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NATJOINTS satisfied with security measures for inauguration
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says it is satisfied that all security measures that have been put in place ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony are sufficient and adequate.
NATJOINTS has played a pivotal role in the run-up to this momentous occasion for the country.
this from ensuring that the 2024 National and Provincial Elections took place in a safe and secure environment, where citizens from all walks of life were able to cast their vote, to securing the first sitting of the National Assembly and the nine Provincial Legislatures.
“This is a clear demonstration of our country’s law enforcements capabilities and competence. The smooth running of these events without any disruptions and with minimal incidents reported throughout the country during this period, bears testament that the security forces of this country are fully equipped, are equal to task and stand ready to prevent, combat and enforce the law,” NATJOINTS said in a statement.
“Our integrated NATJOINTS plan is designed to focus on venue security, route, transport, traffic control, sea, land, airport, border, accommodation security as well as crowd management capabilities.
“This plan involving various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency is currently being implemented in all corners of the Gauteng province where the Presidential Inauguration is taking place.
“We have heightened police visibility, where all operational units are on the ground to ensure that we assert the authority of the State,” NATJOINTS said.
NATJOINTS said it is leaving nothing to chance and has already begun to deal with criminality, with the arrest of a foreign national at the accreditation centre on Monday.
At the time, the Zimbabwean national attempted to obtain accreditation.
“Our integrated systems immediately detected that this individual was using an identity document of a deceased person. The suspect has been charged with fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is in police custody.
“We have our high, medium and low risk units all deployed to execute their respective mandate within the confines of the law,” NATJOINTS said.
Traffic officials from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police Departments have been deployed at all key points to direct traffic and execute road safety measures.
They are working closely with members of National Traffic officials who have been communicating on the road closures and alternative routes.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has also deployed its crime prevention officers and Public Order Policing units to police the large crowds that are expected to attend these celebrations.
“We are patrolling, conducting stop and searches and roadblocks to ensure we tighten security and deal with any criminality,” NATJOINTS said.
Members of the public wishing to attend the Presidential Inauguration will be able to park their vehicles at the Tshwane Showgrounds and ride a free bus to the Union Buildings.
There will be no private vehicle access to the union buildings. The park and ride shuttles will commence at 3am to 06:30am this morning.
The public walking in will have access to the Union Buildings South Lawns through a security checkpoint.
All attendees are encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly and in an orderly manner.
The following items are prohibited:
* Dangerous weapons such as firearms and sharp weapons.
* No traditional weapons, including traditional spears and knobkerries will be allowed.
* No alcoholic beverages.
* No cooler boxes.
* No fireworks.
* No glass bottles.
* No drones.
Members of the public are reminded that before entering the South Lawns, they will be searched and anyone found with these items will be turned away.
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and parents who wish to bring their young children along must ensure strict supervision.
The Department of Social Development has set up a tent to reunite children who have separated from their guardians during the event.
The SAPS has also established a Venue Operations Centre (the VOC), where all safety and security responses will be coordinated from.
Emergency medical services also form part of the VOC and are on standby to attend to any medical emergencies.
The area around the Union Buildings has been declared a restricted no-fly zone for 20 nautical miles until Wednesday evening at 16:00pm.
“Our air support and air space security task teams, which includes the SAPS Airwing, the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force are monitoring the airspace to ensure that no unauthorised drones and aircrafts enter the restricted air space.
“As the NATJOINTS, we stand ready to stamp the authority of the State and to deal with any lawlessness. No disruptions and unbecoming behaviour will be tolerated.
“We continue to urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in any form of pictures, audios, or videos that incite violence and create disunity. Our intelligence communities continue to monitor various platforms for inflammatory messages and statements,” it said.
NATJOINTS warned that those who are found to be engaging themselves with online mobilisation for unrest and violence will be charged under the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:24
If you’re on the hunt for reliable engines for sale, look no further than Lou Appel’s Auto Spares. Located in the heart of Johannesburg, Lou Appel’s is a trusted name when it comes to sourcing top-quality car engines for sale. Whether you’re a mechanic, a car enthusiast, or someone looking to replace a faulty engine, …
LDV South Africa has partnered with WesBank, South Africa’s leading provider of vehicle and asset solutions, to launch a bespoke vehicle finance offering. The newly formed LDV Finance, a product of WesBank, empowers LDV dealers to seamlessly provide clients with a complete suite of vehicle financing products. Additionally, it encompasses comprehensive floorplan finance, facilitating the …
Here we go for the first day of racing at the 12mR World Championship in Porquerolles. At 10.05am, the race committee gave the first start to the only race of the day. The conditions were sporty and tough, with an easterly wind of around fifteen knots easing off at the start before strengthening to 40 …
New Hotel Managers and Executive Chef set to enhance guest experience Africa, June 2024: Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional new Hotel …
Biometric identification has been introduced to fight fraud, says agency
Get ready for the greatest show on two wheels. Fresh off a 13 stop tour of Australia and New Zealand, Freestyle Kings LIVE has been lauded as the greatest show of audacious stunts on two wheels, and is heading to South Africa for the first time this November, scheduled for Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. …
International community looks forward to working with new administration
International and local guests who have travelled far and wide for the Presidential inauguration have started to fill the Union Buildings Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre to witness President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa take the oath of office.
The Union Buildings is a hive of activity with ordinary citizens and national and foreign dignitaries, including Heads of State and government.
Top politicians, including party leaders have already arrived, along with former Presidents who are expected to join the proceedings.
The Union Buildings is awash with South African flags for the occasion, as emotions run high for some attendees who are here to observe the ushering in of the seventh administration since the dawn of democracy.
President-elect Ramaphosa was re-elected to serve for the second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections of 29 May where he won 283 votes, against the Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema who received 44 votes.
The Union Buildings, which serve as the official seat of the South African government and houses the offices of the President of South Africa, evokes a sense of excitement and hope.
Diplomatic relations
The United States of America’s Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety described the Presidential inauguration as “historic”.
“It’s a great honour to be here on this historic day for the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and the beginning of the seventh administration,” he told SAnews on Wednesday.
Brigety stated that the relationship between the United States and South Africa is strong - adding that he hopes to emphasise several things even more this year.
The ambassador expressed anticipation for the 'Atlanta Phambili' initiative, aimed at advancing the positive bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.
“It will take advantage of the rich ecosystem that the US city, Atlanta, brings; to advancing our affirmative agenda at everything from healthcare, trade and investment, job creation and so on. So, we wish the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nation of the people of South Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador to South Africa, Hakan Juholt, expressed his excitement about attending the President-elect’s swearing-in ceremony.
“We were together with the people of South Africa fighting for democracy and now we’re together celebrating democracy.”
He believes that the solutions to today’s diverse problems can be found through collaboration between and within nations.
“This new coalition that we’re looking forward to meeting... This is something that the rest of the world will look into and learn from. This is an exciting day, and we think, from Sweden, an old democracy, that South Africa has shown how mature this young democracy is. We’re very proud to be close friends to the people of South Africa,” he said in an interview with SAnews.
Measures in place and programme of the day
A stone’s throw away, at the South Lawns, crowds are still pouring into the capital to welcome their new President.
Some hundreds of law enforcement officers are stationed in Pretoria with roads in the centre of the city locked down.
With the extensive security measures put in place, the ceremony will feature musical performances from the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and a congratulatory praise poem by Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga.
The South Africa National Defence Forces’ Chaplain General, Brigadier Ernest Thabo Masweu, will lead interfaith prayers.
President-elect Ramaphosa is expected to take the stage just after 11 am.
The guests will join in the national anthem followed by the salute flight and 21-round gun salute before the President-elect takes his oath and delivers the much-anticipated inaugural speech. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:30
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Soccer enthusiasts of all ages and genders are invited to participate in an exhilarating 5-aside soccer tournament at Kwena Square Shopping Centre. The event, set to take place on June 30, 2024, promises a day of fun, competition, and community spirit. Teams will compete for their share of R5000 in prizes, with opportunities to showcase …
Suzuki Auto South Africa is continuing to establish itself as the premier automotive brand in South Africa to champion road safety. The brand has partnered with road safety champions, Wheel Well, to purchase and distribute hundreds of warm beanies with reflector bands to children in rural KwaZulu-Natal. “Children are disproportionately affected by accidents. Besides the …
Government of National Unity: A moment of profound significance
19 June 2024 is by no means an ordinary day in the collective landscape of South Africa. With President Cyril Ramaphosa having taken his Oath of Office, marking the start of the seventh administration, the country is now firmly in the fold of the creation of a Government of National Unity.
The recently concluded 29 May National and Provincial Elections, while having been conducted in a manner that has been deemed free and fair by the South African Human Rights Commission, among others, demonstrated the maturity of South Africa's democracy since its early steps in 1994. Even though the outcomes of the first democratic election made clear the resounding message of the masses, who had long battled for the right of political and societal agency, a Government of National Unity was formed to help the fragile populace to navigate the treacherous waters of a nation that was new to inclusivity.
While this year's General Election results produced no outright majority winner, the requirement for leaders of different formations to work together is not too unsimilar to what the country had to do to find its way at the inception of democracy. Today, leaders are required to carve a new path, one where cooperation amongst parties with different views have come together, and continue to do so, united in the single purpose of providing citizens with services that are aimed at improving their quality of life and building a sense of national solidarity.
Addressing the public in his inaugural speech, and essentially the world at large who had been following developments in the country, President Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the formation of the Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.
“It is the beginning of a new era,” President Ramaphosa said at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
He said the Government of National Unity requires a common mission, which is anchored in safeguarding national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.
“Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together."
President Ramaphosa said the people of South Africa have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.
“As leaders, as political parties, we are called upon to work in partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, safer communities and a government that works for its people.”
President Ramaphosa said from across the political spectrum, parties have answered that call.
“Understanding that no party can govern alone and make laws alone, these parties have agreed to work in partnership, to employ their talents for the good of the country and the progress of its people.
“Together, they have resolved to establish a government of national unity to pursue a common programme of fundamental and lasting change.
“As the leaders of this country came together in a Government of National Unity 30 years ago to forge a common future and build a united nation, the parties in the government of national unity of today have agreed to work together to address the most pressing challenges before our nation,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the parties have adopted a Statement of Intent, in which they have committed to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to create a more just society by tackling poverty, to safeguard the rights of workers, to stabilise government and to build state capacity and to pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
“As South Africans, we must each do what we can to achieve this mission. We will invite all parties, civil society, labour, business and other formations to a National Dialogue on the critical challenges facing the nation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the parties have made a commitment to invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care, to address crime and corruption, to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation and the will of the people shall be done without any doubt or question.
“The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone.
“We will seek, as we have done at so many important moments in our history, to forge a social compact to realise the aspirations of our National Development Plan.
“As individuals, as families, as communities and in our many formations, let us draw on our every strength to turn our dream for a better South African into reality,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 13:43
The Battle of The Choirs Sammy Marks Square Get Ready for the Ultimate Community Showdown at The Battle of The Choirs finale! It’s time to bring the community together for the most thrilling event of the year! Join us for the Battle of the Choirs finale, where our local stars will rock the stage and …
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and sign up for an action-packed 5-aside soccer tournament! Our event is open to all ages and genders, so everyone is welcome to participate. Event Details: • Date: 30 June 2024 • Time: 13:00 • Venue: Kwena Square Shopping Centre, Decathlon Parking Compete against other teams and showcase your …
Guardians of tomorrow: Rethinking infant vaccination strategies by Paul Miller As we navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of vaccinations cannot be overstated. In South Africa, where diverse cultures and traditions shape the fabric of our society, rethinking infant vaccination strategies becomes paramount. As Cipla South Africa, we believe it’s our responsibility to explore …
‘We have heard you’ – President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all political parties to put their differences aside and work together, as South Africans, through the ballot, have spoken and made clear their needs for the seventh administration.
Ramaphosa was delivering his first speech as President and leader of the seventh administration, following his inauguration at the Union Buildings, in Tshwane, on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa – to rousing applause – emphasised that South Africans have been unequivocal about what they now seek from leaders and for South Africa.
“[The] people of South Africa have stressed that they are impatient with political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties. They want us to put their needs and aspirations first and they want us to work together for the sake of our country.
“Today I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you,” he said from the amphitheatre at the Union Buildings.
READ | The oath has been taken, President Ramaphosa is inaugurated
The President outlined key objectives that South Africans have voiced - including stimulating a growing and transformed economy, tackling crime, housing and infrastructure.
With these in mind, President Ramaphosa pledged that during his time in office, he will be a President for all.
“Today, I make a solemn commitment to be a President for all South Africans and not just some South Africans; to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy; to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all; to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to support all those who are in need; and to make our country stronger, more resilient, more equal and united,” the President affirmed.
South Africa will be led by a Government of National Unity following the National and Provincial Elections held on 29 May 2024 in which no political party received a clear majority.
“In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, their concerns and their expectations.
“We accept and respect the results of the elections and we once again say the people have spoken. Their will shall be done without any doubt or question,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 13:48
The oath has been taken, President Ramaphosa is inaugurated
“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic.
“And I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it, protect and promote the rights of all South Africans, discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience, do justice to all and devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and all its people, so help me God.”
With that solemn oath, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has taken his place in the highest office in the land – the Presidency of South Africa.
This is his second term as President.
The President was inaugurated and took the Oath of Office – administered by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo – at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
This signals the official start of the seventh administration of democratic South Africa.
Following the Oath of Office, the President turned to First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and gave her a peck of acknowledgement.
President Ramaphosa then received a congratulatory praise song by award winning praise singer, Ntombi Ya Mutsonga.
WATCH |
He then acknowledged the National Salute, the national anthem and the 21-gun salute.
The inauguration is being attended by current and former Heads of State and Governments, royalty, high level dignitaries and ordinary South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 12:50
Beneficiaries of Covid Village relocation project in Cape Town marched to Mfuleni police station to demand SAPS take action
Rand Water undertakes infrastructure maintenance
Rand Water is expected to embark on extensive infrastructure maintenance from this Saturday, lasting until the end of July.
According to the water utility, this forms part of its maintenance plan for this coming winter.
“Proactive infrastructure maintenance is important to preserve the quality and integrity of the infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs in the long term and increase the life span of the infrastructure and assets. A maintained water infrastructure ensures uninterrupted water supply for the current and future generation.
“As an organisation, we have a solid Asset Management Strategy which provides a focused approach to managing technical maintenance, asset lifecycle and maximise the value and advantage of our assets. We conduct two types of infrastructure and asset maintenance, proactive (planned) and unplanned. Our proactive maintenance is scheduled and aimed at preserving the quality, integrity and lifespan of our water infrastructure,” the Rand Water said.
The maintenance will begin this Saturday with the Eikenhof System in Mogale with customers not expected to be affected.
Full details of the maintenance schedule is available at https://www.randwater.co.za/mediastatements.php.
“We have engaged with our municipal customers, continue to engage and officially notified them about the upcoming maintenance project to ensure that they have a 21-day period to plan, put appropriate contingency plans in place, manage storage capacity prior and during the maintenance period and inform their customers accordingly.
“Impacted Municipalities are requested to advise their customers on the extent and impact of water supply and on contingency plans that will be put in place. Rand Water will provide updates throughout the maintenance period,” the water utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 10:47
South African countries performed well on their financial inclusion, between 2011 and 2021. Progress is partly attributed to rapid adoption of digital financial services including mobile money, according to financial experts at a webinar on the African Financial Sector Southern Africa.
Organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the webinar is part of a Series themed, Regional Dialogues on the African Financial Sector - regional profile.
The aim of the regional profiles is to provide detailed information on the countries' financial sectors, documenting recent trends, progress, challenges, and opportunities for a deeper financial sector.
In her opening remarks Eunice Kamwendo, ECA's Director of the Subregional Office for Southern Africa noted the potential for growth, innovation and sustainable investments in the financial sector in Southern Africa.
“Southern African region's financial sector faces financial challenges that include liquidity issues, debt distress, limited access to financial services, high levels of informality and regulatory constraints; Despite these challenges, it is important to prioritize the development of the financial sector to create stability, mobilize domestic resources and foster a stable environment for investment,” said Ms. Kamwendo.
Presenting a report on the demographic economic landscape of the Southern African region, Andrew Bamugye, Senior investment manager SME, Trade and Development Bank said the banking sector in Southern Africa has remained solvent with adequate capital; banking liquidity remained sufficient, with most banks seeing profitability between 2021 and 2023.
“The challenge in the banking industry in the region is the strong interconnection between the banking system and non – banking financial institutions and foreign markets, which leads to the risk of contagion,” said Mr. Bamugye.
He proposed that governments should increase fiscal space by expanding government revenues through diversification of the tax base and simplification of tax systems to reduce the exposure of banks to sovereign risks.
Punki Modise, Chief strategy and sustainability officer, ABSA Bank highlighted the varying levels of debt to GDP ratios across African countries and noted that some countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt have adopted unsustainable debt strategies. She also emphasized the importance of project preparation and bankability in the private sector.
“Authorities should enhance competition in the banking systems through the promotion of new players especially those that help to improve financial inclusion,” she said.
In addition, she said banks operating in Africa need to have a more end-to-end approach to risk management, considering bankability at all stages.
On capital markets most countries in the Southern African region have a low market capitalization. The Johannesburg stock exchange, which is the leading stock exchange in Africa has a market capitalization of $1022.8 trillion representing 133% of GDP in 2023, against 51.9% of Mauritius and 18.6% of Namibia.
A lack of liquidity characterizes the bulk of the South African stock market and the breadth of the stock market in the region remains limited.
Furthermore, a small, listed number of companies and corporate bonds tend to dominate the fixed income market while the proportion of government bonds in the normal value is much higher.
“A deeper pool of insurers is required for the acceleration of green bonds growth in the region especially among corporate borrowers,” said Mr. Bamugye.
According to the experts attending the meeting, the pension fund penetration remains low in most Southern African countries. However, the high pension penetration rate in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana were the result of good investment returns on the funds, based on a diversified investment strategy coupled with a strong asset allocation process,
Bernard Yen, Actuary and managing director Aon Solutions Ltd, Mauritius highlighted the challenge of encouraging people in the formal sector to save and discussed the importance of structural changes to increase participation in pension funds.
He suggested that structural changes such as tax incentives and simplified registration processes could drive participation. He also emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to increase pension fund participation in the region.
“Countries should explore ways to increase participation of informal sector workers in multi-employer pension funds,” he added.
On the question of tapping into southern African SMEs, participants noted that the majority are financially constrained and face a lack of skills in corporate governance, financial management and often contend with high collateral requirements.
Mr. Bamugye noted the need to help SMEs develop bankable business plans and called for streamlining government support programs towards them.
He emphasized the importance of blended finance structures to address the challenges faced by SMEs in the region including the need for risk capital and conditionality and use of unfunded guarantees to unlock local liquidity.
He acknowledged the obstacle of bank credit access in the region particularly for SMEs and encouraged innovative and creative solutions to promote financial inclusion advising that countries should continue to explore innovative instruments and blended approaches to solve SME credit access problems.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
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Inauguration guests start arriving at the Union Buildings
Excitement at the Union Buildings in Pretoria is palpable as packed buses have started dropping off guests and members of the public who will witness the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa later this morning.
Many braved the cold winter morning and started arriving early, with their hearts set on being present at the swearing-in of the President-elect Ramaphosa following his election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
With the inauguration signifying the beginning of the President's second term of office Khula Community Development Project Director Petros Majola told SAnews civil society was ready to work with government for the best interests of communities.
“Today is a very big day, which comes after we have cast our vote. [This means that] we will have a government that will take us through for the next five years. We are ready to work with a government that will deliver in the best interests of our vulnerable groups, especially the victims of crimes and violence.
“After the inauguration, we expect delivery of services to those people (vulnerable groups) because those people have hope in the government that they voted for,” Majola said on Wednesday.
Avid sports fan Mama Joy Chauke told SAnews she was excited to see the President-elect Ramaphosa being inaugurated.
“Today is an important day for South Africa. I am here to witness our President being inaugurated and lead us…we are waiting for him to lead us. We are waiting for him to do the best and we are here to support him,” Chauke said.
The President-Elect will be sworn in by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.
To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.
Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth.” – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 07:49
SA marks Inauguration Day
The final touches have been made and the day has arrived for President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa to take the Oath of Office at the seat of government – the Union Buildings – this morning.
Ramaphosa was elected to the highest office in the land during a sitting of the National Assembly on Friday.
"This is a historic juncture in the life of our country, which requires that we must work and act together to entrench our Constitutional democracy and the rule of law, with a clear intent to build a South Africa for all its people.
“It is with this in mind that I hereby declare that I accept the mission you are giving me. To work with you all to serve the people of South Africa,” he said at the time.
The President-elect will lead South Africa’s seventh administration since the dawn of democracy. This follows the general elections held on 29 May 2024.
Celebration
The South Lawns of the Union Buildings is expected to be a sea of music and dance this morning as local artists will perform ahead of the start of the formal proceedings.
“The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa’s cultural diversity with our guests.
“This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy,” the Presidency said in a statement.
READ | Free park and ride for the Presidential inauguration
The cultural programme will be followed by the formal ceremony which will feature ceremonial elements from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
These elements include:
At a state of readiness briefing held over the weekend, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, reflected on the importance of the Inauguration.
“The Inauguration [brings] together South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and political orientation, united in our diversity.
“It offers us an occasion to celebrate our democratic values and system of governance, including the agreed commitment of our body politic that the Seventh Administration will be one led by a Government of National Unity,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:27