President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape Division, with effect from 10 September 2026.

The appointment was made in terms of section 13(1)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998), following consultation with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi.

In considering Advocate Mopp for the position, the President took into account his extensive legal and prosecutorial experience spanning more than 30 years, including more than 23 years as a member of the NPA’s Senior Management Service. He was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1993.

During this period, Advocate Mopp has played leadership roles at both provincial and national levels, equipping him with a thorough understanding of the significant responsibilities associated with the position of Director of Public Prosecutions. 

Advocate Mopp has served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape since 2009 and previously held senior positions in the Directorate of Special Operations and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, including serving as Regional Head of the Directorate of Special Operations in the Western Cape from 2004 to 2009. 

He holds advanced qualifications in law, criminal justice, criminology and international studies, including a Master of Philosophy in Law and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

President Ramaphosa wishes Advocate Mopp well as he assumes the responsibilities of Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape and trusts that he will continue to contribute to the delivery of independent, effective and efficient prosecution services.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Tertuis Simmers,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Representatives of development finance institutions and development agencies,
Representatives of business, labour, civil society and academia,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to address this premier event on expanding the frontiers of the green hydrogen economy in Africa.

I am sorry that I am unable to attend in person, but am grateful for this opportunity to participate virtually.

This Summit showcases innovation, investment and collaboration in a sector that is set to change the trajectory of industrial development.

With abundant renewable energy and water resources and vast reserves of critical minerals, Africa is positioned to become a major global hub for this burgeoning industry.

Energy technologies and critical minerals have become important features of global relations.

I have just returned from the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which recognised the foundational role of energy security in social and economic development.

The BRICS leaders agreed to cooperate on zero- and low-emissions hydrogen and its value chains.

As African nations, we are keenly aware that we must significantly accelerate our efforts if we are to be at the forefront of opportunity.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa to be at the forefront of transformational industrial development.

Green hydrogen sits at the intersection of two of the defining imperatives of our time: firstly, to strengthen energy resilience and security, and, secondly, to grow inclusive, low-carbon economies.

Both imperatives are fundamental to human development.

There are less than four years to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.

That means there are less than four years in which we need to make sufficient progress towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable, reliable and modern energy for all.

Growing the green hydrogen economy is therefore about far more than investment and a foothold in an emerging industry.

It is about materially improving the lives of millions of Africans who continue to experience energy poverty.

By expanding access to affordable energy and creating jobs across the value chain, we give true meaning to a just energy transition.

That is why we need to move with speed from conceptualisation to implementation, from project idea to project pipeline, and from breaking ground to producing gigawatts.

Progress is not measured by presentations, announcements or the value of a pipeline.

It is measured by capital committed, equipment ordered, construction under way, production achieved and customers secured.

That is what makes this year’s Summit so significant.

As the Minister noted, ambition is now translating into committed capital.

Today we are proud to announce the first wave of Green Hydrogen Projects under our national green hydrogen programme.

The first wave consists of six projects that emerged from a rigorous assessment process.

The process has standardised how we assess bankability and strengthen investor confidence.

Leading this wave is the Phelan Green Group’s electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel project in Saldanha Bay, which has reached final investment decision.

Phelan has committed $100 million in equity and secured an offtake.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and we expect to see the export of the first electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the first quarter of 2029.

This is an important milestone. As the World Economic Forum noted earlier this year, “the real bottleneck in scaling clean hydrogen is demand, not technology”.

Scaling therefore rests on securing long-term offtake agreements.

This project gives practical meaning to the challenge we made at last year’s Summit: an investment decision has been taken, equity committed, major equipment ordered and a defined route to construction established.

What follows is production and offtakers.

As a managed priority portfolio, the first wave concentrates project preparation, investment mobilisation and government coordination on credible projects with defined milestones.

The remaining projects in the first wave reflect the depth of the value chain.

The Coega Green Ammonia Project in the Eastern Cape has completed early preparatory work. Further commercial, technical and financing work is needed to reach a final investment decision.

The Saldanha Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron Project on the West Coast is at pre-feasibility stage and will link green hydrogen to lower-emissions iron and steel production.

The Prieska Power Reserve in the Northern Cape is a green ammonia project for the domestic market currently at development stage.

The Green e-Fuels Producers Green Methanol Corridor targets European demand and is at pre-feasibility stage.

Finally, the Green Hydrogen Solutions Project is a smaller-scale project directed principally towards South African demand. It has completed front-end engineering design.

By designating these as priorities, Government and its partners now have a mechanism to help the remaining five projects reach final investment decision, construction and production.

A second wave of projects will follow, bringing further credible projects into the portfolio.

The founding premise of this Summit is that Africa is not merely a source of renewable energy, minerals or molecules.

Africa must participate across the value chain as owner, manufacturer, technology partner, producer and market.

The green hydrogen economy must support Africa’s industrialisation through areas such as fertiliser production, green iron and steel, sustainable fuels, equipment, engineering and related services.

The development of the green hydrogen economy will be aided by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will open larger markets and enable seamless regional value chains.

The green hydrogen economy must harness African talent and capacity for innovation while expanding local procurement, manufacturing, employment and skills transfer.

And it must sustainably support continental energy transition and decarbonisation.

It must involve communities as stakeholders, not passive bystanders.

I therefore call on technology partners to establish manufacturing, training and research capacity in Africa.

Africa should not simply be seen as a market for imported equipment.

African nations must step up practical cooperation on standards, certification, infrastructure corridors and project preparation, including through the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance.

While we continue to work with our BRICS and European partners to diversify financing, African development finance institutions must be at the forefront.

These institutions need to increase project-preparation funding and offer instruments suited to the risks of these first-of-a-kind projects.

We call on prospective buyers to convert non-binding interest into credible long-term offtake arrangements capable of supporting project finance.

The progress that we can now see must give us encouragement to do more.

Since last year’s Summit, we have moved from an undifferentiated pipeline to a managed priority portfolio.

This demonstrates that with partner support, public and private financing and proper planning, African nations can move from a concept on paper to projects in development.

In an increasingly contested world, the nations of the Global South are charting a new energy future on their own terms.

We are demonstrating that it is fully within our means to harness the green hydrogen economy for energy security, decarbonisation and sustainable development.

We are taking responsibility for the future of our economies and the progress of our people.

We are charting a new industrial future for our countries, our continent and indeed for the world.

I thank you.

Fellow South Africans,

As many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day.

On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in Government, business and other sectors.

I wish to thank my family, the medical team who continue to care for me, my team in the office, my colleagues in Government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support. Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength.

Let us continue working together for the progress of our country. I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment.

Thank you, and may God bless South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that no stone will be left unturned to solve the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park in Gauteng.

He said: “I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park.

“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.

“As Government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away.

“Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.

“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women.

“As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls.

“As we do so, our hearts go out to all the families affected by the terrible events in the Kempton Park area.

“If anyone has information about these incidents or if you are missing a relative or friend, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, virtually deliver the keynote address at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 15 to 16 September 2026.

The Summit is hosted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and will bring together African governments, international investors, civil society, academia and technology experts to explore the continent’s potential to become a global leader in the green hydrogen economy.

Green hydrogen presents South Africa and the African continent with an opportunity to play a leading role in the global green hydrogen market, supported by the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, critical mineral endowments and growing industrial demand.

The Summit will provide a platform to mobilise foreign and domestic investment, unlock export opportunities for low-carbon energy, and advance green industrialisation, job creation and regional infrastructure development.

AGHS 2026 will focus on demonstrating tangible progress in project implementation, financing, infrastructure development and industrialisation across the African continent, under the theme: “Moving Africa’s Green Hydrogen Sector from PowerPoint to Gigawatts.”

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS

Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 09h00

NB: Media accreditation is closed.

Media logistics enquiries: Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane.Khambane@dee.gov.za OR Jeanette Madlala on 082 339 6145 / Jeanette.Madlala@dee.gov.za

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Representatives of BRICS Partner Countries,
Distinguished guests, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

The 20th anniversary of BRICS is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to deeper cooperation and a more ambitious agenda – ranging from science, technology and innovation to sustainable development and economic transformation.

We live in a rapidly changing world that contains both risks and opportunities.

The achievement of inclusive growth requires that we address persistent global challenges such as poverty and inequality, while responding to the devastating effects of climate change and the rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters threaten to reverse hard-won development gains and deepen inequality. 

Resilience is therefore essential for inclusive growth and human development.

We commend India for prioritising resilience, which links directly to the Disaster Risk Reduction outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

We must integrate disaster risk reduction into macroeconomic policy, climate financing and sustainable infrastructure.

Vulnerable countries must have equitable access to the technologies, finance and capacity to withstand future shocks. 

The global energy transition must prioritise re-skilling, protecting livelihoods and anchoring new industries that generate quality jobs.

It is important that markets for critical minerals and transition technologies are built on transparency, and that value chains are diversified and responsible.

To ensure inclusive growth in Africa and other regions of the world, beneficiation of minerals must take place at source. 

The capabilities of artificial intelligence models are becoming increasingly more powerful and are rapidly reshaping almost every area of economic and social life.

Artificial intelligence and associated technologies have the potential to usher in a new era of productivity and human progress.

If used effectively and responsibly, artificial intelligence can support our efforts to reduce inequality, poverty and underdevelopment.

It is showing that it has the capability to transform medicine, education, scientific discovery, agriculture, productivity and development.

But we must listen carefully to what those who are developing the most powerful AI systems are themselves telling us. 

They are warning about systems capable of advanced cyber operations, assistance in biological weapons development, autonomous action, manipulation, mass surveillance, disruption of employment and, ultimately, systems whose capabilities may become difficult for human beings to control.

We should therefore neither fear AI nor approach it recklessly.

Our responsibility is to ensure that human governance advances as rapidly as artificial intelligence itself.

We agree with those in the industry, such as Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, who are arguing that AI companies should be subject to formal external checks, audits and government authority.

Such oversight is standard practice in other industries whose activities have a significant impact on human safety and well-being, such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, nuclear power and financial institutions.

We must never reach a situation where technological capability has moved beyond our capacity to understand it, supervise it and control it.

South Africa accordingly proposes that BRICS should establish an international mechanism for the independent scientific evaluation of AI.

This should be backed by meaningful human-control principles, mandatory reporting of serious incidents, progressively stronger safeguards as capability increases, and simultaneous investment in sovereign AI capacity for developing economy countries.

We support continued scientific cooperation in initiatives such as the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre. 

We must strengthen medical sovereignty, vaccine development, genomic surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for the Global South.

We must work together to transform agriculture through innovation. 

Economic and financial cooperation is at the centre of the resilience we seek. 

South Africa supports a balanced and gradual expansion of the New Development Bank.

We welcome continued discussion of the proposed New Investment Platform and the BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative.

BRICS must press ahead with greater use of local currencies, stronger cross-border payment systems and deeper financial interconnectivity. 

As BRICS enters its third decade, it should be more ambitious. 

Our engagement with Partner Countries should spur deeper cooperation, particularly in public health, education, science and technology, finance and trade.

In the 40th anniversary year of the UN Resolution on the Right to Development, we call on BRICS to renew its commitment to the realisation of the inalienable human right to development.

I wish to conclude with a rallying call by Indian poet, activist and leader, Ms Sarojini Naidu, who said:

“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.”

I thank you.