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Closing remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile during the inaugural Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting
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Programme Director, His Excellency Nelson Muffuh, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa;
Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, Honourable Stella Tembisa Ndabeni;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers from various countries around the world who have graced this historic event;
Senior officials and representatives from various countries;
Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, and the rest of the ITC delegation;
Leaders of multilateral organisations, including the AU;
MECs, Mayors and Councillors; 
South African Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Dr Mzukisi Qobo;
Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Startup 20 Chair, Mr. Vuyani Jarana, and members of the International and Local Startup 20 Secretariat;  
Directors-General from other departments and provinces, and Board members and executives of our various DFIs and public entities;
Leaders from organised business formations and representatives of the entrepreneurship support ecosystem in attendance;
The MSMEs and entrepreneurs from both visiting countries and South Africa present;
Honourable delegates;
Ladies and gentlemen, 

This inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time.

As we do draw to a close, I could say the discussions and exchanges held in recent days have been filled with pride and optimism, as they highlight our shared commitment to enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and promoting green transitions in the SME sector.

The discussions have further demonstrated the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally.

In this sense, we are grateful to see the UN expanding its efforts and collaborating with the South African government to foster multilateral cooperation. This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world.

I am also impressed by the Call to Action for this Global SME Ministerial Meeting. It reaffirms support for critical multilateral initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Group of Twenty.

South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, aiming to champion developmental issues in the Global South, particularly Africa.

As we approach the G20 Summit, this forum has been essential in bringing together a number of ministers and deputy ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange perspectives.

We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leader’s Summit in November.

I am especially pleased that our G20 Startup Engagement Group’s Mid-Term Meeting happened on the sidelines of this Ministerial Meeting, which allowed for cross-pollination of ideas and propositions.

I know Minister Ndabeni is championing the establishment of a dedicated G20 Working Group on small business and startups, an idea which started under Brazil’s Presidency. This Ministerial meeting has given this initiative the momentum it needs.

I am also pleased to see that a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations from around the world happened also alongside this Global SME Ministerial Meeting to discuss the impact on trends of trade protectionism and the disruption of global supply chains.

Practical measures were discussed to share trade intelligence, build greater resilience in our MSMEs, and transition to new markets and possibilities.

As Governments, we need to step up. This means we must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

As South Africa, we are strengthening regional trade through the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

The Free Trade Area Agreement is a significant achievement in creating the world's largest free trade area and unlocking the economic potential of an integrated African market. It promotes trade, investment, and growth, fostering business growth and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

The Free Trade Area Agreement can significantly enhance Africa's entrepreneurial landscape by reducing trade barriers and increasing market access, enabling youth to expand businesses, innovate products and services, and seize untapped opportunities within the continent.
It has the potential to generate millions of new jobs, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Speaking of job creation, the SMEs are significant contributors to economic development and job creation globally. We can attribute their relevance in reducing unemployment to their ability to react swiftly to market changes.

As agreed over the past few days, we must prioritise their development to create jobs, raise income, and overall economic growth, all of which benefit the youth, women and other marginalised groups. Our global assistance for small enterprises can help empower young entrepreneurs, allowing them to positively affect their communities and beyond.

However, we need to collaborate and make trading with one another a priority in specialised sectors. 

We also need to prioritise resolving the regulatory bottlenecks around cross-border trade and cross border investment.

Honourable Delegates, 

As we focus on new markets and trade agreements, we must prioritise local value creation and expand local supply chain opportunities for our MSMEs. This can be achieved by ensuring that the Green Economy Transition, also known as the Just Transition, is supported by clear green industrialisation policies.

I am pleased to see that this Ministerial Meeting considered best practice and policy measures to ensure MSMEs benefit from the Green Economy Transition.    

We must also be realistic about the obstacles we confront and how to overcome them. The reality is that we will not be able to industrialise and strengthen inclusivity through MSMEs without capital.

This Global SME Ministerial Meeting has noted challenges around access to capital, especially for Start-ups and MSMEs in underserved or underprivileged regions and groups such as youth and women.

Africa has more than 18% of the world’s population but receives just over 3% of global foreign direct investment and less than 2% of global Start-up capital.  where we can access capital, it comes at a cost and is often costed in foreign currency which triggers inflation when there is local currency devaluation. Unfortunately, this scenario is a reality for a significant number of the countries that have convened here.

This Ministerial Meeting has greatly assisted us in looking at ways to derisk capital investment, especially for MSMEs. This includes better public-private collaboration, where the state derisks investment through various grants and in some instances credit guarantees.

The meeting also looked at how we can better capitalise our respective Development Finance Institutions which support MSMEs, as well as regional and multilateral development banks that can better support our national DFIs.

The Ministerial Meeting considered alternative forms of credit rating to address the issue of inadequate collateral, which is a major challenge in countries with high levels of asset inequality like South Africa.

The Ministerial Meeting also looked at how to make underserved MSMEs, especially those from townships and rural areas and those owned by women, youth and people with disabilities, more capital ready through pre-investment business training and capacity support.

In May this year, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau launched a R100 Billion Transformation Fund, which will have a strong focus on MSMEs. We are deliberate about pre-investment support to build the necessary pipeline of compliant and market-ready MSMEs.

Digital platforms have also become key to providing access to finance, as we have seen through the rapid growth of Fintech’s around the world. In this regard, our DFIs such as Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, are also developing digital platforms to improve access and turnaround times of applications.

Digital platforms have also become key to market access through e-commerce platforms, although these also bring in cheap products which crowd out locally produced goods. A phenomenon that needs to be managed.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence offer enormous prospects for MSMEs and the strengthening of support ecosystems.

Minister Ndabeni frequently tells us that we must not simply become consumers of technologies developed elsewhere. We must build our own capabilities wherever we are!

Indeed, there are also new risks with technology becoming intertwined with trade protectionism. We must address the digital divide through investing in infrastructure and skills, as well as in innovation ecosystems.

I believe that this is one of the key matters around which Startup20 is seized.

We look forward to the Startup20 Summit on the 13th and 14th of November, where practical policy measures will be announced.
     
Programme Director, 

This Global SME Ministerial Meeting has provided a critical platform for MSME leaders across more than 50 countries to engage and share policy thoughts and best practice. It has provided space to forge new strategic partnerships, both at a bilateral level and with the multilateral organisations represented here.

The Ministerial Meeting has provided us with a clear roadmap for effecting structural reforms and actionable investments to empower entrepreneurs, improve market access, and drive inclusive economic growth, especially across Africa and the Global South. It has given us well-considered policy content on SMEs and start-ups to take into the G20 Leader’s Summit, which we are hosting in November.

As we look to the future, let us keep in mind how crucial it is to focus on small businesses globally in shaping the future generation. Supporting young people in their entrepreneurial journeys not only paves the way for a brighter economic future, but also nurtures a more inclusive and vibrant global community.

I would want to express my gratitude to Minister Ndabeni for igniting a spark for this journey, which I am confident will result in favourable outcomes. 

In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to Ms. Pamel Coke-Hamilton and her team for providing South Africa with the opportunity to host this historic first-ever SME Ministerial Meeting.

To all Ministers and delegates who travelled from afar to be here and share your experiences and thoughts with us, we thank you and wish you safe travels home.

To all delegates, we trust you will take the learnings from this Ministerial Meeting and the earlier Startup20 Engagement session, to strengthen your country-level small business policies and offerings. 

As we move forward, it is essential to remember that exploring new business opportunities demands access to finance, digital connectivity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.

Allow me to declare this inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting formally closed. 

I thank you.

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid, Rosslyn, Tshwane
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Programme Director,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Representatives of the German Embassy,
Chief Executive Officer of BMW South Africa,
Members of the Management Board of BMW AG,
Representatives of business,
Representatives of labour,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning. It is a pleasure to be here.

The Rosslyn plant is a testament to BMW’s longstanding presence in the South African market.

This world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of the group’s operations since 1973.

It further stands as proof of the BMW Group’s commitment to the South African economy, to supporting our industrial development, to our national empowerment objectives and to driving innovation in the sector.

The automotive sector is a lynchpin of our industrial strategy.

The sector contributes approximately 4,9 percent to GDP.

The sector supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and over half a million across the value chain.

South Africa is the 22nd largest vehicle exporter globally, with our main export destinations being the European Union, the US and the UK.

The African continent is a growing export market, particularly within the SADC region.

As a country, we have positioned ourselves as a globally competitive destination for automotive manufacturing, and the BMW Group has been an integral part of our journey.

A number of world-class vehicles are manufactured right here at this plant, including both ICE and hybrid models from the BMW X family.

And now we have reached another milestone with the production of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The shift to green mobility and electrification in vehicle production is in line with commitments by countries to reduce emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient global economy.

We are greatly encouraged by this milestone reached by the BMW Group.

As the transition to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen mobility gathers momentum, South Africa is perfectly positioned as a key global manufacturing base for the mobility of the future.

We are determined to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment.

Through the Automotive Production and Development Programme and more recently, the Electric Vehicle White Paper and incentive programme, we have committed to a stable, predictable and supportive framework for companies to invest, localise and grow in South Africa.

Incentivising EV production for export and at the same time supporting the growth of the local EV market is an imperative.

The global shift to clean vehicles presents opportunities for the local component manufacturing sector, whose focus has been on ICE components.

With our significant reserves of critical minerals, we must become a hub for processing and beneficiation.

We are finalising targeted incentives for battery cell localisation, EV component manufacture, clean mobility research and design, and critical mineral beneficiation.

The recent announcements on tariffs by the United States, an important market for our vehicle exports, further underscores the need to diversity our export base and accelerate domestic value creation.

The production locally of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid is a symbol of trust.

Trust  in our skills, our workers, our partnerships and our potential.

Let us honour this achievement by staying the course, driving transformation, creating jobs and leading Africa’s industrial future.

BMW Group is to be congratulated for its commitment to skills development and training for young people.

This includes its partnership with UNICEF to train learners and educators in coding and robotics in schools and the BMW South Africa IT Hub in Tshwane that employs over 2,000 professionals, including software engineers and digital specialists.

We commend BMW for the substantial investment in its training academy, which trains 300 apprentices annually and has since 1978 trained more than 2,000 artisans.

As a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service, BMW has supported over 3,500 youth, with placements across all provinces and in diverse sectors such as retail, IT, education and health.

BMW’s commitment to transformation includes active mentorship of young women, the development of black industrialists, and investment in a pipeline of future managers through its Leadership Acceleration Programme.

BMW’s roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African.

We are proud of your presence.

We are greatly encouraged by your ongoing investment as we strive to build the low-carbon economies of the future.

We see BMW as an integral part of the South African growth story.

As the Government of National Unity, we welcome the role you continue to play in supporting our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.

As we prepare for the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference, I invite BMW to once again be a flagship partner.

Let us work together to deepen localisation, scale up youth training, lead in EV battery development and support township supplier development.

BMW’s presence in the country is one of mutual interest and shared value.

To the entire BMW team, you are building more than cars. You are building a legacy of excellence, inclusion and hope among South Africans.

We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the next chapter of your journey.

I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa to visit BMW Group Plant and Training Academy
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning, Thursday, 24 July 2025, attend a showcase of the successful implementation of the latest investment for production of the new BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at the automaker’s plant at Rosslyn, Pretoria.

Themed "BMW Group South Africa: Leading Today, Enabling Tomorrow", the event marking the start of the new vehicle will highlight the firm’s commitment to strengthening South Africa's economic vitality and advancing industrial innovation.

The event will showcase the active partnership between industry and Government - a collaboration essential for driving innovation, catalysing job creation, and propelling sustainable growth within South Africa’s automotive sector.

It also demonstrates the BMW Group’s dedication to leading today through operational excellence and enabling tomorrow by strategically investing in the nation's future. 

The new BMW X3 has been declared South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2025.

BMW Group announced further investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President's Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023, as a commitment to South Africa.

BMW has a long history in the country, and its footprint has grown significantly over time. 

BMW’s investment in its Rosslyn plant dates back five decades.

The plant operations are also a significant anchor and justification for the continued operations of BMW in South Africa, including the National Sales Company, BMW Financial Services, and BMW IT Development Hub. 

BMW and its supply chain sustain tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly as a result of BMW Group activities in South Africa.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025
Time:10h30am
Venue: Training Academy, BMW Group Plant, Rosslyn, Pretoria 
                 
Media access will be limited to coverage of President Ramaphosa’s remarks at the end of his tour of the plant, on which he will be accompanied only by BMW representatives.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President to deliver closing remarks at the Global Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at the invitation of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), deliver the closing remarks at the Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.

The event, taking place on 22-24 July 2025, is held under the theme: “Navigating New Business Frontiers” and has brought together an estimated five hundred (500) participants, including representatives and Ministers from more than 100 countries, entrepreneurs, innovators, global leaders, as well as the global entrepreneurship eco-system under one roof to address the most pressing issues hindering these businesses from reaching their full potential. 

Delegates to the Global SME Ministerial Meeting share the common objective of building partnerships to enhance the development of international Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event is therefore an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its development of MSMEs and position the country as the best place for investment and collaboration on enterprise development.

The Global SME meeting is further built on the overarching need for trade-driven economic transformation, that would enable growth, development and job creation. It is envisaged that the outcomes of the meeting will focus on economic transformation in terms of access to finance, digital transformation and the green economy, with some of the discussions exploring opportunities for MSMEs to grow and adapt as well as support measures needed to close gaps and build further capacity. 

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025
Time:  15h30 (Media to set up from 14h00)
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and O R Tambo Conference Centre, 44 Viewpoint Road, Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province

Media wishing to cover the event must please RSVP with Mr Siphe Macanda (DSBD) on 082 355 2399.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa appoints National Youth Development Agency board members
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, appointed members of the Board of the Agency for a period of three years, with effect from 1 August 2025.

An Act of Parliament established the NYDA, primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth. 

The Agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level.

President Ramaphosa has appointed the following Board members:

- Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi
- Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa
- Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya
- Mr Sibusiso Makhathini
- Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha
- Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende 
- Mx Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo

President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the chairperson of the of the National Youth Development Agency Board, and Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as the deputy chairperson of the Board.

The President appreciates the willingness of the Board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Swearing-in Ceremony of the new Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training
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The Presidency invites members of the media to the Swearing-in Ceremony of the new Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, which will take place this afternoon, Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in Cape Town.

The Swearing-in Ceremony will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Time: 15h30 (media to arrive at 14h30)
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony should send their details to Leighton Francis on 069 926 5640.

The proceedings will also be live streamed on all PresidencyZA social media platforms.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa suspends South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 14(3) read with 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andrew Chauke, with immediate effect pending an inquiry into Adv Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

Having asked Adv Chauke to provide reasons why he should not be suspended, President Ramaphosa has decided suspension is the correct course of action pending an inquiry.

President Ramaphosa has informed Adv Chauke of his decision in writing and indicated that the President and the public would benefit from an independent assessment of issues that require elucidation and on which there are disputes of fact.

The President believes Adv Chauke’s continued tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions – while facing serious accusations – would negatively affect the reputation of the National Prosecuting Authority as a whole.

President Ramaphosa is also concerned that Adv Chauke will not be able to fulfil his functions optimally while facing an inquiry.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa removes Dr Nkabane and appoints new Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Dr Nobuhle Nkabane from the role of Minister and Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Mr. Buti Kgwaridi Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Mr. Manamela was, until this appointment, serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training - a role he held from the 6th Administration. 

Consequently, President Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 93 (b) of the Constitution, appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Dr Dube's long Government leadership experience includes serving as MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, amongst other roles. Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly. 

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Tokyo International Conference on African Development accompanying media guidelines
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South Africa’s High Level Delegation will participate at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) led by President Cyril Ramaphosa accompanied by Ministers and senior Government officials.
 
Launched by Japan in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) — co-hosted with the UN, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission — has become a premier forum for African development.
 
Grounded in African ownership and international partnership, TICAD has steadily evolved from conflict prevention and human security (TICAD I–III) to economic transformation, innovation, and universal health coverage (UHC) (TICAD VI–VIII).
 
The 9th TICAD Summit will convene in Yokohama from 20 – 22 August 2025 under the theme “People, Planet, and Prosperity in a Changing World.”
 
TICAD 9 will gather over 20 African heads of state and government, the Prime Minister of Japan, senior AU, UN, World Bank, and AfDB leadership, philanthropic actors, and bilateral partners including the G7, G20, and BRICS.
 
 
Accompanying TICAD9 Media Registration Guidelines
 
- Media accompanying delegations from African countries will need to register using a separate login ID and password provided for accompanying media.

-  The ID and password as well as the portal for registration will be availed to media that will travel to Japan to cover the TICAD 9. Registration closes on 25 July 2025 at 17h00 SA Time. 

- South Africa media interested to cover the TICAD should send their confirmations to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za

- Travel to Japan is at the media organisation’s own cost, and VISA entry requirements to Japan are required. 

- Foreign media not accompanying delegations will be able to register via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

- Kindly note that the completion of the registration does not guarantee the acquisition of a Visa or entry into Japan. Entry Visas are NOT issued at any Japanese airport on arrival.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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