President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Friday, 13 October 2023, arrived in the Republic of Namibia on a Working Visit to co-chair, with Namibian President Hage Geingob, the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC).

The SA-Namibia BNC was inaugurated in Windhoek a decade ago in November 2013 and consists of four Committees, namely:

1. Diplomatic Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
2. Economic Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
3. Social Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.
4. Defence and Security Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Defence and Military Veterans.

This 3rd Session was preceded by the Council of Ministers Meeting on Thursday, 12 October 2023. A Senior Officials Meeting of the BNC was held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 07 to 09 March 2023.

The key objectives of the 3rd Session of the BNC are as follows:

1. Evaluate progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 2nd session of the BNC;
2. Consolidate the existing bilateral political, economic and social relations between the two countries and people;
3. Promote cooperation in energy, particularly focusing on electricity and green hydrogen;
4. Deepen existing cooperation and coordination at regional, continental and global levels to advance common positions.

South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance. 

The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries. 

South Africa uses Structured Bilateral Mechanisms such as the BNC to promote and advance the country’s political, economic and social interests as well as exchange views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern. 

President Ramaphosa’s delegation comprises of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The delegation also includes Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbra Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency wishes to clarify misleading media reports based on a leaked draft version of the Freight Logistics Roadmap. 

In SONA 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed to put in place a roadmap for the freight logistics system in order to improve the performance of South Africa’s ports and rail network and drive economic growth.

Work is underway between The Presidency, the Department of Transport, the Department of Public Enterprises, and National Treasury to finalise the roadmap, which will follow established processes for stakeholder consultation and deliberation and decision- making by Cabinet.

Inaccurate media reports have created the impression that The Presidency seeks to place Transnet under private control. 

This is not the case.

South Africa’s port and rail infrastructure are strategic national assets, and Government has taken a clear stance that they will remain in public ownership.

The National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been established to address the immediate challenges in the freight logistics system which have severely constrained exports and undermined investment and job creation in affected sectors.

The NLCC is overseeing a range of interventions to achieve this objective, including upgrading equipment and infrastructure, improving operational performance, increasing the availability of rolling stock, and securing the rail network. 

Government is actively leading this effort in all identified priority areas, in collaboration with business and social partners, where appropriate. 

In the long term, Government is reforming South Africa’s logistics system to enhance efficiency and competition and enable private investment. 

These reforms are outlined in the National Rail Policy and other Cabinet-approved policy documents, and will result in massive new investment to revitalise South Africa’s logistics system.

In this regard, private sector participation does not equate to privatisation of public assets, nor does it diminish the role of the state in ensuring a reliable, efficient, and world-class logistics system. 

Further communication will be provided in this regard at the appropriate time.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Janet Yetta Love as a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission.

The President has made the appointment in terms of Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act of 1996 (Act No. 51 of 1996) which directs that the appointment be made on the recommendation of the National Assembly.

Ms Love becomes one of five Commissioners – the number determined by the Act – and is appointed for a term of seven years.

Her appointment follows a series of interviews conducted with candidates by a panel established in terms of Section 6(3) of the Electoral Commission Act.

The panel was chaired by the Chief Justice of the Republic and included the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Public Protector.

The Chief Justice submitted a shortlist of eight candidates and their curricula vitae to the National Assembly for consideration to fill a vacancy in the Electoral Commission.

The matter was referred to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs which recommended on 12 September 2023 that the National Assembly approve the nomination of Ms Love.

On 19 September, the National Assembly agreed to the nomination.

Ms Love joined the Electoral Commission as a part-time Commissioner in April 2016, and then full-time as Vice-Chairperson in November 2018.

Having played a role in fighting for freedom as an anti-apartheid activist in the 1970s, Ms Love returned to South Africa in 1990 and became involved in negotiating South Africa’s new constitution and establishing the first democratic government.

Ms Love served as a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress in the first democratic Parliament from 1994 to 1999, and was a member of the 22-person Constitutional Committee of the Constitutional Assembly, the body responsible for steering the constitution-making process.

Ms Love then served in various Government and civil society institutions, including working in the South African Reserve Bank for five years as head of strategic analysis dealing with various security risks relating to cash that affected South Africa’s financial stability

Ms Love has a strong commitment to human rights and in her capacity as National Director of the Legal Resources Centre since 2006, she has taken up public interest and constitutional cases on behalf of marginalised communities and individuals.

President Ramaphosa wishes Ms Love well in her new capacity in the service of the nation and in an institution which is critical to the integrity and vibrancy of our democracy.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to all victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This follows an escalation of hostilities on Saturday, 7 October 2023 that has left about two thousand people dead, one hundred and sixty thousand displaced and seven thousand injured.

 The President has also called for immediate and unconditional opening of humanitarian corridors.
 
“Our thoughts are with all the victims families and loved ones during this perilous period of fighting. We remain gravely concerned at the devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed against civilian populations. We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the exercise of restraint. It is vital that all those who require urgent humanitarian assistance are provided with the basic life supporting necessities and that human suffering is ameliorated,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President further urged the international community to accelerate it’s support to an inclusive process towards a lasting and durable peace that produces a viable Palestinian State, existing in peace alongside Israel, within the 1967 internationally recognised borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“South Africa stands ready to work with the international community and to  share our experience in mediation and conflict resolution as we have done on the continent and around the world,” concluded President Ramaphosa.

 
Media inquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Namibia on Friday, 13 October 2023, to co-chair with Namibian President Hage Geingob, the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC).

The BNC will be preceded by the Council of Ministers Meeting on Thursday, 12 October 2023. A Senior Officials Meeting of the BNC was held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 07 to 09 March 2023.

The Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Namibia was inaugurated in Windhoek a decade ago in November 2013.

The Second Session of the BNC was held on 04 October 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa.  

The BNC consists of four Committees, namely:

1.    Diplomatic Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
2.    Economic Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
3.    Social Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.
4.    Defence and Security Committee which is co-chaired by the Department of Defence and Military Veterans.

South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance. 

The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries. 

South Africa uses Structured Bilateral Mechanisms such as the BNC to promote and advance the country’s political, economic and social interests as well as exchange views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern. 

The key objectives of the 3rd Session of the BNC are as follows;

1.    Evaluate progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 2nd session of the BNC; 
2.    Consolidate the existing bilateral political, economic and social relations between the two countries and people;
3.    Promote cooperation in energy, particularly focusing on electricity and green hydrogen;
4.  Deepen existing cooperation and coordination at regional, continental and global levels to advance common positions.

President Ramaphosa will lead a Government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbra Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

 
Media inquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 October 2023, brief the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on key developments in the country, including the economic advancement of women and efforts to overcome widespread unemployment among young South Africans.

The President will outline Government’s approach to these and other matters in a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Council of Provinces in Parliament, Cape Town.

Among questions put to the President are the outcomes of the recent XV BRICS 2023 Summit and action against construction mafia.

The President will discuss the outcome of the 2023 BRICS Summit and South Africa's plans to use the outcomes to advance Agenda 2063.
 
The President will also outline Government's progress in institutionalising gender mainstreaming across departments, provinces, and districts for gender equality through responsive planning, budgeting, and reporting.
 
He will also address progress in advancing the economic empowerment of women, especially in townships and rural areas.
 
Regarding the Government's commitment to global climate change mitigation efforts, the President will elaborate on the balance between ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply and contributing to climate goals.
 
On youth unemployment, the President will set out Government's initiatives and collaboration in developing a comprehensive youth employment and economic empowerment strategy.
 
The NCOP Questions for Oral Reply will take place as follows: 

Date: Thursday, 12 October 2023
Time: 14h00 – 17h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament, Cape Town
 

Media inquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on a State Visit on Thursday, 19 October 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

Media is invited to apply for media accreditation to cover the Incoming Netherlands  State Visit by filling in the attached media accreditation application form - MEDIA ACCREDITATION - INCOMING NETHERLANDS STATE VISIT.xlsx - in full. 

Media Accreditation application for the Netherlands  State Visit is open from today, 09 October  2023, and will close on Friday, 13 October 2023, at 16h00. Strictly no late applications will be considered. 

The Netherlands  State Visit media accreditation application form can be sent to Khutjo Sebata at khutjo@presidency.gov.za and Makungu Mbetse at Makungu@presidency.gov.za.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
MEDIA ACCREDITATION - INCOMING NETHERLANDS STATE VISIT.xlsx

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, receive South Africa's Census 2022 national results from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The Statistician-General, Mr Risenga Maluleke, will officially handover the report to the President and announce the results of the population and housing count to the country.

Census 2022 was the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, with the first conducted in 1996, with subsequent censuses being conducted in 2001 and 2011.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022, and will provide comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information.

Stats SA will be following the trend adopted by many countries and data will be released in phases. For phase one, the Census 2022 launch will only cover reports and indicators at national, provincial, district and local municipality level.

Census data is an important data source used for planning and evidence based decision making by government and various sectors of society. The census population count provides data on the demographic, economic and social makeup of the country. Furthermore, findings from censuses are key in tracking service delivery programmes over time.

THE OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF THE CENSUS 2022 REPORT

Date: Tuesday, 10 October 2023
Time: 15h30
Venue: Media Centre, The Union Buildings, Pretoria

MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media wishing to cover the event are requested to RSVP with Mr Makungu Mbetse on makungu@presidency.gov.za on or before Monday, 09 October 2023 at 14h00.

Media enquiries:

Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Mr Sivuyile Mangxamba, Stats SA Director: Media Relations - 082 888 2372

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi,
Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres 
Your Majesties
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Representatives and Officials,

President Sisi thank you for convening this important summit that will hopefully raise the awareness of the world of what is happening in this part of the world and hopefully come up with a roadmap to a meaningful solution.

We gather here united by our deep concern at the unprecedented conflict that has engulfed Gaza and Israel and our distress at the depth and extent of human suffering.

As South Africa, we hold the firm view that the attack on civilians in Israel, the ongoing siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly move the people of Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force through bombing, are violations of international law. More than that, these acts are an affront to our common humanity.

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, opening of humanitarian corridors and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid on the required scale to the people of Gaza. We also call for a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The international community has a responsibility and a duty to support peace and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue.

As South Africans we can relate to what is happening to Palestinians. Our people waged a brave and courageous struggle to achieve their freedom and were subjected to untold suffering just like the Palestinians are going through. The nightmare of apartheid was only brought to an end by the relentless struggle of our people and the courage and foresight of leaders who put aside their differences and sought peace rather than revenge.

We believe that peace is the only option to bring about peace between between Israel and Palestine. To achieve this, steps must be taken now. We therefore call on all parties to exercise restraint and on all state actors to desist from providing weapons to either of the sides to the conflict.

We are concerned that the response of the Israeli government to the attack on its citizens will further deepen a conflict that has engulfed the region for many decades and will make the attainment of a just and lasting peace even more difficult. We are also concerned that this conflict can spread to include other countries in the region. This must be avoided at all costs.

The only way to bring about peace is the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to human rights, dignity and statehood.

This is in line with the decisions that have been taken by the United Nations that guarantees statehood for both Israel and Palestine based on the 1967 borders.

Only through a negotiated settlement supported by the international community can the people of Israel achieve the security they seek and the people of Palestine realise the freedom they deserve.

As the international community, we must call for a ceasefire, find a sustainable solution to this conflict and stand on the side of peace, justice and human rights for all.

I thank you.

Your Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands,
Honourable Ministers of the Netherlands and South Africa,
Ambassadors,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my privilege to welcome you, Your Majesties, on this, your first state visit to South Africa.

South Africa and the Netherlands have long-established historical ties going back to the arrival of the first Dutch settlers in the Cape in 1652. 

In the post-colonial era, the Netherlands played an important role in the anti-apartheid struggle with active and committed anti-apartheid organisations.

More than 200 years since the Dutch ceded sovereignty of the Cape, there are a number of Dutch influences that still play an important part in the cultural and linguistic life of many South African communities. 

The Afrikaans language has much of its origins in Dutch and is the third most widely spoken national language of South Africa. Our country’s Muslim community can trace its origins to the arrival in 1658 of free labourers and political exiles from the-then Dutch East Indies. There are distinct Dutch influences in the cuisine and customs of our country.

The strength of our bilateral relations today and the bonds between our respective peoples reflect a commitment to acknowledge and confront the injustices of our past. 

We are determined to forge a new path for our respective countries based on shared values, and a common commitment to human rights, equality, development and prosperity for all. 

We are determined to build the bridges of tolerance and understanding in pursuit of a better future and better world.

In this regard, Your Majesty, I wish to acknowledge the apology that you have made for your country’s role in the slave trade, including in South Africa. This was an important step towards promoting reconciliation, restoration and healing old wounds.

We are meeting at a time when our resolve to build a peaceful, equal future is being sorely tested, and where reconciliation and healing is most sorely needed.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the devastating events unfolding in Israel and Palestine have left many of us saddened. They have left us fearful for the future of international cooperation and for our common aspiration to realise a world free of conflict.

As South Africa we have reiterated that there should be an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties, that the tenets of international law should be upheld, and that the international community has a responsibility to help bring about favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue. 

As a country that chose the path of reconciliation over conflict, and peace over war, we believe it is indeed possible for adversaries, even those that share bitter histories, to come together for the sake of peace. We believe change can never come too late, and that it is indeed possible. 

The relationship between our two countries is testament to this. The Netherlands is a former colonial power but is now supporting development and economic growth across the developing world, including in former Dutch colonies.

We are grateful to the Netherlands for its support during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the provision of personal protective equipment and a substantial contribution to our Solidarity Fund.

As South Africa, we derive great benefit from our relationship with the Netherlands. This is something I underscored in my engagement with Prime Minister Rutte during his visit a few months ago.

Our countries have been able to collaborate in international fora on the promotion of democratic values, human rights, and the role of women in peace and security. I have been fortunate to engage Her Majesty the Queen on our shared interest in the promotion of financial inclusion for women on the African continent.

The Netherlands is one of our major trading partners. Our total trade has doubled between 2019 and 2022 and the Netherlands remains one of the most important investors in this country. South Africa is also a leading destination for Dutch tourists.

You are accompanied by a large business delegation, and I am confident they will have constructive engagements with their South African counterparts. 

Our bilateral relationship spans agriculture, education and skills development, transport and logistics, science and innovation, water management and others. 

Our energy cooperation is increasing, notably in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy.

I understand that our Foreign Ministers held a successful meeting of our Joint Commission yesterday and we look forward to receiving their report.

I am pleased to note that your delegation includes a large academic component, because cooperation between our universities has shown great growth since the advent of democracy in our country.

Ours is a strategic partnership that we can be proud of. It has evolved, matured and is increasingly of mutual benefit. May our shared values and common commitment to development guide us as we write a new history for South Africa-Dutch relations.

We look forward to expanding the horizons of this relationship well into the future. 

I now invite you, Your Majesty, to make your opening statement.

I thank you.