President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted and welcomed the judgement by the Johannesburg High Court setting aside the private prosecution instituted by former President Jacob Zuma. 

The President has always maintained that Mr Zuma's private prosecution constituted an abuse of court processes and that it was unlawful and unconstitutional.

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Justices TA Maumela and NP Mngqibisa-Thusi on suspension to allow the Judicial Conduct Tribunal to investigate suspected misconduct regarding alleged excessive delays by the judges in handing down a significant number of judgments.

The President has taken this step in terms of Section 177(3) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to suspend a judge on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

On 26 January 2023, the Judicial Service Commission accepted a recommendation of the Judicial Conduct Committee that there were reasonable grounds to suspect that the judges were guilty of misconduct in delaying the handing down of a significant number of judgments.

The Commission decided the matter should be referred to the Judicial Conduct Tribunal for investigation.

At its meeting of 20 April 2023, the Judicial Service Commission took a decision to advise the President to suspend Justice Maumela and Justice Mngqibisa-Thusi pending a tribunal process envisaged in Section 19(1) of the Judicial Service Commission Act, 1994 (Act No.9 of 1994).

Both Judge Maumela and Judge Mngqibisa-Thusi are suspended subject to the condition that they finalise their part-heard matters.

The President has informed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and the suspended justices of his decision.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of struggle stalwart and former Minister in The Presidency, Essop Pahad.

Mr. Essop Goolam Pahad has passed away at the age of 84.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends and comrades of the late veteran.

President Ramaphosa said: “We mourn the passing of a veteran of our struggle, 65 years after he took his first revolutionary step of becoming a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress.

“Security crackdowns, banning and exile shaped Essop Pahad’s contribution over decades to our struggle and, as Parliamentary Counsellor to President Thabo Mbeki and Minister in the Presidency, to the early design and impact of our democratic state.

“Essop Pahad was a thinker and strategist who brought his understanding of the human condition, injustice and inequality at the national and international level to bear on our transition to democracy and in introducing a democratic, non-aligned and activist South Africa to the global community.

“He served our nation with pride, principle, pragmatism, and a charm that lived comfortably alongside a tongue that could lash severely at the right provocation.

“Amid the excessive demands of his public life, Essop Pahad was deeply devoted to his wife, Meg, and was a proud and doting father and grandfather, who is now sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 30 June 2023, hear from community members of uThukela District at the Oqungweni Sports Field in KwaZulu-Natal during the 7th District Development Model Presidential Imbizo.

The President will, under the guiding principle of leaving no one behind, lead the direct engagement between all three spheres of Government and members of the community. The engagement will be aimed at unlocking barriers to effective service delivery and improving on programmes and projects that address development in the district. 

Details of the Imbizo are as follows:

Date: Friday, 30 June 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Oqungweni Sports Field, Alfred Duma Local Municipality, uThukela District

The media accreditation process has been finalised by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness to the devastating and tragic loss of innocent lives at the Angelo Informal Settlement, in Boksburg.

A gas accident which happened last night has claimed the lives of 17 residents of the squatter camp. 

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones. 

President Ramaphosa has described this as a very sad morning. 
 
He further urges investigators to get to the bottom of what may have caused this accident to avoid similar disasters in future.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a successful visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo where together with President Félix Tshisekedi, co-chaired the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th session of the DRC –South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).

The BNC which was held today, 06 July 2023, at Palais de la Nation, renewed commitment by both countries to further enhance and nurture the existing bilateral trade and political relations.

The Presidential segment of the BNC was preceded by the Senior Official meeting on 01-03 July 2023 and the Ministerial Sectoral meeting on 04-05 July 2023.

The BNC was conducted through the agreed structure between the two counties, which provides for the establishment of four (04) Sectoral Committees: Political and Governance Sectoral Commission; Defence and Security Sectoral Commission; Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Sectoral Commission and Social and Humanitarian Sectoral Commission.

To this effect, the leaders have acknowledged the existence of thirty-eight (38) Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and welcomed the 81 decisions taken during the Ministerial session of the BNC. President Ramaphosa and his Congolese counterpart directed the relevant Ministers to conclude the review of these legal instruments by the end of October 2023 and accelerate the implementation of all agreements. 

These legal instruments cover a wide range of areas including, amongst others, Agriculture, Defence, Trade and Investment, Health, Police, Energy, Public Service and Administration, Cooperative Governance, Transport, Diplomatic Cooperation, Humanitarian Support and Immigration. 

The Heads of State and Government also discussed issues of mutual interest and appraised each other on economic, political, and security situations in the Region, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the outcome of the Quadripartite Summit held on 27 June 2023 in Luanda under the auspices of the African Union.

The leaders also reflected on other global issues of mutual interest where’re they iterated their common view that the Russia- Ukraine war requires dialogue and negotiation between the parties, as does the devastating conflict in Sudan. The two Presidents called on the parties in both countries to cease hostilities permanently and to give effect to the AU and UN objectives of silencing guns in pursuit of peace and security across the globe.

The leaders also participated in the Business Forum held on the margins of the BNC session, which explored opportunities for enhanced trade and possible trade and investment between the two counties with a particular focus on four key sectors of Agriculture & Agro-processing, Energy & Infrastructure, Health & Pharmaceuticals and Mining.

On economic cooperation, the Heads of State and Government directed the respective Ministers of Trade to resolve identified impediments with a view to increasing trade and investment between the two countries.

In this regard, the Heads of State and Government noted the strategic importance of the Grand INGA Hydropower Project between South Africa and the DRC to jointly develop the Project with the potential to produce more than 40 000 Mega Watts (MW) of hydropower from the Congo River.

On immigration, the leaders agreed that further consultations will be necessary to finalise all relevant modalities that will result in a mutually favourable visa regime.  

President Ramaphosa has extended an invitation to President Tshisekedi to attend the 13th Session of the BNC in South Africa on a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The President was supported by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; State Security; Defence and Military Veterans; Trade, Industry and Competition; Police; Mineral Resources and Energy; Transport; Home Affairs and Social Development.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Chaplain-General of the SANDF, Brigadier Gen Ernest Masweu,
Director-General of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi,
Officials,
NARYSEC graduates,
Guests,
 
Sanibonani. Dumelang. Goeie môre. Molweni. Kgotsong. Lotjhani. Ndi matsheloni. Nhlekanhi.
 
Today is a great day. 
 
It is a great day for our graduates and their families, and for the communities that they come from and that they will be returning to serve.
 
As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Month, we recallMadiba’s words that:
 
“It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”
 
Being of service and playing one’s part in building the South Africa we all want is what the National Rural Youth Services Corps is all about.
 
When we talk about building we are not just referring to work or to bricks and mortar.
 
We are also talking about inculcating a culture of duty and civic responsibility.
 
We are talking about building a better nation, where all South Africans play their part in making our communities better and of a society where no-one is left behind.
 
It is you, the young people, who are the builders of our nation. It is you who possess the talents, the energies and the enthusiasm that will take us forward.
 
Throughout our journey to democracy it was young people at the forefront of progress and change.
 
That is why our focus as Government is on empowering young people.
 
Our focus is on providing young people with the skills they need to look for and get work, or to start their own businesses.
 
We want to see our young people contributing towards building vibrant economies across the country, especially in rural areas.
 
Our vision is for this to be aligned with the District Development Model and the One Plan for each of the country’s districts.
 
When we say we must leave no-one behind, we mean that every young person in this country must be given a fair opportunity, regardless of where they live, where they went to school or how little they have.
 
By this we include the young people of Qunu, Madiba’s birthplace; of Fort Beaufort, the home of Charlotte Maxeke; of Mamelodi, the home of Solomon Mahlangu; of Mankweng, the birthplace of Peter Mokaba; of Groutville, where Inkosi Albert Luthuli lived as a young man; and of every rural community across the country.
 
Through initiatives like NARYSEC, we are affirming that rural youth have the same potential and energies as young people who live in cities and metros.
 
At the same time we know that particular challenges exist in rural areas.
 
Unemployment amongst rural youth is higher. 
 
There are less factories, industries and businesses in rural areas. As a result there is less economic activity than in metros and urban areas. 
 
Access to tertiary education in rural areas, though it is improving, is still limited.
 
As a result, young people in search of opportunity are migrating away from rural areas to the cities. 
 
This affects development in rural areas.
 
Through NARYSEC we have been working to change this. 
 
This programme has existed since 2010. Our aim is to continue to scale it up so it reaches more unemployed rural youth.
 
By feeding into the District Development Model, NARYSEC graduates can contribute to making rural areas centres of economic activity. They can contribute to make rural areas sources of job creation, self-employment and entrepreneurship, and models of excellence when it comes to the delivery of services.
 
There is a reason you are called the National Rural Youth Service Corps. 
 
We see you as a division, much like in an army, that is acting and working together towards achieving a common objective: national reconstruction.
 
The young people graduating today from the Youth Leadership Development Programme have received training from the Department of Defence in partnership with the National School of Government, National Youth Development Agency and Road Traffic Management Corporation.
 
They were recruited from various districts and local municipalities across the nine provinces through an open and transparent process.
 
Their training has included practical skills in various sectors. These include agriculture, forestry and fisheries, construction and engineering, energy, health, safety and security, IT, transport and road management and others. 
 
These are all economic sectors in which we want to see more youth participation.
 
Importantly, this training has included community and leadership development and civic education.
 
Youth must be at the forefront of bringing development to rural communities. It is our responsibility to provide them with the knowledge, skills and experience that will enable them to play their part in bettering their communities.
 
To all graduates: you have done your families, your communities and your nation proud.
 
Well done for persevering and for not giving up even when the going got tough. 
 
You have shown commitment to your personal development and taken charge of your own destiny.
 
You will now return to your provinces and hopefully continue with developing your skills at TVET colleges, agricultural colleges and other institutions of higher learning.
 
You have been given the tools. Now it is up to you to use them to better your own lives and to bring about change in your communities.
 
Use what you have learned to work with Government and other social partners to alleviate poverty, unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment.
 
I want to invite businesses and other bodies to support rural economic development by hiring our graduates and assisting them to start their own businesses.
 
We can only overcome the challenge of youth unemployment if we work together.
 
Let us build better, stronger, safer rural communities. Let us leave no-one behind.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his sincere congratulations to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on his re-election as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

President Ramaphosa has noted that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone has certified President Bio as the winner of the Presidential elections of 24 June 2023.

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa commends the people of Sierra Leone for conducting peaceful and successful elections.

President Ramaphosa assures President Bio of his commitment to continue enhancing and strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Sierra Leone from which deepened trade and investment, people to people relations will be rooted.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to engagements with President Bio within the context of the bilateral cooperation, key regional, continental and global issues guided by the continent’s Agenda 2063.

The President views the Sierra Leone elections as a consolidation of democracy in the country and continent in line with the Agenda 2063 goal of “consolidating democratic gains and improving quality of governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo,

Minister of Industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr Julien Paluku Kahongya,

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel,

Ministers from the DRC and South Africa,

Leaders of business from the DRC and South Africa,

Representatives of industry bodies and business organisations,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank you once again, my dear brother President Tshisekedi, for the warm welcome to your beautiful country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa and is a country of immense importance to the history of our continent.

The DRC has an equally important role to play in the future of our continent, with its minerals propelling the new green industrial revolution.

It is for this reason that we want to see more South African companies investing in the DRC, and likewise to see more Congolese companies investing in the South African economy.

The meeting today of the 12th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries underscores the importance of our relationship.

Our visit today comes at a time when we face many challenges.

These challenges include the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising food and fuel prices due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the devastation being wrought on economies and communities by climate change.

And yet even though we face a number of challenges, we are a continent brimming with potential and opportunity.

From North Africa to South Africa, from East to West, and here in Central Africa, we are favoured with vast endowments.

We have abundant mineral resources and fossil fuel reserves, large tracts of arable land, and, in many parts, abundant water supply. We have a diverse terrain that supports all manner of infrastructure development, including renewable energy.

And yet these vast endowments are not producing favourable economic and developmental outcomes evenly across the continent.

We are meeting here today as business from the DRC and South Africa because we see not obstacles, but opportunities.

Beyond our natural endowments we have many other strengths as a continent.

Africa is a young continent.

Approximately 70 per cent of the sub-Saharan Africa population is under the age of 30.

Africa’s youth are Digital Natives, having grown up in the information age. They are tech savvy and are leading the way in the use and consumption of new technologies.

Africa is growing. It is estimated that by 2050, Africa’s population will grow to 2.5 billion people with a new generation that is more urbanised, better educated and wealthier than any that has come before it.

Africa is urbanising, providing networks of skills and opportunity that can drive Africa’s development.

By some projections the urban population of Africa will be larger than that of China and India, and four times larger than that of the United States.

To realise the opportunity of this demographic dividend, we will need to rapidly expand and diversify our industrial capacity.

We need to shift away from simply being producers of raw materials that are processed elsewhere in the world.

Africa’s appetite for industrialisation has been whetted.

Across the continent we see new investment in factories and logistics systems that can power higher levels of growth and jobs.

Covid-19 taught us the importance of Africa developing its industrial base.

We were left stranded without the resources to fight the pandemic. We could not access sufficient supplies of medical-grade face masks, ventilators, surgical gowns, hand sanitisers, testing kits and later vaccines.

Through our efforts to repurpose industrial capabilities, the continent was able to reverse this, becoming a manufacturer of all these products, including vaccines, and exporting products to each other.

The crisis taught us valuable lessons for the future.

One of those lessons is that Africa’s industrial base, while growing, needs to be much deeper and larger.

It requires significant investment in science and innovation, a conducive environment for new investment, promoting skills development within the workforce and greater levels of trade with each other.

South Africa and the DRC can be leaders in this important project of ensuring African raw materials are processed on the African continent.

We can combine our raw materials and skills, our technology and capital, our young people, and universities into a powerful drive to industrialise.

There are immediate opportunities, from the potential in the food industry; to critical raw materials needed to build new green industries. There are opportunities in the supply of mining equipment and know-how as well as in services like telecommunications, banking and retail.

We have an opportunity to develop an integrated supply-chain for electric vehicle battery manufacturing here on the continent, using our combined resources and capacities.

This is one of the most important initiatives we can take to ensure that Africa can be a leading manufacturer and I look forward to taking this forward with President Tshisekedi.

I have listened carefully to the report that has been given by business people today and the remarks by our two Ministers.

I am pleased that we have several South African companies present in the DRC and many of the firms are represented here today. I know there are a number of Congolese businesses operating in South Africa.

There is no doubt that the potential is vast.

We must work more closely to address the challenges that have been identified by the private sector and work to overcome them.

We have agreed that South Africa will host the next Joint Bilateral Working Committee before the end of 2023.

We have also agreed to joint technical teams to address both trade challenges and problems experienced by investors.

As South Africa, we have set ourselves a target of raising R2 trillion in new investment over the next five years.

At current exchange rates, that would require 51 trillion Congolese francs annually.

We need Congolese businesspeople to invest in South Africa, to find opportunities to expand your businesses here by setting up subsidiaries in South Africa.

I therefore invite the Congolese private sector to attend the next South Africa Investment Conference to be held in March next year and join us in this effort to grow our overall investment base with more African investment.

As a continent we do have several challenges, but we must take our destiny into our own hands.

We are determined to ensure that all Africans benefit from their fair share of global growth and development.

I am certain that working together, deepening our cooperation and exploring new avenues of endeavour, we can achieve a better future for our continent and its people.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warmly congratulates Catholic Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, on his nomination by Pope Francis for elevation to the rank of Cardinal.

The Archbishop is among 21 senior clergy globally who will be installed as Cardinals in a ceremony, known as a consistory, that will be held on 30 September 2023.

With his elevation, Cardinal-Elect will become a member of the College of Cardinals, who are high-ranking spiritual leaders who, if they are under the age of 80, are eligible to participate in papal elections or to be nominated as Pope.

President Ramaphosa said: “Archbishop Brislin’s elevation is an exceptional personal honour and recognition of his spiritual leadership and stewardship of the Catholic Church in South Africa.

“His nomination is cause for pride among South Africans of all backgrounds and should inspire all of us to exercise our beliefs, in our diversity, with deep devotion.” 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria