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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the nation on economic progress
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Fellow South Africans,
 
On Saturday night, South Africans watched with pride and joy as our national rugby team, the Springboks, became the world champions for the fourth time since the advent of democracy in our country.
 
As we all watched their progress towards the championship, we marvelled at their resilience and determination to overcome some of the best teams in the rugby world.
 
At moments when their cause seemed lost, they fought back and they emerged victorious. 

This victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration of our rugby players and their achievements.
 
We should also applaud our cricket team, the Proteas, who have been performing well in the Cricket World Cup. I spoke to the Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, and encouraged them to remain focused and told him that the entire nation supports and stands behind them. I also told him that I intend to travel to Mumbai in India to watch them play in the finals. 
 
As we confront the many severe challenges in our country, we draw hope and encouragement from the determination and the performance the Springboks and the Proteas have displayed.
 
The victory by the Springboks and the performance of the Proteas follows the victory of Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Our spirits were similarly lifted by the achievements of our national squad at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in June.

The determination and resilience of our teams have given credence to Madiba’s words that sports unites the nation. 

In their achievements, they have revealed much about the unity of the people of the country they represent.
 
As a people, we have shown before what is possible when we are united, when we are determined, when we try hard and when we refuse to give up. 

Together, we overcame apartheid, ended centuries of conflict and gave birth to a thriving democracy.

Together, we confronted and overcame the deadliest global pandemic in over a century. 
 
We are indeed stronger together.
 
As we reflect on these great achievements on the sporting field, we also need to reflect on our economic recovery and the further steps that we are taking to revive economic growth and improve the lives of our people.
 
As the latest census figures show, we have achieved great feats of human development since the beginning of democracy. 
 
Millions of South Africans have been raised out of poverty and now have housing and access to electricity, water, sanitation and other basic needs. Access to health care and education have been greatly expanded. 

Much more still needs to be done to make more progress.
 
Even over the last 10 years, we have been able to make significant strides.
 
For example, the percentage of households in formal dwellings rose from 78 percent in 2011 to 89 percent in 2022.
 
This is evidence of concrete progress, and should give us encouragement as we confront the challenges of the present.
 
This month, we mark three years since we embarked on the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which outlined the actions that we would take to rebuild our economy and create jobs in the wake of the pandemic. 

This recovery plan was accepted by many stakeholders in our country and is underpinned by our National Development Plan.
 
The last three years have been extremely challenging. 
 
We are emerging from more than a decade of stagnant economic growth, compounded by the impact of the pandemic. 
 
We are working to reverse the legacy of the past era of corruption and mismanagement of our state-owned enterprises, which has left us with a persistent energy crisis and an inefficient ports and rail network.
 
And we are contending with a range of global and domestic pressures which have set back our economic recovery.
 
And yet, there are clear signs that our efforts are showing results.
 
- Electricity supply is improving. 
- Jobs are being created. 
- Houses, roads, bridges and dams are under construction. 
- Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on criminal syndicates. 
- The proceeds of state capture are being recovered.
 
These are reasons for hope.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we put in place decisive public health interventions that saved many lives. 

To deal with negative economic effects of the pandemic, which resulted in the loss of more than 2 million jobs, we put in place an unprecedented stimulus package that lessened the damage to the economy.
 
Since then, in the midst of severe load shedding and increased global volatility, the economy has continued growing, albeit too slowly. The economy has shown a significant degree of resilience and is now larger than it was before the pandemic.
 
Over the last two years, the number of people with jobs has increased by two million, bringing the level of employment close to its pre-pandemic level.
 
A key element of the reconstruction and recovery plan was to expand social protection and public employment.
 
The special SRD Grant known as the R350 grant, which we introduced in 2020, has kept millions of people out of poverty, and continues to provide much-needed support for those who are unemployed.
 
The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created over 1.2 million opportunities since its establishment, representing the largest expansion of public employment in South Africa’s history.
 
Over 4 million young people have registered on the SAYouth online platform, and more than 1 million of these have been able to access opportunities for learning and earning.
 
Every one of those jobs created is a reason for hope. Every person who no longer lives in poverty is a reason for hope.

Another commitment we made in the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan was to fix South Africa’s infrastructure through renewed investment in maintenance and construction of new projects.
 
Several significant infrastructure projects are underway. These projects are both contributing to greater economic activity and jobs, and providing much-needed infrastructure for the growth of our economy and the needs of our people.
 
These infrastructure projects range from social housing, road construction, rural bridges, and dam constructions. 

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has to date restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors. To continue with the restoration of our commuter rail corridors, R50 billion will be spent over the next three years to modernise our passenger rail network.

As part of our infrastructure build we are undertaking significant water infrastructure projects. These include Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, 
 
The Mzimvubu water project in the Eastern Cape will involve an investment of R17 billion.
 
Around the country, water treatment works are being upgraded, pumping stations are being repaired, and pipes are being laid to get water to under-serviced areas.
 
We are making progress towards ending load shedding. 

Our greatest priority has been to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding to achieve energy security.
 
Over the last few months, there has been a measurable decline in the severity of load shedding. 
 
The Energy Action Plan that I announced in July last year is showing positive results, giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end. 
 
Regulatory reforms we have initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. 
 
Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500 MW in the last year.
 
The steady progress we are making in resolving the energy crisis is a reason for hope.

We are making progress in restoring our logistics system to world-class standards, so that we can export South African goods to global markets.
 
The National Logistics Crisis Committee is overseeing a range of interventions to stabilise and improve the performance of the logistics system in the short term, in addition to ongoing reform to improve its efficiency and competitiveness in the long term. 
 
The Transnet board has developed a turnaround plan which aims to increase volumes transported on our network.
 
Progress is also being made with the introduction of private sector participation in container terminals.
 
I want to make it clear that South Africa’s port, rail and electricity infrastructure are strategic national assets, and that they will remain in public ownership.
 
However, introducing competition in operations – both in electricity and in logistics – will create greater efficiency and reduce prices in the long term, just as the introduction of competition in the telecommunications sector has led to greater choice and enormous benefits for consumers.
 
We are also making progress in tackling crime and corruption.

The South African Police Service has established 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams throughout the country to protect critical infrastructure and tackle the “construction mafia.” We are seeing results in arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit hikes, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. 

Increasing the number of police men and women will further strengthen our capacity to curb acts of criminality. 

I have also extended the employment of 880 members of the SANDF to support the police in combating criminal activity that targets critical economic infrastructure.

The police have arrested several people for extortion at construction sites and made over 3,000 arrests for illegal mining.
 
Through the intensive efforts of our law enforcement agencies, dozens of illegal mines, unregulated coal yards and unregistered second hand dealers have been shut down.

The Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks, coal and other metals.

Every arrest made and every length of cable recovered is a reason for hope.

We are making progress in the fight against corruption, including bringing those responsible for state capture to justice.
 
Over the last four years, the NPA Investigating Directorate has taken 34 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons.
 
Freezing orders of R14 billion have now been granted to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for state capture related cases. Around R5.4 billion has to date been recovered and returned to the state.
 
As recommended by the State Capture Commission, we are putting in place laws, institutions and practices that reduce the potential for corruption of any sort and on any scale.
 
We are continuing to build meaningful compacts with key stakeholders in a number of areas. 

To support our efforts of enhancing collaboration, we have established a partnership with business to work together in four critical areas – energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and employment. 
 
We continue to collaborate with organised labour and civil society to ensure a whole-of-society approach to addressing the most important challenges our country faces.
 
All of this gives us hope that we are turning the tide on the many challenges that we face.

Our economic challenges are severe.

 Despite the progress we are making, poverty, inequality and unemployment remain high. 

We continue to face domestic and global pressures, and our economy is growing too slowly for us to overcome the challenges facing our country.
 
Load shedding has constrained economic growth. The underperformance of the ports and rail network is affecting our ability to get exports to market.
 
Government spending has exceeded revenue since the 2008 global financial crisis, without a commensurate increase in economic growth.
 
As the Minister of Finance has noted, for every Rand that Government collects in revenue, 18 cents go towards servicing our national debt. 
 
This means that we are now paying more in interest on our national debt than we are budgeting for the police force. 
 
Ultimately, more rapid and inclusive growth is the only solution to unemployment, poverty and inequality. Growth is also necessary for the sustainability of public finances. 
 
Building on the progress we have already made, Government will accelerate the implementation of economic reforms over the next six months. 
 
To address the weaknesses in many of our municipalities, we are undertaking interventions in local government.
 
As national Government, we are driving a number of interventions to support a rapid turn-around in local government services such as water and sanitation, electricity, roads and waste collection. 
 
These interventions are accelerating service delivery where basic services have collapsed.
 
While addressing the immediate problems, we are introducing necessary institutional reforms and professionalisation in the appointment of senior municipal officials.
 
The achievement of sustained and inclusive growth requires a stable macroeconomic environment. 
 
A sustainable fiscal trajectory is a precondition for growth.
 
We therefore remain absolutely committed to stabilising our levels of debt and adopting a responsible fiscal policy.
 
The Minister of Finance will set out Government’s plans to achieve this trajectory in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday.
 
Spending on health, education, policing, and other essential services will be protected as far as possible.
 
As we move to target spending on programmes that are working for the poor, we need to acknowledge that our social grants, including the SRD Grant, as well as our public employment programmes, are vital in supporting those who are vulnerable. 

These programmes have not only reduced poverty, but have enabled recipients to search for jobs and to engage in other economic activity to support their livelihoods. 

The Minister of Finance will provide more details of these and other spending priorities when he presents the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday.

Today marks the start of the 2023 National Senior Certificate exams for close on one million learners. 
 
Over the next weeks, our learners will prove the value of hard work, dedication and the investment that we have made as a nation in the education of our young people.
 
We wish them the very best, confident that they will make the country proud.
 
There are many reasons for hope. We have made significant progress in reforming our economy to make it more inclusive and to achieve a higher rate of growth.
 
We are on track to resolve the most important constraints on economic growth by stabilising our energy supply and fixing our logistics network.
 
The reforms underway will propel economic growth in South Africa in the years to come, resulting in a stable supply of electricity, a working railway, and more jobs for all South Africans.
 
On our way to rebuilding our economy there are a number of strengths that stand us in good stead. We have a strong and sophisticated financial sector, a strong and effective civil society, a functional democracy, an independent Judiciary, a stable macroeconomic framework underpinned by a capable National Treasury and an independent Reserve Bank.
 
We have collectively embarked on a journey of economic reform which will set our country on a path to higher growth and more jobs. The concerted efforts of all South Africans are starting to show results in many areas.
 
If we take a short term view of our current challenges, we may not see the transformation that is underway or the benefits that these reforms will have for our country. 
 
I am confident that through the actions we are taking now, we will overcome the challenges we face and build a society that works for all of its people.
 
We have much more to do. But like the Springboks, we have the determination and commitment to overcome any challenge.
 
Our victorious Springboks will return home tomorrow. 

We will welcome them with great joy and jubilation. They will conduct a victory tour around the country and I will receive them at the Union Buildings later this week. 

I want us to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as we have given our support to the Springboks. 

I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup. 

I know that many of us want us to have a holiday now to celebrate. But we should all agree that we should give our matriculants time to focus on their exams and celebrate afterwards. 

In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women – and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation – I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
 
We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity.

Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible.

We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no-one behind.
 
I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa to attend the P&G Investment Launch
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 07 November 2023, attend the Procter and Gamble (P&G) South Africa Investment Launch and Commissioning of Premium care products in Kempton Park, Johannesburg as part of South Africa’s investment drive.

In 2018, the President initiated the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) with the ambitious goal of attracting R1.2 trillion in investments over five years.

Over the years, P&G has been a valuable partner to the South African government through the SAIC, continually announcing new investments. 

The cumulative P&G investment announcements in the country has amounted to R900 million, with a commitment to unveil more investments in collaboration with the government.

P&G’s economic footprint has seen the creation of over 4 000 direct and indirect jobs within its value chain and these investments will create hundreds more jobs.

The event will highlight the impact of attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the country as a pillar to achieving the goals of the NDP 2030 and highlight the importance of public-private partnerships and fostering of a stronger US- South Africa relations.

NOTE TO MEDIA: A media pool arrangement is in place for the event. The event will be live streamed on all PresidencyZA digital platforms with the  programme scheduled to commence from 14h00.


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to address the Nation
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 30 October 2023, address the Nation.

eNCA will provide a feed to all media and PresidencyZA will live stream the proceedings.
 
Date: Monday, 30 October 2023
Time: 20h00


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President lauds Springboks' historic Rugby World Cup victory
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On behalf the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Springboks on their Rugby World Cup 2023 victory over New Zealand which makes South Africa the first country to win this championship four times.

The President offers his congratulations to the team who performed at the Stade de France this evening, Saturday, 28 October 2023, as well as coaching team, the broader squad and the team management and technical and support staff.

The President said: “Stronger Together is a belief that came to life for Springbok supporters all around our country and continent, and the world.

“Sport has the power to transform the lives and lift the spirits of entire nations.

“Tonight, Siya Kolisi and the 2023 World Cup champions have gifted us an extraordinary, inspired and inspiring national achievement that lifts our hearts and hoists our Flag even higher.”

President Ramaphosa offers his congratulations to New Zealand for a hard-fought World Cup campaign that made the All Blacks deserving finalists. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Paris to cheer the Springboks at the 2023 World Cup final
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 28 October 2023, arrived in the French Republic to cheer on and wholeheartedly back the Springboks in their quest to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup. 

The Springboks will kick off against New Zealand at the Stade de France where the spectacle of rugby will be enjoyed by a global audience. Kickoff is set for 21h00 this evening. 

Ahead of the highly anticipated final, the President will interact with the Springbok team to wish them well and inspire them to victory. The Springboks have inspired all South Africans and the world with their fighting spirit that they have displayed over the course of the tournament which has transcended the sport of rugby. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will before kick off hold a pull aside bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President to lead oversight visit to Emfuleni Local Municipality, Gauteng
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 27 October 2023, lead an oversight visit to Emfuleni Local municipality in Gauteng to assess progress and steps taken to improve service delivery.

The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services, leading the national Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene and effect upgrades and improvements to critical bulk pipelines and pump stations infrastructure.

The President’s visit to Emfuleni will be undertaken within the context of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated intergovernmental planning and budgeting.

President Ramaphosa will visit the area's waste water treatment plant and highway pump stations before meeting with stakeholders in the area.

A media pool arrangement will be in place and the event will be streamed across various government social media platforms.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Media briefing by Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on President Cyril Ramaphosa's public programme
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Good afternoon and welcome to members of the media and my colleagues.

Thank you for joining me at this briefing today where I will provide a brief update on key engagements on the President’s diary over the coming days.

I would like to begin with tomorrow, Thursday, 27 October when the President will lead an oversight visit by government to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng. 

This municipality incorporates such areas as Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Boipatong and others. The economically and socially important Vaal River also flows through this area.

The President and a number of Ministers as well provincial and municipal leadership will assess progress in improvements to service delivery, as well as challenges that remain.

The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services, leading the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene to upgrade critical bulk pipelines and pump stations infrastructure.

The President’s visit takes place in the context of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated intergovernmental planning and budgeting.

It’s also a fulfilment of a commitment made by the President that he would visit all provinces as part of the “Leave No One Behind”* District Development Model series of Presidential Izimbizo.

The President will visit a water treatment plant, a waste water treatment plant and a highway pump station before meeting with stakeholders in the area.

A media pool arrangement will be in place and the event will be streamed across various government social media platforms.

RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL

Tomorrow – Friday, 27 October – the President will travel to Paris, France, to support the Springboks in their quest on Saturday the 28th of October to retain the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis Trophy.

Of course, the President is really looking to be invited onto the pitch a second time by Siya Kolisi to help lift the Cup for the world champions. This will be the first time any country will hold 4 Rugby World Cup titles.

The President wishes the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which we hope will be memorable for the in-stadium audience and the global media audience.

PROGRAMME IN PARLIAMENT

On Wednesday, 1 November, the President will attend Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s delivery of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement – or MTBPS - to Parliament.

The MTBPS sets government priorities and goals; forecasts the macroeconomic trajectory, and projects the fiscal framework over the next three years by outlining spending and revenue estimates, among others.

On Thursday, 2 November, the President will respond to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.

The President will engage with Members of Parliament on:

•    the accountability of the South African Reserve Bank to Parliament;
•    Progress in the deliberations of the Remuneration Review Commission for the 2023/2024 period;
•    Protection of women and children against violence,
•    Implications of the insights gained from the Census 2022 for Government’s macro-economic policy, as well as
•    Fiscal discipline within government. 

20TH AGOA FORUM

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 03 November 2023 host the 20th AGOA Forum at Nasrec, Johannesburg.

The AGOA Forum serves as a vital platform for the United States to build on the success of the Africa Leaders’ Summit and further enhance the economic partnership with African states, under the aegis of the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act that was approved by the US Congress in May 2000.

During the Forum, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address shared priorities and opportunities to make AGOA more transformative. 

The gathering will bring together governments from the United States and AGOA-eligible countries, along with representatives from key regional economic organizations, the private sector, civil society, and labour.

Over the course of the event, participants will delve into conversations about strengthening trade and investment ties between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on promoting resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and development.

The AGOA Forum will also feature the 'Made in Africa Exhibition,' showcasing regional value chains on the continent, highlighting the diverse and growing industries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AGOA, which has played a crucial role in promoting the export of African goods to the United States, remains a key driver of economic growth and development. An extension of AGOA beyond 2025 is expected to promote inward investment in Africa and provide mutual benefits to the United States and African countries. This extension will further support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), covering 54 countries and 1.4 billion people.

Benefits of AGOA for South Africa:

•    In 2022, South African exports under the Most Favoured Nation system accounted for the largest share and export value of the country's total exports to the US market, steadily growing from US$5.6 billion in 2011 to US$12.7 billion in 2022.
•    Trade under AGOA accounted for approximately 21% of South Africa's total exports to the United States in 2022, increasing in value from US$2.0 billion in 2021 to US$3.0 billion in 2022.
•    South African exports under the Generalised System of Preferences programme dropped significantly, accounting for about 4% of total exports to the US in 2022.
•    South Africa enjoyed a trade surplus of $8.0 billion in 2022.
•    AGOA exports from South Africa include commodities and value-added products.
•    The leading South African exports to the US in 2021 included vehicles, iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals, and precious stones.
•    AGOA exports represented 21% of total South African exports in 2022, up from 13% in 2021.
•    The decline in AGOA exports can be attributed to various factors, including section 232 tariffs affecting steel and aluminium exports.
•    Major AGOA beneficiary sectors for South Africa in 2021 included vehicles, iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals, and precious stones.
•    AGOA has been estimated to create numerous jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with South Africa benefiting from the creation of 62,395 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Since its inception in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been pivotal in strengthening economic ties and promoting growth and development across the African continent. 

AGOA's rigorous eligibility requirements include establishing a market-based economy, upholding the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process. 

AGOA has opened up new market opportunities, facilitated economic growth, encouraged economic and political reform, and improved economic relations between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

It remains a cornerstone of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Presidential Spokesperson to brief media
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Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will tomorrow, 26 October 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, 26 October 2023
Time: 13h00 (Media to arrive at 12h00)
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 Hlobisile Nkosi at hlobisile@presidency.gov.za by 12h00 on 26 October 2023.

Media following remotely can text their questions to 079 988 9954. 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

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President Ramaphosa appeals for more action from the international community in reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt with an appeal to the international community to do more in enabling the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 

The President traveled to Cairo, Egypt on 21 October 2023, to attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of Egyptian President, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

In his plea to the international community, President Ramaphosa said more energy and focus must be directed at supporting the resumption of the peace process.

“Influential countries like the United States of America, have a duty and a responsibility to support processes that will deliver a long lasting and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The international community cannot afford to squander the opportunity that has been presented by the current conflict to decisively push for a two state solution. There is unanimity across the globe that peace is viable when a free and independent state of Palestine exists alongside a secure state of Israel,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa decried the escalation of the conflict by those arming either of the warring parties and called on state actors to immediately stop the provision of weapons as it undermines the promise of peace.

“The fighting must end. Israel must stop its siege and shelling of Gaza. Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. Hostages must be returned. We must discourage any action that fuels this conflict and threatens to engulf the entire region.  Humanitarian corridors must be opened to alleviate human suffering,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for convening the summit, marking it as the beginning of many efforts that will rally the Israelis and Palestinians and the world behind a concerted attempt aimed at finding peace in the Middle East.


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa to attend Cairo Summit for Peace
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 21 October 2023, attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Summit will discuss the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the urgent need for humanitarian support and make a call for the resumption of the peace process.

President Ramaphosa has been deeply concerned by attacks on civilians, the resulting enormous loss of life, displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the Gaza Strip.

South Africa has repeatedly called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, return of hostages and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors.

South Africa stands ready to join the global effort that will bring about lasting peace to the Middle East.


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya; Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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