Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 31 January 2024, met with over 50 business leaders in Sandton, for an interactive session organised by the leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti. The event was convened with the aim to strengthen the strategic relationships between industry and governments, promoting growth through a multi-stakeholder approach.

Discussions touched on various topics, including economic priorities and reforms, tackling unemployment and poverty, building investor confidence in South Africa, and driving foreign direct investment into the country. The closed session provided a platform for business leaders to engage with the Deputy President, who has been instrumental in courting investment to boost SA's economy, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ongoing investment drive.

Despite the challenges facing the country, the Deputy President expressed his optimism about the Government's willingness to change its fortunes for the better. He emphasised the need for public-private partnerships, such as those facilitated by the Southern Africa CEO Community – African Chapter, to help address the country's challenges and provide support for businesses, rural, and township communities.

The forum offered an opportunity for the Deputy President to listen to and collaborate with business leaders on key areas that the government defines as critical for the future of the country and the community. It also served as a means to strengthen ties between the Government and private sectors based on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values.

The Deputy President agreed with business leaders that there is a need for acceleration towards the resolution of challenges impacting key economic enablers, namely energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption.

“We should work together to solve our economic difficulties while promoting greater social inclusion and sustainability. Through collaboration, we will be able to make South Africa a better and more prosperous nation,” the Deputy President said. 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 and Thabo Sephuma, The European House – Ambrosetti on 079 488 4687

Issued by: The Presidency and The European House - Ambrosetti
Pretoria

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Ministers,
Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Mr Wamkele Mene,
Ministers of Trade from AfCFTA State Parties,
Mayor of eThekwini, Mr Mxolisi Kaunda,
Representatives of business,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
Today, we are witness to a historic moment in Africa’s economic destiny. 
 
Today, we mark the start of preferential trade by South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area. 
 
In a short while, we will be witnessing the sending off of the first shipment of products from South Africa to other AfCFTA countries. 
 
This shipment demonstrates that the African Continental Free Trade Area is a reality.
 
We are in the port city of eThekwini taking forward the dream of an ever larger and ever stronger Africa. 
 
African countries trade with the rest of the world but we have limited trade among ourselves. 
 
The reason for this is clear: we are principally exporters of raw materials, selling rocks and black liquid to the world, instead of harnessing our oil and the minerals to industrialise our continent. 
 
We need to change this. 
 
Over the last few years, our trade ministers have been finalising rules of origin of what constitutes an African product. 
 
They have done well to finalise 92 percent of the products that nations trade with each other. 
 
I am happy to see so many of Africa’s trade ministers here today, able to celebrate the work to which they have contributed. 
 
We need them to be even bolder in further rules of origin.
 
The products that we trade among ourselves must truly be ‘Made in Africa’.
 
The modalities for trade in goods has moved faster than for services. 
 
We therefore need to put more effort into building African champions in finance, retail and telecommunications, and in expanding tourism between African countries. 
 
That is the only way in which our economies will grow faster and sustainably. 
 
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, and has the potential to bring transformative change and tremendous opportunities to African economies and businesses. 
 
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will accelerate the development of regional and local value chains, offering investors access to a population of 1.7 billion people with a fast-growing continental GDP.
 
Industrial development is core to Africa’s integration. 
 
It builds Africa’s productive capacities, adds greater value to our products and diversifies trade beyond the traditional commodities.
 
We have already seen the potential of greater cross-border collaboration.
 
Let me give the example of a value-chain that is developing in the auto industry. 
 
South African automotive companies source leather car seats from a factory in Lesotho employing close to a thousand workers and wiring harnesses from Botswana at two plants employing several thousand workers. 
 
They source copper wire from Zambia, rubber from Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and Cameroon, and steering wheel components from Tunisia. 
 
These are installed in cars that are then exported from South Africa to other parts of the world. 
 
These inputs alone accounted for more than $200 million worth of products traded among African countries and the scope to do more is available to us. 
 
But it requires bold rules of origin. For every one percent of extra African content, there is an opportunity for a factory or mine based on the continent to supply the products. 
 
And as the world moves to green industrialisation, Africa is well positioned to use our critical minerals to leverage industrialisation on the continent. 
 
The opportunities are vast: in food and beverages, in cars and trucks, in clothing and textiles. 
 
We have the capacity to produce more of our own pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. 
 
Investment can flow to the production of chemicals, machinery and equipment, household goods and many, many more. 
 
On the side of our proceedings here at the quayside, we have assembled a few products that illustrate what will be exported today and in the weeks ahead.  
 
Beyond the industrialisation of which I have spoken, this continental market can help us promote agricultural development and food security. 
 
Through our work, we can ensure that young people and women-owned firms are active in export markets. 
 
The Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade will help ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area contributes to inclusive growth and development.
 
We have a unique opportunity to lift millions of people out of poverty by empowering women and young people to change the continent’s business environment. 
 
The levels of intra-African trade have been growing in recent years, but remain small by global standards.
 
Intra-Africa exports are reported to stand at around 16 percent of Africa’s total exports, compared to 55 percent in Asia, 49 percent in North America and 63 percent in the European Union.
 
For South Africa, as with many other African countries, the start of preferential trade will create great opportunities for growth and development.
 
Not only will it benefit our country’s producers, but it will also see a huge increase in traffic through our ports, our airports and our land-based border posts.
 
The products made in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will flow through these ports to markets beyond our borders. 
 
That is why, as the South African government, we are focused on implementing our Freight Logistics Roadmap to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s rail lines and ports.
 
We are working closely with industry to fix Transnet’s rail and port operations in the immediate term and to ensure greater investment in this infrastructure into the future. 
 
As I conclude, allow me to thank the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat and his team for facilitating and guiding the AfCFTA negotiations. 
 
I thank the AfCFTA Council of Ministers and Minister Ebrahim Patel and his team, for their hard work negotiating the AfCFTA Agreement and its Protocols. 
 
This has made it possible for us to witness the start of preferential trading. 
 
Last but not least, I wish to express my appreciation to the exporters who have embraced this opportunity and have worked with us to be part of the first shipment of products under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
From this quayside, and from ports, airports and border posts across the continent, a new era of growth and prosperity is being born.
 
A great future awaits our continent and its people.
 
I thank you.
 

Programme Director;
The family of Comrade Vincent Tshabalala;
Our sponsors, partners, and donors;
Principals here present:
Learners and parents of the Beneficiaries of the Trust;
Trustees of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust;
Teachers, principals and members of the School Governing Bodies;
Comrades and friends;

Good Afternoon,

A very warm welcome to the remarkable learners who have given us a reason to once again gather in this way to pay tribute to our beloved brother and comrade Vincent Tshabalala. 

It is an honour and privilege to address all of you today as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our learners.

I would also like to thank all our donors and partners who have been instrumental in keeping this trust alive and helping us to uphold the legacy of our dear brother and friend. 

The work we have done over the past 19 years is primarily to pay homage to comrade Vincent Tshabalala, and to offer opportunities for education and mentoring to the children of Alex that he would have been proud of.  

Matric learners across the country displayed excellence like never before, achieving a National pass rate of 82.9%, which is the highest in the history of the National Senior Certificate Exams. 

The dedication to your studies is truly commendable and is the reason we have gathered here to acknowledge your accomplishments.

In general, the matric pass rate of 2023 is a good story for our country to tell, as it shows how the education system has transformed over the past 30 years. 

Once upon a time, it was difficult for a Black child to achieve a Bachelor's pass and have the opportunity to apply at any institution of higher learning. 

In 2024, however, the challenges of accessibility have changed.

Due to the measures put in place by the Government over the years, today we have more Black children from underprivileged communities getting entrance into institutions of higher learning, including those that were Historically White Institutions.

The Government is implementing measures to enhance access to education, especially in communities that are most vulnerable and structurally marginalised. We are making headway with the implementation of the three-stream curriculum model, which marks a significant change in emphasis towards more vocational and technical education.

Since 1994, the Government has made significant contributions to higher education to address historical inequalities and promote access, and transformation the sector. 

The Department of Higher Education and Training has made several significant contributions that include the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provides financial support to eligible students from low-income households to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.

While these Government initiatives are instrumental for transformation, we still urge communities, the corporate sector, and non-governmental organisations to collaborate with the government in offering financial aid and other kinds of developmental support to deserving students.

As a community, we must never deter from achieving our goal of providing nurturing our youth so that they can be leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. 

The Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust has introduced several initiatives, which include supporting talented high school learners through mentoring and additionally providing financial support at the end of their high school and the tertiary level.

The Trust appreciates the role that communities play in developing the youth. I believe that community-based development organisations can make a difference in more meaningful ways than the Government or the private sector. These local organisations are generally more informed and aware of the issues that affect the youth daily and can respond. We must therefore, as the community speedily embrace the opportunities for local organisations to collaborate and form partnerships that will contribute to the overall well-being of our children.

Comrades and friends,

Let me also appreciate the community of Alexandra for playing a role in ensuring that our kids stay in school. 

Over the years, community members and other organisations have actively fought to improve educational opportunities for Alexandra residents. 

Some of these community-led initiatives include efforts to strengthen and advance early childhood development, adult education, and skills training.

As a community, we must continue to provide a variety of educational opportunities to empower individuals and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need for personal and professional development. 

We must also collaborate on the development and improvement of schools, libraries, and other educational facilities to establish a favourable atmosphere for learning.

If we all work together to improve our community, we will be able to address the high rates of crime, Gender-Based Violence, substance abuse, and other social ills that are eating away at the youth. As active community members, we have a responsibility to safeguard and lead our youth toward a path of greater success.

Compatriots,

Let me offer big congratulations to the students who are receiving awards for their outstanding performance today. 

As people of Alexandra, you have made us proud, well done for all the strides that you have made over the years.

Today, we reward academic brilliance with more than just a financial bursary. We also pledge our support and guidance to these young people. 

We want you to know that we will be here for you throughout your academic journey. 

We hope that these bursaries will serve as a source of inspiration for other students, as well as for you, to maintain a high level of excellence.

Through this bursary, we are supporting your ambitions, and are providing you with the essential means to follow your dreams so you can have a positive impact on this community and the world. 

As Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”

I believe that once children get an education, they acquire a greater range of opportunities to effect positive change within their communities. 

We are confident that the bursaries we have been providing, including the ones we will present today, will contribute to our society's support of future engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and business leaders in acquiring the skills and knowledge they need for the future.

If we ever want to compete on an equal footing in the global economy, we must pay more attention to our youth's knowledge and skills development, which begins with funding their education.

To those who will be embarking on a journey to various institutions of higher education, it is imperative that you maintain your resolve, perseverance, and resilience.

At all times, remember that you are not there by accident but because you deserve it and are capable of completing your studies despite the hardships. 

Always recall the countless hours of hard work and sleepless nights that brought you to this point. They were not in vain.

Yes, the road ahead is not easy. However, do not let unfavourable encounters in higher education discourage you. Instead, you must overcome these hurdles and remain focused on achieving your ultimate goal, whether it be a degree, honours, a PhD, or any other academic achievement.

As the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, we believe in you and your capabilities, we know you will go on to accomplish remarkable things in the years to come. 

Go out there and be the best that you can be. When you achieve your goals, you will bring pride to yourself, your families, and us.

We believe in you, all the best for the year ahead.

I thank you.

Programme Director, Mr Qoboshiane;
The Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Honourable Mapisa-Nqakula;
Deputy Speaker of the South African National Assembly, Mr Tsenoli;
Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Sylvia Lucas;
The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the RSA, Justice Zondo, and esteemed members of the Judiciary;
The Public Protector, Advocate Gcaleka;
The Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Fikeni;
Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures;
The President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA);
Speakers of SADC Parliaments and their delegations;
Representatives of the EU Delegation to SA;
Treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region, Honourable Mekgwe;
Members of the Diplomatic corps;
Representatives of Higher Education Institutions;
Civil Society Representatives and all institutions supporting democracy;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Avuxeni, Dumelang, Good morning,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Legislative Sector South Africa and all of its partners for organising this important Summit. This Summit advances the discourse on transforming the legislature across the continent and centres Parliaments as critical institutions that continue to provide a voice for citizens.
 
I would also like to acknowledge the work that the SADC Parliaments and the European Union continue to do to strengthen and take forward the democratic agenda in the continent. A very warm welcome to all of you who have travelled from afar to participate in this Summit.

Namkelekile eMzansi Africa!
 
I am pleased to be part of this 2024 South Africa Legislative Sector (SALS) Oversight Summit under the theme: "Striving for oversight that ensures the realisation of a better life for all South Africans”.
 
This theme is relevant in that it reminds us of the strategic role that legislatures play in transforming society and championing the interests of all South Africans towards a better life for all. The theme also probes us to reflect on the democracy and governance work that continues in South Africa’s young democracy.  
 
As we are all aware, this Summit takes place in the year when South Africa celebrates its 30th anniversary as a democratic government. We are celebrating these 30 years because we have witnessed that it is possible to have a people-centred Government that considers citizens as critical role-players in policy and law-making processes.
 
It is necessary also to juxtapose these thirty years to the decades of an oppressive, apartheid-style regime that thrived on the exclusion of the majority using racial discrimination as a basis. Such context is critical in that it addresses the tendency for historical perspectives to ignore the strides of the democratic government.
 
We equally celebrate thirty years because of the support we have received from the rest of the world when we fought against apartheid. We will never forget your good deeds and our commitment is to continue to be in solidarity with the most vulnerable in the world. Together with you, we will continue to stand for justice and peace.
 
As a nation, we are proud that in the 30 years of our democracy, we have not only made significant strides in transforming our own country but have also left a significant mark globally by unapologetically choosing to stand on the side of justice as it relates to the Palestinian question. Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa has achieved an important victory for humanity by putting before the International Court of Justice the matter of the Israeli government's genocide of the Palestinian people. We are a nation that will always stand for the vulnerable and marginalised, and fight for a just world. We call upon the rest of the world to join us in this important fight for justice, equality, and peace.
 
Programme Director,

A close look into the case I have just referred to also strengthens the need for a strong legislature that can advance and protect the rights of people in a nation. It is therefore important that through this Summit, we maintain the commitments we have to these principles that underpin our democratic government and legislative sector. Parliaments must continue to be people-centered institutions that bring the voices of the people to governance.
 
Accountability, good ethics, integrity, and transparency are therefore critical in providing a guiding framework for strengthening the legislature's role toward improving the lives of all South Africans. Without these principles, the sustainable human development agenda will not find its truest expression.
 
Effective oversight ensures that these principles are upheld and that our institutions serve the needs of the people, therefore realising a better life for all. As we draw closer to the end of this crucial chapter of 30 years of our democracy, we must use this Summit as a platform to reflect on our achievements and acknowledge the challenges we have confronted over the years, particularly regarding the implementation of the oversight responsibilities of Parliament.
 
The fundamental test of democracy lies in Parliament's ability to maintain Executive accountability through continuous oversight. The litmus test of an active citizenry in a democracy is the extent to which Parliament can hold the government accountable to the people.
 
As the Government, we have identified corruption, abuse of state power, and maladministration as critical deficiencies that undermine our governance institutions and processes and, thus erode public trust.
 
In this regard, Chapter 9 of the Constitution mandates the creation of institutions designed to protect and support democracy. One of these key institutions is the Office of the Public Protector, which in 2016 recommended that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry be established to investigate the allegations of State Capture in Government. To demonstrate our commitment to good governance, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption, and fraud in the public sector, including state organs, was established in January 2018. On the 23rd of October 2022, the Presiding Officers of Parliament received President Ramaphosa's response to the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
 
Regarding the latest report received, Parliament is currently working on proper mechanisms to address the issues raised by the report of the State Capture Commission. The Presiding Officers of Parliament have already referred certain matters requiring direct action by Parliament to parliamentary structures for processing.
 
As recommended, we have to consider reforms to improve our procedures expeditiously. These include, among other measures:

• Statutory changes to clarify the principle of “amendatory oversight”,
• Regulation of Executive attendance and reporting to Parliament,
• Making provision for procedures that will improve the Executive and Legislative interface. 
 
While more work still needs to be done to improve the lives of all South Africans, I believe that we have effectively made strides in representing the South African people through our institutions, especially given that our democracy is relatively young in comparison to the number of years we endured under apartheid.  

Programme Director,

Part of my responsibility as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament is to monitor the developments by the Executive, approvals by Cabinet, and the implementation of the legislative programme by Parliament.  
 
Since my appointment in March 2023, I am pleased to report that we have been able to submit priority legislative proposals for the Cabinet’s approval, and we continue to monitor the introduction of priority legislation by Parliament before the end of this administration.
​
Key amongst this priority legislation are the:

• Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill,
• South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill,
• General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill,
• Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill,
• National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill and the recently passed National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
 
We also want to take this opportunity to commend the legislative sector for being instrumental in advancing gender equality by enacting laws such as the Gender Equality Act and the Domestic Violence Act, which are amongst the most globally progressive pieces of legislation.
 
These laws serve to safeguard women's rights and address the issue of gender-based violence. However, we recognise that much more needs to be done to introduce reform measures that will ensure quicker and equitable land transfer to disadvantaged land communities, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Most importantly, we have played an essential role in safeguarding our democracy by securing free and fair elections during the last six administrations. Today, we are just a few months away from the National General Elections, which will mark the transition from the sixth to the seventh Parliament. As the government, we want to assure Parliament and the international community that we have confidence in our Independent Electoral Commission, and we strongly believe that the IEC will deliver free and fair elections in 2024 and beyond as it has done so before.
 
In this regard, it is necessary to dispel aspersions about the legitimacy of our democracy by those who do not have the best interests of our nation at heart. Equally, as representatives of the people, we must also encourage and educate all individuals, particularly young people, about the significance of voting. Ours is a young nation, and the youth must be encouraged to participate actively in our electoral and governance processes.
 
Programme Director,

One of the key instruments for ensuring executive accountability to Parliament is the continuous monitoring of responses to Parliamentary questions by Members of the Executive. These questions largely emanate from the issues that are eminent in public discourse and are informed by the voices of the people on the ground whilst also engaging with some of the policy-related issues at a strategic level. From these responses to questions and regular reports to the Cabinet, we can track executive accountability to Parliament and the people.

As the Leader of Government Business, I am responsible for ensuring that responses to all the questions presented to the Members of the Executive in both the National Assembly and the NCOP are presented to the Houses. I am pleased to announce that progress has been made in this area of work. To this end, only one (1) question for written reply has lapsed during the 2023 Parliamentary session, which is unprecedented since the establishment of our democratic Parliament. We want to thank all role-players in the Executive and Parliament for making this possible, and we encourage you to continue to do the same going forward.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must continue to strengthen all legislative oversight practices as they play an important role in ensuring that the Executive is accountable to the people. As the legislative arm of the state, alongside the Judiciary and the Executive, we have an important role in ensuring that our democracy is people-centered and is not void of accountability.
 
As we move towards the end of the Sixth Administration and usher in the seventh one, let us continue on our legislative oversight responsibility to serve as a tool to hold the Executive accountable, thus ensuring effective and efficient delivery of services to our communities.
 
The strengthening of the South African legislative oversight will make it possible for us to deepen our democracy and contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of our country.
 
In closing, allow me to borrow from the words of the founding father of our democracy President Nelson Mandela during his inaugural speech where he said -
 
“We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all.”
 
These words remain relevant as we collectively work towards strengthening our democracy in our pursuit of social justice. With these words, I wish you well as you continue to deliberate and explore progressive measures to enhance the institutional capacity of legislatures, which will enable us to improve our oversight responsibilities for the betterment of our people.
 
I thank you.

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