President Cyril Ramaphosa has, following consultation with the Minister of Finance and the Board of the South African Reserve Bank, appointed Ms Fundi Tshazibana and Mr Rashad Ismail Cassim as Deputy Governors of the South African Reserve Bank.

Ms Tshazibana and Mr Cassim will assume their five-year terms on 1 August 2019. 

President Ramaphosa appointed the Deputy Governors in terms of Section 4(1)(a), read with Section 5(1)(a), of the South African Reserve Bank Act  (Act 90 of 1989).

The appointments address two vacancies that had arisen as a result of the resignation in January 2019 of Deputy Governor Francois Groepe and the expiry of Deputy Governor Daniel Mminele’s term at the end of June 2019.

President Ramaphosa has also reappointed the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr Lesetja Kganyago, for a period of five years with effect from 9 November 2019.

Incoming Deputy Governor Tshazibana is currently an advisor to the Governor and Deputy Governors of the Bank. Ms Tshazibana holds a Master of Commerce (Economics). She worked in various institutions including Research Surveys (Research Executive); the National Electricity Regulator (Policy Analyst and Senior Policy Analyst); the National Treasury (Deputy Director-General: Macroeconomic Policy), and the International Monetary Fund (Alternative Executive Director: Africa Group 1 Constituency).

Mr Cassim is currently Head of Economic Research and Statistics at the Reserve Bank. He holds a PhD (Economics). He worked at various institutions including the University of Cape Town (Lecturer, Researcher and Director of Trade Policy Monitoring Policy Project); Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies or TIPS (Executive Director); the University of the Witwatersrand (Professor and Head of School of Economics and Business Sciences), and Statistics South Africa (Deputy Director-General: Economic Statistics).

President Ramaphosa has wished the Governor and Deputy Governors well on their forthcoming terms and said these appointments were directed at strengthening capacity and maintaining stability at this critical national institution.


Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Presidency Communications on 083 575 7440 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday 17 July 2019, introduce The Presidency Budget Vote in the National Assembly.

At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of government. 

The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion, among other programmes.

During this first Presidency Budget Vote of the sixth Democratic Administration, President Ramphosa will underline his vision for a South Africa  characterised by inclusive growth and improved living conditions for all South Africans, in addition to the country’s contribution to a better Africa and a   better world.

The details of the Budget Vote debate are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 17 July 2019
Time: 14:00
Venue: National Assembly, Parliament, Cape Town

On Thursday, 18 July 2019, President Ramaphosa will start International Mandela Day - now in its 10th year - with a visit to RX radio, the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Radio station staffed by children at the hospital in Rondebosch.

As a studio guest the President will be interviewed by the young radio anchors whose interaction will be broadcast to children and staff around the hospital. 

Media is invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Thursday, 18 July 2019
Time: 10:00 (Media to arrive at 08:30)
Venue: Red Cross Childrens Hospital, Rondebosch, Western Cape

Media interested to cover should immediately liaise with Tsakane Khambane and send their name(s), media house and identity number by no later than 15:00 on 16 July 2019 to 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za

On the afternoon of Thursday, 18 July 2019, the President will respond to the Budget Vote debate in the National Assembly at 14:00


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral for veteran freedom fighter Ntate Isaac Lesiba “Bra Ike” Maphoto who passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday, 13 July 2019.
 
The President will also deliver the eulogy at Bra Ike’s funeral in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Sunday, 21 July 2019. Further details of this occasion will be provided by the bereaved family in the course of the coming days.
 
In terms of the Presidential declaration, the national flag is to be flown at half-mast throughout the country with immediate effect, until Sunday, 21 July, as  the day of the funeral.
 
The South African National Defence Force will perform ceremonial elements as part of the funeral proceedings.
 
Bra Ike left South Africa in 1961 and underwent military and political training in Beirut and the former Soviet Union between 1961 and 1963 before joining the senior Luthuli Detachment of uMkhonto weSizwe.
 
He fought in the Wankie Sipolilo campaign against the South Rhodesian Army (now Zimbabwe) from December 1967. This campaign was an alliance between uMkhonto weSizwe and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army to establish infiltration routes for liberation forces.

Bra Ike was captured by South Rhodesian forces in April 1968 and sentenced to death. His imprisonment of more than a decade ended in 1980 when he was released by the government of the newly independent Zimbabwe.
 
In 2006, the then President Thabo Mbeki conferred the National Order of Luthuli in Silver on Bra Ike for his contribution to the struggle for freedom and democracy. The veteran fighter was similarly honoured by the Department of Military Veterans who presented him with the Order of Gold for bravery in August 2012.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 01 November 2017 reply to Questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
 
Among the issues Deputy President Ramaphosa will address are the development of township enterprises, securing economic viability and sustainability for crop farmers, measures to encourage government departments and entities and the private sector to procure goods and services locally, and the role of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) in enhancing technical and other skills that will sustain the South African economy and promote the relevance of the South African education system globally.
 
 
Enquiries: Tyrone Seale: Acting Spokesperson for the Deputy President on 083 5757 440
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 18 July 2019, start International Mandela Day with a visit to RX Radio, the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Radio station staffed by children at the hospital in Rondebosch.

As a studio guest the President will be interviewed by the young radio anchors whose interaction will be broadcast to children and staff around the hospital. 

Yesterday, The Presidency indicated that the visit would take place at 10h00. However, due to new arrangements, the engagement will now take place  at12h00. 

Media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 18 July 2019
Time: 12:00 (Media to arrive at 11:00)
Venue: Red Cross Childrens Hospital, Rondebosch, Western Cape

Media interested to cover should immediately liaise with Tsakane Khambane and send their name(s), media house and identity number by no later than 15:00 on 17 July 2019 to 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Admission to the hospital will only be granted to media who have RSVPed in advance.

On the afternoon of Thursday, 18 July 2019, the President will respond to the Budget Vote debate in the National Assembly at 14:00


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Saturday, 03 November 2017, deliver the keynote address at the Radzambo Finals and Prize Giving Ceremony of the Traditional Dancing Competition to be held at the Makhuvha Stadium in the Thulamela Local Municipality,   Vhembe District.

Deputy President Ramaphosa attends the event in his capacity as Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) that supports initiatives and efforts that advance development, social cohesion, and nation building. The MRM also supports traditional and cultural programmes throughout the country.

The Radzambo Traditional Dancing Competition takes place in partnership with Phalaphala FM, the Radzambo Cultural Foundation, the National Lottery Commission, the National Heritage Council and South African National Parks.

The competition includes various cultural groups from diverse ethnic communities within the Vhembe District including Vhavenda, Vatsonga, Bapedi, Balobedo and others who will compete in a knock-out series in the following categories: Tshikona, Malenda, Tshigombela, Tshifasi, Visa, Kiba, Makgakgasi, Muchongolo, Xichaichai, and Kuthauza.

The event will be attended by members of the communities in the district, and various dignitaries including Members of Parliament and traditional leaders.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will also pay a courtesy visit to His Majesty, King of the Vhavenda Nation, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, at Dzanani village in Nzhelele.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by cabinet Ministers, Premier of Limpopo Stanley Mathabatha and members of the executive council. 

The event is scheduled as follows:

Venue: Makhuvha Stadium, Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District
Date: Saturday, 04 November 2017
Time: 08H00-17H00

MEDIA PROGRAMME

Photo Opportunity

Deputy President Ramaphosa will also pay Courtesy Visit to His Majesty, King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana as follows:

Venue: Dzanani in Nzhelele
Time: 08H30 – 09H30

Keynote Address by Deputy President Ramaphosa

Venue: Makhuvha Stadium, Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District
Time: 13H00 – 13H30
 
For more information and accreditation please contact: Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251


Enquiries:

Tyrone Seale – 083 5757 440
Acting Spokesperson for the Deputy President

Issued by: The Presidency
Union Buildings
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed a supporting affidavit in the North Gauteng High Court in relation to Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan’s court application for the suspension of the enforcement of remedial action recommended by the Public Protector.
 
The legal action arises from an investigation by the Public Protector into a matter involving the establishment of an investigative unit of the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
 
Minister Gordhan has asked the North Gauteng High Court to suspend the enforcement of the recommended remedial action pending a review by the  same court of the Public Protector’s investigation into and report on the SARS matter.
 
In an affidavit filed with the North Gauteng High Court, President Ramaphosa has indicated his support for Minister Gordhan’s suspension application in as far as the relief sought by the Minister relates to the President.
 
In his submission to the court, President Ramaphosa notes that Minister Gordhan has urged the North Gauteng High Court to interdict the Public Protector from enforcing the remedial action in question.
 
The Minister contends that the recommended action should be suspended pending determination of the North Gauteng High Court review of the Public Protector’s review on the SARS matter.
 
The President says in his submission that it is clear from Minister Gordhan’s review application that there is a bona fide justiciable dispute between Minister Gordhan and the Public Protector over the legal validity of the Public Protector's investigations and findings and the remedial action she has directed in her report.
 
Moreover, Minister Gordhan also takes issue with the tacit assumption of the Public Protector that the President has legal powers "to take appropriate disciplinary action" against the Minister when the Minister is not appointed to the Cabinet as an employee who is subject to disciplinary action but rather as a Minister who serves at the pleasure of the President.
 
The President argues that any “appropriate disciplinary action" he may take against the Minister would need to be informed by whether the investigation and findings of the Public Protector are legally valid and whether the President has what, if any, “disciplinary" powers over members of the Cabinet.
 
The President says these are all issues to be determined by the North Gauteng High Court in the Minister’s principal review application.
 
In the circumstances, says the President, it would be premature for him to attempt to take "appropriate disciplinary action" against Minister Gordhan while the principal review application is still pending and the disputes over the validity of the investigation into, and findings against, Minister Gordhan and the extent, if any, of the President’s  "disciplinary" powers over the Minister remain unresolved.
 
The President therefore supports Minister Gordhan’s application that remedial action be suspended pending the principal review.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt sadness at the passing in recent days of anti-apartheid cultural activists, performers and National Order of Ikhamanga recipients Mama Nomhle Nkonyeni and Jonathan “Johnny” Clegg.

“South Africa is a better place today due to the courage, resilience and irrepressible creativity of these two special icons from whom we are now taking our leave,” says President Ramaphosa.

Mama Nomhle Nkonyeni passed away on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, at the age of 77 and following a career of 55 years as an actor who performed  ground-breaking anti-apartheid theatre and mastered roles on stage and screen nationally and internationally.

“Mama Nomhle’s charisma and courage made her an extraordinary artist and compatriot who committed herself to the liberation of all South Africans and the broadening of South Africa’s cultural richness. She overcame the barriers of race and gender imposed by apartheid, to become a cultural icon, who was duly honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga,” says President Ramaphosa.

The President has offered his sincere condolences to the Nkonyeni family as well as friends and associates of the late actor across the African continent and other parts of the globe.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are also with the family and friends of Johnny Clegg who passed away on Tuesday, 16 July 2019 in the presence of his family following an extended illness.

The award-winning singer, songwriter, anthropologist and academic was 66 years old.

“A beloved, inspirational and heroic voice has fallen silent and leaves all of us bereft of an exceptional compatriot and icon of social cohesion and non-racialism,” says President Ramaphosa.

The President has offered his condolences to Mr Clegg’s family, friends and followers, and the broad range of artists and organisations with whom he collaborated in South Africa and internationally during his performance career of four decades, in the course of which he sold more than five million albums.

“Johnny Clegg’s special relationship with Sipho Mchunu in Juluka, as well as with Dudu Zulu in Savuka, gave apartheid-era South Africa a window on the non-racial South Africa we were determined to achieve,” says the President.

“Johnny Clegg will always live on in our hearts and in our homes as we replay his stirring blend of cultural celebration and political resistance. We have lost a special patriot.”

In 2012, Mr Clegg became an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga – awarded in Silver – for his excellent contribution to and achievement in the field of bridging African traditional music with other music forms, promoting racial understanding among racially divided groups in South Africa under difficult apartheid conditions, working for a non-racial society and being an outstanding spokesperson for the release of political prisoners.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Thursday 18 July 2019, respond to the Budget Vote Debate in the National Assembly at 15:30. 

Yesterday, Wednesday 17 July 2019, the President presented the Presidency's 2019/2020 key priorities and will today respond to Parliaments debate on Budget Vote 1. 


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Rosslyn - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 10 November 2017, chair the final meeting of the Human Resource Development Council for the 2016/17 financial year at the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre in Rosslyn, Pretoria.
 
The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) chaired by Deputy President Ramaphosa is a national advisory body established by government to foster partnerships among various stakeholders with the aim of developing skills that can move the South African economy and society forward.
 
The HRDC brings together government, civil society sectors, organised business, professional bodies and higher-education institutions.
 
As part of showcasing the human resource development models adopted by various institutions, the Council holds quarterly meetings at various facilities where the skilling and training of people takes place. This showcase exposes HRDC stakeholders to possibilities for the development of best practice in human resource development.   
 
On Friday 10 November 2017, Deputy President Ramaphosa and council members will take a guided tour of the state-of-the-art training facilities at the Automotive Learning Centre where artisans are trained. 
 
The centre represents excellence in the training of automotive professionals and its programmes span the following:
 
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) (e.g. BMW, Nissan, Ford) 
- Automotive Component Manufacturing,
- Dealer networks and after-market services,
- Informal body and mechanical repairs sector, and
- Unemployed youth and ‘School Leavers’ programmes.
 
The Centre has achieved full accreditation with the Manufacturing Engineering and Related SETA (MerSETA).
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by Ministers and senior officials. 
 
Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:
Date: Friday, 10 November 2017
Venue: 99 Hendrick Van Eck Street
             Rosslyn, Akasia, Pretoria
Time: 08h00 (Media to arrive at 07h00)
 
For more information and accreditation please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.
 

Enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson for the Deputy President on 083 5757 440
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria