PUBLIC PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT 

6 August 2023 - Closing Ceremony of the Netball World Cup 2023

At the invitation of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Zizi Kodwa, President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend and address the Closing Ceremony of the Netball World Cup 2023 on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

The President is particularly pleased with the gallant effort and competitive display shown by the National Netball Team, The Spar Proteas. The successful hosting of the Netball World Cup 2023 has once again affirmed South Africa’s endowment with world-class destinations that can host the world for any global showpiece.  

9 August 2023 - Women's Day Celebrations, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

As South Africa observes Women’s Month in August, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, deliver the keynote address at the Women’s Day national commemorative event to be held at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, in the Western Cape. 

Women’s Month 2023 will be commemorated under the overarching theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women”. 
Every year, we observe this month to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against Pass Laws. 

This year marks 67 years since the watershed 1956 women’s march which was one of the largest demonstrations staged in the country’s history. It was underpinned by the adoption of the Women’s Charter of 1954.

For President Ramaphosa, is it quite fitting that as we celebrate Women’s Month and are reminded of the heroics of the brave women that shaped our struggle for freedom, we are witnessing the boldness of the Women’s National Football Team, Banyana Banyana. Without a professional league and big sponsors, Banyana Banyana, have risen to conquer our continent and they are now making their mark on the world stage. The President calls on the leadership of the sport and those associated with the game to ensure that the equal pay for equal work principle is adhered to in football and in all women’s sports.   

11 August 2023 - District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 11 August 2023, interact with the community of Chris Hani District in Eastern Cape Province during the 9th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo as a continuous Government programme that seeks to ensure an integrated, district-based service delivery approach that fast tracks service delivery. 

The President will be concluding the first round of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Eastern Cape Province, after interacting with communities across all provinces since March 2022. 

The community engagement will take place at the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (Ward 8), Tsomo Town, Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape. 

17 August 2023 - SADC Summit, Luanda, Angola

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda in the Republic of Angola to attend the 43rd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, which takes place on 17 August 2023. The Summit will take place under the theme “Human and Financial capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region”. 

This Ordinary SADC Summit will be preceded by the Organ Troika on Politics, Defense and Security Summit, for which South Africa is the outgoing chair, on 16 August 2023. 

The Troika is responsible for the promotion of peace and security in the SADC region. 

22 August 2023 - Incoming China State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on 22 August 2023, welcome his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping to South Africa for a State Visit, which will be hosted at the Union Buildings. Over and above formal talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with China, there will be a number of memorandums of agreement that will be signed on the day. 

31 August 2023 - SAPS Biology Section with DNA Analysis

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on 31 August 2023 officiate the opening of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Biology Section with DNA Analysis within the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape Province.

The expansion of the laboratory will include the installation of advanced equipment to analyse DNA, which will address the backlog experienced in the analysis of DNA and the fight against crime, especially Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

President extends condlences on the passing of Former President Henri Konan Bédié of Côte d’Ivoire

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, extended condolences to the Bédié family, the Government and the people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, following the passing of the former Ivorian President, Mr Henri Konan Bédié.

Mr Bédié served as the Ivorian President from 1993 until 1999.

A visit by former President Bédié to South Africa in September 1998 was the first by an Ivorian Head of State. Through the visit, deeper relations between the two countries were forged.

President Ramaphosa said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family of former President Bédié and to the people of Côte d’Ivoire in general. We mourn with them and share in their loss.”

The passing of former President Bédié comes at a time when the African continent is faced with great challenges which require continental cooperation and unity to advance the goals of the African Union for peace, security, and development.

It is therefore imperative that Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa work together to bring peace and stability to the continent.

Advancing South Africa's international interests - Working Visit to the Russian Federation

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation. The President highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments. 

President Ramaphosa concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture. 

The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development. 

Joint Statement issued following the engagement between the Leaders of the African Peace Initiative and the President of the Russian Federation

On 28 July 2023, in Saint-Petersburg, the leaders of the seven countries leading the African Peace Initiative and the President of the Russian Federation continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.

African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:

- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal
- President Yoweri  Museveni of the Republic of Uganda
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley  Kakubo.

The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul.

The Leaders also called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 thousand tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.

The Leaders agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened.

Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

On Wednesday, 2 August 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada. In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future. 

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20.

Lady R Panel Investigation

The Panel concluded its investigations on 18 July 2023 in accordance with the established deadline. The panel received a late submission, which caused a minor delay. However, the Chair of the panel did not request a deadline extension. On Friday, 4 August 2023, the report will be completed and will be ready to be handed to the President as soon as his schedule permits. Following the President’s consumption of the report, he will decide on the actions to be followed and on the aspects of the report that will be made public. 
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi a speedy recovery.

Prince Buthelezi has been unwell and is hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

President Ramaphosa has communicated with the Buthelezi family, who have briefed him about Prince Buthelezi’s health condition.

The President has expressed his well wishes and conveyed that his heartfelt prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and the family. 
 

Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

• The partnership between the South African Government and business has mobilised teams to start delivering meaningful progress toward South Africa’s economic growth
• Key actions have been agreed to urgently accelerate progress across the priority focal areas of energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption 

The South African Presidency, various Government departments, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Business for South Africa (B4SA), and Business Leadership South Africa today announced that progress has been made within the key focal areas of energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption, in order to grow the economy and restore investor and public confidence. 

In a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa, members of Cabinet and senior business leaders, Government and business agreed that we have a window of opportunity to urgently implement initiatives in these priority focal areas to reverse the economic downturn and rebuild confidence in the country’s trajectory.

President Ramaphosa commented, “This collaboration is built on the recognition that we need to take bold and urgent action to confront these challenges and place South Africa on a trajectory of growth and job creation. It is built on a shared vision for our country – as a thriving constitutional democracy in which the rule of law is sacrosanct, as a dynamic and fast-growing economy, and as a society in which no person is left behind. We welcome the emphasis on strategic partnerships and focused interventions, which has enabled us to make significant progress in a short space of time”.

After the first year of the implementation of the National Energy Crisis Committee's (NECOM’s) Energy Action Plan (EAP), significant progress has been made on key objectives, including a focused plan to end load shedding, numerous regulatory reforms and streamlining of regulatory approvals as well as implementing key steps to rapidly increase private sector investment in energy.

Business’ support has been mobilised in critical areas, including Eskom technical support on optimising the diesel supply chain at Ankerlig, supporting the return of additional units at Kusile and supporting four key power stations to assist Power Station managers with turnaround plans at those facilities. 

Business technical teams are working through NECOM to assist the planning and implementation of key energy reforms, including planning for efficient Grid access and expansion. All these interventions aim to recover c.5.4GW over the next 12 months.

“We are pleased with the progress we have made in ensuring that a block exemption has been granted from certain terms of the Competition Act, to both energy suppliers and users. This will enable greater collaboration between competitors on specific energy matters. Government has also launched the One Stop Shop which is an important step to streamline and assist with regulatory approvals, and bring GW’s onto the grid as soon as possible,” said Hon. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade and Industry and Competition.

The National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been formally constituted with participation from relevant government departments, Transnet and business. Four Corridor Recovery Teams have been established focusing on strategic commodity export supply chains in coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome and magnetite to jointly address performance constraints.

An additional Container Corridor Recovery team is being constituted with representatives from all major shipping lines, agriculture and automotive sectors. A significant milestone was achieved with the appointment by Transnet of an international terminal operator to partner in the Durban Pier 2 container terminal.

The Joint Initiative against Crime and Corruption (JICC) has also been constituted, with senior representatives from law enforcement agencies and business. Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) is being established as an independent structure and will co-ordinate the interface with Government. A special purpose vehicle for establishing digital and data forensic capabilities for the NPA – on an arm’s length basis - is being set up.

Initiatives to support the SAPS to aid crime detection and response have been identified, including optimising the 10111 help line. These initiatives are governed by a clear framework and guidelines to ensure that this support respects and enhances the independence of the criminal justice system. 

The progress that is being made has led to over 115 leading CEOs already signing a pledge to support the country and assist in realising its vast potential, and ultimately enable increased investment, growth and employment. More CEOs and their companies are committing every day.

Adrian Gore, Group CEO of Discovery and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Vice President commented, “What makes this CEO commitment different is that it isn’t simply a pledge, but a broad group of business leaders from multiple industries and sectors, actively involved in the various focal areas, who have offered resources and capacity to assist. This, coupled with active engagement by key decision makers within Government is what makes this intervention different.” 

Cas Coovadia, CEO of BUSA emphasised the importance of adhering to established timeframes and achieving deliverables for each priority area: “The focus is on achieving agreed targets and improving performance in key action areas. If we neglect or delay critical decisions needed to accelerate our much-needed growth ambitions to build the economy and tackle poverty, inequality and unemployment, there will be many more years of challenge, frustration and despondency. We need to act, together, with immediate urgency”.   

Research conducted by PWC and Sanlam demonstrates that if progress is made within the three focal areas, they are likely to make a contribution to GDP of at least at 3%. A higher rate of economic growth is essential to create meaningful jobs – the majority of which (88%) are within the private sector. 

In order to build on the progress made thus far, the meeting agreed on a number of critical next steps to restore confidence. These include the following:

• Working to expedite the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill within the Sixth Parliament, following its tabling in the National Assembly on 20 July 2023. The ERA Bill is crucial to ending load shedding, expediting energy development, expanding transmission infrastructure, establishing a competitive electricity market, and attracting investment in the energy sector.

• Completing the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA). This is necessary to create a level playing field for electricity generators and enable increased investment in transmission infrastructure.

• Fully operationalizing the One Stop Shop to fast-track renewable energy projects. This includes ensuring that adequate capacity and systems are in place to facilitate authorisations for energy projects and reduce lead times to construction.

• Finalising the Freight Logistics Roadmap. This will outline the short and long term actions to support operational recovery and fundamentally reform the logistics system. Implementation of the roadmap will be coordinated by a dedicated work stream of the NLCC, focused on structural reform. Implementation of these actions could increase export revenues by an estimated R50 billion by 2024. It is expected that a draft roadmap will be agreed by the end of August 2023, with the objective of Cabinet approval by September 2023.

• Addressing procurement challenges and putting in place a fit-for-purpose procurement regime for state-owned enterprises. This is necessary to enable greater speed and efficiency while preserving and strengthening the integrity of the procurement system.

• Finalising the NPA Amendment Bill to establish the Investigating Directorate (ID) as a permanent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority with investigating powers. This is a key commitment of the response to the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, and will bolster the independence and capability of the ID to fight complex corruption-related crimes. The NPA Amendment Bill will be approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament by the end of August 2023 to give effect to this goal.

• Operationalising the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption. The JICC is being operationalised, including identifying clear focus areas and establishing appropriate structures to facilitate support.

B4SA SteerCo Chair, Martin Kingston, added, “This national response has started well, and has again highlighted the opportunity to harness the resources and goodwill of all groups in society. There is still much to be done and many specific interventions to be agreed and urgently, and properly, implemented. Added momentum and impetus will be provided by harnessing the combined skills, expertise and other resources of the business community, which we firmly believe will help reset the country’s economic and social path. South Africa no longer has the benefit of time to address these issues and all B4SA workstreams will continue to focus on urgently driving the immediate, rational and pragmatic choices to guide our collective actions, ultimately to achieve economic restoration and sustainable, inclusive growth for all South Africans”.

“Another vital component to the collaboration between business and government is the ongoing enablement of small and medium sized businesses, which are at the coal face of some of the challenges we are seeking to resolve. We need to enhance funding and access to market support as an instrument for job creation. Recognising the importance of SMMEs and the informal economy in this regard, further work is being undertaken to identify what we can do to support their growth,” said Hon. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Small Business.

“I look forward to receiving further progress reports on the work that is underway in each of these areas, and to identifying the critical next steps that we need to take to consolidate our efforts. As we do so, we must not neglect the importance of putting forward a coherent and consistent public narrative to restore confidence in our economy. Without minimising the steep challenges that we face, we must respond to the relentless negativity about our country which has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We must be realistic about the depth of these challenges, while recognising the extraordinary potential of our country and our economy if we work together to overcome them,” said President  Ramaphosa.

Media enquiries:

The Presidency:
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - +27 82 835 6315

Business for South Africa:
Julian Gwillim, Aprio - julian@aprio.co.za / +27 82 452 4389
Esme Arendse, Arpio - esme@aprio.co.za / +27 82 694 7643

Note to editors:  

About Business Unity South Africa (BUSA): BUSA is a leading business organisation that represents the interests of South African business, covering major sectors and industrial groupings. BUSA aims to create an enabling environment for business success and economic growth in the country by engaging with government, labour unions, and civil society. 

About Business for South Africa (B4SA): B4SA is a BUSA platform, bringing together key South African business leaders to address urgent national challenges and drive economic recovery. B4SA focuses on key priority areas and works in close collaboration with government counterparts to find innovative solutions and create a positive impact for all South Africans.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the final match of the Netball World Cup 2023 and deliver brief remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the competition in Cape Town on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

South Africa has been the first African host of this global tournament which has been staged at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

President Ramaphosa has commended South Africa’s national team, the Spar Proteas, on their gallant progress through the pool stage of the tournament.

President Ramaphosa said: “As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.

“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency invites all South Africans to use August, as the final month for nominations for National Orders, to identify persons nationally and globally who have served the nation or attained personal achievement in exceptional ways.
 
National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
 
The President as the fount (holder, cradle, main source) of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility.
 
The Chancellor of National Orders, Ms Phindile Baleni, calls on citizens to make nominations for National Orders as part of sustaining the integrity, inclusiveness and diversity of this institution of social cohesion and nation-building.
 
Ms Baleni said: “The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
 
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
 
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order.”
 
The birth of a non-racial and non-sexist democracy in South Africa in 1994 necessitated a review of the system of National Orders.
 
A review was conducted from May 1998 by the newly-instituted President's Advisory Council on National Orders and the Orders were progressively instituted in 2002 and 2003.
 
The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement.
 
The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. It is an award for exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories: business and the economy: science, medicine and technological innovation, and community service.
 
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries. It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity and support. The Order constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.
 
The Order of Luthuli is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.
 
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
 
The Mendi Decoration for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.
 
Nomination forms that outline simple guidelines to proposers of nominees can be downloaded at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785
 
Submissions must include:
• an introductory paragraph with a summary of the nominee’s achievements
• a list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/or international arena, and
• a description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee.
 
The closing date for nominations: 31 August 2023.
 
Details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be provided at a later date.
 
Email: nominations@presidency.gov.za
Fax: 086 646 5373
 
Postal address: The Chancery of Orders, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 Delivery address: Chancery of Orders, The Presidency, Room 225, East Wing.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the review report of the National Development Plan (NDP) presented by the National Planning Commission (NPC) on Tuesday, 1 August 2023 at the Union Buildings. 

The NPC briefed the President about their findings having reviewed the country’s progress against the objectives and targets of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP) in the past decade. The NDP, which was drafted by the first Commission in the 2010-2012 period and adopted by all parties represented in Parliament in 2012, is the long-term plan for national development. It provides guidance for all Government policy formulation and implementation. 

In this regard, Government uses the Medium-Term Strategic Framework in order to implement the NDP in a structured manner, across Government departments and spheres. It is also used to mobilise all South Africans to take ownership of the country’s long-term plan, its objectives, and targets.

One of the main findings made in the Ten-Year Review of the NPC was that the economy was not only failing to grow at the rate required for the objectives of NDP to materialise, but the economy was also not structured to serve the interests of all South Africans, resulting in poverty and inequality remaining extremely high and persistent. 

The report further stated that the economic, social, and spatial legacies of apartheid, inappropriate economic policies that prevent redistribution, and the hollowing out of state capacity during the state capture years continue to undermine both South Africa’s competitiveness and the potential of its people. 

The review recommended that planning be institutionalised and made a cross-cutting imperative across the state and Government sector to enable the country to make the necessary progress towards the attainment of the NDP goals and targets.

“We need to embark on a course of action to get the country back on the developmental path envisaged by the Plan and place more focus on resolving key issues related to the provision of energy, addressing infrastructure backlogs including transport and freight, building state capacity, and addressing the apartheid spatial legacies,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. 

“Despite the challenges experienced, the objectives of eliminating poverty, and reducing unemployment and inequality, which are the overarching goals of the NDP, should and must remain the country’s priority if it is to uplift the conditions of its people,” said Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation and Chairperson of the Commission.

“The 10 Year Review of the NDP will assist us in identifying the systemic issues that limit the effectiveness of the state and its social partners in making greater progress. We need to be able to plan better, to integrate and coordinate the work of different departments and institutions, and to ensure that we are using our limited resources most effectively.

It is important that the State has the capacity to meet its developmental responsibilities, that it is appropriately structured that has the right people in the right places with the appropriate skills and ethos” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa committed his administration’s support to the commission and to ensure that the proposals presented are incorporated into Government across all departments and spheres. 

The President further underscored the importance of strong leadership and partnership with, labour, civil society, communities and business in effecting the envisaged change. 

The NPC is an independent planning body, comprising a diverse group of experts in various fields, appointed by the President to advise Government on the country’s long-term development as contained in the National Development Plan. 

Media enquiries:
 
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - +27 82 835 6315
Zarina Rahman – National Planning Commission - +27 82 345 2919  

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 04 August 2023, deliver the keynote address at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments convened by Deputy President and Leader of Government Business Paul Mashatile.

The two-day Dialogue, themed “Working together to build strong and resilient democratic institutions to serve the people”, aims to lay a foundation for a National Framework on Coalition Governments, which will serve as a guide for effectively managing and navigating coalition governments where they become necessary.

The Dialogue will bring together different sectors of society to work towards crafting a clear and predictable framework for coalition governments in South Africa, to ensure cohesive and effective governance.

Members of the media are invited as follows: 
Date: 04 - 05 August 2023
Time: 09h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: Jakes Gerwel Hall, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. 

Media representatives are requested to RSVP by Tuesday, 1 August, with the following details: Name and Surname, Media House, ID Number, Mobile Number to PontshoM@Presidency.gov.za.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315 or Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President  -  081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 11 August 2023, interact with the community of Tsomo Town in the Intsika Yethu local municipality in the Eastern Cape, in the latest District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo themed "Leave No One Behind." 

This Imbizo is the 9th since government commenced with this programme in March of 2022 in Mahikeng in the North West province.

The DDM is an integrated planning model for Cooperative Governance that seeks to ensure an integrated, district-based service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. 

The Presidential Imbizo serves as a platform for face-to-face engagement between citizens and senior government leaders, holding the administration accountable and allowing government to consult and update communities on development and service delivery in the relevant area. 

Tomorrow’s event in the broader Chris Hani District Municipality aims to foster collaboration between government, residents, businesses, community-based organisations, and traditional leadership, working towards transforming all districts in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa will engage with residents and stakeholders in the Chris Hani District, with a view to ensuring that citizens and all spheres of government work together to address concerns and overcome challenges that hinder integrated service delivery. 

The participation of leadership from the national, provincial and local is directed at maintaining accountability by public office bearers and the administration, and promoting collaboration.

Details of the DDM Presidential Imbizo are as follows:
Date: Friday, 11 August 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Intsika Yethu local municipality (ward 8), Tsomo Town, Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023. 

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.
 
The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.

The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa,
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Veteran of the women’s movement, Ms Sophia Williams-De Bruyn,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Cilliers Brink,
Members of Parliament,
Representatives of political parties,
Religious, traditional and community leaders,
Guests,

Fellow South Africans,

Molweni. Sanibonani. Dumelang. Goeie môre. Lotjhani. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Good Morning.

I greet all the women of South Africa on this Women’s Day.

Today, as men and women, we celebrate the beautiful mothers of our nation, our sisters, our grandmothers, our aunts, our daughters. Together, we thank the women of South Africa for the role they play in the life of our nation.

Today, we celebrate how far we have come in building a non-sexist society where women are free and equal and enjoy the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution.

We recall the suffering that women have endured for no reason other than that they are women.

We remember the courageous struggles waged by women against oppression; from those who stood up against colonialism and slavery to those who risked jail rather than carry the hated dompas.

We remember those women who took up arms against a violent regime, who organised workers to fight exploitation, who led political movements and civic organisations, and who were involved in the drafting of our new democratic Constitution.

Today of all days, we salute imbokodo, amaqhawekazi, the brave pioneers who marched to the Union Buildings on this day in 1956.

There are few moments more compelling in our history than the day when tens of thousands of women gathered in the amphitheatre of these Union Buildings.

We are still moved by the images of women like Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa, Sophie De Bruyn and Helen Joseph carrying armfuls of petitions from the women of South Africa.

We are honoured and privileged to have among us today one of those remarkable women, Aunt Sophie De Bruyn. We are grateful for your lifetime of service and continued contribution to the cause of women’s emancipation.

The women marched here to the Union Buildings, to the seat of apartheid power, to demand an end to laws that were intended to deprive them of their rights and dignity as black women.

Today, all the women of South Africa, whether they are black, white, Indian or coloured, have freedom and equal rights thanks to the bravery, activism and sacrifices of the generation of 1956.

Thanks to the struggles of women over the generations, all South African women have the right to vote, the right to work, the right to have control over their bodies, the right to property, to equality.

On this Women’s Day we pay tribute to imbokodo from across South Africa for their resilience.

Despite hardship, deprivation and many difficulties, South African women continue to stand strong. They bring up children, many of them as single parents. They run businesses, earn a living, learn skills, raise families, lead organisations and hold public office.

Even when opportunities are difficult to come by, South African women do not give up, running informal business, looking for work, providing care and being active in communities.

In every part of this country, women are taking charge of their destinies, inspiring others and driving change. They are excelling in areas once closed to women; as engineers, scientists, managers, pilots, farmers, judges, magistrates, athletes, marine pilots, and soldiers.

Women are the strength of our nation. Women carry our nation. Women prepare the next generation for a better future.

As a country we have come a long way in advancing the rights and freedoms of women.

As Government we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa. We call upon other key role players who control resources and can open opportunities for women to do so. Business is well placed to play a key role in this process of helping to improve the lives of the women of South Africa.

There are a number of things we should do and continue doing together. Some of them are:

1. Increase the representation of women in all structures that affect our lives as South African.

The women of our country said there should be is nothing about them without them. They demanded representation in every endeavour that affects the lives of South Africans.

Women must be well represented in key positions in government, in management, in the judiciary.

The representation of women in decision-making structures continues to improve.

In Cabinet, half of the Ministers are women.

In Parliament, in the judiciary, in the public service, in the armed forces, in the police and in many local councils, we are getting closer to gender parity.

Despite these gains, we need to do much more to achieve a society of true gender equality.


2. There must be policies and laws that focus and advance the lives of women. Our laws and policies must have a bias towards improving the lives of women.

Since the advent of democracy in 1994, we have put policies and laws in place to empower women, improve their lives and advance gender equality.

3. Our education must prioritise the advancement of women. We see some of these achievements in education.

South Africa has one of the highest female literacy rates in our region.

There is parity between girls and boys in primary school enrolment.

More female learners sit for matric than males. Female learners are achieving more bachelors passes.

Young women make up the majority of students enrolled in higher education institutions.

We still have the problem of girls dropping out of school, often due to domestic responsibilities. As a society and as families and as a nation we must ensure that our girls stay at school and finish school.

4. The health of women must be a key priority.

We should remember that it was President Nelson Mandela who decided, right at the dawn of our democracy, that pregnant women and children under six should get free health care.

Women’s health outcomes continue to improve as a result of progressive policies around reproductive health, antenatal care, HIV/Aids and other communicable diseases.

Even though women’s health outcomes have improved by a number of indicators, women still carry the largest share of the burden of HIV and are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.

Despite our laws, women and girls in many parts of the country still struggle to access reproductive health services.

5. The participation of women in our economy must be improved.

Our economy remains dominated by men. More women are unemployed than men.

Women are more likely to work part-time, unskilled and semi-skilled jobs and for lower pay. Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid care work.

As a result of all these factors, women are more vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity and hunger.

Even today, nearly three decades after the dawn of democracy, the face of poverty is a black women.

The emancipation of women therefore cannot be achieved without economic empowerment.

Women must also be breadwinners. They must have equal job opportunities and equal pay. They must be able to start, own and manage businesses.

Women need to have the financial security and independence to have control over their lives.

That is why we have prioritised investment in women’s economic empowerment.

We are determined to make the most of available resources to make a difference in the lives of young women, women with disabilities, rural women and LGBTQI+ women.

We are making a difference in the lives of women in SMMEs, in cooperatives and in the informal sector.

Among other things, government is supporting women’s economic empowerment through public procurement. We have made a commitment to allocate at least 40 per cent of public procurement to women-owned businesses.

While government departments are working in earnest to award more contracts to women-owned businesses, we need to do much more. As things stand, less than a third of the companies listed on the government’s central supplier database are women-owned.

We have trained more than 6,000 women entrepreneurs to take part in public procurement opportunities. The success of this programme has convinced us of the need to train many more entrepreneurs in their thousands.

The African Continental Free Trade Area will give women-owned businesses in South Africa and across the continent access to new markets and opportunities.

We are working with partners on opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the oceans economy and others.

The green economy presents immense potential for women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment, especially in renewable energy.

In a number of cities and towns there are many women who are established as green entrepreneurs working in recycling, in greening, in climate-smart agriculture and a number of other avenues.

We call on the business community to support women’s economic empowerment by partnering with small businesses as part of their green economy plans.

There is also immense opportunity for young women in public employment initiatives.

Since it was established in 2020, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has provided work and livelihood opportunities to more than 1.2 million people. Of the participants in the programme, more than 60 per cent are women.

We will ensure that our just transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient society protects the interests of women, as it does for all those affected, and that it offers opportunities for women workers and women-owned businesses.

Government is supporting women-owned businesses to expand and diversify.

We are specifically increasing our support for women-owned SMMEs through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency and others.

Working with the financial services sector, we are looking to close the gender gap so that women can access banking services and credit for their businesses.

As a country, we have the right policies and programmes in place. Led by the women of our country, we continue to develop policies that will advance their interests.

What we need now is to intensify the collective efforts of all social partners, including business, to do more to financially empower women.

Business, in particular, must follow government’s lead to set aside at least 40 per cent of their spending for the empowerment of women.

On Equal employment opportunities: Promoting gender equality in the labour market is essential for women's economic empowerment. This includes eliminating discriminatory practices and policies, promoting equal pay for equal work, and providing opportunities for women to access higher-paying and leadership positions.

Equal opportunities

Women must be given opportunities to lead - in Government, in management

6. Gender Based Violence and Fermicide must end

The violence perpetrated by men against women and girls is an assault on our common humanity. Women do not feel safe in their homes, on the street, in places of work and study and worship.
It was in response to this crisis that the first Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in 2018 made a firm commitment to undertake a comprehensive, effective and united response.

Through an extensive consultative process, the National Strategic Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was launched three years ago. Since then, it has made important progress.

Women complained that whenever women who had been abused or violated reported their abuse to police they re often met by insensitive police officers at police stations who do treat their cases with he seriousness and urgency they deserve.

We have listened to this and government has ensured that this injustice is addressed.

More than 12,000 police members have received training to respond effectively to gender-based violence and to focus on the needs of victims.

More than one million DNA collection kits have been delivered to police stations around the country since 2019 and there are now just over 1,000 victim friendly rooms at police stations countrywide.

Over the last year, we opened three new Thuthuzela Care Centres for victims of gender-based violence, bringing the national total to 62.

We are improving access to shelters and associated services for survivors of gender-based violence.

In January last year, I signed into law three key pieces of legislation, namely the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.

These new laws provide greater protection to survivors of gender-based violence, to ensure that perpetrators are no longer able to evade prosecution, and to strengthen measures to prevent gender-based violence.

We have responded to the call for tougher bail conditions for perpetrators.

Effective from earlier this month, no police bail may be granted to persons charged with rape or if the victim was in a domestic relationship with the perpetrator. Such bail applications must be formally applied for in court. If the accused was in a domestic relationship with the alleged victim, the court has to issue a protection order against them before releasing them on bail.

Also effective from earlier this month, gang or serial rapists face life imprisonment, as do perpetrators of date rape, marital rape, child rape and incest.

We are also piloting a system in a number of provinces that will enable victims of domestic violence to apply for protection orders online.

We congratulate all who have been part of ensuring that these progressive laws are rolled out as soon as possible.

Awareness raising and social behaviour change programmes are taking place in schools, at places of higher learning, in communities and through door-to-door campaigns.

And yet, despite progress on many fronts, women and children are still being abused, raped, assaulted and murdered by men.

This tells us that it is not enough for our laws to change, for our policing to improve, for survivors to receive better care and support.

7. Women in Sport

The women of our country are excelling in sport. Banyana Banyana and the Protea Netball Team did our country proud recently. Banyana Banyana won the African Women’s Cup and reached the top 16 in the Women’s FIFA World Cup and our Netball Team played very well and are now ranked 6th in the world.

As a country we are very proud of our women as they fly South Africa’s flag high. We need to pay them well and their pay must be equal to that of men and even exceed what we pay men.

8. We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives.

Society needs to change. Men need to change.

We need a movement as powerful as the women who marched on the Union Buildings to end violence against women and children.

We need a movement that includes every woman and man in this country, that brings together every church, mosque, temple and synagogue, that involves every workplace, school, college and university.

We need a movement that extends to every town and village, every farm and homestead, every home and hostel.

No-one can be left out and no-one can be left behind.

My fellow South Africans,

As we celebrate Women’s Day here at the Union Buildings, we are disturbed by the troubling events in the city of Cape Town.

This year, we were supposed to hold the national Women’s Day celebration in Khayelitsha in Cape Town. However, we had to move that event here to the Union Buildings because of violence associated with the taxi strike in the city.

While our democracy protects peaceful protest and lawful strike action, we strongly condemn the violence and destruction caused by this dispute.

We are appalled by the killings and assaults that have taken place.

Blocked roads lead to blocked business, blocked education and blocked health services, which will have long-lasting effects on life in the city.

We must uphold the law and we must solve problems through meaningful dialogue.

Today, we think of the women of Khayelitsha and the rest of Cape Town. We think about the men and the children and the families that are trying to go about their lives in peace and in safety.

We all have a responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods.

We all have a responsibility to build a safe and peaceful society.

We all have a responsibility to build a society in which every girl can realise her dreams and every women can live the life she wants.

We have come far. We have much further to go.

But working together as the women and men of South Africa, we will achieve the free and equal society for which generations of women have fought and strived.

I wish every South African a peaceful and blessed Women’s Day.

I thank you.