1482 by no later than 20:30, Monday, 08 April 2024. 
 
 
Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity - Cell: 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 09 April 2024, receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a Credentials Ceremony in Pretoria.
 
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.

President Ramaphosa will receive Heads of Mission-Designate from the following countries:

1. The Republic of Rwanda; 
2. The Swiss Confederation;
3. The Federation of Malaysia;
4. The Republic of Italy; 
5. Mongolia; 
6. The United Republic of Tanzania; 
7. The State of Kuwait; 
8. The Republic of Belarus;
9. The Dominican Republic;
10. The Republic of Korea;
11. The Republic of Kenya;
12. New Zealand;
13. The Islamic Republic of Iran; 
14. The Republic of Suriname;
15. The State of Qatar.

Media are invited to cover the credentials ceremony as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Time: 13h00
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, Pretoria

Media RSVPs can be directed to Makungu@presidency.gov.za cc hlobisile@presidency.gov.za.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives in the Republic of Rwanda
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 06 April 2024, arrived  in Kigali to attend the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This year, Rwanda marks 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi which began on 7 April 1994 and lasted for 100 days, leading to more than a million deaths of mainly ethnic Tutsis. Every year, on this date, the government of Rwanda hosts an official ceremony to mark the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration.

The ceremony of remembrance will take place in Kigali on Sunday, 7 April 2024. President Ramaphosa will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by the National Commemoration ceremony, which will conclude with a Night Vigil at BK Arena in Kigali.

On arrival in Kigali, President Ramaphosa will have a bilateral meeting with President Kagame.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Rwanda were established in 1995, which were further strengthen through the signing of a General Cooperation Agreement in 1999. Since the inauguration of the Joint Cooperation Commission in Pretoria on 22 June 2001, significant progress was recorded in areas such as institution and capacity building, health, and education. South African companies have also invested in Rwanda.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes a Working Visit to the Republic of Rwanda
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 06 April 2024, undertake a visit to the Republic of Rwanda to attend the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This year, Rwanda marks 30 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi which began on 7 April 1994 and lasted for 100 days, leading to more than a million deaths of mainly ethnic Tutsis. Every year, on this date, the government of Rwanda hosts an official ceremony to mark the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration.

The ceremony of remembrance will take place in Kigali on Sunday, 7 April 2024. President Ramaphosa will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by the National Commemoration ceremony, which will conclude with a Night Vigil at BK Arena in Kigali.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Rwanda were established in 1995, which were further strengthen through the signing of a General Cooperation Agreement in 1999. Since the inauguration of the Joint Cooperation Commission in Pretoria on 22 June 2001, significant progress was recorded in areas such as institution and capacity building, health, and education. South African companies have also invested in Rwanda.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will  accompany the President.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the Muslim Judicial Council Iftaar Dinner, Rylands, Cape Town
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As-Salaam Alaykum! (May peace be upon you!)
Programme Director;
Minister Ebrahim Patel;
President of the MJC, Mr Sheikh Riad Fataar and your Executive;
Turkish Consulate General, Mr Sinan;
Our Esteemed Religious and Inter-Faith Leaders here Present;
Business leaders;
Charity and Educational Organisations
Distinguished Guests;
Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, I would like to wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters here at home, the wider African continent, and the world a blessed month of Ramadan as we join you to witness IFTAAR and the breaking of the fast-boeka.

We are deeply honoured by your invitation to come to share this special occasion because it is in line with my delegated responsibility as Deputy President, which is to promote activities that foster social cohesion and nation-building throughout all sectors of South African society.

This is also in line with Pillar 5 of the National Development Plan on Nation-Building, which is aimed at "Fostering social compacts for partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and citizens for a more democratic, equal, and prosperous society, laying the basis for inclusion, equity, and prosperity for all."

It is for this reason that when I assumed my duties as the Deputy President of the Republic, one of the first tasks given to me by the President was to facilitate dialogue and foster social compacts with key sectors of our society, including faith-based institutions and communities, to promote nation-building initiatives across South Africa.

It was therefore no surprise that one of our first engagements after taking office was the Inter-Faith IFTAAR and Breaking of the Fast of Ramadan, here in Cape Town, at the Gatesville Masjidul-Quds Mosque in April last year.

Once more, we have gathered here today to share meals in a spirit of unity, understanding, and friendship with members of various faith communities.

As we have gathered, we should also be aware that April is a very important month in our country's calendar because it marks Freedom Month as well as an incredible milestone of 30 years of democracy.

Therefore, this month offers us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made thus far in transforming our society while also examining our challenges. Although we have made great strides since 1994, inequality, poverty, and unemployment remain major obstacles to South Africa's national unity and social cohesion.

We should be in one accord in addressing the remaining challenges that threaten our society's social fabric. We should unite as we did when we fought apartheid, and when we as political leaders stray from our objectives, you as religious leaders should steer us in the right direction to make our country better.

Muslims have played an important role in shaping South Africa's history, a role that has continued to this day. We urge you to follow in the footsteps of our previous generations of liberators, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Abdul Burns, Walter Sisulu, Dr Alan Boesak and Imam Hassan Solomon, who led protest marches armed with the Bible and the Quran in hand.

They fought selflessly for the freedom we have today. Let us reciprocate our forefathers' selflessness with kindness and humility and replicate their spirit of fighting for the good of others.

Let us do good deeds to improve another’s health and wellbeing.

Let us do good to provide shelter and a meal to the homeless. 

Let us do good by keeping young people out of the streets and providing them with quality education.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Let me commend the leadership of the Muslim Judicial Council South Africa for their excellent dedication to education in our community by offering excellent education in their schools. By prioritising skills development, you empower people and provide them the opportunity to make important contributions to our country.

Furthermore, by promoting social cohesion, you lay the groundwork for a society in which mutual respect and understanding serve as the foundation for all relationships.

However, the effects of such interfaith collaboration go beyond the immediate advantages of enhanced understanding and respect. They stand as a symbol of our collective values, and demonstrate the power that comes from our interconnectedness.

In this regard, we urge all other religious communities to engage in charitable work and community service, benefiting not only their members but also society as a whole. 

We must unite as a society to help the less fortunate, support those in need, and foster a culture of compassion and generosity. These acts of service promote inclusion and caring communities. Through such religious communities, we are also able to instil moral values such as forgiveness and respect for others, therefore strengthening our moral compass.

We urge the Muslim community to continue to advocate for social justice and human rights and to lead movements for equality, dignity, and freedom, empowering people to speak out against injustices and fight towards a more equitable world order.

May we use the breaking of this fast as an opportunity to remember those whose rights have been undermined, including the rights of the Palestinian people.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I must reaffirm South Africa’s stance which condemns Israel’s attack on Palestinian civilians. Our message to Israel will never change; we have taken a position and will forever speak out against the violence towards the people of Palestine. As we break bread, it is important to keep in mind those who are suffering due to extreme hunger from such heartless acts.

We are aware that there are individuals who view support for the State of Israel as both an ideological and, in certain cases, a religious issue. It seems that no matter the facts presented or how persuasive the argument is, they remain steadfast and unpersuaded.

However, we find comfort in the solidarity many of you, including Muslim community leaders, have shown for the Palestinians. As a country, we will continue to pledge our solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle to end all acts of apartheid by the Israeli government and the genocide emanating from that evil system, while supporting their collective right to self-determination.

We should never allow the Israel-Palestine conflict to divide us as a nation. The ANC-led government is committed to fostering open dialogue and collaboration with all sectors of our society, particularly on issues that may be divisive or controversial.

We are committed to promoting social cohesion, which entails accepting diversity, striving for a shared understanding, and developing a workable plan for positive social transformation.

We are steadfast in our dedication to advancing the Bill of Rights, which serves as a cornerstone, protecting the rights of all individuals in our nation, and upholding the democratic principles of human dignity, equality, and freedom.

In South Africa, the path to unity and understanding has been a long one, and at times, it has not been an easy journey. However, our shared commitment to the ideals of democracy, equality, and Ubuntu have been our guiding light.

As we gather here during this blessed month, we should take the time to reflect on the role that religious communities play in nation-building by encouraging social cohesion, promoting unity, and upholding values that guide individuals towards our common goals.

In the heart of our nation, the role of interfaith collaboration emerges as a foundational pillar in the architecture of our collective identity. Occasions like tonight's interfaith IFTAAR dinner are not a mere gathering; they are also a powerful expression of our nation's soul, a vibrant tapestry made from the many different colours of our multicultural and religious history.

They are manifestations of our collective yearning to create a South Africa defined by its inclusivity, where every individual and community, regardless of their faith or background, feels an intrinsic part of the national fabric.

These events demonstrate the potential of interfaith dialogue to unite the nation. Sitting together, sharing a meal, and having respectful conversations demonstrates our resilience and unity as a nation.

It is through these dialogues that we find common ground, understanding that our differences do not divide us but rather enrich our collective experience.

Brothers and Sisters, 

In the spirit of unity and shared progress, I encourage each section of our diverse society to widen its embrace, bridging the gaps that have historically separated us. Ramadan teaches us important lessons on empathy, generosity, and a sense of community—principles that should not be confined to a single month but rather integrated into our daily lives.

I encourage every South African to actively participate in acts of kindness, volunteer their time and resources towards uplifting communities, and promoting social cohesion.

Imagine what an enormous shift we could achieve if each person took a step towards understanding their neighbours, appreciating our nation's rich traditions, and discovering our shared values.

Such efforts will build empathy and respect while tearing down misconceptions. This approach follows the notion of Ubuntu, which emphasises our interdependence: "I am because you are." It recognises the connection between my well-being and yours in the shared pursuit of a harmonious society.

In closing, let me express my deepest respect for the holy month of Ramadan and its profound teachings. Let the spirit of Ramadan inspire us to renew our commitment to each other, to our nation's ideals, and to the universal values that connect us all.

Together, we can build a more unified, peaceful, and vibrant South Africa, a nation that truly reflects the rich diversity and boundless potential of its people.

Happy Ramadan to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters! May peace and prosperity bless our beautiful nation!

Shuk-ran-ja-zee-lan (Thank you so much)

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile to be hosted for Iftaar (breaking of fast of Ramadhaan) by the MJC
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At the invitation of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 05 April 2024, break bread with the Muslim community in Cape Town who have been observing a month-long period of fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
 
Ramadan brings to the fore the spirit of sharing and Ubuntu. The Deputy President is pleased to share in this celebration, which calls for unity, not only within the Islamic faith, but communities at large. 
 
 
Media enquiries: Mr. Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver a Public Lecture on the 30 Year Celebration of South Africa’s Democracy
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At the invitation of the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Business and Economics, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Tuesday, 09 April 2024, deliver a Distinguished Special Public Lecture on the 30 Years Celebration of South Africa’s Democracy. 

Priding itself as an international University of choice, anchored in Africa and dynamically shaping the future, the University of Johannesburg will host the Deputy President at its Auckland Park Campus.

The public lecture will be delivered under the theme: “ Inspiring the Youth in South Africa to imagine a better, prosperous future ”.  

In this regard, the Deputy President's lecture is expected to highlight considerable progress made by the democratic government in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society since 1994. 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Tuesday 09 April 2024
Time: 10h00 (Media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: University of Johannesburg Arts Theatre, Auckland Park Campus, Corner Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park.

Members of the media who wish to attend and cover the event should send their details to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505 or Ms Masego Panyane on 084 067 7528


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the Tetra Pak Carton Packaging Plant in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
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Programme Director;
Premier of Kwa Zulu Natal, Ms. Nomusa Dube-Ncube;
His Excellency Hakan Juholt, Ambassador of Sweden to South Africa; 
Managing Director of Tetra Pak Southern Africa, Mr. Klaus Plenge;
Tetra Pak staff;
Guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good afternoon.

It is a pleasure to be here at the reopening of this expanded Tetra Pak facility that will support our goals as government and business to create jobs, drive innovation, promote localisation and advance the low-carbon, circular economy.

This factory upgrade forms part of a R500 million investment by Tetra Pak in the South African economy, that in turn forms part of the Presidential Investment Mobilisation Drive.

When we set our R1,2 trillion target in 2018 we knew it was an ambitious one, and also that investment decisions often take several years to come to fruition. 

Today’s launch is one of many promising signals of investment commitments being practically realised. 

A substantial number of other commitments made by domestic and international investors have resulted in brick-and-mortar projects across South Africa since 2018.

Despite a strained domestic and global economic climate, this factory expansion demonstrates that South Africa continues to be an attractive destination for investors.

This gives us renewed impetus as government to forge ahead with our partnership as government and business to overcome challenges in the energy, logistics and other sectors. 

The structural reforms we have been driving as this administration will in the long-term result in wide-ranging, transformative change across the South African economy, and improve the business operating environment.

Tetra Pak has announced that through this expansion it will be exporting products to the continent. This export potential amounts to approximately R500 m annually.

This is very timely, given South Africa’s recent commencement of trade under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area or AfCFTA. Exports to the rest of Africa already include Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Nigeria and Kenya. We have no doubt this expanded facility will be able to harness the benefits of the AfCFTA.

Tetra Pak is a global leader in packaging and processing solutions for the food industry and has had a presence and manufacturing footprint in South Africa since 1963. 

This factory was originally built 45 years ago, in 1979, and its longevity is testament to the power of innovation. 

From the early days of producing standard packaging solutions like the humble milk carton, its scope has broadened over the years as Tetra Pak adopted new technologies, particularly to bring them in line with global efforts towards less carbon intensive production processes.

Now Tetra Pak South Africa has reached a new milestone, with this being the only facility in Africa that will produce carton aseptic packaging for the domestic market and for export to the continent.

This is a boost of confidence in our localisation programme. I’m pleased to hear that Tetra Pak is now under the Proudly South African umbrella, having received your certification last week.

The expansion of this facility will enable Tetra Pak to produce 80 per cent of its packaging material locally, compared to approximately 60 per cent in the past, when most of the material sold locally was imported from other Tetra Pak facilities around the world.

As more manufacturing capacity and expertise is retained here, new industries, businesses and value chains are able to emerge and be supported on South African soil. As a consequence, our efforts to build a more inclusive economy are boosted.

Customers will have the benefit of a broader range, the turnaround times for customer deliveries will be faster, and the factory will be able to better respond to the evolving needs of customers and the market.  

Localisation is about so much more than improving domestic industrial capacity. Localisation also ensures that jobs are created in South Africa, and that jobs are retained in South Africa. 

I am told that this upgraded plant will now have the capacity to produce 1,8 billion packs annually, utilising the labour of 99 employees.

I wish to commend Tetra Pak for not wavering in its commitment to create and retain jobs across their local operations, even as the production of solutions and products has become increasingly automated.

In line with your corporate social responsibility, you also continue to invest in the education, skilling and training of your employees, as well as providing a bursary scheme for their dependants. We commend you for this.

Tetra Pak is also playing its part in advancing a low-carbon, circular economy. This is being done by adopting innovative production processes, and through the company’s commitment to recycling. This factory adopts the global best practice followed at our other facilities worldwide and I am told you are aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.

I congratulate Tetra Pak once more on this milestone and thank you for your ongoing confidence in South Africa. 

South Africa is an investment destination with significant untapped potential, and by leveraging our unique value proposition, we have the ability to attract higher levels of investment.

We look forward to working with you as Tetra Pak on your future pipeline of investments and hopefully on new announcements at the forthcoming South Africa Investment Conferences.

I thank you.

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