President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Thursday 15 June 2023, travelled to Poland, en route to Ukraine and the Russian Federation as part of his participation in the African Peace Mission aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

President Ramaphosa has over the past two days participated in the International Labour Organisation’s World of Work Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.

This afternoon the President visited the Polish capital, Warsaw, to pay a courtesy call on President Andrzej Duda, who leads a country that shares borders with Ukraine and Russia and is deeply affected by the regional conflict.

President Ramaphosa is now proceeding to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for deliberations tomorrow – as a member of the African Peace Mission - with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Mission comprises the leaders of South Africa, Zambia, the Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Senegal and Uganda, as representative of a continent that has felt the adverse economic impact of the conflict.

President Ramaphosa has in recent weeks been in conversation with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Zelenskyy, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, leaders of BRICS countries and the Secretary-General of the United Nations regarding efforts to facilitate a peaceful process to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, in line with South Africa’s standing as a non-aligned state.

Later tomorrow, Friday 16 June, President Ramaphosa will leave Kyiv en route to St Petersburg, Russia, where the African delegation will engage with President Putin on Saturday, 17 June.

President Ramaphosa is scheduled to return home on Sunday, 18 June.

On the eve of the Mission, President Ramaphosa said: “The human and negative economic impact and tension arising from the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is a grave situation that affects all of us in an interconnected world".

“The African Peace Mission brings an African perspective and an appeal for a peace process to deliberations that are underway in various parts of the world and within different formations of nations on how to address the conflict in Ukraine and Russia".

“We are pleased and encouraged by the openness with which the two Presidents have undertaken to engage with African leaders on this matter. From our own experience, it is at times of escalated conflict that a search for peace must be equally accelerated. This peace initiative should be seen as complementing other peace initiatives that other parties have put forward. The strength of this mission is that African leaders will be engaging with both parties”.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Dutch anti-apartheid activist and uMkhonto weSizwe fighter, Klaas de Jonge.
 
Mr De Jonge passed away yesterday on Friday, 5 May 2023, at the age of 85 following an extended illness.
 
Mr De Jonge and his life partner, Belgian citizen Helene Pastoors, who was imprisoned for her armed action against the apartheid regime, are remembered as distinguished liberation fighters on whom South Africa conferred the National Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
 
President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Klaas de Jonge who, under Dutch law, exercised his right to assisted death to end his battle against cancer.
 
Klaas de Jonge was a Dutch civil rights activist who became internationally known as an activist against apartheid in South Africa, when he was forced to spend two years as an asylum seeker at the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria in 1985.

From 1981 until 1985, De Jonge was a member of a ‘special operations unit’ of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed branch of the African National Congress (ANC), doing reconnaissance work and bringing in arms and explosives into South Africa.
 
This led to his arrest in 1985 by the South African Police; he managed to escape and acquired asylum in the Dutch embassy in Pretoria until – after two years – he was exchanged for the South African commander of the apartheid regime, Wynand du Toit, in 1987.
 
He continued to do work for MK and the Dutch Anti- Apartheid Movement until the end of 1989.

President Ramaphosa said: “At the very close of his life, Klaas de Jonge exercised the characteristic clarity and bravery with which he had conducted his multifaceted life, a great deal of which he dedicated to fighting for our liberation.
 
“He made critical and perilous sacrifices for the cause of freedom in South Africa – a struggle that took him to different parts of our continent where he established bonds of solidarity and built networks of armed resistance to apartheid and colonialism as part of a new generation of progressive Dutch internationalists.
 
“We remain appreciative of his heroic and unselfish contribution to our struggle and he will live on in the memory and values of our nation and our continent.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Parliament that he has authorised the employment of 880 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to safeguard a number of Eskom power stations around the country.

The President has informed Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo, in writing of the employment of SANDF personnel for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the prevention and combating of crime and maintenance and preservation of law and order in the Republic of South Africa under Operation Prosper.

Members of the SANDF employed will assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in protecting Eskom power stations around the country where sabotage, theft and other crimes may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity.

The employment is from 17 April 2023 to 17 October 2023.

Previously, 2700 members of the SANDF were employed to assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations under Operation Prosper from 17 March 2023 to 17 April 2023.

The current employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

The expenditure expected to be incurred for this employment is R 146 718 427.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 05 May 2023, travel to Bunjumbura, 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 is scheduled for 04 to 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 will take 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 will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes.

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a high-level government delegation to the 2nd Presidential Health Summit to be held on Thursday and Friday, 4 and 5 May 2023, at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address on the second day of the Summit.

The Summit brings together key stakeholders from various constituencies within the health sector, to review the implementation of interventions agreed to during the first Summit held in 2018.  

The Summit also aims to assess the performance of the health system against the Presidential Health Compact that was signed by the President and all social partners in 2019, committing social partners to a five-year program to improve healthcare services in the country. 

The Summit will also serve as a platform for government to assess the readiness of the health system to implement National Health Insurance (NHI).

Details of the Summit are as follows:

DAY ONE 

Date: Thursday, 04 May 2023 
Time: 08h30 – 17h00 
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre 

DAY TWO 

Date: Friday, 05 May 2023 
Time: 13h00 – 15h00 (President Ramaphosa to speak at 13h20)
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre 

Members of the media wishing to cover the Summit should register online and provide their names and ID/Passport numbers by 18h00 on Wednesday, 03 May 2023 (today), through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/3cjfp38x 

Please RSVP to Howard Kgoa on 076 374 0314 / Howard.kgoa@health.gov.za.

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

Issued by:  The Presidency
Pretoria

2nd Presidential Health Summit 

On the 5th of May, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Presidential Health Summit, at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. The Summit, which starts on the 4th of May, brings together key stakeholders from various constituencies within the health sector, to review the implementation of interventions agreed to during the first Summit held in 2018.  

The Summit also aims to assess the performance of the health system against the Presidential Health Compact that was signed by the President and all social partners in 2019, committing social partners to a five-year program to improve healthcare services in the country. 

11th High-Level Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Signatory Countries of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Region

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 05 May 2023, travel to 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 PSC Framework’s key mandate is to end the 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 the region.

The Summit will take place against the backdrop of the worsening political and security situation in the Eastern DRC caused by a resurgence of the M23 rebel movement. 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.

The PSC Framework, otherwise known as the Addis Ababa Agreement, was signed on 24 February 2013 through an 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 Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention brigade troop contributing countries

On the 8th of May 2023, President Ramaphosa will attend the Extra-ordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention brigade troop contributing countries in Windhoek Namibia.

The extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus will receive a report from the SADC Field Assessment Mission in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), consider the regional response to the worsening security and humanitarian situation and establish a SADC common position on coordination of interventions and multiple deployments in the Eastern DRC. 

President Ramaphosa's reply to questions in the National Assembly

On 11 May 2023, President Ramaphosa will reply to questions in the National Assembly as part of his ongoing commitment to openness, transparency and accountability. 

Working Visit by Bulgarian President

On 12 May 2023, President Ramaphosa will host the President of Bulgaria, Mr Rumen Radev, for a working visit, which will focus on the building of political and trade ties, as well cultural exchanges between South Africa and Bulgaria. 

Official Visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore

President Ramaphosa will receive the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, on the 16th of May 2023. South Africa values its bilateral relationship with Singapore and President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with the Prime Minister in further strengthening the existing relationship between the two countries.  

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

Issued by:  The Presidency
Cape Town

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will today, 03 May 2023, update the public through a media briefing, on the President’s public programme for the week.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 03 May 2023
Time: 13h30
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town
 
RSVP: Media wishing to attend the media briefing physically are requested to submit their details to Khutjo Sebata – 079 898 4621 / khutjo@presidency.gov.za.

A livestream link will be shared with all media who wish to follow remotely at 13h00.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of international singer, actor, cultural and civil rights activist, Mr Harold George ‘Harry’ Belafonte.

Belafonte was also an esteemed member of the National Order of the Companion of OR Tambo.

Mr Belafonte’s passing on the eve of the South Africa’s National Orders ceremony to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 and on the eve of the country’s Freedom Day celebration serves a poignant reminder of the contribution Belafonte made to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years.

“Harry Belafonte holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans and many around the world for his outstanding talent and warmth of his personality, but also for his stand against apartheid whilst in the prime of his international career. He was instrumental in sustaining the United Nations led cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa. He worked closely with South African artists including Miriam Makeba to ensure South Africa’s struggle against apartheid remained in the international spotlight and agenda. He was an influencer of his time who spared no energy in supporting our liberation struggle and in campaigning for human rights in many other parts of the world. We will remember him as a hero and true friend of South Africa that we must celebrate during our National Orders ceremony and for many years to come”, said President Ramaphosa.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Based on public discussion and pronouncements on South Africa’s participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Presidency wishes to clarify that South Africa remains a signatory to the Rome Statute and will continue to campaign for equal and consistent application of international law.

This clarification follows an error in a comment made during a media briefing held by the governing African National Congress (ANC) on South Africa’s status with regard to the ICC. Regrettably, the President erroneously affirmed a similar position during a media session today.

South Africa remains a signatory to the ICC in line with a resolution of the 55th National Conference of the ANC – held in December 2022 – to rescind an earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC.

The December resolution was reaffirmed at a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC during the weekend of 21 to 24 April 2023. The NEC had also reflected on the potential withdrawal from the ICC as an option that would arise as a measure of last resort in the absence of legal options that would result in fairness and consistency in the administration of international law.  

In remaining a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is guided by the importance of strengthening institutions of global governance. Accordingly, South Africa will work to invigorate the Malabo protocol that would establish a continental criminal court that would complement the ICC as a court of last resort.

Furthermore, South Africa is considering a legislative amendment that would domesticate the Rome statute so that it reflects all the articles of the Rome Statute. This includes provision of article 98 of the statute that requires a waiver of immunities for persons charged by the ICC from third party countries where there is no referral by the United Nations Security Council.

The manner in which the UK domesticated the Rome Statute to incorporate the provisions of article 98 has been recommended as a guideline case study.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
 
Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council (NOAC), President Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective Orders in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria. The three are Mr. Duma Ndlovu, Mr. Freek Robinson and Mr. Mike Horne from the list of 35 chosen recipients to be conferred.
 
To uphold the integrity of National Orders, the NOAC will further adopt measures to strengthen the selection process. These measures include a workshop which will be undertaken by Council members at the end of April 2023. Timelines of the selection process will also be reviewed.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria