Good afternoon and welcome to the media representatives who have joined us in Cape Town and online.

Good morning as well to audiences who are following this first Presidency briefing of 2024 on various platforms and channels.

This briefing is an opportunity for us to look at the Public Engagement Programme of the President for the period up to 22 February.

We look forward to the President delivering the State of the Nation Address tomorrow – it will be the Administration’s seventh - in a year which marks 30 years since our Parliament ushered in the democratic dispensation.

You will recall that the President served as Chair of the Constitutional Assembly which produced our Constitution that has been the guiding light for six Administrations.

Tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address will therefore be an invitation by the President for all of us to be part of ensuring that we Leave No One Behind in building our society and growing our economy.

We urge all South Africans to follow tomorrow’s Address as it deals with the state of the nation; not the state of only one segment or some segments of the nation. It is the state of all of the nation.

We are united in the progress we have made and united in the work we need to do to address the challenges we face.

Let me add that the President is making a good recovery from a bout of ‘flu and he will be up to the task of addressing the nation at 7pm tomorrow.

PRESIDENTIAL GOLF CHALLENGE – FRIDAY, 09 FEBRUARY

On Friday morning, 9 February, the President will be up at dawn to warm up for the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Club at Melkbosstrand.

Coordinated by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, the Presidential Golf Challenge will raise funds for the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

The Foundation’s partner entity, the Adopt-A-School Foundation, will use the funds to construct ablution facilities at schools in support of the Department of Basic Education’s SAFE Initiative, which stands for Sanitation Appropriate for Education.

This is an important investment in the dignity of learners and staff at our schools and a contribution to social infrastructure in the country.

The President is honoured that his playing partner this year is 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe of Mangaung in the Free State.

Botshepehi is one of the best young players in the Free State Junior Union and we hope he doesn’t put too much pressure on the President on the first tee.

On Friday evening, the President will express his appreciation to the event’s sponsors and partners at a prize-giving dinner where players will be recognised as well.

UBUNTU AWARDS – SATURDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2024

On the evening of Saturday, 10 February, the President will shift his focus to South Africans and friends and partners of our country who have advanced our national interest in the international arena.

The annual Ubuntu Awards hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation will recognise South African industry leaders, eminent persons and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution in promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world.

The event brings together captains of industry, leaders from civil society, members of Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.

Past winners have included performance artists, athletes, major South African companies and social upliftment foundations.

FOOTBALL – SUNDAY, 11 FEBRUARY

On Sunday, 11 February, the President will attend the Football for Humanity match between the Palestinian national team and a South African side.

Football for Humanity will allow Palestinian players to exercise their favourite sport in conditions of peace and sound infrastructure. The game will demonstrate our historic solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle against illegal occupation and violent excesses by the State of Israel.

This engagement does, however, depend on Bafana Bafana’s advancement to the AFCON 24 final, which the President is keen to attend.

DEBATE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 13 and 14 February, the President will attend Parliament’s Debate on the State of the Nation Address.

We do expect that on Valentine’s Day, there will be no love lost in the Debate, but this will be a manifestation of the robust and open nature of our democratic engagement.

On Thursday, 15 February, the President will deliver his Reply to the Debate on the State of the Nation Address.

We are also working on a possible engagement with the Cape Town Press Club and members of the media more broadly on Thursday the 15th.

AFRICAN UNION ASSEMBLY – FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY

The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU will take place on 17 and 18 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU Assembly will be preceded by the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 14 and 15 February 2024.

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU will be held under the theme, “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

The Assembly is expected to discuss the status of peace and security on the Continent and the consideration of the Report of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussion will take place against the backdrop of great concern regarding the state of peace and security on the Continent.  

The highlight of the 37th Ordinary Session will be the launch of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want”.  Agenda 2063 serves as a fifty-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration, adopted by the AU member states after extensive consultations across the Continent.

South Africa has elevated the implementation of Agenda 2063 as one of the foremost priorities in the advancement of the African Agenda.  

A key flagship project of Agenda 2063 in which South Africa is playing a leading role is the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA), that serves as a milestone development in the evolution of the AU.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to co-host the AfCFTA Business Forum to be held from 15 to 18 April in Cape Town. It is envisaged that the Forum will be attended by 1,000 delegates including political principals, captains of industry, CEOs of major banks on the Continent and representatives from private sector.

The 37th Ordinary Session is taking place amid the ongoing devastating war of Israel against the people of Palestine. In this regard, it is expected that the Heads of State and Government of the AU will receive a briefing by the AU Commission on the situation in Palestine.  

President Ramaphosa is expected to attend and participate in several High-Level Committee meetings of the Assembly. These include the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which will be held to reaffirm Africa’s position on Climate Change as advocated during the COP28 held in the United Arab Emirates.  

President Ramaphosa will present a report on the progress made in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on the Continent in his capacity as the Champion of the AU’s COVID-19 response. As the pandemic is waning on the Continent, South Africa intends to work with the AU Commission towards expanding the role of President to include all other health pandemics that are affecting the Continent.  

In his capacity as the Chairperson of the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative (PICI), President Ramaphosa annually hosts a meeting (breakfast/lunch) of all PICI countries, on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session, to provide a Progress Report on PICI projects.

Lastly, President is also expected to chair a high-level meeting of the Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan to review and provide political guidance on the progress made in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

BUDGET – WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY

On Wednesday, 21 February, the President will attend the Minister of Finance’s presentation to Parliament of the Budget for the 2024/25 financial year.

This Budget will set out the actions that the Sixth Administration will undertake in the final months of this political term to address the priorities set out by the President in the tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address.

The President and Cabinet are committed to serving the nation with the necessary intensity and energy until the term ends. Their foot is very much on the pedal. Remember, you speed up in the home straight; you don’t slow down.

OPENING OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS – THURSDAY, 22 FEBRUARY

On Thursday, 22 February, the President will officiate the annual Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

This is always a special moment for the President, as this House promotes the role of traditional leadership within our constitutional dispensation, and promotes nation-building, peace, stability and cohesiveness of communities.

The President has over the years emphasised the importance of the economic development of traditional communities as a vital component of the inclusive and sustainable economy we seek to build.

CONCLUSION

This brings us to the end of the schedule. If any changes were to be made, you will be the first to know.

Thank you for your attention. I now welcome questions.

Thank you.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will today, WEDNESDAY, 07 February 2024 host a media briefing to update the public on the President’s public programme.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 07 February 2024
Time: 12h00 
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament
 
RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to patience@presidency.gov.za 

Media following remotely can text their questions to Patience on 083 376 9468 the media briefing will be streamed live and the link will be shared prior.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President of SAYEC, Kanakana Mudzanani;
Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane in absentia;
MEC of Limpopo Economic Development, Rodgers Monama;
CEO of the Development Bank of South Africa, Boitumelo Mosako;
Acting CEO of the Petroleum Agency of South Africa, Dr. Tshepo Mokoka;
Representative of the National Youth Development Agency, Lwazi Khoza;
CEO of JEPA Resources, Mpho Skweit;
CEO of Swarisanang, Seane Kanyane;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening,

Let me begin by thanking the SAYEC President and his team for inviting me to this dialogue. It is a great pleasure to be part of this South African Youth Economic Council dialogue that takes place alongside the Mining Indaba. 

I was impressed by the gala dinner you hosted as SAYEC last year and have since looked forward to engaging with you again.

I acknowledge SAYEC’s efforts in keeping the youth as a focal point in the country’s economic trajectory. Young people must be constantly engaged in issues that affect the development of our nation. 

It is through such engagements that you can consolidate the voice of the youth and advocate for its inclusion and involvement in strategic decision-making.

Permit me to extend my sincere congratulations to the leadership of SAYEC and its President, Kanakana Mudzanani, assisted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, on the successful completion of a significant transaction involving the purchase of Shiva Uranium and Gold for Africa Gulf International Mining.

It is indeed encouraging to see the youth at the forefront and participating in strategic sectors of the economy. 

Today, we are here to explore possibilities in the mining sector that we can leverage to create a platform that enables and promotes strategic engagement with youth.

Yesterday, at the opening of the Indaba, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, "Mining has a key role to play in building the economy of tomorrow." You are the future of this country, and you need to take advantage of the valuable resources and huge business opportunities in the mining industry.

The mining sector is playing a crucial role in shaping our nation's economic terrain. It has contributed significantly to our economic growth and employment, supported by a rich natural endowment of mineral resources. 

In addition to diamonds and gold, the country also contains reserves of iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, and titanium.

We must capitalise on the increased demand for these raw materials to build our nation's economy and attract more investors. 

Therefore, the theme of this year’s Mining Indaba, “Making South Africa a Favourable Destination for Mining Investments,” is relevant given the position of transition that South Africa finds itself in.

As we mark 30 years of democracy this year, we can all acknowledge that South Africa’s mining industry has undergone significant transformation.

As President Ramaphosa said yesterday, for nearly 150 years, mining has been a pillar of the South African economy. It currently contributes roughly 7.5 percent to GDP and accounts for some 60 percent of South African exports by value.

Recently, a survey of 32 member companies undertaken by the Minerals Council of South Africa found that these companies largely complied with the five key transformation elements of the 2010 Mining Charter.

These elements included ownership, employment equity, procurement, human resources development, and mine community development. It is worth noting that the surveyed companies achieved a weighted average of 39.2 percent ownership equity by historically disadvantaged South Africans, which exceeds the Charter's 26 percent target.

Although the Mining Charter has had some success in reforming the mining industry, much more work still needs to be done. The 30 years of our nation's democracy should compel us to become even more proactive about the issue of economic transformation in this industry and country.

The transformation of this sector is important because it forms a vital part of our country's development trajectory, driving infrastructure development, which includes the construction of roads, railways, and power plants, and positively impacting the economy. Our country's rich natural resources provide a comparative advantage in processing, manufacturing, and beneficiation through mining value chains.

It is therefore an opportune time to explore opportunities that will make the youth a key part of this sector, integrating it with strengthening vital industries like manufacturing and technology. As youth, you should identify your role in the value chain and position yourselves in a way that empowers you and benefits the mining sector globally.

The economic viability of the mining sector relies on developing strategies for expanding the industry through mineral beneficiation, which improves the economic and social contribution of the sector. This presents an opportunity for youth inclusion in the value chains associated with the mining sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finding complementary sectors supported by policies that can enhance the mining sector is important. 

Alongside this, strong emphasis should be placed on the significance of skills development for the youth that is not in employment education and training between the ages of 15 and 24, a demographic that is over 32 percent of the total population and is increasing notwithstanding the multiple efforts to address unemployment.

To challenge this pattern, we urge industries like mining to provide skills-development opportunities that will lead to much-needed employment opportunities.

It is time for us, as government and private sector, to invest more than ordinary resources in the development of our youth. We must allow them to voice their concerns, and their proposed solutions must be valued and integrated into the broader strategy for economic growth.

The dynamic perspectives of the younger generation and the wealth of experience from industry leaders and public servants should lead to notable strides in the process of growing and transforming the sector.

I must emphasise that while the economic growth of the sector is important, equally important is its transformation, to the extent that it is inclusive of women, youth, and other marginalised groups in our society.
 
The subject of diversity and inclusion in the mining sector should be at the top of our agenda. We must ask ourselves: How can we ensure equitable sharing of social and economic benefits in the mining sector? 

Our talks must thus be aligned with our developmental goals of developing a society that is non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous.

Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to the mining industry, strategic partnerships between established incumbents and emerging young entrepreneurs are important. 

Such partnerships help cultivate an environment that promotes creativity, diversity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

Since 1994, the Government has promulgated policies, programmes, and initiatives to facilitate transformation in the mining industry. We not only created a regulatory framework to optimise the sector, but we also actively created the technical capacity for the inclusion of youth and other marginalised groups.

The Mining Charter and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), which are the foundation of the Government's primary procurement incentives, encompass our commitment to economic transformation.

The Mining Charter establishes transformation targets and procurement standards, while the B-BBEE programme promotes diversity by empowering black people and businesses. 

Through the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), the Government fulfils its responsibility of guiding processes and ensuring that the selection of suppliers is inclusive.

The implementation of these regulations results in the development of a diverse and empowered supply chain, addressing past injustices while encouraging economic equality.

When it comes to promoting the growth of local content, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) takes the lead by promoting local goods, encouraging the hiring of nationals, and enabling the transfer of talents.

In line with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, we emphasise local industrialisation and value addition and are committed to increasing the proportion of value-added operations that we participate in within the mining value chain.

The Government is committed to including the youth in its sustainable development strategy. Our mining policies are more than paperwork; rather, they are strategic frameworks that direct us towards mining operations that are responsible, sustainable, and socially inclusive.

President Mudzanani, I am aware of your ambition to launch what you call a 'Young Industrialists Fund’ to raise R1 billion towards providing capital support for emerging entrepreneurs.

Regarding this, I would like you to directly contact my office so that we can bring on board relevant departments such as NYDA, the National Empowerment Fund, the Industrial Development Corporation of SA, and other development finance institutions and the private sector to engage further on how we can make this vision a reality.

Your aspiration as future leaders of our society brings us hope. As the Government, we are committed to playing our part in developing our youth and creating a better society.

I look forward to this evening's deliberations, and I am confident that the inputs from the discussion will provide insights to enhance South Africa's attractiveness for investments in critical minerals and demonstrate social commitment towards all South Africans.

It is my sincere hope that your participation in the Indaba will be fruitful and that you will make the most of the possibilities presented by the industry.

I would like to conclude by congratulating Tayla, a young South African woman who has won a debut Grammy award for her single 'Water'. 

We are proud of her.

I would equally like us to celebrate and congratulate Bafana Bafana for their sterling performance at the African Cup of Nations. We are behind them, and tomorrow they will emerge victorious against Nigeria, as we are well on the way to reaching the final, like the team of 1996.

The future of our country is in good hands. 

Let us continue to build a winning nation - a nation that contributes to the betterment of the continent and the rest of the world.

Thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter have agreed to extend the tenure of the Commissioner beyond the end of his term to enable an orderly transition in the organisation.

In March 2019, President Ramaphosa appointed Commissioner Kieswetter in terms of Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act, for a five-year term that started on 1 May 2019. His contract of employment comes to an end on 30 April 2024.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Tuynhuys, Cape Town

Progress in South Africa’s recovery and rebuilding since 2019 has been documented in a new Presidency publication on the impact of the Sixth Administration’s focus on addressing the immediate challenges facing South Africa and putting in place the foundations for better lives and sustainable growth into the future.

Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five Year Review outlines in summary form the progress made in growing the economy and jobs; fighting corruption; tackling poverty; developing human capital; providing quality health care for all; fighting crime, violence and instability; making communities safer; and investing in infrastructure.

The publication is an exercise in accountability and draws attention to the collective efforts of Government and social partners to improve conditions in the country under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This information resource can be accessed on www.stateofthenation.gov.za and http://bit.ly/4blAA93 or downloaded here A Five Year Review _ Presidency Achievements February 2024.pdf 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, accompanied by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nomasonto Motaung, will on Tuesday, 06 February 2024 lead the official unveiling of a brand new state-of-the-art studios at CCFM in Cape Town. 

The unveiling forms part of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA)’s ongoing work to support the development and diversity of community and small commercial media. 

Community media forms a vital part of any society, as it ensures that communities are represented and reflected as part of a diverse nation. It engages people from different cultures and backgrounds, through the use of indigenous languages advances dialogue and promotes participatory democracy. 

The year 2024 marks 30 years of democracy in South Africa, and it is also an election year where citizens can exercise their democratic right to vote. The media, especially community media therefore plays a crucial role in providing access to relevant, reliable and timely information upon which citizens can make informed choices. 

Cape Community FM, also known simply as CCFM, is a contemporary Christian community radio station serving Cape Town and its surroundings. 

The unveiling of the brand-new broadcast studios for CCFM signifies the MDDA’s mission to support the development of a vibrant, innovative, and people-centred community media sector.

Members of the media are invited to the unveiling of the broadcast studios scheduled as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 06 February 2024
Time: 15h30 - 18h00
Venue: 38 Raapkraal Rd, Kirstenhof, Cape Town

Media enquiries: Margaret Ndawonde on 082 785 6071 or margaret@mdda.org.za, or Sipho Mbele on 083 625 3446

Issued by: Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) on behalf of MDDA
Pretoria

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will continue with his second round of oversight visits to Eskom power stations by visiting 2 key power installations in the Western Cape this week.

The visits are in line with the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) which aims to end the severity of load shedding and create sustainable energy security. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: 
1. KOEBERG POWER STATION
Date: Tuesday, 06 February 2023
Venue: Koeberg Power Station, Western Cape
Time : 13:00

 2. PALMIET POWER STATION
Date: Thursday, 08 February 
Venue: Palmiet Power Station 
Time: 09:00

Members of the media who would like to cover the power station visits are required to complete and return the following form to Kutlwano@presidency.gov.za / 066 079 1365. 

Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity on 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 06 February 2024, deliver a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Business Dialogue on the margins of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

The Business Dialogue is held under the theme: “Growing Investments in the South African Mining Industry & Repositioning South Africa as a Global Destination for Critical Minerals”.

It will be attended by various leaders of government, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Mayors, business leaders, key decision makers and an array of young people involved in the mining sector. 

The dialogue will provide an opportunity for robust engagement through panel discussions and will give young people an opportunity to advance their ideas and innovations with key decision makers in both the private and public sectors. 
 
Details of the Business Dialogue are as follows:
Date: 6 February 2024
Time:  6pm – 9pm 
Venue: Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 

For more information on how interested stakeholders can participate in the Mining Indaba Business Dialogue, emails can be sent to info@sayec.co.za 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 or Mhlontlo Buhle Geleba, SAYEC Spokesperson on 076 885 8206

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 06 February 2024, deliver a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Business Dialogue on the margins of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

The Business Dialogue is held under the theme: “Growing Investments in the South African Mining Industry & Repositioning South Africa as a Global Destination for Critical Minerals”.

It will be attended by various leaders of government, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Mayors, business leaders, key decision makers and an array of young people involved in the mining sector. 

The dialogue will provide an opportunity for robust engagement through panel discussions and will give young people an opportunity to advance their ideas and innovations with key decision makers in both the private and public sectors. 
 
Details of the Business Dialogue are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Time: 18h00 – 21h00 
Venue: Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 

For more information on how interested stakeholders can participate in the Mining Indaba Business Dialogue, emails can be sent to info@sayec.co.za

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 or Mhlontlo Buhle Geleba, SAYEC Spokesperson on 076 885 8206.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Your Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia,
Your Excellency Sama Lukonde, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the African continent,
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Chairman of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, Mr Frans Baleni,
Representatives of industry, labour and civil society,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

As we gather here for this, the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba, I wish to pay tribute to Dr Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia, who passed away yesterday.

President Geingob was one of Africa’s foremost leaders, a champion of development and progress. He was a visionary leader who saw in Africa’s abundant natural resources great opportunities to improve the lives of its people.

We once more extend our deepest sympathies to President Geingob’s family and to the government and the people of Namibia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is fitting that the 30th Mining Indaba is taking place in the year that South Africa celebrates the 30th year of its democracy. 

Over the last three decades, South Africa’s mining industry has undergone significant transformation. 

For nearly 150 years, mining has been a pillar of the South African economy. It currently contributes roughly 7.5 percent towards GDP and accounts for some 60 percent of South African exports by value. 

Working with industry and labour, the democratic government has been able to effect wide-ranging and sustainable transformation of the sector over the past three decades. 

In 2004, the year the Mining Charter was first introduced, black ownership in the industry stood at some 2 percent. Today this stands at approximately 39 per cent. 

During apartheid, the mining sector was notorious for labour exploitation, human rights violations, and poor health and safety standards. 

Today, miners employ approximately 476 000 people. 

Mineworkers can organise and rights are protected. 

A legal regime confers responsibility on mining companies to provide quality services and promote development in communities where they operate. 

There are also a number of employee share ownership schemes through which mineworker participation in mining companies is being promoted. 

We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. 

Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.

Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and returns. 

We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges.

Last year, we outlined four objectives to develop the sector, improve its global competitiveness and harness the global drive towards sustainable development.

The first is to achieve a secure supply of electricity. 

Through the Electricity Action Plan, government has taken several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1 384 MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation.

The Department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000 MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7, 2 000 MW of gas-to-power and 615 MW of battery storage. 

Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. 

Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7.

The second objective we identified was to accelerate economic reforms to improve the operating environment.

We have instituted a number of reforms to enable businesses to operate optimally. 

Since the removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa has registered no less than 1 312 generation facilities with a combined capacity of over 6 300 MW. Around a third of this capacity supplies the mining load. 

It is encouraging that more and more mining companies, including Gold Fields, Anglo American, Seriti and Exxaro, are beginning to take advantage of these reforms to power their mining operations and curtail their operational costs.

The third objective we identified was to tackle illegal mining and damage to infrastructure.

Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime. 

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, through Mintek, continues to seal ownerless and derelict mines.

Since 2019, the department has closed and sealed 251 derelict holes and shaft. Over the next 3 years, the department intends to close a further 352 shafts.

Criminal activity, and copper cable theft, in particular, has had a serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay. 

Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months.

South Africa’s freight logistics system itself is undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency and position it for the future. 

Working with the private sector under the auspices of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, we are working to overcome the challenges with ports and rail. The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which has recently been approved, sets out a clear plan to guide this process. 

By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining state ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture. 

Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets. 

As Government we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with industry, to ensure this roadmap is implemented without delay. 

Finally, we committed in 2023 to improve the regulatory environment by developing and putting in place a new cadastral system to assist in the operation of a modern mining rights administration system. 

Now that we have a preferred bidder in place, we are confident that the speedy implementation of a modern world-class solution will clear the backlogs in prospecting and mining applications and pave the way for the development of new mines.

The theme of this year’s Mining Indaba is about embracing the power of positive disruption. The transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy, society and world is one of the most significant positive disruptions of our modern age. 

The vast majority of the minerals that are key to the global energy transition lie beneath the soil of our continent. These include manganese, iron ore, copper, cobalt, nickel and platinum group metals. 

Africa has the potential to be the fulcrum of the global energy transition, with mining at its core. 

This Indaba must prioritise deliberations around how we can leverage these changes to breathe new life into mining, to strengthen mining value chains, and to enhance beneficiation. 

South Africa is pursuing a just energy transition – one that is at a pace and scale that our country can afford, and in a manner that ensures energy security and creates new opportunities for those affected. 

Our Just Energy Transition Investment Plan outlines a pathway to create new industries and support more livelihoods in the green economy. 

The delivery of this plan is premised on strong collaboration between government and all social partners. It cannot be overstated how crucial the mining sector is to the success of just outcomes, notably in regions like Mpumalanga. 

We ask you to walk this journey with us through embedding just transition principles in your Social Labour Plan projects, community trusts initiatives, and by driving innovative green technology development. 

Mining has crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow. 

We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind.

I thank you.