The Cape Independence Advocacy – Western Cape Secession
On the Cape Independence Advocacy and their announced trip to Washington D.C. Given the organisations limited representation and lack of alignment with constitutional values that prioritise social cohesion and equality, it is crucial for the leadership of government to focus on addressing the pressing needs of all citizens through dialogue and policies that strengthen social solidarity. 

Therefore, the President takes a very strong dim view of this planned visit the US, to seek secession from South Africa. Our constitutional democracy that we forged in 1994 created a unitary state and non-racial society that recognises and protects our unity in diversity. From Musina to Cape Town, we are one democratic society that should never be allowed to fall under the chasm of race divides. 

There is no part of our beautiful land that can be allowed to secede. As people exercise their constitutional given rights, they must not do so in a manner that undermines and subverts constitutional democracy in South Africa. We should all be actively engaged in building a better South Africa in the face of unpredictable geopolitical dynamics. 
 
 
The Expropriation Act
The Expropriation Act of 2025 replaces the outdated 1975 Expropriation Act. The aim is to align the South Africa’s land reform policies in line with our democratic constitutional order. 

The Act is at best, designed contrary to its predecessor of the apartheid 1975 Act, which was geared to serve the apartheid state interests than the people. Hence, the apartheid state could easily take land without consideration of the affected property owners. The 2025 Act introduces a transparent expropriation basis that strikes a healthy balance on land reform with legal protections. 

The Expropriation Act followed all the legal prescribed channels to be enacted into law. It was passed by both the two houses of parliament, National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Thereafter, the President signed it into law. Thus, leaving one to wonder what wrong South Africa has committed with this particular Act! We remain a rule of law society and adhere unwaveringly to the principles of our constitutional democracy. 

President Ramaphosa commends SAB and community partnership following successful land claim
The authentic drinking ritual of SAB’s Corona beer, served with a wedge of lime, was challenged by a local supply shortage. While South Africa grows citrus, limes remain a small fraction of total production, making them less profitable for farmers. Recognizing an opportunity to create sustainable impact, SAB partnered with the Moletele Communal Property Association and Komati Fruit Group to establish a pioneering Community Private Partnership (CPP) in lime farming.

The Moletele Community, located in the Hoedspruit area, has a deep agricultural heritage and successfully reclaimed land through a settlement process. As part of their ongoing development, the community sought opportunities to maximize the use of their land for economic benefit. Through this CPP, the Moletele Community provided farmland: Richmond Kopano Farm, previously leased to Komati Fruit Group. In 2020, SAB invested R19 million, Komati contributed agricultural expertise, and the community committed land and participation.

Today, the partnership has made Moletele Corona Limes a reality, setting a benchmark for lime farming in South Africa. The farm employs an innovative split-block technique to ensure year-round lime production by simulating different seasonal conditions. 

The first full harvest in 2023 produced over 1.1 million limes, with all proceeds benefiting the 1,615 Moletele families. The initiative also directly employs twelve community members and indirectly supports up to 55 households.

This lime farming initiative exemplifies SAB’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and resilient local supply chains, ensuring long-term benefits for both business and community.

This partnership is testament to South Africa’s pioneering land reform programme and the importance of partnerships in developing local economies and communities. 
 

South Africa and Iran relations
South Africa and Iran share historical bilateral relations that date back to few decades ago. Iran is on historic records as having played a critical role and supported the South African liberation movements. 

One of its leadership by example role was its severing of official relations with South Africa in 1979 and imposed a trade boycott against the regime. The action was a direct protest against the apartheid regime’s policies. Therefore, there is nothing nefarious in the relationship between South Africa and Iran. South Africa has not partnered with Iran in the development of nuclear weapons. South Africa’s nuclear weapons programme was dismantled prior to the country’s democratic dispensation and this was verified by the United Nations inspectors. 
 

Renaming of Sandton Drive
The Government is engaging with the City of Johannesburg regarding the renaming of the Sandton Drive Street. This is part of the needed consultation process which is part of the prescribed procedures. It further encourages a transparent process that invites the public to have their view held openly. It is also part of the intergovernmental cooperative process. As it stands, Government has a historical mandate to rename the streets in South Africa to reflect and set apart the new dispensation from the old one. The renaming of streets remains one of our democratic society’s redress of the past injustices of colonialism and apartheid. However, we recognise the diplomatic sensitivities around the renaming of Sandton Drive, particularly with the United States of America. It is for this reason that the National Government through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is in talks with the City. The purpose of these talks is to agree a process that will allow the national executive to manage the diplomatic tensions with the US without further enflaming the situation.  
  

Ambassador Rasool’s homecoming
Lastly on the planned reception of the former ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, the President urges people to refrain from partaking or engaging in action that may seem inflammatory and worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the US. 
 

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA’S PUBLIC PROGRAMME 
FRIDAY 21 March 2025
Namibia Inauguration
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday 21 March 2025, undertake a working visit to the Republic of Namibia to attend the Inauguration of the President-Elect, Mrs Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
 
The inauguration ceremony coincides with the nation’s 35th Independence Day will take place at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
 
The President’s attendance of the inauguration for President-Elect and the current Vice President will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic nature of the cordial bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia and further consolidate bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
 
South Africa and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the deep fraternal and historic relationship cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid. Namibia’s stability and the interrelated ties with South Africa make the country a natural strategic partner not only in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) but also in the broader African Union (AU) context and globally.

President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with the new President and her government to advance mutual political and economic interests and the integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South Cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based international system.

THURSDAY 27 March 2025
Water and Sanitation Indaba

At the invitation of the Department of Water and Sanitation, President Ramaphosa will on 27 March 2025 address a Water Indaba. The Indaba follows a Water Summit with all Water Services Authorities that was held in January 2024. The National water and sanitation Indaba will adopt the turnaround strategy that will align with the imperatives of the Seventh Administration as contained in the Medium-Term Development Plan 2025 -2029 and Operation Vulindlela version 2.0. 
The strategic objectives of the Indaba are to ensure:
· Implementation / Delivery Model of Water and Sanitation
· Financial Sustainability
· Improve capacity of Water Services Authorities
· Building strong partnership
 
 
THURSDAY 27 March 2025
President to receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Missions

The President will on Thursday, 27 March 2025, receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission at a Credentials Ceremony to be held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.
 
President Ramaphosa will receive Heads of Mission from the following fourteen countries: 
1. The Republic of Gabon. 
2. The Republic of Congo.
3. The Russian Federation.
4. The People’s Republic of Bangladesh. 
5. Canada.
6. The Arab Republic of Egypt.
7. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
8. The Republic of Türkiye.
9. Japan.
10. Mongolia.
11. The Republic of Portugal.
12. The Republic of Panama.
13. The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.
14. The Republic of Senegal.
 

FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
Women’s Economic Assembly 
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Women Economic Assembly (WECONA) that will be held at the Forum in Sandton. President Ramaphosa launched the inaugural WECONA on 06 October 2021. It is a platform where private sector, civil society and women’s organisations, businesswomen and government have partnered to form an initiative to facilitate the participation of women-owned businesses in core areas of the economy.

The initiative emphasises the participation of women-owned enterprises in industry supply and value chains to foster sustainable economic development. Among others, the Assembly will activate, coordinate and monitor government and private sector actions towards preferential procurement for women-owned businesses.
 

THURSDAY 03 APRIL 2025
President Ramaphosa to receive President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia on a Working Visit
 
His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, will undertake a working visit to South Africa on 3 April 2025. 
 
This will be President Hichilema’s first official visit to South Africa since taking office on 24 August 2021. The purpose of the visit is to further strengthen the historical and cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

TUESDAY 08 APRIL 2025
President Ramaphosa to address Police Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will open and address the Police Summit on, 08 April 2025, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) campus in Pretoria. 

The inaugural Police Summit takes place under the theme “Efficiency in Action: Optimizing South Africa's Policing Potential," aligning with Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP) on Building Safer Communities.

 The Summit will address the high levels of crime in South Africa by reflecting on current policing approaches and developing more effective methods for the South African Police Service (SAPS).

To achieve the 2030 NDP objective, the three-day summit will focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SAPS in combating crime. It will cover four broad themes with related breakaway discussions, focusing on Visible Policing, Detective Services, and Crime Intelligence.

The Police Summit will have in attendance experts and practitioners who will have the opportunity to share critical views, ideas, and build networks for advancing social justice. It will facilitate engagement with various stakeholders, learning from good practices, and participating in discussions on key criminal justice policy development.
 

TUESDAY 08 APRIL 2025
President Ramaphosa to tour Council for Scientific and Industrial Research flagship programmes 
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa, following addressing the Police Summit, will subsequently interact with Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists and be guided on a tour of its flagship programmes. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande. 

The CSIR boasts the single largest collection of some of South Africa’s top scientists and researchers, many of whom have won top international awards and specialise in a number of unique and critical emerging areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and 4IR related technologies.

The CSIR is a strategic national asset that is essential for unlocking South Africa’s scientific capabilities in a number of strategic areas and addressing national priorities. With its capable world-class scientists and pioneering innovation, the CSIR is primed to tackle the ambition of attaining United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and meeting objectives of the National Development Plan. 
 

TUESDAY 8 April 2025
International Association of Women Judges Conference 

The President will join the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Conference, themed "Resilience: Women in Leadership to End Gender-Based Violence & Femicide." The upcoming conference will take place from 09 -12 April 2025, in Cape Town. 

This Conference will be hosted by the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges and is a pivotal event that will bring together judges, legal professionals, and partners from around the world. It will be a platform to explore critical issues, champion women's rights, and foster leadership to end gender-based violence and femicide.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Tuesday, 04 March 2025, virtually deliver the keynote address to the Eastern Cape Social Cohesion Dialogue, focussing on tackling issues around Sport Transformation.

Organised by the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the dialogue will  take place under the theme, “Accelerating sport transformation to level the playing field”.

It is a clarion call for all key role players to strengthen efforts in enhancing inclusivity and ensuring equitable access and resource availability, skills and capability development on and off the field of play.

As a champion of Social Cohesion and Nation Building initiatives in the country, Deputy President Mashatile has accepted the invitation to address the dialogue, in view of its strategic objective in fostering unity and cohesion amongst the citizens, thus reaffirming the values of inclusion and equal access, as well as harnessing the transformative power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa.

The dialogue will be attended by representatives   from Government, business sector, sports federations, athletes, academia amongst others. 

Some of the key participants include SASCOC President, Mr Barry Hendricks, Paralympic Swimming Champion, Ms. Natalie du Toit, Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Ms Desiree Ellis, and the Springboks National Team Manager, Mr Zola Yeye.

The virtual address by Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled as follows:
Date: 04 March 2025
Time: 15h30

Link to be shared in due course.

Media enquiries:  Ms Itumeleng Mafashe on 079 547 4469

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 17 March 2025, officially open the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development (ECD) Leadership Summit at the Atlas Studios in Johannesburg.
 
The Bana Pele Roadmap Leadership Summit has been co-convened by the Department of Basic Education, together with Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA).

The Summit aims to mobilise a public and private coalition behind the DBE’s 2030 ECD Roadmap for quality, universal access to early learning.
 
In South Africa, more than 1.3 million children are not enrolled in any form of early childhood development (ECD) programme, leaving them without the foundational literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in school. 

This learning gap affects their ability to take on critical subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Accounting, and Economics in later years, which are the skills that are vital for innovation, economic growth, and job creation.
 
The summit will bring together government, business, civil society, and education experts to construct a roadmap for universal access to quality ECD across the country. 

This initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the early learning opportunities they need to thrive in life.
 
The engagement will take place as follows:
Date: Monday, 17 March 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Atlas Studios, 33 Frost Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr. Ebrahim Rasool.

The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter. 

South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 14 March 2025, convened the President Coordinating Council meeting in Tuynhuys, Cape Town. 
 
The PCC is a platform for consultation with provinces and organised local government to raise matters of national interest, coordinate alignment of priorities, strengthen strategic priorities and discuss performance. The PCC provides for critical engagement in which all spheres of government may engage in a dialogue towards possible solutions on the areas impacting the mandate of government. 
 
PCC participants include, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Premiers and MECs, Mayors, representatives of SALGA, representatives of the National House of Traditional and Khoi and San Leaders, Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board, Directors-General, CEOs and Advisers.  

The meeting discussed the review of the White paper on local government review process. The PCC endorsed the review process as an initiative of government for the benefit of the whole society. 
 
President Ramaphosa said; “The challenges of reliable service delivery and addressing basic services backlogs are glaring, as evidenced by media reports, community protests, the Auditor-General’s reports, and the outcomes of Presidential Izimbizo, among others. The service delivery challenges experienced by communities can be attributed to the lack of requisite capacity in government to govern properly, manage finances and maintain infrastructure.”
 
In the State of the Nation Address in February, President Ramaphosa announced that government will focus on local government reforms. The reforms will be driven through Operation Vulindlela in collaboration with municipalities and are aimed at improving service delivery and investment in bulk infrastructure, address governance failures and improve financial stability. 
 
The meeting also received a progress report on South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. The department of International Relations and Cooperation further tabled guidelines on the protocol for international agreements with provinces and municipalities. 
 
The PCC lauded the success of the National School of Government in its roll out of the Continuing Learning and Leadership Support Programmes for members of the executive, legislatures, traditional leaders and public officials. 
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President 
Media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellencies, 
Distinguished members of the European Union and South African delegations,
 
It has been an honour to jointly preside over this 8th South Africa-European Union Summit. 
 
Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to enhancing our Strategic Partnership for the mutual benefit of our people.
 
Today's Summit focused on strengthening our trade and investment relations, which are vital for the growth of our economies and the achievement of our development goals.
 
We have prioritised the transition to green energy, ensuring that this process is just and inclusive and safeguards the livelihoods of those most affected by the transition.
 
We also had discussions on our robust cooperation in education; science, technology and innovation; and health.
 
We have recognised the vital importance of developing the skills and capabilities of young people, starting from early childhood development through to the training of young people in the skills of the future.
 
At the global level, we reaffirmed our commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security. 
 
We also expressed our resolve to resist actions that undermine multilateral cooperation.
 
We reinforced our belief that the institutions of global governance must be reformed to make them representative and fit for purpose. 
 
We agreed that addressing the root causes of conflict is essential for achieving durable peace, security and stability in Africa.
 
As South Africa, we have made a call for a humanitarian intervention for displaced people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
 
As we work to achieve a ceasefire and achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the DRC, we are calling on the United Nations, African Union and EU to help to address the dire situation of the people affected by the fighting.
 
We have concluded a Joint Declaration that highlights the critical areas of our discussions.
 
We welcome the announcement by the European Union of a Global Gateway Investment Package of 4.7 billion Euros to support strategic investment projects.
 
The investment package covers areas such as critical raw mineral processing, green hydrogen, renewable energy, transport and digital infrastructure, local vaccine and pharmaceutical production, and resources for skills development.
 
To boost the competitiveness of our economies, we agreed to launch negotiations towards a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.
 
This will support the development of cleaner value chains for raw materials and local beneficiation, renewable and low carbon energy, and clean technology.
 
In addition to mobilising investment, this partnership will also serve as a forum for regulatory cooperation between the European Union and South Africa in areas of mutual interest related to clean supply chains. 
 
This partnership is expected, for example, to deliver short and long term solutions to enable Sasol to export sustainable fuel, especially aviation fuel, to the European Union.
 
We look forward to contributing to the EU-Africa Ministerial and Summit meetings later this year.
 
These meetings are important for advancing the African Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which supports digitalisation and infrastructure development across Africa.
 
Today’s Summit has further strengthened our Strategic Partnership, which will support our efforts to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, eradicate poverty and address global challenges in a spirit of solidarity, collaboration and partnership.
 
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, it has been a pleasure to host you today, reaffirming our commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial relations with the European Union.
 
I thank you.

Your Excellency, President Costa,
Your Excellency, President von der Leyen,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors of the European Union and South Africa,
Members of the European Union and South African delegations,

Good afternoon,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 8th South Africa – European Union Summit.

This Summit affirms our long-standing and close relationship, which is underpinned by the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership. 

This is a partnership based on shared values and common interests. A partnership that seeks to create prosperity for our citizens and promote peace, safety and stability.

We share a commitment to inclusive multilateralism as the most effective means to address the most pressing challenges facing the world. 

We agree on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and resolve challenges in our trade relations. 

In this Summit, we aim to further our constructive discussions on a new investment package by the EU to South Africa.

Through this we aim to consolidate cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and skills development, climate action, peace and security, health and critical minerals. 

South Africa is forging ahead with far-reaching structural reforms to support economic recovery. 

We are modernising and transforming key industries such as energy, water, transport and digital communications.

We have already made considerable progress, supported by institutions such as the European Investment Bank. 

These reforms are contributing to the improvement of the country’s competitiveness and investment environment.

As one of South Africa’s most important trade and investment partners, the European Union can play a catalytic role in unleashing the productive capacity of our economy and equip our people, especially the youth, to participate in the economy of the future. 

We hope we can continue to rely on the support of the European Union and its member states in our efforts to alleviate poverty, transition to a low-carbon economy, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and grow our industrial capacity.

This Summit is taking place at a time of global uncertainty characterised by rising unilateralism, economic nationalism and a retreat from international law and human rights.

We welcome the European Union’s support for multilateral institutions and the fundamental principles of the United Nations. 

We hope to work closely with the European Union and other partners to strengthen and reform institutions of global governance to make them more inclusive and capable of meeting the challenges of the present and the future. 

We should collectively strengthen our voice in defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including respect for international law and international humanitarian law.

We welcome the support of the European Union for Africa’s developmental needs. 

African relations with the European Union should be built on a mutually beneficial partnership in the spirit of shared ownership, responsibility, respect and mutual accountability. 

Today we will discuss our shared interest to advance peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent and across the world. 

On these and other critical matters, I look forward to productive deliberations that will chart the way for a strengthened Strategic Partnership between the European Union and South Africa. 

I thank you

Programme Director, Mr Alec Hogg;
Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie, Members of the Mayoral Committee and Councillors present;
Leaders and Members of different Political Parties present;
CEOs and Business Leaders Present;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be with you this morning, at this BizNews Conference to share my reflections and engage with you on issues of importance as we build the South Africa we want, which truly belongs to all who live in it, black and white.

We had previously agreed that I would open the conference. As you are all aware, we were busy finalizing the Budget and had to adjust and agree that I would speak towards the end of the conference.

Therefore, I would like us to have a conversation on crucial issues that influence the future of our country, affecting not just the government but also society at large. We must do this with the intention of finding solutions to the challenges that confront our nation.

As we embark on this journey, we must have a full appreciation that the first 15 years of democracy were characterised by high economic growth; however, the last decade and a half has been characterised by stagnant growth. Hence, we must embark on structural reforms of the economy, which entails ensuring that the growth sectors of the economy contribute to GDP growth as well as creating much-needed jobs.

I must state from the onset that the responsibility of guiding South Africa to greater prosperity is not solely on the shoulders of the government. It is a shared responsibility among the business community, NGOs, civil society, and all those who aspire to see our country prosper.

At the core of the issues that require immediate intervention is; poverty, inequality, unemployment, and corruption. These existential challenges pose a danger to our democratic constitutional system. They keep us, and if I may say so myself, awake at night because if we do not swiftly overcome these systemic economic issues, we shall experience perpetual unrest.

What I am saying is that if we fail to integrate most marginalised people into the mainstream economy to help them sustain their livelihoods, we will find ourselves in a difficult position as a country. Equally, we must deal decisively with gross inequality as an integral part of overcoming these challenges.

I have come to this important conference with the knowledge that many of you here share the same concerns about the state of the economy, as well as our country's future. I trust that you share my conviction that we must work together to find workable solutions.

Future of SA under the GNU
Programme Director, yesterday, we witnessed the presentation of the Budget of the Government of National Unity (GNU) by the Minister of Finance, which was in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's priorities as outlined during the State of the Nation Address.

As you are all aware, we decided to postpone the budget presentation on the 19th of February because we needed to find each other on some of the proposals by Treasury.

We have subsequently reached consensus on a mutually agreeable resolution that puts our people first.

Through this process, we have drawn lessons, and as such, we will have to improve our budget process so as to avoid what happened over the last few weeks.

As I have indicated on several occasions, having a GNU Cabinet does not imply that we will agree on everything. There will be times when we do not view things the same way, but this does not spell the end of the GNU.

In reality, what has transpired proves that the GNU is far more powerful than many people realise. Several coalition governments around the world have collapsed as a consequence of misunderstandings about the country's Budget; this is but a reflection of democracy at work.

To illustrate our seriousness and dedication to the GNU, President Ramaphosa, together with GNU Leaders established the GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements. We have, through the GNU Clearing House Mechanism, which I am chairing, has already resolved critical policy differences, and we will continue to work together for the good of the people of our country.

Hence, our focus as GNU is on the immediate task of driving inclusive growth and job creation to reduce poverty, tackle the high-cost of living, and build a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

For us to reach our objective, the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030 remains the central pillar to guide our development approach, which in turn informs the outcomes to be achieved in this seventh administration.

As you would know, we are now a few years away from 2030. It is critical that government in all its efforts, speeds up the execution of the programme outlined in the NDP and the newly adopted Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

We must also start looking into the future beyond 2030. We must perhaps look into the South Africa we want by 2055, the centenary of the Freedom Charter.

As part of looking into the future, the President will announce the convening of the National Dialogue sometimes this year, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. We will ensure that this Dialogue is inclusive and allows everyone to contribute on what we need to do to build a country of our dreams.

The recently adopted MTDP directs that we must invest in initiatives to create a more inclusive country that lives up to the commitments of the GNU. Our goal is to encourage fixed capital investments, industrialisation, job creation, and the transformation of our people's lives.

As a nation, we have a duty to transform South Africa and create a country in which all South Africans, regardless of race, class, or gender, may enjoy a decent quality of life and access to economic opportunities that will improve their well-being. One of the primary transformational interventions and policies includes the Land Expropriation Policy.

Land Expropriation
To address the land question, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law on 23 January 2025.

The newly assented Expropriation Act No. 13 of 2024 comes 50 years after the implementation of the old 1975 Expropriation Act.

The 1975 Act lacked clear definitions of critical legal terms, neglected to consider socio-economic transformation, and did not establish a structured process for fair compensation.

The new Act, however, introduces a transparent expropriation framework that balances land reform with legal safeguards. It introduces Expropriation Without Compensation under specific conditions, strengthens legal protection, and clarifies compensation principles.

This comes after a lengthy and extensive process by various lead line-function departments, coordinated at the level of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, as well as an Independent Commission and advisory panels.

The law has been carefully crafted to accommodate a diverse range of requirements by considering a variety of demographics and incorporating flexible approaches wherever it is possible to do so.

I must emphasise that South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is firmly rooted in the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law. These principles are important in guiding our efforts to correct historical injustices and seeks to redress an unjust past that eroded people’s access and rights to land, not just as a commodity but as an integral part of people’s livelihoods and identity.

The speculations that assert that the signing of the Expropriation Act is responsible for farm murders are not only unfounded but also irresponsible. This issue has been prevalent within farming communities in South Africa for years now, and victims of this violence are both farm workers and owners to varying degrees.

It was for this reason that we introduced the Rural Safety Plan. The Rural Safety Plan is a long-term initiative aimed at protecting our farming communities, as well as our food security value chain. This means that rather than dismantling this approach, we must step up our efforts to implement the National Rural Safety Strategy to prevent violent crime on farms, working collaboratively with farming organisations and other vital role-players.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

SA-USA Relations
Another issue that has gained traction in public discourse is the issue of South Africa and the United States of America’s diplomatic relations. As a country, we are focusing on stabilising our relations with the USA, considering that our partnership is long-standing and has been, and is critical to our economic development goals.

I should say that the cutting of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding is quite regrettable. PEPFAR has been a key component of global health since it was founded by President George W. Bush in 2003, who was from the Republican party, just like President Trump.

The withdrawal of PEPFAR funding highlights the urgent need for South Africa to further strengthen its own interventions to reach the most vulnerable and access health services and support.

The withdrawal should serve as a wake-up call for the country to develop sustainable healthcare solutions independent of external influences.

In this regard, we have been investing heavily in healthcare reform and responding to the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and TB. The Department of Health has put measures in place to ensure that patients receiving TB and HIV treatment are not affected and do not default.

Furthermore, we must, as various actors, unite and support the government in promoting our nation's interests in the United States, including through mechanisms such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The loss of AGOA benefits would have the most devastating effect on South African farmers and agriculture workers. The AGOA is presently providing support to South Africa's agriculture and manufacturing sectors, which is expected to generate around $21 billion in trade with the United States.

Therefore, our position is that South Africa should maintain strong bilateral relations with the USA. Most importantly, as a country, we are committed to improving mutually beneficial trade, political, and diplomatic relations with the USA.

As we look to the future, we must also consider diversifying our export markets to lessen our reliance on single trading partners and to limit the kind of perils that we face. We must, therefore, expand our trade relations with other countries, such as China, Russia, India, and European countries.

President Ramaphosa is today Co-Chairing the EU–South Africa Summit, which is aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and the EU Zone. It will also focus on improving cooperation in the following areas: trade and investment, the green and digital transitions, security and defence, energy, critical raw materials, skills development, and education.

We must also take advantage of intra-Africa trade and financial cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to boost intra-African trade and financial cooperation, stabilise economies, and lessen dependency on unstable global markets.

Adapting to a New Reality
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our nation has a wealth of natural resources, with gold being among the most significant minerals. Moreover, South Africa has vast agricultural land and property assets suitable for real estate development.

As an investor, you can accumulate money by engaging in these premier South African investment options.

Government is committed to removing blockages to economic growth, lifting economic expansion to above three percent 3% in the medium term and creating a cycle of investment, growth, and jobs.

We must also adapt to a new reality by changing business practices and reviewing policies to keep pace with global trends. Government plans to invest in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Skills (4IR) to revive economic development, revitalise skills, and generate high-quality employment.

In this regard, the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy provides a framework for inclusive collaboration between industry, labour, higher education institutions, and society to develop new skills and capabilities for the nation.

The government is focusing on implementing measures to increase productivity and develop necessary skills for a knowledge and skills-based economy.

Through the Human Resource Development Council, which I chair, we approved the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy 2024–2033, together with its implementation plan, the Master Skills Plan 2024–2030, in November 2024.

Aligned to the National Development Plan Vision 2030, this Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy adopts four priority goals, namely:
• Improving early learning and schooling outcomes
• Improving the employability of youth who are not in employment, education, and training
• Improving the responsiveness of the Post-School Education and Training system to skills demand, and
• Improving governance, leadership, and management in the public sector.

These documents serve as blueprints for social partners to respond to human resource development challenges by developing skills needed to transform our country as an economy of the 21st century.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

South Africa is committed to combating corruption. The country signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2003 and ratified it in 2004.

As a member state, South Africa has a responsibility to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption. This includes facilitating international cooperation and providing technical assistance. Additionally, South Africa should promote integrity, accountability, and the proper management of public affairs and property.

This is out of our conviction that corruption erodes democracy and the rule of law. It poses a threat to business and obstructs the delivery of essential government services to those in need.

It is for this reason that government is taking decisive steps to expose and punish corrupt activities in both the public and private sectors. We are reforming our institutions to make them stronger and more transparent and to restore a professional and effective public service.

South Africa has enacted the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act to combat corruption in both public and private sectors. The NPA Investigating Directorate has been established to prosecute significant corruption cases.

In November 2020, the country adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2030 to create an ethical and accountable state, ensuring integrity in power, respect for the rule of law, and zero tolerance for corruption in the business and civil society sectors.

Through new legislation, we have strengthened our ability to prevent money laundering and fraud and secure South Africa’s removal from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The country has addressed 20 of the 22 action items relating to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. These improvements are essential not only to remove ourselves from the grey list, but also to strengthen the battle against crime and corruption, which is crucial for the betterment of all South Africans.

We will continue to resolve both remaining action items by June, towards our removal from the grey list by October 2025.

South Africa's G20 Presidency
Let me conclude by putting a focus on the G20. As you know, Program Director, South Africa has assumed the G20 Presidency under the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. Our intention during this Presidency includes placing Africa’s development at the top of the agenda.

It is important to ensure that the G20 remains sensitive to the needs of the developing economies of Africa and to advance the interests and aspirations of the Global South.

As President Ramaphosa said during the G20 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, South Africa has identified four priorities for its G20 Presidency.

Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and responses. This is important, as we have recently witnessed floods across South Africa, affecting both our coastal and inland provinces. Natural disasters cause widespread damage to infrastructure, economic activity interruption, and livelihood destruction, including the unfortunate loss of lives.

The second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies. The G20 will prioritise debt sustainability for developing economies, address rising sovereign debt levels and servicing costs, demonstrate leadership in addressing global economic imbalances, and fill the funding gap necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The third priority of South Africa's G20 Presidency is to mobilise finance for a just energy transition. South Africa's G20 presidency aims to mobilise financing for a just energy transition by focusing on limiting global temperature rises in an equitable and just manner. The country has pioneered the use of country platforms to coordinate funding through the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

The fourth and final priority is harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Our hosting of the G20—and the Business 20—provided an opportunity to promote South Africa as a business and investment destination and for the country to take the lead on global economic challenges. As business leaders, it is crucial that you maintain this momentum.

In closing, I wish to emphasise the importance of collaboration across all sectors to tackle future challenges and harness the talents of all South Africans. We must uphold values of justice, equality, and freedom, guided by a vision of an inclusive South Africa.

With courage and determination, we can build a stronger, more prosperous South Africa, ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our collective efforts will pave the way for a better tomorrow.

Thank you, Baie Dankie.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 13 March 2025, deliver remarks during the 7th BizNews Conference of 2025, which will take place at the Hermanus Municipal Auditorium in Cape Town, Western Cape Province.

The BizNews Conference (BNC#7) is an annual event that primarily focuses on investment and business related content, as well as political events.

The Conference brings together thought leaders from a range of fields, including leading economists, financial analysts, political figures, political analysts, and business leaders.

The Conference will further discuss government’s commitment to building a stronger working relationship with the private sector with a view towards improving the country’s competitiveness, both on the domestic front and globally.

The Deputy President is expected to address the Conference on its 3rd day to present the Government’s perspective on issues such as the Expropriation Act, GNU, HIV/AIDS Funding, African Growth and Opportunity Act and other international relations matters.

Details of the Conference are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Time: 10h00
Venue: Hermanus Municipal Auditorium, Cape Town

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 13 March 2025, co-chair the 8th South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) Summit with the President of the European Council, Mr. António Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, in Cape Town.

This Summit follows a series of preparatory engagements, including the Joint Cooperation Council (JCC) meeting held on 15 January 2025 in Brussels; the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting held on 18-19 February 2025 in Cape Town, and the Ministerial Political Dialogue held on 19 February 2025 in Cape Town.

The 8th Summit takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the EU. 

South Africa is one of 10 countries globally and the only African country with a Strategic Partnership with the EU.

The EU is an important trade and investment partner of South Africa. 

The EU is also a significant development partner, providing funding and technical assistance in critical areas aligned to the National development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030.

Issues to be discussed at the Summit will include key areas of strategic collaboration, including trade and investment; the just energy transition, decarbonisation and sustainable supply chains, including in critical mineral resources; education, science and innovation; and health cooperation.

The meeting will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on Media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria