President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, after serving in Cabinet for 15 years in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police, and Safety and Security.

His tenure in the National Executive followed a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country.

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from tomorrow morning, Thursday, 9 October 2025, until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Master of Ceremonies,
Your Excellency, President Michael Higgins,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, for the warm welcome we have received in the Republic of Ireland. 

Beyond our strong bilateral relationship, Ireland and South Africa share deep fraternal bonds that date back many years.

We remember with gratitude and humility the support that the Irish people gave to our struggle for democracy and freedom. 

The struggles of our respective peoples for statehood have rendered us kin. 

So, when South Africans visit Ireland, it is a homecoming.

Ireland and the Irish people hold a special place in my own heart. 

Alongside President Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, I was honoured to have played a small part in the decommissioning process in Northern Ireland. 

I have always held the greatest admiration for the Irish people, for their resilience, for their unwavering courage and for the principled solidarity Ireland has always extended to those suffering oppression and injustice.

Through the South Africa-Ireland Joint Commission for Cooperation, we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. 

South Africa acknowledges the partnership with Ireland on various issues relevant to the United Nations and the UN Security Council.

We share a vision of a just, peaceful and more equal world order in which all countries can develop and thrive.

We share similar views on how to navigate these difficult times, by standing together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, adhere to international law and strengthen the institutions of global cooperation.

South Africa commends Ireland for its consistent principled position on Israel’s war on Gaza. 

There is growing global consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that the world must unite to end the conflict. 

We are encouraged by Ireland’s decision to recognise the Palestinian State as a vital part of a just and enduring peace. 

International solidarity is now more essential than ever. 

The pursuit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy is now more essential than ever.

That is why South Africa has repeatedly called for dialogue and negotiation to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

We continue to emphasise the importance of achieving peace in all conflicts through negotiation rather than force.

Your Excellency,

Just over a decade ago, we welcomed you to South Africa as part of your three-country tour of Africa.

On that visit, you had the opportunity to engage with leaders from government and business on strengthening economic ties between our two countries. 

South Africa is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Africa, with imports ranging from aircraft to data processing machinery to pharmaceutical products.

According to the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, South Africa imported approximately 46 million Euros of Irish whiskey last year. 

This is one of the many Irish traditions that we South Africans cherish and celebrate.

A number of South African companies have investments in Ireland, just as several Irish companies have an established presence in our country.

We are keen to strengthen and deepen these ties and to build links between Ireland and the African continent more broadly.

Our partnership in development continues to grow from strength to strength. 

The Kader Asmal Fellowship, named for the South African freedom fighter who found a home in Ireland, is one such example of cooperation. 

Since it was established in 2012, the Fellowship has provided scholarship opportunities to more than 100 South African students at master’s level in Ireland’s higher education institutions. 

The Embassy of Ireland has provided funding for research projects and study visits between Irish and South African universities. 

South Africa is honoured to be leading the G20 under the theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. 

We are pleased that Ireland is actively participating in the G20 as a guest country.

For the G20 to retain its relevance in today’s turbulent world, it must address issues of development, debt sustainability, climate action and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr President, as you come to the end of your term, I would like to thank you for your leadership and unwavering commitment to a just and equitable world.

I wish you well in your future endeavours and wish the Irish people a successful Presidential election on the 24th of October.

Thank you once again for your warm friendship and hospitality.

This has indeed been a homecoming for us.

I thank you.
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, has today, Wednesday, 08 October 2025, arrived in Juba, South Sudan to hold consultations with various stakeholders on the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

During his two day Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to hold primary discussions with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit and key signatories to the Revitalised Agreement, as well as other stakeholders, to find lasting peace, development and stability for the people of South Sudan.

The Republic of South Sudan is implementing a peace process under auspices of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, signed in September 2018.  

“We have returned to this great city of Juba, in South Sudan, to once again, consult with the relevant Parties, who are Signatories to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, to track progress achieved in implementation of the provisions and commitments expressed in the Agreement. The drafting of a new constitution, transitional security arrangements and preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026, are amongst the important elements of our focus,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

Deputy President Mashatile and delegation were received by the South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba; Director General Bilateral, Amb. Phillip Jade; South Sudan Ambassardor to South Africa, Amb. Simon Doku; the Director for Africa, Ambassador Kau Nar Maper; as well as Amb Mahlodi Muofhe of the South African High Commission in South Sudan.   

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 08 October 2025, arrived in Dublin, Ireland for an Official Visit aimed at advancing trade relations between South Africa and Ireland.

President Ramaphosa will today hold official talks with President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, as well as trade and investment. The visit seeks to elevate bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for enhanced collaboration and mutual economic growth.

This visit also reaffirms the strong historical bond between South Africa and Ireland founded on shared values and Ireland’s principled support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders will discuss global and regional geopolitics and explore avenues for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023. South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024. South Africa’s imports from Ireland also grew by 5%, from $448 million in 2023 to $470 million in 2024.

During his visit, President Ramaphosa will also engage with leading Irish companies to promote investment and collaboration.

President Ramaphosa is supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola and Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a panel for the selection of the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) who will be identified through an open and transparent process that reflects the importance of this vital position in our democracy.
 
President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, as Chairperson of the panel comprising:
 
. The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission
· The Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
· The Auditor-General South Africa
· The Chairperson of the Public Service Commission
· A representative of the Black Lawyers Association
· A representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
 
President Ramaphosa has decided to follow the same open and transparent process that led to the appointment of the current National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shamila Batohi.
 
Adv Batohi’s term of office comes to an end in January 2026.
 
President Ramaphosa considers the National Director of Public Prosecutions as a vital position in our democracy that makes an essential contribution to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of law enforcement.
 
The NDPP must ensure that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) exercises its functions without fear, favour or prejudice and should not be beholden to any vested interests, whether in politics, in business or elsewhere.
 
The NDPP needs to be able to take decisions independently and impartially.
 
For this reason, the President has mandated the panel to call for nominations through an open and transparent manner, conduct shortlisting, interviews, ensure vetting of suitable candidates, and submit the names of three suitable candidates with a detailed report on suitability of the individuals to the President for consideration.
 
The panel is required its final report with recommendations to the President within three months of the appointment as the panel.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile will on 08-09 October 2025, undertake a Working Visit to Juba, in the Republic of South Sudan, in his capacity as Presidential Special Envoy to South Sudan.

The Working Visit by Deputy President Mashatile takes place in the context of consolidating political efforts and contributing to deepening the implementation of the peace process, in line with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (RARCRSS), with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period.

Both South Africa and South Sudan share strong historical bonds, dating back to the days of the struggle for independence and freedom, which forms the basis of mutual bilateral cooperation.

In this regard, the Deputy President will hold primary consultations with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardi, and key signatories to the Revitalised Agreement, as well as other stakeholders, to find lasting peace, development and stability for the people of South Sudan. 

The Republic of South Sudan is implementing a peace process under auspices of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the South Sudan, signed in September 2018. Key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement include, amongst others, the drafting of a new constitution, transitional security arrangements, and preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026. 

These milestones are vital for a peaceful and democratic end of the transitional period.

The Deputy President will therefore utilise the opportunity during this Working Visit, to assess progress on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be supported by senior government officials. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake working visits to Ireland on 08 October 2025 and to the Kingdom of Belgium on 09 October 2025.

On Wednesday, 08 October 2025, the President will hold official talks in Ireland with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

This official visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment. The visit will elevate cooperation to a strategic partnership, creating new opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries and highlighting South Africa's strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland is a member.

The leaders will also discuss global and regional geopolitics as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation. A historically significant relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, binds the two countries. Ireland’s principled stance in support of the anti-apartheid movement exemplified this bond, reflecting its deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

The ongoing collaboration between the two countries shows how important working together is to address shared challenges and to foster understanding and cooperation for a more harmonious future.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ireland grew by 12% to $638 million in 2024 from $567 million in 2023. South Africa increased its exports to Ireland by 40.4%, from $119 million in 2023 to $168 million in 2024. South Africa’s imports from Ireland also grew by 5%, from $448 million in 2023 to $470 million in 2024.

Ireland is an invited guest country to the G20, alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and the UAE.

President Ramaphosa will also meet with leading Irish companies to promote investment and collaboration.

On 09-10 October 2025, at the invitation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF) in Brussels, Belgium.

The European Union's external investment strategy, Global Gateway, aims to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.

EU President von der Leyen leads the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with high-level representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society. Together, they will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries. Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity in the face of geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the AU Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the GGF.

The visit to Brussels follows a recent meeting between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen on the margins of UNGA80 in New York, as well as the successful 8th South Africa-EU Summit in March 2025. This summit took place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU. As a bloc, the EU remains South Africa's largest trade and investment partner and a significant development cooperation partner.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr, Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training Mr Buti Manamela and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi and senior government officials.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria 
 

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 07th October 2025, embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum. 

Deputy President Mashatile attends the 2025 Invest in Senegal Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal. 

The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world. 

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal's 2025 National Transformation Agenda.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal. 

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria