The Presidency has noted media reports and received media enquiries regarding the positions of some of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s advisers. With respect to the individuals about whom information has been sought: 

1. Ms Trudi Makhaya

Ms Trudi Makhaya completed her five year tenure and left her position as economic adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 30 April 2023. 

Since her appointment in April 2018, Ms Makhaya has helped to craft the administration's key economic policy initiatives on structural reform, post-pandemic economic recovery and the just transition. She led the technical steering committee that engaged with investors and coordinated the country’s flagship investment gathering, the South Africa Investment Conference. Ms Makhaya served as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa since 2019.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has thanked Ms Makhaya for her contribution over the past five years: “Trudi’s steady counsel contributed to the evolution of economic policy making since 2018 as government steered the economy through daunting economic headwinds whilst building the case for investment and growth. We wish her all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.”

The President is in the process of appointing a new Economic Adviser.  

2. Ms Maropene Ramokgopa

Ms Maropene Ramokgopa served as International Adviser to President Ramaphosa until her election as the Second Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress in December 2022. She has subsequently become a Member of Parliament and was appointed as Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. 

3. Mr Bejani Chauke

Mr Bejani Chauke left his position as Political Adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa in February 2023. He continues to serve The Presidency as a special envoy for strategic relations and investment in a voluntary capacity.  

4. Adv Nokukhanya Jele

Adv Nokukhanya Jele is the Legal Adviser to President Ramaphosa.

Adv Jele has been appointed as gratis personnel type 2 to the United Nations, supporting Adv Mojanku Gumbi in her role as Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Racism. This level of appointment serves as a donation or secondment from the South African Government to the United Nations of Adv Jele’s time as an expert in the relevant field work required. It is limited to one day a week until December 2023. It is common global practice for countries to second their personnel to the United Nations. The secondment bears no costs to The Presidency. She continues to perform her role as Legal Adviser to the President.  

5. Mr Steyn Speed

Mr Steyn Speed is the Political Adviser to the President. 

Due to family commitments, he is based abroad for a temporary period while continuing to perform his role as adviser.  

Allegations of conflict within The Presidency

The Presidency has also noted unsubstantiated claims of a conflict between Director-General in The Presidency, Ms Phindile Baleni, and the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Ms Roshene Singh. The two officials enjoy a positive, constructive and warm working relationship.

The Presidency similarly dismisses claims that Ms Baleni is considering leaving her position as Director-General. Ms Baleni recently had her contract extended by another five years and has indicated her firm intention to serve out her contract.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 16 May 2023, host Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore for an Official Visit in Cape Town.

The visit will be an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their longstanding partnership and explore new areas of bilateral economic cooperation. 

South Africa's economic relations with Singapore are focused on trade, investment, tourism promotion and skills transfer.

The Official Visit ceremony and proceedings will take place at Tuynhuys, Cape Town, on Tuesday, 16 May 2023.

Singapore’s visit to South Africa continues the High Level engagement the two governments have fostered since diplomatic relations begun in 1993, ahead of South Africa’s democratic transition.  

Since then, the two countries have shared excellent bilateral relations, which have have formed the basis of regular  high-level visits.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Singapore as partners who work together closely in multinational fora. 

Singapore, like South Africa, is a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Commonwealth, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The two countries have signed numerous agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, and defence.

Tuesday’s High Level visit has been preceded by an Official Visit undertaken by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, to Singapore in July 2022 to strengthen bilateral relations.

President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Hsien Loong will hold official talks on cooperation in the areas of communications and digital technology, science and innovation, water and sanitation and skills development.

The leaders discussed the potential for closer collaboration in these areas when they met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit held in Bali last year. 

Cooperation is expected to deliver mutual benefits in terms of economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

Singapore is a significant investor in South Africa, with investments totalling over R 5 billion in sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, and real estate.

The Official Visit will also bring leading business leaders from the respective countries to collaborate in sectors ranging from ports, logistics and supply chain, healthcare and biomedical, food manufacturing and engineering.

One of the key areas of collaboration between South Africa and Singapore is trade. Singapore is one of South Africa's largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with trade between the two countries totalling approximately R28 billion in 2022. South Africa exports a range of products to Singapore, including gold, diamonds, and wine, while Singapore exports electronics, chemicals, and machinery to South Africa.

Details of the Official Visit by the Republic of Singapore are as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 

Media Programme 

Welcome Ceremony of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong 

Time: 10h00 (Media to arrive at 08:00)
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town 

Opening Remarks of the Official Talks by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong 

Time: 11h00
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town 

Media Briefing and Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation 

Time: 12h30
Venue: Tuynhuys Media Centre, Cape Town 

South Africa – Singapore Business Roundtable
 
Time: 15h30
Venue: To be announced

Media wishing to cover the Official Visit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore are encouraged to fill in the attached Accreditation Form and submit it to Khutjo Sebata on khutjo@presidency.gov.za / 079 898 4621 by 16h00 on Friday, 12 May 2023. Access to Tuynhuys will be subject to proof of identification. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town
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The Presidency has noted with concern remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, alleging the supply by South Africa of weapons to Russia.

The Ambassdor’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation led by National Security Special Advisor to the President, Dr Sydney Mufumadi.

It is public knowledge that a Russian vessel known as Lady R docked in South Africa. Allegations have since been made about the purpose of the voyage. While no evidence has been provided to date to support these allegations, the Government has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry to be led by a retired judge.

In recent engagements between the South African delegation and US officials, the Lady R matter was discussed and there was an agreement that an investigation will be allowed to run its course, and that the US intelligence services will provide whatever evidence in their possession.

It is therefore disappointing that the US Ambassador has adopted a counter-productive public posture that undermines the understanding reached on the matter and the very positive and constructive engagements between the two delegations.

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 11 May 2023, present to the National Assembly updates on various national developments including Government’s management of the energy generation gap in the country, and the path towards a Just Energy Transition.

President Ramaphosa will share with Members of Parliament who have submitted questions for oral reply, the role played by the Minister of Electricity in responding to the loadshedding challenge.

The President will also elaborate on ongoing efforts to combat corruption that affects Eskom, including progress in this area.

The President will also outline Government's approach to ensuring the country derives greater benefit from its mineral resources.

The President will present South Africa’s diverse initiatives to fight illicit money flows, terror financing and money laundering as part of enhancing the integrity of South Africa’s financial systems, keeping the country safe and safeguarding the country’s participation in the global economy.

President Ramaphosa will detail progress with regard to the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, formulated in 2022 to set out the scale of investment needed by the country to meet the international carbon emissions reduction commitments.

The President’s engagement with Parliament starts at 14h00 on 11 May 2023.

Questions for Oral and Written Reply by the President and the Deputy President are one of the mechanisms through which Parliament holds the Executive to account.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has called for a coordinated approach to restore peace and security in the SADC region.

The President supported by his several cabinet members participated in the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries , which took place today, 08 May 2023 in  Windhoek,  Republic of Namibia.

The Extraordinary Summit Plus received an update on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and considered a report of the SADC Field Assessment Mission to Eastern DRC on the deployment of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) - Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).

"South Africa has noted with concern the report on the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC.  We condemn the activities of the illegal armed groups and call upon the- groups and their sponsors to cease their activities immediately.  The war has persisted for far too long and it is our firm belief that the people of the DRC deserve peace and development," said President Ramaphosa.

The Summit also discussed a SADC common position to guide the region’s engagement at the Tripartite Summit on the coordination of interventions and multiple deployments in the Eastern DRC.

The Extraordinary Troika Summit Plus follows the January 2023 Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held in Namibia which considered the security situation in the SADC region.

The insecurity in the Eastern DRC has been receiving sharp focus of the SADC, the African Union, and other regional mechanisms. 

The outcomes of the Summit are expected to contribute to continental efforts aimed at finding a coordinated and lasting solution to the insecurity in the eastern DRC.  South Africa is among  the Troop Contributing Countries to the FIB which is deployed under MONUSCO.

In this regard, President Ramaphosa  said that "South Africa stands ready to contribute to the development of effective regional instruments that could assist to stabilize the current security situation prevailing in the Eastern DRC. We therefore support the need for long term planning to be ingrained in the SADC Peace and Security Architecture."

The summit was preceded by the meetings of the Senior Officials and Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika Plus, respectively.

The President was supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Naledi Pandor; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Thandi Modise; Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, attend the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries taking place in Windhoek, Namibia , on Monday, 08 May 2023.

The Extraordinary Summit Plus is expected to receive an update on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and consider a report of the SADC Field Assessment Mission to Eastern DRC on the deployment of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) - Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).

The Summit will also discuss a SADC common position to guide the region’s engagement at the envisaged Tripartite Summit on the coordination of interventions and multiple deployments in the Eastern DRC.

The Extraordinary Troika Summit Plus follows the January 2023 Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held in Namibia which considered the security situation in the SADC region. 

The insecurity in the Eastern DRC has been receiving sharp focus of the SADC, the African Union, and other regional mechanisms. 

The outcomes of the Summit are expected to contribute to continental efforts aimed at finding a coordinated and lasting solution to the insecurity in the eastern DRC. South Africa is among  the Troop Contributing Countries to the FIB which is deployed under MONUSCO.

The Summit will be preceded by the meetings of the Senior Officials and Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika Plus, respectively.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise; Minister in The Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, Saturday, 06 May 2023, arrived in Bujumbura, Burundi, to participate in the 11th High Level Segment of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region.

The Summit for Heads of State and Government is taking place today, 06 May 2023.

The PSC Framework, otherwise known as the Addis Ababa Agreement, was signed on 24 February 2013 through a AU/UN-brokered Framework aimed at stabilising the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

At the time, signatories to the agreement included Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. In early 2014, Kenya and Sudan became the 12th and 13th signatories of the Framework.

The PSC Framework’s key mandate is to end recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impact on stability and development in the Great Lakes region.

The framework also aims at addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region.

The Summit takes  place against the backdrop of the deteriorating political and security situation in the Eastern DRC caused by a resurgence of the M23 Movement that has led to tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.

The Summit will receive an update on various initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two countries.

The Summit will deliberate on the deployment of East African Community (EAC) troops and their role in dealing with negative forces in the eastern DRC, especially the M23.

Since 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of the PSC Framework, the Summit will focus on the revitalisation of the framework and will consider a plan to enable this.

The current crisis caused by the clashes between Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces will likely be discussed during the Summit.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

YOUTH MONTH
This year’s Youth Month will be commemorated under the banner and theme of “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”. 

This afternoon we would like to highlight the key milestones reached by the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative since its inception.

President Ramaphosa remains committed to the empowerment of young people through the various employment initiatives and readiness to work programs which capacitates our youth for the world of work, as well providing them with funding and mentorship opportunities.

Today I am joined by Waseem Carrim the CEO of the NYDA and Ms Lerato Shai who is a Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. They’ll both share some highlights of their work as we shine the spotlight of various government programs aimed at supporting youth.
 
WORLD WORK SUMMIT – GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 14-15 JUNE 2023
President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Geneva, Switzerland on a Working visit to attend and address the World of Work Summit, hosted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on the margins of the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).

Themed "Social Justice for All", the Summit will be held in Geneva from 14 to 15 June 2023 and will be convened by the ILO Director-General (DG), Gilbert Houngbo.

The objective of the summit is to generate renewed momentum for advancing social justice at national, regional, and global levels. 

Furthermore the summit will play an instrumental role in forging a Global Coalition for Social Justice (the Coalition), that will seek to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the many challenges facing the world today, including stagflation, climate change, poverty, unemployment, and inequalities.

South Africa's participation in the Summit will contribute to shaping the Coalition and ensure the interests and aspirations of developing countries are considered.

Over the course of two days, the Summit will feature addresses by Heads of State and Government, the UN Secretary-General, DG Houngbo, and other high-level representatives of employers' and workers' organisations. 

In this regard, it is envisaged that the Summit will: 
• Highlight the key role of social justice in creating a more sustainable and equitable world and will discuss strategies for increased and better-aligned joint action to advance social justice and ensure policy coherence.
• Provide a forum for participants to share their vision of, and priorities for, social justice; as well as showcase the actions they are taking and the actions they commit to taking to advance social justice.
• Contribute to informing discussions in other multilateral forums regarding the centrality of social justice and strategies for achieving greater social justice.
 
JOINT WORKING VISIT BY PRIME MINSTER MR MARK RUTTE OF THE NETHERLANDS AND PM MS METTE FREDERIKSEN OF DENMARK – 20 JUNE 2023
President Ramaphosa will on Tuesday 20 June 2023, host a joint working visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Denmark Ms Mette Frederiksen.

The join nature of the visit is toi maximise the positive impact of a combined Dutch and Danish high level business and investment delegations that are expected to accompany the two Prime Ministers. The joint visit will entail a common programme if joint bilateral talks and joint business seminar.

The joint visit also brings synergy between two partners in the area of green hydrogen investments, both Netherlands and Denmark will participate at the G20 to be hosted by India and in the working groups on energy transitions, environment and climate sustainability. The visit brings together a larger group of investors to South Africa and sends a strong message of cooperation and good relations with two important European partners.
 
SUMMIT FOR A NEW GLOBAL FINANCING PACT 22-23 JUNE 2023
President Ramaphosa will on 22 - 23 June 2023, participate at the summit for a new global financing pact, which will be hosted France in Paris. The goal of the summit is top build a new contract between the countries of the North and the South to adress climate change as a global crisis. The event will be an opportunity to address key issues that are also of interest to South Africa such as the reform multilateral development financial institutions, debt crisis, innovative financing, international taxes and special withdrawing rights (SDRs).
 
ENQUIRY PANEL ON COURSE WITH ITS WORK
The enquiry panel led by retired Judge Phineas Mojapelo, investigating the circumstances of the docking of a Russian vessel, Lady R in Simons Town is progressing with its work.

The panel will interact with all concerned role players on the matter.
The panel will also seek to hear from interested parties with any information that will assist its investigation.

Written submissions can be made to the panel’s secretariat by email to LadyRsubmissions@presidency.gov.za.

Once all submissions have been processed, the panel will be in contact for further engagements.
 
CLIVE BARKER CONDOLENCES
President Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and football colleagues in the soccer fraternity, of the legendary Bafana coach, affectionately known as the “dog”, Clive Barker who sadly passed away on Saturday 10 June 2023 at the age of 78.

Clive Barker contributed immensely to South African football and its development. He was behind our proudest and unforgettable moments as a nation as the only coach to lead South Africa to victory during the African Cup of Nations in 1996 by famously defeating Tunisia at the old FNB Stadium.
 
SILVIO BERLUSCONI CONDOLENCES
President Ramaphosa joins the global media fraternity in mourning the passing of media tycoon Mr Silvio Berlusconi who has died at the age of 86.

Berlusconi created Italy’s largest media company, with assets in print and television. He also served as Italy’s Prime Minister in four governments.

The President extends heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Italy for his passing.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Wednesday, 14 June 2023, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland on a Working Visit to participate in the World of Work Summit, hosted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The two-day Summit, between the 14th and 15 June 2023, is taking place on the margins of the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).

The ILO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) which aims to promote social justice and decent working conditions for all.

Themed "Social Justice for All", the Summit is convened by ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo.

Endorsed by the ILO Governing Body during its 347th Session in March 2023, this high-level forum will address the need for increased, coordinated, and coherent action in support of social justice.

The objective is the creation of a Global Coalition for Social Justice (the Coalition), which reflects the ILO DG Gilbert Houngbo's vision for the organisation in light of the many challenges facing the world today, including stagflation, climate change, poverty, unemployment, and inequalities.

South Africa's participation in the Summit aims to help shape the Coalition and ensure the interests and aspirations of developing countries are considered.

Over the course of two days, the Summit will feature addresses by Heads of State and Government, the UN Secretary-General, the ILO Director-General and other high-level representatives of employers' and workers' organisations.

It is envisaged that the Summit will:
• Highlight the key role of social justice in creating a more sustainable and equitable world and will discuss strategies for increased and better-aligned joint action to advance social justice and ensure policy coherence.
• Provide a forum for participants to share their vision of, and priorities for, social justice; as well as showcase the actions they are taking and the actions they commit to taking to advance social justice.
• Contribute to informing discussions in other multilateral forums regarding the centrality of social justice and strategies for achieving greater social justice.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi and senior officials.


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Thursday 15 June 2023, concluded his working visit to Geneva, Switzerland encouraged by the emerging  social contract that aims to give effect to a shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable Society. 

President Ramaphosa was in Geneva to participate and address the two-day World of Work Summit themed "Social Justice for All", convened by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the margins of the 111^th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).

Addressing the Summit President Ramaphosa called on world leaders to prioritise the actions needed to be taken to advance social justice.

In this regard the President said “we are encouraged by – and support – the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice, which aligns with the vision of the UN Secretary-General and seeks to promote decent work while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this Summit, we should generate renewed momentum towards a more sustainable and equitable world”.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa was honoured to participate in the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work that produced a report that highlighted the transformative forces shaping the world of work and the need for decisive action to harness the opportunities they present. 

“We fully support the report's human-centred agenda for the future of work and its recommendations, such as increasing investment in people's capabilities and in decent and sustainable work. We firmly believe that social justice is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development”, said President Ramaphosa.

“That means we must remove the structural barriers that hamper equal access to opportunities. We must prioritise the removal of discrimination based on gender, age, race, migration status and other grounds. Institutions must deliberately work to dismantle these barriers, while actors in society should work towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for all”, concluded President Ramaphosa. 

The ILO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) which aims to promote social justice and decent working conditions for all.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi and senior government officials.


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria