The South African Government is deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in Sudan, where violence erupted last week following a break down in negotiations on political and security sector reforms.

Over a prolonged period, the people of Sudan have endured instability and strife. The deterioration of the situation this week further complicates their yearning for a stable government that is civilian-led. 

South Africa joins the international community in its call on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to lay down their weapons, return to the negotiating table and unite the people of Sudan. 

South Africa sends a message of solidarity to the people of Sudan as they mark conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and wishes them well during the Id-Ul-Fitr. 

The conflict in Sudan marks a setback in Africa’s efforts to silence the guns and usher in a sustained period of peace, stability and development. 

South Africa is currently serving as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). In this role, our country has been seized with the situation in Sudan, working with other African countries towards peace and stability in Sudan. 

South Africa supports the role played by the AU, IGAD and the East African Community (EAC) in their mediation roles in Sudan.

We will engage directly with the leaders of the armed forces in Sudan as part of our endevours for peace in Sudan. 

South Africa reiterates its appeal on the parties involved in the conflict to heed international calls for an immediate ceasefire as unarmed civilians, including visitors from many parts of the world, remain stranded and fast running out of supplies. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with business leaders in the steel and engineering industries, yesterday 18 April 2023 to discuss measures that government, the industry and other social partners  will take together to grow the sector and ensure its future sustainability.

President Ramaphosa met with the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) led by Chairperson, Mr Elias Monage, at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The purpose of the meeting was to deepen engagement between government and this strategic sector of the economy. The meeting was the first direct engagement between a South African Head of State and the sector since SEIFSA’s formation almost 80 years ago.

In the first State of the Nation Address of the 6th Administration, in 2019, President Ramaphosa directed that the sector be given specific focus through the development of a steel and metal fabrication master plan. In June 2021 the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition signed the sector master plan, which provides a blueprint for the industry to revitalise and expand production.

The master plan is a key part of the reimagined industrial strategy which President Ramaphosa has championed to unleash private investment and support inclusive growth.

“The steel sector is at the heart of our economy, as it has a significant multiplier effect and is one of largest job creators in the manufacturing sector. Our infrastructure drive should be the catalyst that propels its recovery and growth. We are determined to build a local steel sector that is strong, competitive and well positioned for the future”, said President Ramaphosa.

The President outlined the actions being taken to achieve energy security, improve the performance of the freight logistics system and tackle corruption and crime, which have received strong support from business leaders. Government and industry representatives discussed opportunities for local steel in the effort to rehabilitate the rail network, expand the national transmission grid and build water infrastructure, as well as the need to invest in skills development.

The SEIFSA leadership expressed its support in working with government and other social partners to address the country’s challenges and unlock investment in the sector.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Sauli Väinämö Niinistö of the Republic of Finland on a State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.

President of Finland will undertake a State Visit to the Republic from 24 to 26 April 2023, at the invitation of President Ramaphosa. Initially, the Visit was planned in April 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Visit will be the first by a Finnish President to South Africa in more than twenty years. President Niinistö, however, visited South Africa in December 2013 to attend the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.

Bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa are deep rooted due to Finnish support for the liberation movements in Southern Africa. Relations have grown since 1994 in all areas of bilateral engagement and Finnish investment is a major priority for both countries, with over R2 billion in new investments in the last 3 years.

President Niinistö will be accompanied by a delegation of Finnish business leaders and a Business RoundTable will be hosted in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Cooperation (dtic) under the theme; "Building Smart, Secure, Sustainable Society Together".

The objective of the session is to strengthen trade and investment relations between South Africa and Finland through the mobilisation and facilitation of new investments, expansion and nurturing of existing Finnish investments in South Africa, as well as exploring opportunities for joint ventures in technology commercialisation in mutual sectors.

Most of the discussions will centre on possible opportunities in renewable energy; Information and Communication Technology; mining technology; packaging and food hygiene; construction and finance, that the South African and Finnish companies can work together in exploring.

The Presidential Round Table will be preceded by a Business-to-Business Matchmaking engagement between the South Africa and Finnish companies. The outcome of the two interactions is expected to be an increase in trade and investment between South Africa and Finland.

Finland is an important partner to South Africa and, despite its small population and territory; it is amongst the most developed countries in the world and provides valuable trade, investment and development cooperation to South Africa. Like the other Nordics, they play an active role in global affairs, are strong advocates for multilateralism, have an excellent capacity and track record for peace and mediation efforts, and are global leaders in innovation.

Since 2010 Finland has been supportive of South Africa’s national priorities and continues to be a reliable partner in various sectors including maritime, science and technology, ICT and digitalization, environment, energy, education, skills development, agriculture and water.

President Niinistö will also be conducting a State Visit to Namibia during his Southern Africa visit. Within the SADC context, the Finnish have supported several programmes on sustainable water management. The Finnish engagement with Africa forms part of its strategic objective of increasing partnerships with Africa, including expanding its diplomatic presence, its support for the African Agenda and expanding economic relations. In this regard, Finland has adopted an Africa Strategy.

Finland is also a strong international partner in areas of various global issues such as strengthening multilateralism, international law, peacebuilding and mediation, the advancement of gender and human rights as well as around issues of renewable energy.  

The State Visit will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Time: 10h00 (Accredited media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria

The Presidential Business Roundtable will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Time: 15h00
Venue: The CoLab, Menlyn Maine, 194 Bancor Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria

NOTE TO MEDIA: Members of the media wishing to cover the State Visit must fill in the Accreditation template and send back to Shadi Baloyi on 072 571 6415 / shadi@presidency.gov.za by Thursday, 20 April 2023, 16h00. No late submissions will be accepted.

For Presidential Business Roundtable, Accreditation template should be send to Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane@presidency.gov.za and Bongani Lukhele at BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za by 16h00 on Thursday, 20 April 2023.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 17 June 2023, arrived in St Petersburg in the Russian Federation for the continuation of the African Peace Mission to the Ukraine and Russia conflict. 

His arrival in Russia’s cultural capital, follows constructive discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Ukraine on 16 June 2023.

This afternoon, President Ramaphosa together with the Heads State of Zambia, the Comoros and Senegal and Heads of Government of Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, and Uganda, as participants in the African Leaders Peace Mission, will meet with President Vladimir Putin to seek a road to peace to the 16 months long conflict between Ukraine and Russia which has thus caused devastating economic impact, loss of life and global instability. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, he is scheduled to return home on Sunday, 18 June 2023. 

 

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South Africa will celebrate the attainment of freedom and transition to democracy with the National Freedom Day celebration on Thursday, 27 April 2023.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national celebrations observed under the theme “Consolidating and Safeguarding Democratic Gains”.

The 2023 commemorative event will be held in the North West Province in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

This year, the 27th of April marks the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections. Freedom Day is commemorated every year to honour those unsung heroes and heroines who fought for freedom and paved the way for an equal, representative, non-racial society.

The national day also honours the masses of South Africans who resisted and suffered under apartheid, and faced death, injury and repression from the security forces. Many others battled forced removals, discrimination and other injustices, which the global community classified as a crime against humanity.

Freedom Month was launched by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Zizi Kodwa on the 6th of April at Freedom Park in Tshwane. The celebrations will continue for the entire month across the country.  

The celebrations offer the nation an opportunity to reflect on progress made in transforming the South African society, while also examining the challenges.

This year’s Freedom Day celebrations coincides with the 27th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution as the supreme law of our country.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address and the programme for the day will feature cultural performances, a South African Air Force flypast and other ceremonial and celebratory elements.
 
Date: Thursday, 27 April 2023
Time: 11h00 
Venue: Manzilpark Stadium in The City of Matlosana local municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, North West Province

President Ramaphosa will be supported by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, North West Province Premier Bushy Maape and Members of his Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials. 
 
The Freedom Day celebrations programme will be broadcast on all major news channels and on all Presidency and Government digital platforms. Only accredited media will have access to the stadium.

Members of the media wishing to cover the Freedom Day celebrations are requested to populate the attached Excel form and send it back to Madimetja Moleba on 066 301 4675 / MadimetjaM@dsac.gov.za on or before Friday, 21 April 2023 at 11h00.
  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of section 13(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 1999 (Act No.4 of 1999) as amended, appointed the following persons as non-executive members of the Board of SABC for five years, effective from the date of the publication of notice in the Government Gazette:

- Dr. Renee Horne;
- Adv Tseliso Thipanyane;
- Mr Khathutshelo Ramukumba;
- Ms. Nomvuyiso Batyi;
- Ms Phathiswa Magopeni;
- Ms. Aifheli Makhwanya;
- Ms Magdalene Moonsamy;
- Ms. Rearabetsoe Motaung;
- Mr. David Maimela;
- Mr Dinkwanyane Mohuba;
- Mr Mpho Tsedu; and
- Ms Palesa Kadi.

In terms of section 13(3) of the Act, President Ramaphosa designated Mr Khathutshelo Ramukumba as Chairperson and Ms Nomvuyiso Batyi as the Deputy Chairperson of the SABC Board.

“The SABC is a vital institution of our constitutional democracy. I trust the newly appointed board members will work hard at ensuring that South Africa continues to benefit from a stable, independent and effective national public broadcaster,“ said President Ramaphosa.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Electoral Amendment Bill of 2022. 

The Bill provides for the amendment of the Electoral Act, 1992 (Act No. 73 of 1998) and gives effect to the Constitutional Court judgment that was handed down on the 11 June 2020. 

The judgment in the matter of the New Nation Movement NPC & others V President of the Republic of South Africa & others, declared the Electoral Act of 1998 unconstitutional for stipulating that election to the  National Assembly and provincial legislatures may only be attained through membership of political parties.

The amended electoral act now provides for the inclusion and nomination of independent candidates as contesters to elections in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. Notable measures that feature in the bill are; 

- The requirements which must be met by persons who wish to be nominated as independent candidates; 
- The inspection of copies of lists of independent candidates and accompanying documents;
- Provision for objections to independent candidates;
- The inclusion of a list of independent candidates entitled to contest elections; 
- Requirement for the appointment of agents by independent candidates; 
- Obligation for independent candidates to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct; 
- A revised formula for the allocation of seats and their re-allocation in the event of vacated seats and;
- Stipulation for the Minister to establish the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel. 
 
The amended Act requires the Minister of Home Affairs to establish the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel within four months of gazetting the amendments. 

Following the stipulated independent investigations and consultations, the Panel will make non-binding recommendations on potential reforms of the electoral system for future elections of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures after the 2024 polls. 

“The Electoral Amendment Bill marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our democracy by expanding electoral participation and widening the pool of leadership choice for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The bill presents a development that can only enrich and sustain our growing constitutional democracy”, says President Ramaphosa. 

The bill went through extensive public consultations prompting parliament to request two deadline extensions from the constitutional court. Thus, the final deadline for parliament to pass the bill was 28 February 2023.  

President Ramaphosa is satisfied that the processes leading to the passing of the bill followed all legislative procedures as envisaged by the constitution and that the substance of the bill will pass constitutional scrutiny. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the nation, expressed his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of former Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff, who passed away on Saturday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital at the age of 66.

Ms. Marshoff served as a member of parliament for the African National Congress from 1994 to 1999.

In June 2001, she was deployed to the role of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in the Free State, a position she held until her ascendency to the position of Premier for the province.

In 2009, she resigned from active politics and returned to her nursing profession.

In paying his tribute to Former Premier Marshoff, President Ramaphosa said, “Beatrice Marshoff was the embodiment of selfless and true servant leadership. She embraced her leadership roles with vigor, taking on the joys and hardships of leadership with equal measure.

“Marshoff was relentless in her stance against corruption, maladministration and abuse of public office. She was never afraid of taking unpopular decisions even within her own party and against so called popular individuals. Being unencumbered by the trappings and privilege of political office, she returned to her nursing profession – an act that personified her true humility and dedication to serving our people”.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of new members of the National Orders Advisory Council.
 
National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals. The Advisory Council on National Orders processes nominations of deserving South Africans and foreign nationals and advises the President to assist him in the execution of this important responsibility.
 
South Africa currently bestows the following National Orders on distinguished persons:
1. The Order of Mendi for Bravery
2. The Order of Ikhamanga
3. The Order of Luthuli
4. The Order of Mapungubwe
5. The Order of the Baobab
6. The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo
 
The new members of Advisory Council are as follows:
 
Mr Mandla Langa, who has been appointed as the Chairperson, is a veteran of the struggle for liberation, a celebrated poet, short story writer and novelist, as well as a businessman. He is an esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
 
Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa has been appointed as the Deputy Chairperson. Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa is a South African physicist and Head of Biophotonics research at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). She is an esteemed member of the Order of Mapungubwe.  As lead for biophotonics research at the CSIR, Dr. Mthunzi uses high power lasers to characterise and treat diseases and optically manipulate cells at the microscopic scale.  She is one of the most prominent black women scientists in South Africa.
 
Dr Glenda Gray, is a highly respected Research Professor and co- founder of the Perinatal HIV Research Unit at the University of Witwatersrand, who is based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. She is internationally recognised for her research in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HIV vaccines, HIV among adolescents, HIV prevention, assessing sexual and other risk factors in HIV acquisition, fertility and reproduction in women in the context of HIV epidemics, and recently also microbicide. She is an esteemed member of the Order of Mapungubwe.
 
Dr Irvin Khoza is a South African football administrator and businessman. Nicknamed "Iron Duke/Squveve", he is the Chairman of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Chairman of the South African Premier Soccer League and by virtue of this, Vice-President of the South African Football Association.  He has served football in many capacities, the most prominent of which was when he was the Chairman of the World Cup Bid Committee, as well as the Chairman of Local Organizing Committee of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
 
Dr Peki Emelia “Nothembi” Mkhwebane, is one of the country’s respected traditional music composers and performers, who is renowned for her isiNdebele music songs. She is an esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
 
Ms Natalie Du Toit is a double-gold Olympic swimmer. She is best known for the gold medals she won at the 2004 Paralympic Games as well as the Commonwealth Games. She was one of two Paralympians to compete at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; the other being table tennis player Natalia Partyka.  She is an esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
 
Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized South African singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian and teacher.  Ms. Chaka Chaka is a champion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and malaria, the United Nations MDG Envoy for Africa, and the Goodwill Ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. She was chosen by Nelson Mandela as the first ambassador for his children's fund, and has also established her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation, using the name first given to her by fans in Uganda.  She is an esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
 
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng is the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. She served as president of the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa from 2002 to 2006, as founding chairperson of the Board of the South African Mathematics Foundation from 2004 to 2006, and secretary and member of the Executive Committee of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education from 2003 to 2007.  She is an esteemed member of the Order of the Baobab.
 
Ms Puseletso Madumise is an experienced player in the NGO sector and the development field in general.  She is the Gauteng Chairperson of the South African National Non-governmental Organization Coalition (SANGOCO).  She also currently serves as a member of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which was established by Gauteng Premier David Makhura in 2017.  
 
Prof Sarojini Nadar is a transdisciplinary researcher within the fields of gender and religion, with a more broad focus on religion and social justice – spanning issues of race, class, gender and sexuality. She sits on five international journal editorial boards including the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and she is also the editor-in-chief of the African Journal of Gender and Religion. She is the Desmond Tutu Research Chair in Religion and Social Justice at the University of the Western Cape.
 
Dr Stavros Nicolaou is one of the most prominent and active businesspeople in South Africa.  He is currently the Aspen Pharmacare Group’s Senior Executive responsible for strategic trade development.  Aspen Pharmacare is one of South Africa’s most globalized international companies with a presence in over 50 localities globally. He was previously CEO of Aspen’s Export Business.  He is a previous winner of the SA Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) Health Care Marketer of the Year Award.  He holds an honorary doctorate from Wits University.
 
The President extends his gratitude to the outgoing members of the National Orders Advisory Council. The outgoing Council has served the country exceptionally well over a number of years. We thank them wholeheartedly for this national service. We welcome Mr Langa and the new team and look forward to working with them as we celebrate excellence, selflessness and the promotion of a common nationhood.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria