President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, lead the launch of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges initiative in Umgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. 

This collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) aims to construct 96 bridges during the 2023/2024 financial year, as outlined in the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Highlighting the pivotal role of infrastructure in rural development, the President emphasised in the State of the Nation Address the importance of roads and bridges in providing access to markets, employment opportunities, and essential social services for South Africans in remote areas. 

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is poised for expansion, targeting the delivery of 96 bridges annually over a period of three years, with the South African National Defence Force showcasing its engineering expertise in bridge construction.

Derived from the Nguni word meaning "to assist the nation in crossing over," Welisizwe represents a strategic Integrated Project (SIP) under the sixth administration. 

Collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence have already commenced implementation in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West.

These bridges are essential in addressing the challenges faced by citizens and children who previously navigated perilous rivers to access schools and essential social services. 

Details of the launch are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Ngilanyoni Sportfield, Ward 7, Mkhambathini Municipality, Umgungundlovu District, KZN

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 31 January 2024 , officiate the launch of South Africa's first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

The launch ceremony will take place at the Port of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal Province and occurs on the margins of the 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers held  at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 30-31 January 2024.

South Africa is the first amongst the four SACU countries to practically realise the AfCFTA Agreement.

The 37th African Union Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will at its annual convention in February 2024 take stock of the progress made thus far in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to lead to diversification of exports, increased productive capacity, acceleration of growth, increased investment, increased employment opportunities and incomes and most importantly broaden economic inclusion both in South Africa and the rest of the Continent. It provides South African exporters with new market access opportunities to key markets in the African Continent and can unlock growth. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be joined by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube; AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene; among dignitaries that includes the AfCFTA Council of Ministers in witnessing the first shipment of Proudly South Africa products exported to the continent. 

Details of the South Africa  launch ceremony of first shipments under the AfCFTA will be as follows: 

Date:  Wednesday 31 January 2024

Time: 09h00 (media to arrive 07h30)

Venue: Port of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province 

Media accreditation for the launch ceremony can be directed to Mamosa Dikeledi on MDikeledi@thedtic.gov.za or WhatsApp: 066 301 9875

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Fellow South Africans,   

Earlier today, the International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a ruling that is a victory for international law, for human rights, and above all, for justice. 

This follows the unprecedented action taken by South Africa to take another country to the international court of justice. 

On the 29^th of December 2023, South Africa filed an application instituting proceedings against the State of Israel for the violence it has unleashed on the people of the Gaza Strip, arguing that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the Convention.  

South Africa had earlier condemned the 7 October 2023, attack by Hamas and other groups that resulted in the deaths of many Israelis and the taking of hostages. 

The court in its judgment affirmed South Africa’s right to take Israel to court – even though it is not a party to the conflict in Gaza.  

The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has handed down a ruling that the State of Israel should immediately implement a set of provisional measures to prevent any further acts of genocide in Gaza, to desist from such acts, and to take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence relating to acts of genocide. As the South African Government we welcome the decision of the ICJ. 

We note the court’s statement that it is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region, and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering and that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the court renders its final judgement.   

We welcome the measures that the court ordered by majority decision, ruling that Israel military should not commit acts of genocide against Palestinians. Israel should take all measures to prevent and punish incitement to genocide. Furthermore, take immediate and effective measures to allow basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza and it should preserve evidence of what is happening in Gaza, including submitting a report within a month on all measures taken to give effect to the ICJ order within one month. 

This Order is binding on Israel, and must be respected by all states that are party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

We expect Israel as a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the rule of law to abide by the measures handed down by the International Court of Justice.  
 
After more than half a century of occupation, dispossession, oppression and apartheid, the Palestinian people’s cries for justice have been heeded by an eminent organ of the United Nations.

Today, Israel stands before the international community, its crimes against the Palestinians laid bare. Since October last year, the people of Gaza have been the victims of bombardment and strikes from land and air. Homes, refugee camps and entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed and not even schools and hospitals have been spared. 

The people of Gaza have been deprived of electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies. According to the United Nations, more than 25 000 people have been killed during Israel’s war with Hamas. Among the dead are relief workers, UN staff, and journalists.   

More than 16 000 of the dead are women and children. In October 2023 the UN Children’s Fund said: “Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children.” According to the UN thousands of children were killed in just the first three weeks of the current conflict.  

As South Africa argued in its application to the ICJ, the high civilian death toll, and the sheer scale of the destruction that has resulted from Israel’s response to the 7 October attacks is vastly disproportionate to any claim by Israel that it has been acting in self-defence. We have called Israel’s attacks on Gaza genocidal acts, acts for which Israel should and must be held accountable.   

Today the International Court of Justice has vindicated us. The Court has concluded that pursuant to Article 9 of the Convention, it has jurisdiction to adjudicate our application. The effect of the Order that the ICJ has granted today is that there is a plausible case of genocide.   

This marks an important first step in our quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.  
Some have told us to mind our own business. Others have said it was not our place. And yet it is very much our place, as people who know too well the pain of dispossession, discrimination, state-sponsored violence.   

We are also a people who were the victims of the crime of apartheid. We know what apartheid looks like. We experienced and lived through it. Sadly, many of people died and were exiled like our beloved leader Oliver Tambo and others, others were jailed like the father of our democracy and others were maimed.  

We, as South Africans, will not be passive bystanders and watch the crimes that were visited upon us being perpetrated elsewhere. We stand on the side of freedom for all. We stand on the side of justice.

Thirty years ago, following our first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela declared: “Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.”   

And so, we say again today, never, never and never again shall it be that acts of genocide are perpetrated with impunity as we, the international community look on. We firmly believe that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire and negotiations should commence on a permanent two state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states. 

As South Africa we thank all in the international community who have supported our application, including a number of countries who have declared their intention to be part of our application. 

We will not waver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less. We thank the International Court of Justice for upholding its role of achieving justice, promoting peace, preventing genocide and holding those guilty of genocide accountable.  

It is our earnest hope and wish that this court order paves the way for an end to this crisis, for an end to the terrible loss of life and hardship, and for the crucial first steps to be taken towards reconciliation and a just, lasting peace.  

I thank you.      
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, 26 January 2023, address the nation on the International Court of Justice order. 

The President will address the nation as follows:

Date: Friday, 26 February 2024

Time: 16h00

SABC will provide a feed to all media and PresidencyZA will live stream the proceedings.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will tomorrow, 23 January 2024, brief the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Time: 11:30 for 12:30
Venue: Boardroom 159, Union Buildings, Pretoria

Live Streaming details:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA   
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, today, 20 January 2024, arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital Kinshasa, to attend the inauguration and swearing-in of President-elect, His Excellency, Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. 

South Africa continues to play a constructive role in the pursuit of peace and security as well as the post conflict reconstruction and development in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. 

President Ramaphosa's attendance of the Inauguration and the swearing-in ceremony will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic nature of the cordial bilateral relations between South Africa and the DRC as well as consolidation of bilateral cooperation. 

The bilateral cooperation between South Africa and the DRC is conducted through the Bi- National Commission (BNC), which is convened at the Heads of State and Government level as provided by the establishing agreement of 2004. The 12^th Session of the BNC was held in Kinshasa, on 06 July 2023 and was co-chaired by H.E Mr Cyril Ramaphosa and H.E. President Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by his newly appointed Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Mr Jeff Radebe.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 23 January 2024 welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a courtesy call at the OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria. 

The Duke of Edinburgh is on a working visit to South Africa on 22 and 23 January 2024. 

The visit follows the successful State Visit that His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook to the United Kingdom in 2022 at the invitation of King Charles III. 

The visit is also indicative of the strong bilateral relationship that the United Kingdom and South Africa share.

During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet stakeholders from WWF South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, GreenMatterZA, TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Birdlife, and Conservation South Africa. 

Prince Edward will also meet the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, for a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and will be accompanied on the tour by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. 

This follows President Ramaphosa’s visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022 and will mark the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity. 

The Duke will also meet the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande at a dinner marking the deep partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom in the field of Science and Innovation.

In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet awardees of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, of which President Ramaphosa is a Patron. Both countries share a strong commitment to youth empowerment.

During the courtesy call, Deputy President Mashatile will also hold discussions with the Duke and his delegation on key areas of importance in the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Media enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the unprecedented success recorded by the Matric Class of 2023 is evidence of the determination and ambition of learners and of a nation that values its youth.

The President offers his warm congratulations and that of Government to the Class of 2023 and the extended support system of educators, parents, school governing bodies and health care providers who carried this cohort of learners through the COVID 19 pandemic when they were in earlier grades.

The 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) overall pass rate reached 82.9%, compared with 80.1% in 2022, and 76.4% in 2021.

This is an improvement of 2.8%, and 6.5% from the pass rates achieved by the Classes of 2022 and 2021 respectively.

In real numbers, 572 983 candidates passed the 2023 NSC exams.

As a percentage, the 2023 pass is the highest in the history of the NSC.

Similarly, Bachelor passes as well as passes with distinction produced by the Class of 2023 stand out as the highest in the history of NSC exams.

President Ramaphosa said: “The Class of 2023 has given itself and the nation great cause for pride and belief that our investment in education is the key to moving our country forward.

“The 2023 matric results show that we are a nation that takes care of its young people and that our young people are taking care of their future through their resilience and their dedication to learning.

“The matric results are an irrefutable indicator of our comprehensive national development during 30 years of freedom and democracy.

“Our success in education must motivate us to achieve even greater things in all areas of our development.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Your Excellencies, Ministers and Ambassadors,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Uganda for the warm reception we have received here in the Pearl of Africa.

We thank our former Chairperson, His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for steering our Movement for the past three years.

We wish our new Chairperson, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, all the best and convey our full support as Uganda takes over the chairship of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 plus China.

This Summit takes place at a time when the world is faced with many challenges exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world. 

The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. 

The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.

At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.

South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes. 

The countries of the world are interlinked and interdependent as never before.

They are linked through technology, trade, global value chains and international capital flows. They share common challenges of climate change, pandemics, terrorism and illicit financial flows. 

This requires a globally-agreed set of rules that applies equally to all, and that establishes room for development for the poorest and most disadvantaged.

This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces. 

We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations.

We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system. 

As the Non-Aligned Movement, we must continue to work together in support of:

-    the right to self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara;

-    the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe; 

-    reaffirmation of the inalienable right of access to nuclear materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes; 

-    upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in the peaceful resolution of conflict; 

-    defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and, 

-    the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.

South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.

We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. 

We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza. 

As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. 

This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.

South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. 

In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.

The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. 

We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm.

As the Non-Aligned Movement, we should not only adhere to the equality of nations, but also to the equality of human beings. 

A world free of domination by the strong and powerful is as important as a world free of sexism. 

We must remain committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls and achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality. 

We must reaffirm our commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control as a necessary contribution towards the achievement of a secure world for all.

Now is the time for the Non-Aligned Movement to strengthen cooperation.

Now is the time to draw fully on our founding principle of solidarity and to enhance our commitment towards development, peace, security and human rights. 

If we do so, if we move forward with unity and purpose, we will emerge from the difficulties that confront us all much stronger than ever before.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 18 January 2024, arrived in Kampala in the Republic of Uganda to attend the 19^th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, to be held on 19 to 20 January 2024 under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”

The summit is preceded by a meeting of the NAM Ministers held from 17 to 18 January 2024.

The NAM Summit is the highest decision-making authority of the Movement and holds the Summit every three years. The Summit is also the occasion when the Movement formally rotates its Chair to the Head of State of the host country of the Summit, who then holds office until the next Summit. Azerbaijan has been the Chair since 2019 and will hand over the position to Uganda in 2024 for the next three years (2024-2027).

The Government of Uganda has identified five focus areas and priority goals of its Chairship and they are; regional and international peace and security; the international fight against terrorism; international migration and humanitarian crises; human trafficking and drug smuggling; as well as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the two-day Summit, Azerbaijan as the outgoing Chair of the NAM will report on the activities of the Movement during its three-year chairship. The President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr Yoweri Kagura Museveni, will be elected by acclamation as Chair of the NAM.

It is expected that the Summit will adopt the Kampala Final Outcome Document, the Kampala Declaration, and the NAM Ministerial Declaration on Palestine.

With its 120 Member States, the NAM is the largest grouping of countries outside of the UN, making it an important role player in global and multilateral affairs. Since its inception in 1961, the Movement has played a crucial and obvious political role in representing the interests of developing countries, particularly in the eradication of colonialism, supporting struggles for liberation and self-determination, the pursuit of world peace and the search for a more equitable and just global order.

Following the 19^th NAM Summit, Uganda will also assume the Group of 77 (G77) Chairship and host the G77 Third South Summit from 21 to 23 January 2024.

With the theme “Leaving No One Behind”, the Third South Summit hopes to bring a new cooperation dynamic among the 134 Member States of the Group of 77 in a more competitive world. The Summit is aimed at boosting South-South cooperation including in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and digital economy.

The South Summit is the supreme decision-making body of the Group of 77 plus China. The Group of 77 plus China is the largest negotiating bloc of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for development.

South-South cooperation remains an important pillar for strengthening the economic independence of countries of the South as a complement and not a replacement to North-South cooperation. South Africa participates in the work of the G77 to ensure its strength, unity and cohesion in pursuit of the vision of a fair and equitable multilateral system.
 
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will accompany and represent President Ramaphosa at the G77 plus China

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria