Your Excellency, Prime Minister Matekane,
Honourable Ministers,
Our respective High Commissioners,
Senior Government Officials,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your Excellency, 

I am pleased to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. 

It is indeed a pleasure to co-chair this Inaugural Session of the South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission.

South Africa attaches great importance to its bilateral relations and cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Our relationship is anchored in historic bonds of language, culture and heritage.

We recall with gratitude that the Kingdom of Lesotho provided shelter and support to South Africa’s liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid. 

Economic relations between our two countries have grown over the years and continue to mutually benefit our respective peoples. 

South African businesses in Lesotho contribute to job creation while Lesotho’s water resources continue to benefit South Africa. 

It is important for the governments of both countries to work together to resolve challenges faced by businesses and put in place mechanisms to ensure that investments are protected.

The elevation of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho to a Bi-National Commission is a testament to the unwavering commitment by our two countries to further bolster our relations for mutual benefit.

South Africa highly appreciates the cooperation on water resources between the two countries. In particular, we welcome Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a vital development to enhance water security in the Gauteng province and other parts of South Africa. 

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project also contributes to job creation in Lesotho and the construction of new roads, bringing access to previously inaccessible areas of Lesotho. South Africa is ready to cooperate with Lesotho to resolve any challenges that may arise in the implementation of the project. 

South Africa is keen to work with the Kingdom of Lesotho on the four proposed renewable energy projects. 

In the face of the worsening effects of climate change, we need to be making significant investments to ensure water and energy security for our peoples into the future.

Our respective ministers should continue their engagements so that we can see progress on these proposed developments.

We welcome the commitment of the government of Lesotho to cooperate with South Africa to deal with challenges of illegal mining in our country. Such activity carries a great social and economic cost for both our countries.  

We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of the lives of illegal miners in Harmony Gold Mine in Welkom. Our respective governments are working with the mining company on the best methods and plan to retrieve the bodies of the miners without endangering the rescue personnel. 
 
We welcome the commitment made by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister to prioritise the implementation and completion of the comprehensive National Reforms Process. 

We commend the government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for finalising the Action Plan to monitor the completion of the reforms process.

Please be assured that South Africa will continue to support the SADC Panel of Elders and Mediation Reference Group initiative in assisting Basotho to complete the National Reform Process.

Thank you once again, Prime Minister, for paying a working visit to South Africa to co-chair this historic Inaugural Session of the Bi-National Commission.  

I wish to thank our respective Ministers and Senior Officials for their hard work and preparation for this meeting.

I look forward to the presentation of the report on the Ministerial Session and to productive deliberations.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa’s participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.  

The President delivered South Africa’s National Statement on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.

On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.

The  President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture. 

President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order. 

"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa. 

The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where the President joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.

The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

President Ramaphosa said: “Financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation.”

The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa’s support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of  U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Cyril Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic, and trade ties.

These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. 
 
Another highlight of the President’s Working Visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa’s hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum,  (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November 2023.

President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States’ Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.

In his assessment of UNGA78 President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally. 

“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally." 

The President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers that included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President  -  +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa’s Armed Forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.
 
The SAS Manthatisi was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer (VERTREP) by means of a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter, when high waves swept seven crew members out to sea.
 
Rough seas affected the rescue and recovery operation in which the National Sea Rescue Institute assisted.
 
While all crew members were recovered, three fatalities were recorded. Other crew members, including a senior officer in a critical condition, are being treated in hospital.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “This is a sad loss for our nation and for our brave armed forces in particular who routinely face danger in order so that all of us can be safe and secure.
 
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, commanders and colleagues of the crew members we have lost.
 
“We wish the injured personnel a full recovery from the physical and psychological trauma they experienced during this tragedy.
 
“We also appreciate the efforts of all role players who, at great risk to themselves, undertook the rescue and recovery operation.”
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, at Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Prince Mangosuthu passed away in the early hours of Saturday, 09 September 2023, at the recently celebrated age of 95.

The Prince of KwaPhindangene served as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation and was the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

He also served as the first Minister of Home Affairs of the democratic South Africa.

As preparations unfold for memorial events, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues - including Members of Parliament - and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader.

The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.

The Prince’s funeral will entail elements of military honours.

The President has directed that flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from today, Tuesday, 12 September 2023, until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency notes and welcomes the dismissal of Mr. JG Zuma's leave to appeal the setting aside of his private prosecution of the President. As we have always maintained from the onset, the private prosecution had no basis in law and constituted an abuse of private prosecution provisions.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa, government ministers and the leaders of organised labour (COSATU, FEDUSA, NACTU and SAFTU) met in a virtual meeting today, 12 September 2023 and agreed to work much more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy.

This agreement is critical to accelerate efforts to deliver lasting and sustainable progress in building an inclusive economy, creating jobs and tackling poverty and inequality.

The meeting discussed amongst other issues the immediate measures needed to unblock economic growth and create employment.

Participants agreed that urgent steps must be taken to deal with low growth and the unemployment crisis.

Organised labour committed to working with government to end load shedding and achieve energy security, improve the efficiency of the freight logistics system and reduce violent crime and protect economic infrastructure.

Representatives from organised labour raised several related issues including the current fiscal situation, the structure of the economy, state-owned enterprises, strengthening the public services, tackling crime and corruption, local government and providing economic and social relief, particularly to poor South Africans.

“Given the scale of the challenge, we require support from all social partners to urgently accelerate implementation of government’s plans and drive additional interventions. While there is encouraging progress, the energy shortfall remains the single biggest constraint on economic growth. We need to accelerate and expand our efforts even further, not only to overcome the immediate crisis, but to fundamentally reform our energy sector and ensure that we never face such a shortfall again,” said President Ramaphosa.

“Organised Labour welcomed the engagement and hopes it will be the beginning of further discussions on various measures to grow the economy, create jobs, rebuild the state and tackle crime and corruption.  Labour is deeply concerned about the variety of crises affecting our State Owned Enterprises, municipalities, government, the economy and workers.  They require decisive action to resolve them.  It is critical these interventions are directed towards the fundamental causes of our many challenges and that they uplift the poor and protect the hard won rights of workers.  Measures must capacitate the state to deliver quality public services, unlock economic growth and set the nation on a sustainable path,” said Organised Labour Overall Convenor Gerald Twala.

The meeting agreed that addressing unemployment and poverty was an immediate imperative that will improve social and political stability, creating a virtuous cycle that supports growth.

The Presidency emphasised the opportunity to build on existing interventions with proven track records of success, including the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service and the SME Fund.

The Presidency further highlighted the need to expand and scale these initiatives through wider engagement to drive participation and uptake, as well to identify regulatory, policy and other measures to support and grow SMMEs and unlock job creation at scale.

President Ramaphosa and labour leaders agreed that further in-depth engagement is needed to fully address the issues raised. In this regard a follow-up in-person meeting will soon be convened to build on today’s discussion.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in accordance with Section 194(3) (b) of the Constitution, removed Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane from the Office of the Public Protector on the grounds of misconduct and incompetence.
 
The removal of Advocate Mkhwebane follows the National Assembly (NA) debate and vote on the Section 194 committee report, which found Adv. Mkhwebane to have misconducted herself and that she was incompetent.

The National Assembly resolved with the requisite two-thirds majority that Advocate Mkhwebane be removed from the Office of the Public Protector for misconduct and incompetence.

Section 194(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates that when the National Assembly adopts a resolution for the removal of the Public Protector, the President “must” remove the Public Protector from the office.

Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has informed Advocate Mkhwebane of the action to remove her from the Office of the Public Protector.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya will tomorrow, 14 September 2023, host a media briefing to update the public on the President’s public programme.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date:  Thursday, 14 September 2023
Time:  13:30 (Media to arrive at 13:00)
Venue:  Room 159, Union Buildings, Pretoria 
 
RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to Shadi Baloyi on shadi@presidency.gov.za or 072 571 6415 by 12h00 on 14 September 2023

Media following remotely can text their questions to 072 571 6415, the media briefing will be streamed live and the link will be shared prior. 
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President of the UN General Assembly, Amb Dennis Francis,
UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres,
Your Excellencies,

We have witnessed with increasing alarm the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable production and resource scarcity on human health and well-being. 

As countries across the globe seek practical ways to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple crises, we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to set the global economy on a more equitable, environmentally sustainable and low-carbon developmental trajectory.

Despite having little responsibility for causing global warming, Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world. Like other parts of the Global South, the continent is significantly affected by climate change. 

As such, climate actions cannot be separated from the drive for sustainable and inclusive development. 

The science sends a clear message that the world is not on track to meet the goals contained in the Paris Agreement.  

This Climate Ambition Summit must therefore instill the necessary urgency and propel the actions that we need now to prevent the destruction of our planet and the devastation of our societies. 

Developed economy countries in particular must act with urgency to accelerate the reduction of emissions, fulfil their obligations and honour past promises.

Earlier this month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

To achieve this vision of economic transformation, African leaders have called on the international community to support efforts to massively increase Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.

They are seeking investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies to decarbonise the transport, industrial and electricity sectors in African countries.

They have called for support to strengthen actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification. And to boost agricultural yields through sustainable agricultural practices.

Structural reform is needed to promote transitions that are just and inclusive.

Global and regional trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. Trade-related environmental tariffs and non-tariff barriers must be the product of multilateral agreements. They must not be unilateral, arbitrary or discriminatory.

The multilateral financial system must build resilience to climate shocks and better leverage the balance sheets of multilateral development banks to scale up concessional finance. Developing economy countries also require new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage.

The system needs to provide interventions for debt management and relief to prevent debt default. The actions necessary now must not place an undue burden on the citizens of tomorrow.

Financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation.

Due to regulatory changes and a surge of investment, South Africa has a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects in development that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity. 

South Africa has established a Just Transition Framework to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice.

We are committed to building resilience to the impact of climate change and reducing our emissions in ways that are appropriate to our national circumstances and development pathways.

As South Africa, and as the African continent, we are working to give substance to our assertion that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.

This Summit must demonstrate that the leaders of the world are committed to to ambitious climate actions that are inclusive, comprehensive and leave no one behind.
    
I thank you.

President of the UN General Assembly, Amb Dennis Francis,
UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres,
Your Excellencies,

Humanity is confronted with the convergence of a climate crisis, recession, increasing conflict, environmental degradation, rising food insecurity, deepening poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.

When the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was agreed upon, the overarching principle was that the most vulnerable would receive the support they needed.

Yet, at a time when solidarity was needed most, agreed international commitments were not honoured. Principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities are not being respected.

Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south. 

The Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides concrete plans for supporting development and we again call on our partners to support these plans. 

We welcome numerous initiatives to assist the most pressing needs of countries in dire stress. These include the Food Shock Window, Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment.

However, sustainable and inclusive growth requires that more be done. 

We must strengthen and reform the international financial architecture. 

Developing economy countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic order.

The mandates of multilateral development banks must be reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies. 

We must assert the principle of country ownership. 

Multilateral development banks should support projects and programmes that are aligned to the development priorities and climate commitments of these countries.

The international tax system must reflect the diverse needs and capacities of both developed and developing economies. 

More innovation is required to enable the private sector to play a greater role in addressing the finance gap. This includes a new approach to blended finance with a focus on the developmental impact of investments. 

Credit ratings of developing economies, and African economies in particular, need to be based on economic fundamentals and not on subjective assessments. 

Public finance is critical for development. 

Developed economy countries need to fulfil their commitment to contribute at least 0.7 percent of their Gross National Income towards Official Development Assistance. They also need to fulfil their commitment to mobilise 100 billion dollars a year to tackle climate change. 

As South Africa, we therefore welcome the recommended actions contained in Secretary-General’s Report on ‘Our Common Agenda’.

In the interests of our common progress and the survival and prosperity of future generations, we must act now.

South Africa encourages all world leaders, global institutions and private sector partners to work together to address the current crises, close the finance divide, reduce inequality, eradicate poverty and make sure that no-one is left behind.

I thank you.