President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 16 December 2023, deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation celebrations.

The national event will be held at Thohoyandou Stadium, Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo.

This year, Reconciliation Month is commemorated under the theme “Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation”.

The National Day of Reconciliation aims to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality by highlighting and advancing the constitutional values and principles that bind together all South Africans. 

The day also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

South Africa has made significant progress in transforming from an apartheid state into a democratic one.

In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors of various forms of abuse or infringements of rights.

National Day of Reconciliation focuses attention on national unity that is enriched by the diversity of histories and experiences, languages and cultures that make South Africa unique.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa.

As part of the celebrations, President Ramaphosa will visit Fulufhelo Special School, which is a legacy project in Thohoyandou.

Fulufhelo Special School was established in 1987 by Phalalani Association for people with intellectual disabilities.

Media accreditation has concluded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and no new applications will be accepted.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele, 
Premier of the Northern Cape, Mr Zamani Saul,
MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison in the Northern Cape, Ms Nomandla Bloem,
SAPS National Commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola,
SAPS senior management, commanders and personnel,
SAPS members,
Representatives of SAPU and POPCRU,
Our guests of honour, the trainee constables on parade,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning. 

It gives me the greatest pleasure to be here today to witness the passing out of our new recruits. 

Having reached this milestone, you will now join the ranks of one of the most noble and honourable of professions, serving your community and the South African people as members of the South African Police Service. 

It is not an easy road you have chosen.

Being a policeman or policewoman involves gruelling training, many hours spent away from friends and family and hard work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. 

This profession puts you at the frontline of service to our citizens, who come to you for help, and in the frontline in the fight against crime. 

And yet it is a path you have chosen. The path of the bravest of the brave, the path of service and dedication. For this, we thank you and we salute you. 

Our country is under siege from criminals. Crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart. 

Crime is undermining our economy, affecting small and large businesses alike, and holding back a sustainable economic recovery. 

We are tired of crime. We are tired of criminals operating with impunity. 

We are tired of the abuse and violence directed at women, children and other vulnerable groups. 

We are tired of the rule of law being undermined. 

Sikwanele. Genoeg is genoeg. Enough is enough. 

We have recruited and trained you as part of a new front in the fight against crime. 

In February this year, during the State of the Nation Address, I said that the SAPS will train 10,000 new recruits this year to bolster the 10,000 recruits that were trained in 2022. 

As the latest intake, these trainees will contribute to government’s visible policing efforts and strengthen the capacity of the SAPS. 

This week there will be passing-out parades at various sites across the country for the first cohort of recruits, with the second cohort scheduled to be inducted early in 2024. 

Our new constables will be deployed to various police stations and also to specialised units such as Public Order Policing, Visible Policing, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units. 

Among their first tasks will be to strengthen the country-wide effort to ensure that South Africans are safe and secure during this festive season.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate those trainees who have been recognised for their outstanding performance in Street Survival, Law, Physical Training and Drill. 

A strong, capacitated and well-resourced South African Police Service is critical in the fight against crime. 

Despite the challenges it faces, the SAPS has made significant inroads in recent months.

Operation Shanela, launched in May this year, has undertaken high-density operations across the country that have resulted in over 250,000 arrests, the seizure of over 3,200 firearms and the recovery of more than 1,700 stolen vehicles.

The police have made progress in tackling crimes like cash in transit heists, drug smuggling, illegal mining and damage to critical infrastructure.

Working together with the NPA, the police have secured 247 life sentences for 187 perpetrators of gender-based violence since the beginning of this financial year.

This is progress, but much more needs to be done.

The trainees who are passing out today therefore carry an important responsibility.

Police members are the first responders. Police members are first point of contact with victims of crime. Police stations are the places people go first when a crime has been committed. Suspects who have been apprehended or arrested are taken away in police vans or detained at police stations. 

This comes with a great and heavy responsibility, to serve with courtesy, dignity and respect, to embody the finest values of the public service, and to respect the rights and human dignity of all. 

It is important that we restore and maintain people’s faith and confidence in the SAPS. We expect you to serve our people with respect and to do everything within your means to earn their trust. 

We thank you for taking up the call to serve your country. 

You have shown your willingness to subject yourselves to the discipline and hard work that comes with being a member of the SAPS. 

This is just the beginning of your journey. Ahead of you are years of dedicated service. 

I am confident that you will perform your duties to the best of your ability, respecting the laws of the land and upholding the Constitution. 

Wear your uniform with pride, be ever mindful of the SAPS Code of Conduct, and keep yourselves and each other safe. 

I express my sincere gratitude to the Commanders of SANDF 3 Infantry Battalion Academy for their leadership and unwavering support throughout the training period. 

To the parents, family members and friends of the trainees, your support, sacrifice and inspiration have been invaluable. 

To all the trainee constables passing out here and in other parts of the country: welcome to the SAPS and congratulations. 

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 13 December 2023, met with the leadership of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) at the Presidential residence Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria.

 The SAJBD petitioned President Ramaphosa to namely;

1. Restore full diplomatic recognition of Israel, including the re-opening of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv and providing assurances that the Israeli embassy in Pretoria will not be closed  to enable the return of the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa 

2. Speak and/or act against the boycott of Israeli and Jewish businesses in South Africa 

3. Protect the South African Jewish community against anti-Semitic incidents and/or attacks

President Ramaphosa reiterated the South African government position on the current conflict in Israel and Palestine that the South African government; 

1. Stands with the people of Palestine who have endured over 7 decades of apartheid type of brutal occupation

2. Condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on the 7th of October 2023 on Israeli citizens, including women and children

3. Calls for all hostages to be returned

4. Condemns the genocide that is being inflicted against the people of Palestine, including women and children, through collective punishment and ongoing bombardment of Gaza

5. Calls for the International Criminal Court to investigate all the atrocities and war crimes committed in Israel and Palestine and to hold all those responsible to account 

6. Calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities to allow for more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and;

7. Calls for the resumption of negotiations between Palestinians and Israel that will lead to a two state solution along the 1967 internationally recognised borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine

President Ramaphosa indicated that the South African diplomats based in Tel Aviv will remain in South Africa for consultations during the current state of conflict, however, the government will endeavor to make available all the necessary support that is required by South African citizens in need of assistance. 

The President further emphasised the government’s denunciation of anti-Semitic behavior towards Jewish people in South Africa, including the boycott of Jewish owned businesses, and Islamophobia. President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to remain true to the tenets of the country’s constitution. 

All participants appreciated the opportunity to engage openly and frankly and committed to continue seeking solutions to the issues of concern that were raised and to the devastating and intractable conflict in the Middle East. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Wednesday, 13 December 2023, held a meeting with the Black Business Council (BBC) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to discuss the immediate challenges facing the economy and fundamental transformation of the economy.  

The Black Business Council, led by Mr Elias Monage, is a confederation representing black professional and business associations. The discussion centred on issues that have inhibited black business participation in contributing to South Africa's development and economic growth; energy security, transport, agriculture and the capacity of the state. 

Employment equity and transformation also featured prominently in the discussion with participants reflecting on the 20 Years of the B-BBEE Act and 25 Years of the Employment Equity Act.

“Since the advent of democracy nearly 30 years ago, we have worked to advance the economic position of black and women South Africans. That is why we introduced broad-based black economic empowerment, affirmative action, preferential procurement and other transformation policies to address the imbalances created by years of apartheid rule. Our fiscal policies enabled a massive redistribution of resources towards mainly black South Africans through the provision of basic services, subsidised housing, improved education and health care, and social grants,” said President Ramaphosa. 

"The BBC notes progress being made in processing the Public Procurement Bill. We view this bill as a very important instrument and the BBC is happy that the bill, in its current form, after many fights, contains the set-asides in the primary legislation," said Mr Elias Monage, BBC President.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the proposals tabled by the leadership of the BBC that will be taken forward in collaboration with government. The meeting agreed to stablish five focused work streams, namely; 

i. Inclusive economic transformation
ii. Funding of black small businesses
iii. Energy (to be considered as part of NECOM work streams)
iv. Transport and logistics (to be considered as part of NLCC work streams)
v. Capacity of the State

The work streams will be coordinated from the Presidency, and the first quarterly report back will take place in March 2024. 

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government's commitment in addressing the energy crisis, logistics backlogs and crime and corruption by highlighting key interventions through the Energy Action Plan, National Logistics Crisis Committee and the recently adopted Freight Logistics Road map, and positive steps taken to appoint a new board of Transnet and the Eskom Group Chief Executive Officer. 

President Ramaphosa was supported by Ministers of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Trade, Industry and Competition; Employment and Labour; Finance, Transport and Electricity along with the Deputy Minister of Finance. 

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

For the BBC: Ms Masedi Sesele - +27 66 588 2464 / masedi.sesele@blackbusinesscouncil.africa

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the judgement of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, setting aside the recognition of AmaZulu King, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. 

The court further ordered the President to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of King Misuzulu. 

Following a study of the judgement, the President will apply for leave to appeal against the judgement. During the course of these legal processes, His Majesty King Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne. 

President Ramaphosa calls on all members of the Royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of His Majesty's subjects. It is vital that all due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Presidency and National Treasury have on Monday, 11 December 2023, released a progress report for Q3/Q4 2023 on the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.

This quarterly report marks the three-year anniversary of Operation Vulindlela, which was initiated by President Ramaphosa in 2020 as part of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

Operation Vulindlela is focused on accelerating the implementation of structural reforms which have been identified for their impact on economic growth and job creation.

In the three years since OV was established, government has made significant progress in implementing wide-reaching reforms across key network industries.

In the energy sector, regulatory changes have resulted in a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with a pipeline of more than 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. These projects will result in over R220 billion of new investment once implemented.

In the logistics sector, the Freight Logistics Roadmap, which has been approved by Cabinet, outlines a sequenced set of actions for reform of the logistics system to enable greater competition and efficiency. Significant progress has been made in the introduction of private sector participation in container terminals and in the implementation of open access to the freight rail network.

In the telecommunications sector, ending a more than ten-year delay in the auction of high-demand spectrum, completing the switch-off of analogue signal for frequencies above 694 Megahertz (MHz) and facilitating the rollout of digital telecommunications infrastructure through the streamlining of regulations has enabled substantial new investment in the telecommunications sector and an improvement in the quality of mobile internet, alongside reduced data costs.

In the water sector, the backlog of water use licenses has been cleared and the license application system re-engineered. Over 70% of WULs are now processed within 90 days (from a starting point of over 300 days) which has unlocked billions of Rands in investment. At full implementation of the turn-around strategy, the WULA system is expected to unlock R43 billion to GDP per year for the next 5 years.

Finally, on visa reforms, 20 more countries have been added to the eVisa system, bringing the total number of countries in which the system is available to 34. The eVisa platform has been enhanced with system changes to improve the user experience and additional adjudicators have been employed to expedite the application process. SA is currently in negotiations with 12 countries to extend its visa waiver programme, which currently waives visas for visitors from 135 countries.

While the economy continues to face complex and deep-rooted challenges, including an electricity shortfall and an underperforming freight logistics system, the economic reforms underway through Operation Vulindlela provide a clear path to higher levels of growth.

While the impact of these reforms may not be immediate, it will be significant. 
Reforms in the energy sector will bring an end to load shedding through massive investment in new energy generation capacity.

Similarly, the reforms that are underway in the logistics system will restore our ports and rail infrastructure to world-class standards.
This report demonstrates that government is fully committed to staying the course on the reform agenda, and removing the constraints on growth.

The full report can be downloaded at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/operation-vulindlela. 
    

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

Cleopatra Mosana, Head of Communications in the National Treasury - cleopatra.mosana@treasury.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 14 December 2023, deliver the keynote address at a South African Police Service passing-out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers will be certified as ready for the fight against crime.

The parade will take place at the South African National Defence Force’s 3 South African Infantry Battalion base in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

The Kimberley parade is one of a number of ceremonies taking place in seven provinces this week where a total of 10 000 officers will mark the end of their basic training.

During the 2023 State of the Nation Address President Ramaphosa stated that he would intensify efforts to strengthen the South African Police Service by putting more officers on the streets and setting up specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime.

This week’s passing out parades fulfill the President’s commitment that 10 000 new personnel would be recruited and trained this year.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele; Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

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

South African Police Service: Brigadier Athlenda Mathe – 082 040 8808 and or Lerandzu Themba – 082 604 9080

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria