The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise,
Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla,
The Chief Executive Officer of the Castle Control Board,
Our Esteemed Military Veterans,
Government officials,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good morning,
 
To begin, we want to welcome everyone here today and thank you for taking time to attend this important gathering to agree on how we jointly work together in resolving the challenges faced by our nation's veterans.
 
We can never take for granted your presence and participation as it demonstrates your dedication in the initiative of finding long-term solutions to the difficulties that our nation's military veterans face every day.
 
Most importantly, we will never take for granted the critical role played by the military veterans from variety of armed forces, in the fight to overthrow the apartheid regime in South Africa.
 
The history of our liberation struggle can never be narrated without acknowledging the heroism and sacrifices of all our military veterans who committed their lives to the service of national freedom.
 
You trained and slept in bush camps, left your families and dedicated your lives to the wellbeing of our country.
 
You will forever remain heroes and heroes of our democracy.
 
Your efforts have liberated the country; today we are enjoying the benefits of democracy because of your selfless contribution. In the process, many of our military veterans lost opportunities to develop and advance themselves through education and available employment opportunities.
 
Most of these heroes and heroines did not have an opportunity to set aside their health and pension provisions to take care of their retired lives.
 
It is for this reason that both the government and the people must remain committed to ensuring that veterans of the armed forces are provided with the care, benefits and opportunities necessary to lead their lives with integrity and respect.
 
OBSTACLES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT
 
It is unfortunate that when we demobilised the combatants and integrated you into civilian life, you had to return to communities where opportunities for employment with your skills set are severely limited.
 
Many of you have been reduced to abject poverty and hopelessness; therefore, you have every right to demand a portion of the benefits that come with freedom.
 
It is for this reason that our government started a legislative process that eventually saw the enactment of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, from which the Department of Military Veterans was established.
 
Since then, military veterans became entitled to benefits prescribed in the Act, and were able to raise grievances in relation to their perceived incapacity of the Department of Military Veterans to adequately dispense these benefits to their community.
 
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK TEAM
 
It is for this reason that President Ramaphosa established the Presidential Task Team on the affairs of Military Veterans in the latter part of 2020, under the leadership of the Deputy President, to tackle the concerns raised on the livelihoods of military veterans.
 
Some of you will recall that in our initial meetings, all Provincial Premiers were called in order to assist in the amicable resolution of the challenges faced by military veterans. Our belief is that Provinces have a critical role to play in supporting military veterans, as they are closer to where our veterans live.
 
Since then, we have made an effort to interact directly with military veterans in their respective home provinces, as we are doing today, to agree on key issues that need to be resolved and addressed.
 
So far, we have already visited six provinces, namely; Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
We are meeting you today to update you on progress that the Task Team has made in articulating its mandate through its seven workstreams.
 
Most importantly, this provincial visit offers us an opportunity
to reflect on the obstacles that might be delaying the process to enable you to access benefits that are prescribed in the Military Veterans Act such as military pension, housing, free access to military health services and all other related services.

Some of the obstacles we have identified that have caused a delay in the delivery of benefits constituted are:
• The negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the DMVs’ operations and performance;
• The constrained fiscal environment having a negative impact;
• The fact that implementation of high impact projects were awaiting approval;
• The management of the DMVs’ database.
 
PROGRESS MADE BY THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK TEAM

Ladies and Gentleman,
 
Despite the difficulties we have encountered, we have made significant progress in addressing some of your challenges, including those faced by military veterans in the Western Cape Province.
 
With regard to the extension of the provision of housing support to the surviving dependents of Military Veterans, we are in a process of amending the Military Veteran Act to extend the provision to widows and dependants of the deceased Military Veterans. We are confident that the process will be completed soon.
 
Moreover, we are also improving the floor plan of the houses, and the remedial work on defective houses is underway in a number of housing projects including in Belhar.
 
These are some of examples of work been done in your province that you have highlighted, and during the course of the day, you will hear more when the progress reports are presented by the worsktreams.
 
Ladies and Gentleman
 
You may already know that we reached a milestone when the Presidential Task Team approved the Military Veterans Pension Policy.
 
In this regard, the Department has made budget provisions over the Medium-Term to ensure that military veterans receive their pensions.  Currently, it is working on the regulations to operationalise the implementation of the pension benefit provisions.
 
We are aware of the deficit that needs to be urgently filled by this policy, and we appeal to our veterans to be patient with the Ministry, which is currently preoccupied with the task.
 
This Presidential Task Team takes its mission and the continuing challenges faced by military veterans very seriously, and is committed to ensuring that the plight of military veterans is accorded the highest priority in every government programme across all levels of government.
 
Therefore, we are putting ourselves in the forefront and inviting military veterans to inform us of their difficulties, so that we can ensure that they receive the attention they deserve.

In addition, we take this opportunity to urge all officials who are employed in areas where they are required to provide services to Military Veterans to work diligently, with the empathy and demeanour required to serve this prestigious community.
 
The Task Team is ready to assist the Department of Military Veterans in accessing the additional resources to better serve this constituency.
 
As we move forward, it is crucial to properly facilitate a government-wide response that is both effective and coordinated, as well as a joint action plan that aims to address the unique challenges faced by our nation's veterans.

Part of the experience from the work of this task team has been the creation of coordinating structures in the Offices of Premiers, through which various grievances of military veterans are being timeously attended to.
 
As we interact with the Western Cape today, we call on the province to work collaboratively with the Department of Military Veterans in establishing a mechanism that will assist in closing the distance between the national Department of Military Veterans and military veterans located within the province.
 
In our discussions today, we need to reflect and agree on how we will strengthen institutional response mechanisms that allow us to promptly resolve issues raised by military veterans from time to time.

Specifically in this Province, there must be consensus on how we address peculiar issues facing our military veterans, and ensure the their socio-economic conditions improve.
 
In conclusion, as a society, that owes its very existence to the sacrifices of its own valiant sons and daughters, we must ensure that its military veterans and their families also have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of the freedom they have helped to establish.
 
I thank you

Programme Director,
President of CONTRALESA, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena,
Deputy President, Kgosi Nyalala Pilane,
General Secretary of CONTRALESA, Inkosi Zolani Mkiva,
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Her Majesty Nkosikazi Mhlauli,
Leadership of CONTRALESA,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of Parliament,
Your Majesties and Royal Highnesses,

Esteemed Delegates,

It is an honour and privilege to be accorded an opportunity meet and break bread with the esteemed leaders and members of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa. 

It has been more than three decades since the formation of CONTRALESA in 1987, and even today, you remain the an important institution that is an embodiment of our collective history, heritage, and a common sense of national identity as the people of this country. 

Delegates will recall that CONTRALESA was founded in response to the oppression imposed by the apartheid system on South Africa's Traditional Leaders.

The ANC’s constitutional guidelines of 1987 even stated, “The institution of traditional leadership shall be transformed to promote the democratic interests of the people”.

By restoring the dignity of our Traditional Leaders and their communities, who have been impacted by the segregation laws of the apartheid system for decades, CONTRALESA has played a key role in defending the rights of those who live in traditional communities.

The organisation became a component of the broad democratic movement that was fighting the unjust laws of apartheid.
 
Your efforts in the unification of South Africa under a common banner in which Traditional Leaders could work effectively with government to do away with separatism and to help South Africa become a democratic and free country can never be forgotten. 

Regarding CONTRALESA’s relationship with the ANC

Your contribution in the democratic mass movement was no different from that of the ANC. 

You were part of the collective that was fighting an enemy with the common goal of providing a voice to Traditional Leaders, and their communities, in order to create a unified democratic South Africa.

It is for this reasons that we have been able to forge a connection in our relationship that has lasted for years despite the upheavals that have threatened to tear us apart.

As the ANC, we expect your participation in all processes designed to address the needs and well-being of the communities you serve.

We appreciate you being be part of our government's efforts to address broader challenges confronting the Institution of Traditional Leadership.

As the Governing party, and our Alliance partners, we cannot operate in silos.

In this regard, we need a united CONTRALESA that will in turn contribute to the unity, and the renewal of the African National Congress.
 
As the ANC Government, in partnership with Traditional Leaders, it is our collective responsibility to strengthen our traditional communities, speak up for their needs and goals, build stronger social networks, and protect our people's cultural heritage.

That is why we have been engaging with Traditional Leaders on a regular basis, and involving you in our programmes so that you become part of broad forces working for liberation and transformation of our people.

As the ANC Government, we want to involve CONTRALESA in all our programmes to ensure that the Institution of Traditional Leadership, and its role is given due recognition. 

Moreover, we want the Institution of Traditional Leadership to participate in all democratic processes, and the development agenda of our country.

The ongoing engagements between the ANC and Traditional Leadership formations on efforts of resolving challenges that impede development in rural communities, have brought to the fore the need for a closer working relationship between government and the Institution of Traditional Leadership.

Challenges raised by Traditional Leaders

As Government, we are aware of several areas you have identified that still require our urgent attention. 

Some of these concern matters like the respect for and function of Traditional Leaders as established in Chapter 12 of the Republic of South Africa's Constitution.

Furthermore, these challenges include lack of socio-economic services, cultural infrastructure, and the provision of basic services in Traditional communities. Lack of access to clean water, electricity, agricultural support, and local economic development initiatives are at the core of the immediate needs of our traditional communities.

We must be the active participants in our endeavour to strengthen social compact and collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and inter-faith formations to fight against poverty, inequality, unemployment, social ills, diseases, killing of the traditional leaders, and underdevelopment, amongst others.

It is important that we continue to collaborate in order to find solutions to the numerous difficulties that continue to undermine our society's social fabric.

Our country is being besieged by the plague of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

As Government, we rely more on the support from the Institution of Traditional Leadership to address this plague. 

We rely on the support from the Institution of Traditional Leadership to foster our social cohesion efforts to unite our communities for a common goal.

Traditional leadership has a vital role to play in addressing the most fundamental issues affecting our communities since it is the institution that is closest to the people.

Together, we must work closely as partners to address obstacles that limit development in rural communities.

Progress in addressing the identified challenges

As governing party, we have made headways as part of ongoing efforts to address some of the challenges you have raised. 

In 2015, we established a National Task Team led by CoGTA Deputy Minister, which has been assigned the responsibilities of supporting the institution of traditional leadership, and the harmonisation of traditional and municipal structures at the local level. 

In addition, we convened the Indaba of Indigenous and Traditional Leaders from May 29 to June 2, 2017, followed by the Lekgotla of the National House of Traditional Leaders in 2018, to assess progress made since the Indaba of Traditional Leaders.

During these engagements you have highlighted the critical issues and concerns and the resolutions covered the among others,  the Communal Land currently held in trust, Spatial Planning and Land Use Management, Radical Economic Development and Traditional Communities, Social Cohesion and Nation Building.

Although we have since made progress in this area, we understand that there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to enhance development in each of your areas.

Concerning land tenure and administration difficulties, we are all aware that this has been a challenging matter for people. This topic was also discussed at this year's Communal Land Administration and Tenure Summit, which took place in May 2022.

The Summit was able to pass resolutions that will aid in the development of proper land reform legislation and policies. As soon as Cabinet accepts them, these resolutions will be moved forward and shared with you.

We will continue to endeavour to secure rural community growth and sustainability by establishing land rights and the transfer of ownership from the state to legitimate owners.

In addition, as part of land use and spatial development, we are partnering with Traditional Leaders to advance rural development through amongst others, targeted infrastructure investment for the benefit of communities. 

It is essential to prioritise land access as a crucial asset for rural development and economic transformation. This is necessary in order to ensure that land that is held in trust by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders can be successfully utilised for agricultural, human settlement, and industrial development.

As Government, in partnership with the Institution of Traditional Leadership, we are committed to address the land question. 

In this regard, Government has since committed itself to transfer 700 000 hectares of state land for human settlements and agricultural purposes. 

Through the Pro-Active Land Acquisition Programme, government is currently in the process of transferring land to its rightful beneficiaries, with special focus on youth, females and people with disabilities. 

As a Government, we are dedicated to responding quickly to challenges that arise while also working hard to establish long-term solutions.

Esteemed Delegates,

As part of this commitment, the President formed Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Matters Raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, which is led by the Deputy President's office and is tasked with coordinating the government's response to the challenges that traditional leaders face around the country.

In this regard, we have held multiple engagements with Traditional Leaders from various provinces, and we are finalising a report to be delivered to the President; as soon as the report is completed and approved by Cabinet, the Institution of Traditional Leadership will be notified accordingly. 

As you may be aware, the Task Team has been made appraised on a number of concerns, including tools of trade, remuneration of Traditional Leaders, funding model for Traditional Councils, appointment and remuneration of Traditional Secretaries, Ubukhosi succession disputes, government transfer of 13 percent of land held in trust for traditional leaders, and many other issues.

As the ANC government, we have made it a priority to address all issues or concerns as soon as possible, in order to identify viable solutions.

With regard to the challenge of facilitating the legal recognition of Traditional Khoi and San leaders and their participation in government initiatives, we have achieved progress.

The process for recognition has been published, and the Commission on Khoi-San Matters has been set up. 

The Commission has five years to look into matters affecting Khoisan Leaders, and thereafter will forward its recommendations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for implementation.

Collective roles of CONTRALESA and the ANC

Esteemed Delegates,

As the leaders of our communities, we have a duty to join and find answers to any issues that continue to undermine our sense of community. This obligation should not simply be about our needs; rather, it should be about the needs of our communities as a whole.

Collectively, we must continue to ensure that there is development of a cohesive and prosperous society that is democratic in nature, does not discriminate based on race or gender, and does not engage in sexism.

We, as ANC government, have the utmost confidence in your capacity to steer our country in the right direction, and we are excited to collaborate with you to find answers to the pressing problems that are currently facing our society.

In your role as CONTRALESA, it is your responsibility to combat social problems such as the violation of girl-child rights, as well as ritual killings, particularly of those with albinism.

Furthermore, we need to come up with workable solutions in order to keep kids away from substances like alcohol and drugs. 

It is our duty to alter the course that will be taken by future generations by ensuring that the people living in our communities have access to educational opportunities, employment openings, and extracurricular activities that will allow them to develop and keep themselves productively occupied as they do so.

A further cause for concern for our communities is the high incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB, in especially among young women and teenage girls.

In this regard, and as part of our efforts to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, we must keep sending positive and convincing messages to young people about postponing the start of their first sexual engagement for as long as possible. When they do, to engage in sexually healthy relationships and have healthy, productive life.

Esteemed delegates, in addition to considerable progress we have made, we still need to stand up and resist anything that keeps us divided as a nation. It is imperative that we collaborate as equal partners in order to realize our goal of a unified South Africa.

We have a greater possibility of changing the lives of our people in traditional communities for the better, this we can, if we have a cohesive sense of purpose and direction.

As we have stated previously, when unity is the foundation of our collaboration, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Thank you very much.

The Office of the Deputy President has noted the unfortunate and misleading statement issued by COSATU in the Free State, regarding efforts to support the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality to provide basic services to the residents of Phuthaditjhaba and surrounding areas.
 
While the frustrations on the ground, as a result of the disruption of basic services and livelihoods are understandable, the statement by COSATU bears misrepresentations around this matter.
 
In fact, it lacks basic facts on the chronology of events and the work that has been done in dealing with issues of provision of basic services in the Municipality. In its statement, COSATU unfairly attacks the person and Office of the Deputy President and further disregards ongoing negotiations towards the finalisation of the Active Partnering Agreement between Eskom and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.
 
This agreement is aimed at assisting the Municipality with maintenance of infrastructure and revenue collection to enable payment of the bulk electricity account and reduce escalating debt while restoring reliable electricity and water supply.
 
Contrary to claims that the Deputy President was mandated to intervene, he made a promise in Parliament as a response to two Parliamentary questions in November 2020 respectively in the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly, on the government’s efforts in resolving electricity and water provision challenges faced by the residents of Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality. Therefore, the COSATU statement is not correct that the intervention began after the protests of 2021.
 
The unfortunate assertions in the statement lack appreciation for intergovernmental relations and their complexities. The Provincial and National COGTA Departments have a constitutional mandate to intervene in the event of a municipality's collapse. However, the legislation is also clear on a need to first identify the challenges facing a municipality in order to provide the necessary support, before rushing to interventions.
 
In the case of Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, the role of the convener is to bring together the key players to look at the best ways to assist the municipality get back to full operation so that it can serve the people and meet the needs of the community as a whole.
 
That is why the Deputy President began by holding engagements with the Premier and the Municipal Council at the time, including various local stakeholders, community representatives, business leaders, labour leaders, and traditional leaders. In these engagements, it was established that the municipality had a myriad of challenges that had brought municipal operations to a halt, leading to sporadic protests and unrest.
 
The Deputy President then appointed a multi-sectoral team of technocrats under the auspices of the then Eskom Political Task Team to facilitate a resolution on the challenges in the Municipality as raised by Parliamentarians. This intergovernmental process entailed a series of engagements by the three spheres of government to implement measures to mitigate service delivery challenges in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, while a sustainable solution to the municipal debt was being finalised.
 
The adopted immediate intervention measures and roadmap to stabilise the situation and address governance and operational deficits, included an electricity supply improvement framework, a better mechanism to deal with the Eskom debt, a water supply intervention framework, revitalisation of the Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zone, and promoting commercial, solidarity economy, and informal business initiatives.
 
To date, a framework for improving water supply is being implemented by a multiple stakeholder team. The water resources are being upgraded, and bulk water infrastructure has been laid, including a line connected to the Sterkfontein Dam to augment local sources. The provincial government, in collaboration with relevant national departments, has developed a framework for unlocking local economic development, which includes establishing an investment incentive regime aimed at promoting investments and allowing SMMEs and informal businesses access to industrial area infrastructure.
 
Interventions on the electricity supply are at an advanced stage, including the construction of a new substation.
 
These efforts both at political and technical level were premised on fostering collaboration between government and social partners in order to get the municipality to full operation.
 
Notwithstanding the complexities of intergovernmental structures and processes, the negotiations between the Municipality and Eskom have resulted in an Active Partnering Agreement, which will be signed on November 25, 2022. Any delays in the signing of the agreement would be a matter of operational processes between the parties involved and would not reflect on the support provided by the Office of the Deputy President, as the Constitution is clear on the separation of powers between the three spheres of government.
 
This poses the question of why the statement had to be issued in the manner that it was.
 
The Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality is an important intervention in the context of the Multi-disciplinary Revenue Committee, and will be used as a model for how to assist municipalities in distress, especially in the context of building a capable state.
 
Taking into consideration the progress made through this intervention, we believe that we have not reached a point of total collapse for the municipality.
 
All these developments shared above have been communicated to COSATU through the NEDLAC processes. The Office of the Deputy President appreciates that COSATU has taken the matter through these processes and looks forward to future constructive engagement in this regard. The unnecessary attack on the Office of the Deputy President undermines the work done thus far and is therefore concerning.
 
The Deputy President remains committed to the process, as evidenced by the three visits to the municipality with a delegation that included the Premier of the Free State Province, members of the provincial and national governments, and senior executives of Eskom and the affected water boards.
 
Furthermore, the Deputy President assigned two special advisors to continuously monitor the process and provide regular reports to the Deputy President on the developments of the Multi Stakeholder Forum, which is chaired by the Director-General of the Free State Province and where relevant national and provincial departments, agencies, and labour, including COSATU, participate. The role of this team is to observe and provide advice on the process where necessary without meddling with the legislated processes of running a municipality.
 
The Office of the Deputy President remains encouraged by the municipality's progress in normalising its operations; what is required of all of society is to provide support to the unfolding processes rather than politicking, thereby undermining social cohesion and nation building.
 
 
Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, will tomorrow, Thursday, 10 November 2022, visit the Western Cape Province in Cape Town, to hold engagements with Military Veterans associations.

Since its establishment, the Task Team on Military Veterans has been seized with the task of facilitating the delivery of services and coordinating activities aimed  at recognising the contribution by Military Veterans to the attainment of freedom in South Africa. 
 
In this regard, the Task Team  working together with provincial governments, has established a framework for the implementation of the national policy and standards governing Military Veterans' affairs to improve the quality of life of Military Veterans and their dependants.
 
The visit by the Deputy President, will therefore provide a platform for the Task Team to provide updates on progress achieved in facilitating access for the roll-out of services and benefits to Military Veterans and their dependents, such as; Military pension; housing; access to healthcare services; skills acquisition and education support; burial support and counselling, amongst others.
 
Deputy President Mabuza will be joined by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr. Thabang Makwetla together with senior government officials.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the engagement as follows:
 
Date: Thursday, 10 November 2022
Time: 11h00 (Media to arrive at 10h00)
Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, Western Cape Province
 

Media enquires: Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or matome@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as the Chairperson of Task Team established to respond to issues raised by Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, will on Thursday, 27 October 2022 address the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA).

CONTRALESA is a formation of South African traditional leaders established before freedom and democracy in South Africa, to regain the dignity and agency of traditional leadership that was undermined by the apartheid government. 

The attendance and address by the Deputy President of the gathering is a continuation of the conversations that the Deputy President has been having with Traditional and Khoi-San leaders on their role in building our nation.

The event is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, 27 October 2022
Time: 10:00
Venue: Hotel Sky, Sandton, Johannesburg


Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

On Sunday 06 November 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his submission made in terms of rule 129g(1)(c)(iii) of the National Assembly rules, to the independent panel appointed in terms of rule 129d of the national assembly rule. The President’s submission affirms his committed cooperation with due process.

President Ramaphosa has always made certain that throughout his tenure as President, he abides by his oath of office and set an example in his respect for the Constitution, its institutions, due process and the rule of law. President Ramaphosa categorically denies that he violated this oath in any way, and denies that he is guilty of any of the allegations made against him.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted an invitation by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Mr Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to participate in the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit scheduled from 07-08 November 2022 in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
 
The 2022 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP27, will be held from 06 to 18 November 2022 at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Conference Centre.
 
With COP27 taking place in Africa, it presents an opportunity to advance African priority issues, namely.
 
• Recognition of Africa’s special needs and circumstances;
 
• Raising the ambitions on mitigation, adaptation and support to developing countries.
 
• Advance financing arrangements for loss and damage.
 
• Build on progress made in Glasgow on the importance of Just Transitions.
 
• Advance discussions on the special needs and circumstance of Africa.
 
Climate Summits provide a platform to make announcements of new climate ambition, political direction and momentum for the UNFCCC negotiations, as well as to address broader issues related to climate change mainly to guide climate change negotiators (beyond the mandate and scope of the UNFCCC negotiations).
 
The programme for the participation of Heads of State and Government(HOSG) will include an official opening ceremony, high-level round tables, delivery of national statements and high-level side events organised by World Leaders.
 
During the summit, the Government of Egypt will convene 6 high-level Round Tables on Just Transition; Food Security; Innovative Finance and Climate Development; Investing in Future of Energy; Climate Change and Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities and Water Security.  These roundtables will be attended by the HOSG, Heads of observer organisations and specially invited guests.
 
President Ramaphosa will on 07 November 2022 Co-Chair the High Level Roundtable on Just Transition, which will allow discussions on innovative approaches to addressing climate change in the context of Just Transition, inspired by the South African Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
 
President Ramaphosa yesterday during the special sitting of the Presidential Climate Change Commission(PCC) unveiled government’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) outlining government’s comprehensive priority investment and financing interventions required to achieve decarbonisation commitments and ensuring an equitable and just transition.
 
On 08th November 2022, the President will deliver a national statement during the high-level segment of the summit.
 
The Summit further provides a platform for discussing how climate actions can be supportive of broader Just Transitions imperatives, highlighting the need for the COP to agree on a Just Transition Financing Framework under the mitigation work programme as a potential model for supporting energy transition in middle income countries.
 
The high-level segment for Heads of State and Government during the summit signifies the importance for World Leaders to implement and transform key climate related decisions into concrete actions and credible plans, continue raising ambition, building up from previous Conference of the Parties, including the Glasgow COP 26 outcomes.
 
The segment also keeps the high level commitment on climate change issues, with an aim to fight back climate emergency and promoting coordinated action to tackle climate change.
 
South Africa’s UNFCCC negotiating positions on climate change, are fully aligned to the African common position, as adopted by the African Union’s Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).
 
The President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Naledi Pandor; Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy.
 
President Ramaphosa’s Programme at the Summit will be as follows:
 
07 November 2022 12h15-13h30 Opening Ceremony of the United Nations Climate Change Conference
 
07 November 2022 13h30-15h30 President Ramaphosa Co-Chairs the High-Level Roundtable on Just Transition
 
08 November 2022 12h00-12h30 Press Conference by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sharm El Sheikh International Conference Centre, Press Conference Room 1-Cairo
 
08 November 2022 13h00-18h00 President Ramaphosa delivers a National Statement
 
The proceedings of the summit open to media will be live streamed on https://unfccc.int/cop27#events and on all PresidencyZA digital platforms.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President-  +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled government’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) at a special virtual meeting of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) held today, Friday, 4 November 2022.
 
Today’s engagement formed part of South Africa’s preparation for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred as COP27, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 6 November. 
 
President Ramaphosa will travel to the Summit next week as leader of the South African Government delegation.
 
Recently, the Cabinet and Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Just Energy Transition Partnership endorsed the Investment Plan (JET-IP) as the basis for widespread public discussion on South Africa’s pathway towards a low carbon and climate resilient society.
 
Government will engage with different sectors on the investment plan, including through the Presidential Climate Commission which will facilitate discussion among different stakeholders in society.
 
The investment plan outlines government’s comprehensive priority investment and financing interventions required to achieve decarbonisation commitments and ensuring an equitable and just transition.
 
The investment plan comes a year since the announcement of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) forged at the global climate conference, COP26, in November 2021. The partnership is aimed at supporting South Africa’s energy transition. The International Partner Group working with South Africa on this initiative comprises France, Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
 
Addressing the Commission today, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan outlined the scale of need and the investments required to achieve the country’s decarbonisation commitments, “and to do so while promoting sustainable development and ensuring a just transition for affected workers and communities.
 
“It is about addressing the global risks of climate change while creating jobs and driving more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”
 
President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for adequate financial support for a just transition that must include a significantly larger grant funding component to ensure the implementation of active labour market policies, reskilling and upskilling as well as the creation of new industries on a considerable scale.
 
Emphasising the need for continuous dialogue, transparency and stakeholder ownership of the plan, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Mr Valli Moosa said: “The successful catalysation of priority interventions under JET IP and the broader just energy aspirations of South Africa rely on on-going engagement and inclusion of all social partners to ensure our country plans reflect the needs of affected constituencies and achieves a just and inclusive impact.”
 
Mr Daniel Mminele, Head of the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team, underscored for the Commission the key features of the investment plan which is aimed at supporting South Africa’s goal of establishing a low-carbon and climate-resilient society.
 
The investment plan recognises that fossil fuel-dependent countries such as South Africa require significant support for a just energy transition, aligned with developed economies’ obligations to support developing economies under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Climate Agreement.
 
The investment plan contributes to building resilience to transition risks and fostering social preparedness as South Africa shifts its energy system and grows new green industries.
 
Funding support through the the Just Energy Transition Partnership is an an important contribution to the achieving the ambition set out in the investment plan.
 
The portfolio of investments and other interventions in the investment plan reflect an intersectoral and just transition approach and focuses on location and sector-specific vulnerabilities.
 
President Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of new members to the Presidential Climate Commission.
 
The new commissioners are:
• Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana Secretary general of the SA Council of Churches, 
• Dr Shafik Adams, of the Water Research Commission; 
• Mr Lungisa Fuzile, Chief Executive of Standard Bank SA,
• Ms Zama Khanyile, from the National Empowerment Fund, and
• Mr Nicholaas Janse van Rensburg Rabie of Agri SA.
 
“I welcome you and look forward to your selfless contribution and engagement and in the same breath thank commissioners who served the country in this sector since the inception of this Commission,” said President Ramaphosa.
 
The investment plan can be accessed on www.presidency.gov.za.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) will hold a Special Sitting today, Friday 4 November 2022, at which President Cyril Ramaphosa will set out Government’s priority investment and financing interventions under the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.
 
Cabinet and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Just Energy Transition Partnership recently agreed that there may now be broader consultation on the investment plan.
 
South Africa has entered into a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with  Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union to support South Africa’s phasing-out of coal and reduce potentially negative consequences on workers, communities and the economy.
 
The President will update the Commission in his capacity as Chair of this independent, statutory, multi-stakeholder body established to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.
 
Today’s engagement forms part of South Africa’s preparation for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, or COP27, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh from 6 November. President Ramaphosa will travel to the Summit next week as leader of the South African Government delegation.
 
Under the Just Energy Transition Partnership South Africa ahead of COP27 requires a financing package that is aligned to the country’s fiscal realities and demands; upholds the development and climate finance principles and obligations that are due to developing countries, and is inclusive and just.
 
The Presidential Climate Commission is focused on creating a social partnership around a just transition; defining a vision for a just transition, and means of achieving that vision, covering the necessary sectoral shifts, technological innovation, employment opportunities, and climate finance, as well as conducting independent analysis into climate change impacts on jobs, the economy, and policy.
 
To these ends, the Commission engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including all spheres of government, business, labour, academia, communities, and civil society.
 
Today’s session will take place on a virtual platform from 16h00 to 17h30 online to receive and consider an update on the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JETIP).
 
Media may view the briefing via live streaming on the South African Government and Presidential Climate Commission social media channel and website on the links below:
 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GCISMedia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  
 
And/or

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/climatecommission
Website: https://www.climatecommission.org.za/
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Climate Change Commission

Today, Friday, 4 November 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the presidential climate commission on the just energy transition investment plan. The President, as the chair of the commission will provide the meeting with government’s priority investment and financing interventions of the JETIP as recently approved by cabinet and the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Just Energy Transition Partnership for broader consultations. The session is scheduled to start at 16h00 and end at 17h30.

COP 27 Egypt

On Monday, 7 November 2022, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt to attend the Twenty-seventh Conference of Parties (COP 27). The Minister in The Presidency, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Ms Barbara Creecy will support the President during the negotiations.  

The President’s focus will be on securing maximum ambition in terms of climate action, the honoring of previous commitments and the provision of enabling means of implementation support for developing countries including South Africa. 

With COP 27 taking place in Africa, it presents an opportunity to advance African priority issues, namely. 

•    Raising the ambitions on mitigation, adaptation and support to developing countries.
•    Advance financing arrangements for loss and damage.
•    Build on progress made in Glasgow on the importance of Just Transitions.
•    Advance discussions on the special needs and circumstance of Africa.

Kenya State Visit 

At the invitation of H.E. Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, President Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to Kenya on the 9 November 2022. The bilateral discussions will focus on, multilateral, economic, regional and continental issues. The visit will include a Business Forum focusing on trade and investment between Kenya and South Africa. 

According to the World Bank, Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy and gateway to the region with a GDP that stands at over USD 110 billion as of 2021. Kenya is South Africa’s largest trading partner outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, making South Africa the biggest seller of goods to Kenya on the continent. 

South Africa exported over R6 billion worth of goods to Kenya in 2021. As of April 2022, exports to Kenya have been valued at over R2 billion. 

The state visit to Kenya, offers both countries the opportunity to build on the momentum created by the November state visit last year by former President Kenyatta and to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation between South Africa and the new Kenyan Administration. 

Energy/NECOM Update

In his address to the nation on 25 July 2022, President Ramaphosa announced a bold set of actions to address load shedding and achieve energy security. One the of the key commitments the President made was the South African Police Service constituting a special law enforcement team to help Eskom confront crime and corruption. 

The National Joint Operational Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to coordinate the work of multiple agencies to address sabotage, theft and fraud at Eskom. In this regard, 67 cases are on the court roll and three have been finalised with a conviction. T

his a significant step towards ridding Eskom of rogue elements that undermine one of the key tenets of achieving the country’s energy security, which is the fixing of Eskom and improving the operational performance of existing power stations.  

SONA Commitments Updates and Presidency Achievements

In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Presidency would like to encourage members of the media and the public to track progress on the implementation of the SONA 2022 commitments by visiting the Presidency SONA portal, www.stateofthenation.gov.za 

At the last media briefing, we also shared a summary of achievements of the Ramaphosa led administration. Today, we would like to focus on efforts to END STATE CAPTURE AND CORRUPTION and these are; 

•    The appointment of new leadership at the Hawks, which has restored the credibility and stability of the institution and led to action against corruption. Since 2018, the Hawks have secured 4,500 convictions for corruption and other priority crimes.
•    The appointment of a new National Director of Public Prosecutions on the recommendations of an independent panel following a transparent public process.
•    The establishment of the NPA Investigating Directorate to prosecute state capture and other significant corruption cases. The Investigating Directorate has by August 2022 enrolled over 20 corruption cases and charged 65 accused.
•    The appointment of the SIU Special Tribunal to expedite civil claims against corrupt individuals and the recovery of stolen funds. Since its establishment, it has recovered over R8.6 billion.
•    The administration undertook measures to end corruption and politicisation at the State Security Agency, including the appointment of new leadership and implementation of recommendations of a High-Level Panel on the SSA. 
•    Lastly, this administration amended the State Capture Commission regulations to enable sharing of information and resources with the NPA on state capture cases. The several high profile cases that are before the courts bear testament to the success of the enablement provided by the Ramaphosa administration to law enforcement agencies in support of their fight against corruption. 

Kgathatso Tlhakudi and Protected Disclosure Claims

The Presidency noted with concern a Sunday newspaper story accusing the DG in the Presidency Ms Phindile Baleni and the President’s Special Advisor Dr Bejani Chauke of a cover-up following a protected disclosure by the suspended DG of the department of Public Enterprises, Mr Tlhakudi. 

The Presidency rejects these false, unsubstantiated and baseless claims. The so-called protected disclosure reached the Presidency halfway through the disciplinary process against Mr Tlhakudi who lost his labour court bid to have his suspension overturned.

Mr Hangwani Maumela

To the extent that Maumela is the son of the President’s ex brother-in-law, the President has no further knowledge of Maumela nor has he ever had any relationship with him. Furthermore, President does not have any knowledge of Mr Maumela’s business dealings neither was he aware of his involvement with the Tembisa Hospital or any other state entity. 

The President expects law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without any fear or favour, regardless of who may be involved and to arrest those who are or were party to malfeasance. 

In the exercise and fulfilment of his constitutional powers the President remains duty bound to always act in accordance to the constitution and his oath of office. This he does without any fear or favour. SIU Proclamations are never signed based on the individuals involved. 

The Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals act no.74 of 1996 sets out guidelines in which the President may exercise his powers. The President considers every application by the SIU on its merits and he will certainly sign such a proclamation should the SIU, as it so often does, motivate for the need for such an investigation.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria