President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia from 22 to 28 October 2025, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with this dynamic region. The visit will include a state visit to Indonesia (22–23 October), a state visit to Vietnam (23–24 October), and a working visit to Malaysia (25–28 October), where President Ramaphosa will also participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

INDONESIA STATE VISIT
On Wednesday, 22 October 2025, President Ramaphosa commences in Indonesia with a state visit at the invitation of His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto. President Ramaphosa will observe the Welcome Ceremony at the Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jarkata. The two leaders will hold a tête-à-tête, priming the subsequent official bilateral talks with respective ministerial delegations in support.

President Ramaphosa will deliver opening remarks at the bilateral talks to encapsulate relations with Indonesia and further strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, tourism and defence. This engagement aims to diversify trade in the face of global dynamics.

SA-Indonesia relations go back more than 350 years - when the first people of Indonesian descent arrived in the Cape in the mid-1600s. Starting with the Bandung Conference of 1955, Indonesia became one of the fiercest critics of apartheid and supported the anti-apartheid struggle throughout. Formal diplomatic relations between Indonesia and SA were established in 1994. 

President Ramaphosa will join His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto for a joint media briefing following official bilateral talks. The state visit will be preceded by a SA- Indonesia Business Forum taking place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. Indonesia is the third largest trading partner of South Africa in the Southeast Asia region. President Ramaphosa will on the margins of the state visit connect with leading Indonesian business leaders to expand trade and investment. 

Both countries continue playing leading roles in developing and enhancing South-South Cooperation and continue to be locomotives of South-South Cooperation. Contemporarily they are member states of the BRICS. 

INDONESIA MEDIA PROGRAMME
DATE: WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2025

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OBSERVES WELCOME CEREMONY AS GUEST OF HONOUR OF PRESIDENT PRABOWO SUBIANTO
Time: 06:00 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA DELIVERS OPENING REMARKS AT THE SOUTH AFRICA – INDONESIA BILATERAL TALKS ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT
Time: 06:30 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE MEDIA BRIEFING FOLLOWING BILATERAL TALKS ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 
Time: 7:30 SAST 
Venue: Merdeka Presidential Palace, Jakarta

VIETNAM STATE VISIT
On Thursday, 23 October 2025, President Ramaphosa proceeds to, Hanoi, on a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is both timely and symbolic, reaffirming the importance South Africa accords to its bilateral relations with Vietnam, as well as its broader engagement with the Southeast Asian region. 

The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs. This year, Vietnam is commemorate 80 years of Independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance. 

Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations

The state visit to Vietnam by President Ramaphosa reflects the deepening ties between the leaders of South Africa and Vietnam, underpinned by mutual respect and growing cooperation. The decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone, signalling shared commitment to long-term collaboration across key sectors. 

Vietnam’s dynamic economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in South Africa’s efforts to diversify markets and expand trade opportunities. Strengthening this partnership aligns with South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy goals, particularly in enhancing access to high-growth regions and fostering inclusive, sustainable development

MALAYSIA WORKING VISIT
The President's tour to South East Asia will conclude in, Kuala Lumpur, on a  working visit to Malaysia from 25-28 October ,where the President will be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit. 

The President's participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa's recognition as a Sectoral  Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South  cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development throughout enhanced political, economic and multilateral collaboration. 

South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships. 

The relations with Malaysia and by extension Southeast Asia and ASEAN are of strategic importance to South Africa's Foreign Policy. They offer a gateway to dynamic regional markets, emerging technologies and help reinforce South Africa's position as a proactive and globally engaged partner in the Global South.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his best wishes to the Matric Class of 2025 for the final examinations and says this is a moment for this cohort of young people to shine.

President Ramaphosa said: “You’ve got this, Class of 2025. All your years and hours of progressing to this point in your education are assets that you can use to your advantage in these exams.

“As you apply 12 years of learning and exploration in these exams, you will be opening new doors to your future and to the success of our nation.

“Each of you has grown intellectually and emotionally during your years in school, and your families and communities have followed your journey with pride and support.

"We are all by your side as you focus and persevere during these exams.

“There will be moments of stress and doubt - this happens during high-pressure situations. But we know the odds are in your favour.

“Reaching these exams is an achievement of which you can be proud, and which gives the nation the confidence that the Class of 25 will move our nation forward.

“Good luck!”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes South Africa’s Hindu community a blessed and revitalising Festival of Lights on Monday, 20 October 2025.

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Hindu community a blessed festival that brings together elements of faith, cultural expression, outreach to people in need and belief in the centrality of family.

“This is a time of spiritual renewal and pride in traditions founded on a plurality of beliefs and values that underscore the diversity and unity of all of humanity.

“It is our shared prayer and hope that these values will triumph in communities and nations affected by division, hardship and conflict.

“May the observance of Diwali enrich our nation’s social fabric and advance tolerance, inclusion and unity.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembi Simelane;
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Councillor Wende Marekwa;
MECs and Members of the Provincial Legislature;
Councillors from Phokwane Local Municipality;
Representatives from COGHSTA and the Deeds Office;
Beneficiaries and community members of Pampierstad;
Members of the media;

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Introduction

It is a great honour to join you here in Frances Baard District in the heart of the Northern Cape to witness this important milestone in the lives of our people.

Today’s Title Deeds Friday handover is not just an administrative exercise. It is a deeply symbolic act of restoring dignity, ownership, and inclusion to hundreds of families who have waited patiently for what is rightfully theirs.

We are here to celebrate the perseverance of the people of Pampierstad and to affirm Government’s commitment to turning houses into homes and settlements into thriving communities.

Background and Progress in Pampierstad 1422

The Pampierstad housing development, known as Pampierstad 1422, is one of the most significant human settlements initiatives in the Frances Baard District.

This project dates back to the early 2000s and was implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1: 200 houses completed
• Phase 2: 500 houses completed
• Phase 3: 722 houses completed

This brings the total to 1,422 residential sites, funded and implemented through the partnership between the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) and the Phokwane Local Municipality.

Following years of administrative delays including the verification of diagrams and encroachment corrections the General Plan was successfully registered at the Vryburg Deeds Office in November 2024.

As of this year, 521 properties have already been registered and transferred to beneficiaries across all three phases, and work continues to finalise the remaining transfers.

Significance of This Moment

Today’s event is not only about paperwork and deeds; it is about the security of tenure, economic empowerment, and social stability.

Owning a title deed means:

• You can now call the land you live on your own.
• You can use it as an asset to build generational wealth.
• You gain access to finance, insurance, and municipal services as a recognised property owner.
• You can pass your home on to your children with pride and certainty.

It is also about redressing the injustices of the past. Pampierstad, as we know, was born out of forced removals under apartheid and today’s ceremony reverses that history by affirming ownership, dignity, and belonging for its people.

Partnership and Delivery

This was made possible through collaboration between the national Department of Human Settlements, COGHSTA Northern Cape, the Surveyor General, Deeds Office, and our municipal leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure compliance and accuracy in the registration process.

It reflects the very essence of the District Development Model (DDM) one plan, one budget, one approach  where all spheres of Government pull together to deliver integrated, people-centred development.

Message to Beneficiaries

To our beneficiaries mothers, fathers, young professionals, and pensioners congratulations. You are now proud homeowners.

I want to remind you that a title deed comes with both rights and responsibilities.

Take care of your property. Keep your documents safe. Participate in your local ward committees to ensure services are maintained. Use your property to empower your family and build your community.

Let this moment be a new chapter one of stability, pride, and hope.

Closing Message

Today we see what is possible when Government works together and remains focused on service delivery that transforms lives.

As we continue implementing the District Development Model (DDM), we will ensure that this integrated approach becomes the norm where land, housing, infrastructure, and livelihoods are aligned to create sustainable human settlements.

To the leadership of the district and province thank you for your partnership and commitment.

To our national colleagues  thank you for ensuring that policy translates into impact on the ground.

And most importantly, to the people of Pampierstad; this day belongs to you.

Thank you. Let us continue building homes, communities, and a nation that belongs to all who live in it.

Ministers from South Africa and Türkiye;
Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Dr. Ömer Bolat;
Chairperson and President of DEİK, Mr Abubekir Salim and Mr Nail Olpak;
Esteemed business leaders;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you today at this gathering that reflects our shared determination to deepen trade, strengthen investment ties, and build lasting partnerships.

Let me begin by thanking our hosts, the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye, DEİK, for their warm hospitality and for their continued efforts to bring our two business communities together. The South Africa – Türkiye Business Council under DEİK’s leadership has become an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the creation of new opportunities.

This Forum comes at an important moment. Both our countries are redefining our place in a rapidly changing global economy, one shaped by new trade patterns, climate transitions, and shifts in regional value chains.

These global challenges are not without opportunity. They give emerging economies like ours the chance to lead differently, to lead with innovation, resilience, and partnership at the centre.

South Africa and Türkiye are natural partners. Both are strong industrial players in our regions, with diverse economies and entrepreneurial energy. We share a belief in the power of innovation, manufacturing, and trade to drive inclusive growth.

Earlier this week, I had the honour of co-chairing the inaugural South Africa – Türkiye Bi-National Commission in Ankara. It was a historic milestone, elevating our cooperation to a new and more strategic level. 

Our discussions were practical and focused on implementation, moving beyond dialogue to real action.

One key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Free Zones, otherwise known in South Africa as Special Economic Zones. 

This follows a benchmarking study by South African officials who visited Türkiye to learn from its successful zone models. Through this agreement, we aim to strengthen our own Special Economic Zones, attract more investment, and develop joint export pipelines between our two countries.

Over the past few days, I also met with leading Turkish companies in sectors such as agriculture, energy, defence, and electronics. Our engagements also included South African firms already partnering with Turkish businesses, and I was pleased to see their optimism and confidence in South Africa as a preferred investment destination.

A great example of this partnership is Arçelik — a company that has become a household name in South Africa through its ownership of Defy. Since acquiring Defy in 2011, Arçelik has built one of the strongest models of Türkiye’s industrial collaboration on the African continent. 

Today, they employ more than 2,700 South Africans across major manufacturing facilities, making Defy the largest producer of household appliances in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond creating jobs, Arçelik has invested in developing local skills, promoting research, and leading green manufacturing. Its success shows the confidence Türkiye has in South Africa’s capacity as a gateway to the African market and as a hub for innovation. We are proud of this partnership, and we want to see many more like it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

South Africa’s economy has shown remarkable resilience over the past year. GDP growth is projected at 1.6 per cent for 2025, supported by stronger manufacturing output, better logistics, and greater energy stability.

Exports grew by nearly 5 per cent in 2024, driven by higher-value products in automotive, mineral processing, and agriculture. Business confidence has steadily improved, reflecting investor optimism in our economic reforms. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Business Confidence Index has shown steady recovery, averaging 115 points in mid-2025, reflecting optimism about our economic reforms and investor confidence. 

Our Energy Action Plan continues to attract investment in renewable energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen; all these areas offer immense opportunities for Turkish collaboration and co-manufacturing.

Looking ahead, we want to deepen this partnership not only through trade but through shared industrial innovation, technology, and skills transfer and development.

Türkiye’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, combined with South Africa’s infrastructure and young, skilled workforce, creates an ideal foundation for cooperation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This collaboration is particularly vital as South Africa works to address the structural challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, while laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. 

We seek to position our nation as a fertile business environment and first mover in a rapidly evolving multipolar global economy; moreover, an Africa that is equal, capable, and competitive. Our partnership with Türkiye is therefore not only economic, but also developmental, empowering our people, strengthening our industries, and contributing to a shared future of prosperity and justice.

While bilateral trade between our countries reached approximately two billion US dollars in 2024, we know we can do much more. Our goal is to diversify and balance our trade relationship. At present, South Africa exports mostly raw minerals, while Türkiye exports mostly finished products. We want to change that dynamic, to grow both sides through value-added production and joint ventures.

Our partnership will be guided by three pillars: diversification, decarbonisation, and industrial collaboration.

Through this approach, we aim to expand South African exports of manufactured and processed goods, including automotive products, mining equipment, agro-processed foods, and pharmaceuticals, while encouraging greater Turkish investment in renewable energy, defence, textiles, ICT, and pharmaceuticals.

We also recognise the need to address trade barriers such as tariffs and standards to unlock the full potential of our partnership.

Currently, Turkish investments in South Africa total around 32 million US dollars, concentrated in textiles, food, and appliances. We welcome this, and we are ready to support further expansion.

Likewise, South African investments in Türkiye have grown from 217 million US dollars in 2022 to 274 million in 2023. This growth shows our confidence in one another’s markets and our shared ambition to build sustainable, innovation-driven economies.

Our Government is working hard to make South Africa an even easier and more attractive place to do business. We are simplifying regulations, strengthening industrial incentives, and expanding our Special Economic Zones.

Importantly, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the largest free trade area in the world, gives Turkish investors access to a market of 1.4 billion people. By investing in South Africa, you gain a foothold not just in our country, but across the entire continent.

The opportunities are vast, from renewable energy and automotive manufacturing to defence, agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation.

Our mineral wealth also offers attractive investment opportunities. South Africa has abundant resources in battery minerals, energy minerals, and materials vital for the green and digital economy. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has identified several investment-ready projects in these areas, and I encourage you to engage with our officials to explore them further.

In energy, South Africa’s growing demand opens new avenues for investment in generation, transmission, distribution, and in repurposing old coal plants for cleaner power. Opportunities in wind and solar energy, and in component manufacturing for these technologies, are expanding rapidly.

We are also prioritising infrastructure development in transport, logistics, water, and energy to improve capacity and efficiency. We invite Turkish firms to partner with South African companies to localise production and build industrial capability for the continent.

To make investment easier, we have launched an Energy One Stop Shop, managed by InvestSA, which streamlines approval processes and helps power-generating companies navigate regulatory requirements quickly and efficiently.

There are also growing opportunities in the automotive and mobility sectors. We invite Turkish companies to consider setting up local operations in South Africa, bringing technical expertise and innovation that can be mutually beneficial.

South Africa’s rich manganese reserves and existing battery industry make our country an ideal destination for lithium-ion battery assembly and manufacturing. 

There are also exciting prospects in semiconductors, glass, and composite materials, all essential components for modern industry. We have the CEO of the Components Manufacturing Association also here with us on this visit, who can outline in detail the opportunities available.

In healthcare, Türkiye’s strong pharmaceutical and medical device industries can play a key role in helping South Africa build a more resilient and localised health system. We see particular promise in partnerships around vaccines, diagnostics, and mRNA research and development.

We also see great potential in the defence and agro-processing sectors. South African defence companies will participate in the Konya Defence Industry Fair in November, showcasing their capabilities and exploring integration into Turkish supply chains. 

In agriculture, we are eager to see more South African products on Turkish shelves and Turkish technology supporting African farming.

To help deepen this cooperation, I extend a warm invitation for Turkish companies to attend our flagship investment events — including the Mining Indaba in February, Africa Energy Week in March, ENLIT Africa in May, Africa Health, and the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in 2026. These platforms will help you understand South Africa’s investment landscape and meet potential local partners.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This forum should mark the beginning of a new phase of practical cooperation, one that includes trade missions, joint ventures, and stronger collaboration between our chambers of commerce and development finance institutions.

We are encouraged by the growing role of the private sector in driving this partnership. Turkish and South African firms are already working together in renewable energy, automotive components, textiles, and construction.

To build on this momentum, we have brought a strong South African business delegation representing key sectors including automotive, healthcare, defence, agro-processing, ICT, mining, and finance.

Our task now is to focus not only on the volume of trade, but on its quality — ensuring that every partnership creates jobs, builds skills, and strengthens our industrial base.

South Africa views Türkiye as a strategic partner, a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, a nation that shares our commitment to industrial development, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

Let this forum serve as a catalyst, a platform to unlock new possibilities in trade, investment, and technology cooperation.

The future belongs to those who build together, who look beyond borders, and who transform shared aspirations into shared prosperity.

Together, South Africa and Türkiye can advance a new development compact, one that is green, digital, and inclusive, uplifting our people and strengthening the bonds of our shared humanity.

Thank you.

The National Dialogue process has reached a pivotal stage with the completion of the nomination of sectoral representatives to the National Dialogue Steering Committee. 

The first National Convention, held on 15-16 August 2025, approved the mandate, responsibilities and composition of the Steering Committee, and agreed that each of the identified sectors would hold consultations to decide on nominees to serve on the Steering Committee and its sub-committees.

No less than 26 sectors have to date submitted nominations for the Steering Committee.

The list of nominated Steering Committee members has been handed over to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for quality assurance. For its part, the EPG will submit its recommendations to the President in his role as head of state and convener of the National Dialogue for finalisation.

Once approved by the President, the Steering Committee will coordinate the roll out of public dialogues across the country.

It is anticipated that the process of appointing the Steering Committee will be concluded in the coming weeks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the Handover Report of the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and the Report on the National Convention, bringing to an end the mandate of the COC.

The Convention Organising Committee was tasked by the President with organising the first National Convention following the withdrawal of some foundations from the process.

President Ramaphosa said: “As a country, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Convention Organising Committee. Working with the Eminent Persons Group and the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the committee made sure that hundreds of delegates from around the country were able to gather at the National Convention to endorse and to launch the National Dialogue. Through a truly collective effort, the National Convention proceeding smoothly and gave people from all sectors an opportunity to express themselves.”

“We must also recognise the vital role played by the legacy foundations and other civil society organisations in the Preparatory Task Team, which were instrumental in getting the National Dialogue off the ground.”

“It is extremely important now that the momentum that has been built up and the expectations that have been raised are not allowed to dissipate. We need to ensure that as the Steering Committee is established, there is no disruption in the processes that need to happen,” he said.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the Presidency remain custodians of the process’s integrity and will continue to safeguard its credibility until it is handed over to the Steering Committee. 

Work is underway to establish a fully-fledged National Dialogue Secretariat, housed at NEDLAC, which will provide institutional support to the process. 

The Report of the National Convention is available for download: https://tinyurl.com/4v7z7rfu

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;
Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Cllr Barbara Bartlett;
MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms Fufe Makatong;
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa;
Fellow Councillors;
Community Development Workers;
Representatives from SAPS, CPF, Youth Against Crime, and Women Against Crime;
Faith-based leaders, civil society, and business forums;

Good morning, Roodepan community.

Thank you for welcoming us into your home this engagement is not a speech, it is a conversation. The District Development Model is about working together, not talking past one another.

Today, we are here to listen, understand, and act together.

As we meet here today, South Africa holds the Presidency of the G20 a platform of the world’s largest economies. Our Presidency theme, “Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future,” reminds us that real progress begins in communities like Roodepan.

The District Development Model is the local engine that turns global commitments into tangible change through jobs for our youth, clean water, functioning infrastructure, and safe neighbourhoods. The conversations we are having in Frances Baard today are part of the same national and global movement to make development people-centred, inclusive, and accountable.

Understanding the DDM

The District Development Model, or DDM, was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the silo approach that has slowed service delivery.

It brings all three spheres of Government national, provincial, and local into one plan, one budget, and one accountability framework.

In Frances Baard, the One Plan focuses on:

• Water security and sanitation improvements;
• Human settlements and housing rectification;
• Roads and infrastructure maintenance;
• Youth employment and skills development;
• Building safer and cohesive communities.

Role as District Champion

As your District Champion, my role is to:

• Ensure there is alignment between what is promised and what is delivered.
• Facilitate coordination between departments to unblock delays.
• Ensure that community voices are not only heard but shape government priorities.
• Monitor progress and report back to the Presidency and to you the people.

This means I am accountable to ensure that the One Plan for Frances Baard is not a paper exercise but a living document that delivers change.

Community Priorities and Issues

From the recent GCIS environmental assessment and engagements, we know the issues you face:

• Ageing infrastructure and water shortages in areas like Roodepan, Windsorton, and Pampierstad.
• Delays in housing projects and title deeds.
• Unsafe streets, drug abuse, and lack of youth recreational facilities.
• Poor health service experiences and shortages of medication.
• High electricity costs and frequent outages.

These are not statistics they are your lived experiences. And that is why the DDM approach is so important: it links problems directly with solutions, roles, and resources.

Government Response and Commitments

• The Sol Plaatje Municipality is installing high-mast lights and new taps in Lerato Park.
• Phokwane is distributing water tanks and repairing potholes.
• Magareng is upgrading its water treatment plant.
• The 1 Billion Housing Project launched by President Ramaphosa includes units for Diamond Park and Roodepan.

Our task now is to ensure that these projects are completed, maintained, and serve the people they are meant for.

Partnerships with Civil Society

We cannot govern alone.

Faith-based organisations, NGOs, and business forums here in Roodepan are doing remarkable work  from running soup kitchens to helping young people find purpose.

The DDM recognises that every citizen is a partner in development. Together, we can rebuild trust, fight drugs, create work opportunities, and restore pride in our neighbourhoods.

Listening and Accountability

Today’s meeting is not the end it is the start of ongoing communication.

We will set up regular feedback sessions, so that your issues are captured in the One Plan review and acted upon.

Accountability means: if a pipe bursts, a team responds. If a house cracks, someone is answerable. If youth programmes stall, we fix it  together.

Closing

Frances Baard is a proud and resilient district the economic heart of the Northern Cape. The challenges you face are not insurmountable.

Let us work together, community and Government hand-in-hand, to turn Roodepan into a model of cooperative governance in action.

Because the DDM starts with you the community.

Thank you.

His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is today, 16 October 2025, leading the second day of bilateral engagements between South Africa and Türkiye.

Today, the Deputy President has held bilateral engagements with the ATA Holding group, led by its Chairman, Mr Korhan Kurdoğlu, who expressed the major company's readiness to invest in South Africa in the areas including food production and agri-business; cold chain logistics and distribution science and technology; digital transformation; infrastructure and foreign trade synergies; financial services and co-investments, as well as sports, culture and tourism.

Yesterday in Ankara, with his counterpart, Vice-President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Cevdet Yılmaz, he successfully co-chaired the inaugural South Africa - Türkiye Bi-National Commission (BNC) that concluded with the Signing Ceremony for a number of agreements between South Africa and Türkiye, including the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Higher Education and Training, and Memorandum of Understanding regarding Cooperation in the field of Special Economic Zones/Free Zones.

Earlier in the day, Deputy President Mashatile visited the Anitkabir Mausoleum in Ankara, where he laid a wreath as a tribute to Türkiye’s Founder and first President, His Excellency Mr Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 

"I sincerely hope that your immortal spirit will guide our discussions and the high-level dialogue and joint decision-making that our two countries will be engaged in, for mutual development, cooperation and lasting prosperity. We are honoured to be in this sacred midst of history and greatness," said the Deputy President in his message.

Coordinated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, other engagements on 16 October 2025 included a bilateral meeting with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI/TUSAṢ; engagement with Mr Ahmet Akyol, CEO & President of Aselsan.

On 17 October 2025, Deputy President Mashatile will attend and deliver keynote addresses at the South Africa - Türkiye Business Council as well as the 5th Biennial Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum which will be held in Istanbul.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe; and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, together with the Deputy Minister in The Presidency and DDM District Champion, Nonceba Mhlauli, and the Northen Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will hand over title deeds to the rightful owners in Pampierstad within the Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape.

This marks a significant step in the Department of Human Settlements’ ongoing commitment to eliminate the national title deeds’ backlog.

In August 2025, the Minister and the Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays Campaign, a nationwide drive aimed at mobilising all stakeholders to support the title deeds restoration programme. The campaign seeks to restore dignity, strengthen tenure security, and promote economic empowerment for beneficiaries. 

The Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa, the Mayor of Phokwane Local Municipality, Cllr Willem Harmse, and other local Mayors within the Frances Baard District, will also be in attendance.

Details are as follows:

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025

Activity 1: Door-to-door delivery of title deeds to five senior citizens

Time: 10h00
Venue: Ward 1, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality. 

Activity two: Community engagement and title deeds handover

Time: 10h30
Venue:Condo Open Space, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality

Media enquiries: Tsekiso Machike, Spokesperson to the Minister, on 077 410 5050 / Tsekiso.machike@dhs.gov.za OR Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 17 October 2025, address the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The multi-stakeholder Summit is hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Social Justice.

The Summit brings together policymakers, legislators, civil society, traditional leaders, academics and the Judiciary to engage in high-level dialogue under the theme: “Social Justice, Food Security and Peace: Pathways to Equality, Solidarity, Sustainability and Climate Resilience.”

The Summit leverages the country’s G20 leadership to champion the African agenda and global cooperation. 

As a platform for inter-sectoral collaboration, the Summit will deliberate constitutional commitments and policy outcomes, including the positioning of food justice as a transformative driver of social cohesion, regional food security and global solidarity.

Details of the Summit are as follows:

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
Time: 08h30
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria