Ramaphosa

15 December 2023

South Africa: President to Address the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation Celebration

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

14 December 2023

President, Black Business Council discuss transformation of the economy

Location: News

President, Black Business Council discuss transformation of the economy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a meeting with the Black Business Council (BBC) to discuss challenges facing the economy and the transformation of the economy.

Also at the meeting were Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi; Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana; Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and Minister in the Presidency for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo.

Topics under discussion included issues hindering black business participation in contributing to development and economic growth, energy security, transport, agriculture, the capacity of the state, employment equity and transformation.

“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,” President Ramaphosa said.

BBC President Elias Monage said: “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”.

According to the Presidency, the meeting agreed to establish five focused work streams which will be coordinated from the Presidency with the first quarterly report back expected to take place in March 2024.

The work streams are:

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

“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,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:29

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14 December 2023

Celebrating South Africa’s sports stars

Location: News

Celebrating South Africa's sports stars

South Africans will celebrate South Africa’s sports achievements and the Springboks World Cup victory on Friday, after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December a public holiday.

The Boks clinched a hard fought and historic victory during a tough encounter against New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final held in Paris in October.

The Boks are the only national team who have won the Rugby World Cup four times.

In an address to nation shortly after the win and following public calls for a public holiday to celebrate the victory and sports achievements in true South African style, President Ramaphosa said the holiday would only be held after the matric final exams.

“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.

“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.

The year 2023 has been a glittering year for South African sports and its stars. Notable achievements include:

The Springbok’s Rugby World Cup victory in October.
Banyana Banyana’s progression into the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (the first South African senior football side to do so) following their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022.
KG Montjane became the first South African woman in 40 years to win a French Open title after she and her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, clinched the doubles wheelchair final in June.
South African swimming sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker won her first ever world title at the World Aquatics Championships held in Japan in July.
The South African Special Olympics team returned from the Special Olympics World Games held in June with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
South Africa’s successful hosting of the Netball World Cup which was held on African soil for the first time in its history. The tournament was held during July and August.
The Momentum Proteas – South Africa’s women’s national team – reached the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup final held in Cape Town in February.
The Proteas reached the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup held in India in November.

Earlier this week in his newsletter to the nation, the President urged South Africans to come together to “remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa”.

The President called on South Africans to mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup.

“Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.

“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 11:50

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14 December 2023

Sport for change

Location: News

Sport for change

With the holiday period almost in full swing, many of us can’t wait to see the back of the office in exchange for time to unwind with family and friends, after all it has indeed been an exhausting year for most.

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that the years after the horrible chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult. Oddly, at times it felt as if two years had been crammed into a single calendar year.

Despite the doom and gloom of all our varying individual circumstances, South Africa’s sporting men and women this year gave us the ray of sunshine we all needed.

They not only brought smiles to our faces, but they gave much-needed hope and pride to the nation.

Think of the wonderful performance of Banyana Banyana who made history becoming the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. While not reaching the finals, the SPAR Proteas team made the country proud in their performance at the Netball World Cup that South Africa hosted in July and early August.

To add to the magic made on the sporting field, the men’s national cricket team, the Proteas, made the country proud at the 2023 Cricket World Cup reaching the semi-finals of the tournament in November.

This as the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for a record fourth time since South Africa became a democracy in 1994. Their win at the Rugby World Cup in France and the performance of the other sporting codes did much for the mood of a country bedevilled by various challenges such as unemployment, gender-based violence and corruption.

We even glossed over the stress associated with being a sports fan. I mean what is a little bit of yelling at the television in frustration because the team wouldn’t listen to our armchair advice or walking away from it without watching the match to the end because it’s just too stressful?

South Africans also withstood the dreaded bouts of load shedding that led to the missing of matches if one did not make alternative arrangements to catch the game somewhere else.

We have since put all that behind us. After all, we all know that being a fan of any sporting code is not always easy!

Sport supporters and part-time supporters who got caught up in the fever pitch of it all supported our teams. We are not called a sporting nation for nothing.

South Africans rallied behind their national teams so much so that President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement.

And yes, I completely understand that for some, social cohesion is an airy-fairy concept or government initiative that bears no weight in everyday-life situations where racism and inequality are very much part of life in Mzansi.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”.

In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words the Boks’ win has “united South African people.” I mean who can forget the viral clip of Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi being cheered on by customers and store staff whilst out grocery shopping, and Eben ‘Elizabedi’ Etzebeth and RG Snyman dancing with South African fans near the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

The win showed that while challenges remain, the country has come a long way in its journey of democracy that involved the transformation of a country that only worked for a minority to a country that embraces all of her people.

The victories on the sporting field have a far greater meaning for South Africans. These victories result in disadvantaged little ones and teenagers seeing themselves reaching and even exceeding the heights reached by the sporting heroes.

Sport is more than just sport; it unites us; it inspires us; gives us hope - and is often a ticket to a better life.

And while we all scoffed at the President for making the holiday only in December because we all needed one sooner rather than later, the time has finally arrived.

As a loyal sports fan, you have earned it, now enjoy it! -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 12:11

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14 December 2023

New recruits “part of a modern front in the battle against crime”

Location: News

New recruits "part of a new front in the fight against crime"

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the latest intake of police recruits will contribute to government’s visible policing efforts and strengthen the capacity of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He was speaking at a passing out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers were certified as ready for the fight against crime at the South African National Defence Force’s 3 South African Infantry Battalion in Kimberley on Thursday.

The parade was one of a number of ceremonies taking place across various provinces this week where a total of 10 000 officers marked the end of their basic training.

“Our new Constables will be deployed to various police stations and also to specialised units such as Public Order Policing, Visible Policing, 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. A strong, capacitated and well-resourced South African Police Service is critical in the fight against crime,” President Ramaphosa said.

He told the new police recruits that being a policeman or policewoman involved 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,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the country was under siege from criminals and that crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart.

The President said crime was undermining the economy, affecting small and large businesses 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.

“We have recruited and trained you as part of a new front in the fight against crime,” the President said.

In February this year, during the State of the Nation Address, it was announced that the SAPS would train 10 000 new recruits this year to bolster the 10 000 recruits that were trained in 2022.

Touching on Operation Shanela, President Ramaphosa said high-density operations have been undertaken across the country that 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 National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the police have secured 247 life sentences for 187 perpetrators of gender-based violence since the beginning of this financial year.

“Police members are the first responders. Police members are [the] 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,” the President said.

On Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season, to ensure a safe holiday period in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 12:36

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14 December 2023

Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation

Location: News

Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation

By Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa

Following the record-breaking fourth Rugby World Cup title win by the Springboks, South Africa’s national men’s rugby team, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December 2023 a public holiday to celebrate the team’s momentous achievement. It is fitting that this celebratory holiday occurs during Reconciliation Month and a day before Reconciliation Day, which is dedicated to fostering reconciliation and strengthen unity in the country.

The theme for 2023 Reconciliation Month is “Strengthening Unity and Social Cohesion in a Healing Nation”. This theme acknowledges South Africa’s continuing journey of healing from past injustices and overcoming current challenges. The theme also underscores the important role of Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in fostering national unity and social cohesion. South Africa’s creatives, cultural practitioners, and athletes play an important role in uniting the country and sharing with the world the essence of South Africa as a country that values unity and social cohesion. This has been clear to see in 2023, in what has been a significant year for South African sport, arts and culture.

The year began with the Proteas Women’s national cricket team reaching the Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup for the first time on home soil and has been heightened by the Springboks’ record-breaking Rugby World Cup victory. South Africa has also hosted several mega-events such as the Netball World Cup and the World Rowing Regatta. Also, Banyana Banyana made the country proud by reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16, the first time a senior South African national football team – men or women – progressed from the FIFA World Cup group stages. The Proteas Men’s national cricket also made the nation proud by reaching the semifinals of the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

It has also been an eventful year on the creative and artistic front. South African amputee dancer, Musa Motha brought judges and crowds to tears with breakthrough performances in the Britain's Got Talent competition. Opera singer Pretty Yende continued to raise the country’s flag high on the world’s operatic stages and performed at the coronation of the United Kingdom’s King Charles III. South Africa’s Amapiano musicians have taken the genre to even greater heights internationally. Musicians Zakes Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode won a Grammy Award this year, while Trevor Noah, Tyla, Just 6 and Musa Keys all received nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards. Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee also made history when he performed at Madison Square Gardens in New York, becoming the first South African DJ or producer to achieve such a feat. Dr John Kani, who has received countless awards, was the fifth recipient of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Van Toeka Af Living Legends series, and received further recognition internationally this year.

South Africa’s creative artists and athletes inspire and unite communities, giving expression to a winning nation. We have seen this in the way creative artists incorporate the country’s diverse cultures in their craft, and how South Africans and international audiences embrace and celebrate our diverse culture and creative talent. Our athletes also inspire unity with their excellence and unity. The most vivid example is that of the Springboks, who not only show how far South African sport has come in being representative of the country’s diverse population, but also enjoy great support across all backgrounds and generations in the country.

Government has been working hard to deepen the role of sport, arts, and culture to build national unity and to foster social cohesion in communities. One of the priorities has been to develop sport at grassroots level through the building of multipurpose sports facilities in rural and township schools and staging summer and winter school sport festivals. This year, we also convened a national school sport indaba to unify country’s school sport sector and establish a blueprint for school sport. Our community art centres also provide a space for communities to practice and showcase their creative art talent.

As we mark Reconciliation Month, let us continue to remember how far we have come as a country to unite in our rich diversity. Let us continue to use sport and the creative sector to strengthen unity and social cohesion. I call on all sport federations, clubs, and community art centres to take sports and the arts to communities.

The late former President Nelson Mandela said that sport unites people in ways little else can. Madiba would be proud to see the impact of sport and arts in building unity in the country. As South Africa continues its healing journey, let us use sport and the creative arts to help us on this journey to build the united and cohesive South Africa we desire. This momentum is especially important as we enter 30 years since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy.

*This message was first published in Public Sector Manager magazine: https://www.gcis.gov.za/content/resource_centre/news_and_mags/public_sector_magazine

Janine
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 11:28

137 views

13 December 2023

President to address newly trained SAPS officers

Location: News

President to address newly trained SAPS officers

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver a keynote address at a South African Police Service (SAPS) 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 said 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 fulfil the President’s commitment that 10 000 new personnel would be recruited and trained this year.

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

Earlier this week Cele assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season to ensure a safe holiday period in the country.

Cele said the festive season is a period largely characterised by festivities and increased migration of people within and across the borders.

“We as the country’s law enforcement have and will continue to upscale our responses to crime this holiday season and beyond,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:39

952 views

13 December 2023

Beitbridge border fence companies lose High Court appeal

Location: News

Beitbridge border fence companies lose High Court appeal

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the order of the High Court in Gauteng which has dismissed an application by two Beitbridge border fence construction companies to appeal a decision of the Special Tribunal to strip them of profits earned from the construction of the fence.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two companies Caledon River Properties and Profteam CC, received contracts totalling R40.4 million from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to construct the razor mesh fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

However, soon after the fence was erected in March 2020, it began to fall apart – leading to a public outcry.

In July 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU through Proclamation No. R. 23 of 2020, to investigate the affairs of all State institutions in respect of the procurement or contracting for goods, works and services, during, or in respect of the National State of Disaster, by or on behalf of State institutions.

In March last year, following an application by the SIU, the Special Tribunal ordered that the contracts be set aside and that the companies pay back profits earned from the contracts.

Now, the High Court has ordered that:

The application is dismissed with costs.

The service providers must, within 30 days, file audited statements and debatement of accounts reflecting their respective income and expenditure in the contracts.

The SIU and DPWI are ordered to appoint, within 30 days thereafter, qualified expert(s) to compile a report as to the reasonableness of the service providers’ expenses and file papers.

The service providers are ordered to pay the public works department, within 30 days, profit earned from the contracts as agreed by the experts and made the order of the Tribunal.

“The SIU welcomes the order of the High Court, as it enforces the implementation of the Unit’s investigation outcomes and consequence management”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 14:44

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13 December 2023

SA, Zimbabwe gain a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at ports

Location: News

SA, Zimbabwe have a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at ports

Cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe in managing shared borders is critical for the protection of respective national interests.

“We have a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at our ports of entry and the border law enforcement areas such as illegal migration, any kind of smuggling, human trafficking, and all kinds of cross border crimes inclusive of the illegal movement of weapons, and or illicit goods between our countries,” Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato said.

He was speaking during a visit by the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The Commissioner said the South Africa/Zimbabwe border has long been a symbol of the intricate web of connections between the two countries.

“It is a border that does not just demarcate land but also represents a bridge of cultural, economic, and historical exchanges that we enjoyed over the years.”

He said besides geographic proximity, the two countries have a common and long history of regional affiliation as well as great aspirations for the development of the two nations.

“Therefore, it is in our interest to ensure effective border management which is crucial for ensuring the ultimate prosperity of both South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“Although cooperation on border management matters commonly embraces the aspects of enforcing territorial sovereignties, it also streamlines efforts for fostering economic growth and improvement in trade relations between nations.

“As the two jurisdictions within this sub-region, we have the responsibility to drive the objective of regional economic integration as articulated in the many resolutions of our leadership within the SADC [Southern African Development Community] context,” Masiapato said.

Border management is not just a matter of policy but a reflection of the shared commitment to regional stability and development of which border authority has to ensure the realisation of such an objective.

“As the Border Management Authority, South Africa, we are encouraged by the processes undertaken by the government of Zimbabwe in the development of the country’s Border Ports Authority Bill.

“This is critical towards the establishment of the Zimbabwean Border Ports Authority which carry similar resemblance our Border Management Authority,” the Commissioner said.

Masiapato is hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart for a bilateral visit in South Africa from 13 to 16 December 2023.

The visit aims to showcase South Africa’s model of administration and border management coordination.

The two countries are in a process of developing a Border Ports Authority Bill to establish the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority and to provide for its functions.

In October this year President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the launch of the BMA in Musina, Limpopo.

The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.

The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.

The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, among them intercepting stolen vehicles.

The authority is responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 14:45

379 views

13 December 2023

President Ramaphosa to apply for leave to appeal Zulu monarch court decision

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to apply for leave to appeal Zulu monarch court decision

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to apply for leave to appeal a North Gauteng High Court decision to set aside the President’s official recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the King of the Zulu nation.

This according to a short statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday.

The judgement was handed down on Monday.

“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.

“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,” the statement read.

President Ramaphosa officially handed over a certificate of recognition to AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini in October last year.

At the time, the President had already issued the certificate to His Majesty earlier in the year, and in accordance with a wish expressed by the Royal Family, he formally handed over the certificate at a ceremony held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

On Wednesday, the Presidency said the President had “noted” the judgement and called on the royal family to continue working for “unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu”.

“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,” the statement read.

King Misuzulu ascended to the Zulu royal throne following the death – in 2021 – of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini.

A court challenge to the younger monarch’s ascension was launched thereafter in the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

That challenge was dismissed by the court which stated that there “is no genuine dispute as to the succession of Prince Misuzulu, as he is in terms of the customary law and customs the rightful heir to the throne”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 15:10

326 views

13 December 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa appeals High Court judgement setting aside recognition of His Majesty King Misuzulu

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

13 December 2023

Support for democracy remains high in Africa – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Support for democracy remains high in Africa - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says democracy will continue to grow and thrive in Africa despite the challenges that the continent faces.

The President was speaking during the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) held in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.

The APRM is an institution of the African Union and serves as a platform for self-assessment, peer-learning, and experience sharing in democracy and good governance for countries that have acceded to it.

“As we celebrate 20 years since the founding of the APRM, we should acknowledge that, despite the setbacks, democracy indices in Africa are strong and resilient. Public support for democracy remains high across the continent.

“Africa has an active citizenry. Electorates are showing time and again their rejection of authoritarianism and other threats to democracy. In no small part, the APRM has contributed to strengthening and consolidating democracy across our continent.

“This is a clear demonstration that democracy lives and thrives in Africa. It is a firm rejection of the hopeless continent narrative that has prevailed for so long. We are proud of how far we have come, and we look to the future with optimism and hope.”

President Ramaphosa laid out some of the challenges that are besetting the continent and added that these test “our collective resolve to ensure the APRM remains relevant”.

“Over the past three years there have been a number of coups d’etat, attempted coups and other non-democratic transitions of power in Africa. A number of countries in Africa are beset by terrible and protracted conflicts, wars and violence causing devastating loss of human life, livelihoods that are disrupted and economic productivity that is destroyed.

“Elsewhere also on our continent we are also witnessing democratic gains being rolled back, fundamental rights and freedoms being curtailed, and the positions of already vulnerable groups on our continent worsening.

“These developments should trouble all of us. They are setbacks in our quest to realise…the Africa we want, one that is characterised by good governance, one that is underpinned by democracy, by respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. Never has the need been greater for a structure like the APRM,” he said.

Second Generation Country Review Report

The event also marked the launch of the South Africa Second Generation Country Review Report which gives insights into the progress made by the country in various areas.

President Ramaphosa said the report will serve as an “important knowledge base and provides a foundation for improving governance”.

“The report reflects South Africa’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, especially as we will soon be observing and celebrating 30 years of our own democracy. South Africa was the first country to be offered the opportunity to undertake self-assessment and to be peer reviewed on the respective thematic areas.

“I want to express my appreciation to Bishop Dinis Sengulane who led the external mission that visited South Africa in December 2021. Thanks also go to all national and continental structures as well as stakeholders who ensured the successful conclusion of the self-assessment and peer review process,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 10:32

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12 December 2023

Seeds for a better 2024 believe been sown – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Seeds for a better 2024 have been sown – President Ramaphosa

Although South Africa continues to face challenges from various quarters, the ground work for a better 2024 has been laid.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.

The President acknowledged that 2023 has been a testing year for the country – with intense load shedding, Transnet’s challenges and a sluggish economy being just some of the worst challenges faced.

“Our economy has been weighed down by international events, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability in the global economy. Like many across the world, South Africans have faced a substantial rise in the cost of our living. Our post-COVID recovery has been held back by continuing load shedding and inefficiency at our ports and railways.

“Yet, even in these circumstances, companies have continued to invest in our economy. At the fifth South Africa Investment Conference earlier this year, we surpassed our target for new investment commitments over five years. Our economy has grown, albeit too slowly and far below its potential. The number of people in employment has returned to pre-COVID levels, but jobs are still not being created fast enough to reduce levels of our unemployment,” he said.

President Ramaphosa conceded that the electricity crisis is “currently the main threat to our country’s progress”.

However, the work of the Energy Action Plan – launched in July 2022 – is beginning to show results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.

“While we experienced some of the worst load shedding ever in the first few months of the year, there has been a measurable and steady decline in the severity of load shedding over the last few months.

“Although electricity supply is still not stable, as we experienced in the last few weeks, the overall trend is towards less severe load shedding. Damaged units at the Kusile power station have been returned to service ahead of schedule and plant maintenance has received close attention.

“What gives us hope for even further improvements is the progress that has been made in bringing new electricity generation online. Regulatory reforms we have initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500 MW in the last year,” he said.

Tackling challenges

President Ramaphosa listed several interventions and measures that have been taken to address the country’s challenges including:

Government working closely with Transnet, industry and other social partners to relieve congestion at ports and increase the volumes of freight being carried on key rail corridors
Significant infrastructure projects in areas including social housing, road construction, rural bridges and dams which contribute to greater economic activity and provide much-needed infrastructure for economic growth and the needs of citizens
Undertaking reforms in other areas to improve the competitiveness of the economy in areas such as proceeding with the digital migration of broadcasting service to free up broadband spectrum and reduce the cost of data
The continuation of the special Social Relief of Distress grant introduced during COVID-19 which has kept millions of people out of poverty

On employment, President Ramaphosa said the Presidential Employment Stimulus has created work and livelihood opportunities for some 1.2 million people.

He added that breakthroughs have been made in combatting crime with governance improvements also recorded.

“The SAPS’ economic infrastructure task teams have made important breakthroughs and arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit hikes, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. We have recruited and trained thousands of new police personnel to further strengthen the fight against crime.

“We are implementing legislation to build a more professional, ethical and capable public service. There has been important progress in other areas, including towards the introduction of a National Health Insurance to ensure greater equity in the provision of health care,” he said.

The President said that while “times are still tough” much progress has been made but there is “still some way to go”.

“What is most important is that we have done much of the ground work needed to put our economy on a path of faster growth and job creation. By working together, by staying the course, we have used the last year to lay the basis for a better 2024.

“On Friday this week, we will mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup. Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.

NeoB
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:14

373 views

12 December 2023

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

Location: News

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.

“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.

The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.

The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.

The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.

He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.

“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”

The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).

In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.

“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”

Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.

These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.

“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”

The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.

“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”

He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.

In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.

“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.

“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”

President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.

He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.

Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.

“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”

He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.

“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.

“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.

“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”

However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.

“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58

521 views

12 December 2023

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative