The Minister of Energy, Mr Jeff Radebe, has been appointed the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa until President Cyril Ramaphosa returns from his Working Visit to the Republic of Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo, in the Republic of Mozambique, where he will meet his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern. The President, who is accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Police and State Security, is   expected to South Africa this afternoon.

Deputy President David Mabuza has travelled to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, to strengthen the  ongoing political efforts towards finding lasting peace and development for the people of South Sudan.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Maseru - South African Deputy President and SADC Facilitator Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Thursday 30 July 2015, arrived in the capital Maseru in pursuance of his renewed SADC mandate to facilitate peace and stability in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

During his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected mainly to brief key political and other stakeholders on the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the SADC-led Commission of Inquiry into recent developments in the country.

In this context the SADC Double Troika Summit of Heads of State held in Pretoria on 3 July 2015 decided among others and “as a matter of urgency, to establish an independent commission of inquiry into   the circumstances surrounding the death of Brig, Maaparankoe Mahao and its deployment with immediate effect’’. The commission which will be chaired by Botswana Judge Mpaphi Phumaphi is also expected to look into other related factors that may have contributed to incidents of instability in Lesotho.

In pursuance of the objective of his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa will thus outline the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry to His Majesty King Letsie III during his courtesy call and further brief Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili, members of the opposition political parties, Council of Churches of Lesotho, College of Chiefs, NGO sector including business as well as members of the Law Society.

The SADC Double Troika Summit endorsed Deputy President Ramaphosa’s report on his previous facilitation efforts in the country to bring about peace and stability in the country which resulted in the reopening of parliament, the holding of democratic elections and the inauguration of a democratic government.

Following recommendations of Deputy President Ramaphosa, the SADC Double Troika Summit further urged all stakeholders including the government to urgently undertake constitutional and security sector reforms with the assistance of SADC.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa,   President of the Republic of South Africa paid a working visit to the Republic of Mozambique on the 14th January 2019

2. The visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral, political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries

3. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a ministerial delegation and government officials

4. On bilateral issues, the two Presidents acknowledged the historical and fraternal bonds between the two countries dating back to the period of the  liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid

5. The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent and ever growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries which is managed under the framework of the Bi-National Commission

6. The two Presidents noted the existence of over 70 bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering a wide range of areas including energy, agriculture, arts and culture, defence and security, education and environment, science and technology, immigration, tourism, trade and investment, amongst others

7. The two Presidents underscored the need to ensure the full implementation of these legal instruments for the benefit of their respective countries and peoples

8. On regional issues, the two Presidents noted that the SADC region was politically stable notwithstanding a few exceptions

9. The two Presidents congratulated President-elect, Mr Rajoelina on his election as President of Madagascar; commended Former President Ravalomanana for graciously accepting the results and commended the people of Madagascar for conducting peaceful elections

10. Within the context of maintaining peace and security on the continent, the two Heads of State condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Gabon

11. The two Presidents commended the Democratic Republic of Congo for conducting peaceful elections and noted the release of the provisional presidential results and the subsequent lodging of a complaint by one of the candidates

12. The two Heads of State re-iterated the need for SADC regional economic integration through the implementation of the SADC industrialisation strategy and its action plan, to promote regional value chains and creating industrial capacity

13. On the continent, the two Heads of State expressed their satisfaction with the growing number of countries on the continent signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. In this regard, they urged those fellow African countries who have not signed to do so and ratify this important agreement

14. The two Presidents re-iterated the need to reform the UN system in particular the UN Security Council to better represent the interests of developing countries

15. His Excellency, President Nyusi congratulated South Africa for being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years

16. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to His Excellency, President Nyusi to the next session of the Bi-national commission to be held on a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels

17. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended his gratitude for the warm reception and excellent hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Mozambique


DONE IN MAPUTO
14 January 2019

The South African National Aids Council (SANAC) wishes Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates well for their Carling Black Label Cup showdown at FNB Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, 1 August 2015.

SANAC will undertake an HIV information and condom distribution drive at the stadium as part of government’s ongoing campaign, led by Deputy President and SANAC Chair Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, to promote healthy lifestyle choices among South Africans from all walks of life.

Chiefs and Pirates are champions on the field of play and deserve the nation’s support.

The SANAC marketing activation is designed to ensure that football supporters play it safe in their personal lives and become champions at responsible sexual behaviour and healthy relationships.

SANAC will distribute condom and information packs to urge players and supporters to condomise and do all they can – and all the time – to avoid HIV and TB infection.

SANAC appreciates the permission granted by the Carling Black Label Cup hosts for this distribution effort through which SANAC will be reaching out to the large number of fans who will watch the game in the stadium.

The sport sector is represented on the South African National Aids Council in recognition of the popularity of sport in the country and its ability to mobilise the nation to build a better South Africa. Sport instils positive values and behaviours in individuals and is an important social movement that brings people together and has a positive influence in society beyond the field of play.

SANAC is pleased that the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, will represent government at this landmark match.

SANAC wishes the teams and supporters an exciting and safe event.

Note to Editors: SANAC brings together government, civil society and the private sector to create a collective response to the scourge of HIV, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.

For more information, please contact: The Rev Zwo Nevhutalu, General Manager: SANAC Secretariat 082 907 3732

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

A recent commentary by Alec Hogg on BizNews.com, headlined 'Ramaphosa's jobs fantasy', in which he questions government’s “job creation” targets, appears to be based on inaccurate reporting.

As a result, it does not distinguish between work opportunities created through government's public works programmes and mainstream jobs of the kind created in manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and other economic sectors.
 
The commentary misrepresents a statement made by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on public employment programmes held at Orange Farm on 22 July 2015.

Speaking about government’s public employment programmes, Deputy President Ramaphosa said: “The ruling party has decided that in this administration we are going to make 6 million of these job opportunities available. Already, the number of job opportunities we have created is leading us to the 6 million, and I am confident that we will reach – and even exceed – it because the experience we have gathered over the past five years has been huge and meaningful.”

At no point did Deputy President Ramaphosa suggest that he was referring to jobs created in the broader economy.

Having met public employment participants at the Orange Farm project where the meeting was hosted, the Deputy President told the meeting how participants had “raised quite a number of issues; they would like to work more days than they are working now”.

The Deputy President provided this detail to illustrate how these work opportunities allow different groups of residents to work temporarily on projects that deliver new infrastructure, revamp existing infrastructure or deliver social services.
 
This brings income and dignity to the most vulnerable people in our communities and involves citizens directly in the development of social goods and the quality of life in communities.
 
Most importantly, these opportunities come with training and skills development that stand participants in good stead beyond the life of the particular programmes on which they work.

The Deputy President’s said: “Many people see this work not only as a source of income, but as an opportunity to gain experience (and) gain know-how of the world of work, and the many people we spoke to attest to the fact that they are gaining quite a lot of experience that will stand them in good stead when they finally get gainful employment elsewhere.”
 
The goal of six million work opportunities in public employment programmes is not unrealistic. The Expanded Public Works Programme created over one million work opportunities in the 2014/2015 financial year alone.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa Spokesperson for the Deputy President on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

“We have had fruitful discussions today with His Majesty the King (His Majesty King Letsie III); with Prime Minister (Pakalitha Mosisili) and members of his cabinet, as well as with leaders of the opposition parties here in Lesotho”.

“We presented the report of the Facilitation process here in Lesotho, the final report, to his Majesty the King”.

“Attached to the report was the recommendation that SADC is making to Lesotho in relation to Constitutional reforms as well as Security reforms. That has now been tabled before His Majesty the King and the government of Lesotho”. 

“These recommendations are recommendation which SADC recommended to the government of Lesotho to deal with, to find a way of handling them, because some of the problems that beset Lesotho have to do with constitutional matters as well as security reform matters”. 

“And it is our considered view and opinion that if stakeholders in Lesotho were to give consideration to the recommendation, much more stable and conducive atmosphere will be created in Lesotho so that greater and more lasting stability can be engendered in Lesotho”.

“But we have left all these in the hands of the government and the people of Lesotho. SADC would clearly like to see greater stability being restored in Lesotho”.

“We also dealt with the matters that have to do with the commission of inquiry that was set up by the Double Troika (SADC Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government) as it met in Pretoria in July. We looked closely at the whole process of the commission”.

“We welcomed the Lesotho government’s initiative of setting up the machinery to support the work of the commission. They have prepared office space; they have prepared the full administrative logistical infrastructure that will support the work of the commission”.

“The commissioners are already on the ground, they are about to commence work, they are thirteen (13) of them, they are led by Judge of the High Court from Botswana”.

“We are certain they will commence their work with great earnest and we call on the people of Lesotho to participate in the work of the commission. The commission is meant to engage in its work and conclude within Sixty (60) days and there after report to the chairperson of the SADC Organ (South African President Jacob Zuma Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation)”.

“The issue of the Terms of Reference is another matter which we dealt with. Double Troika issued a set of Terms of Reference which are going to be a guide to the work of the commission”.

“We have agreed with the government that we should allow the commission to work guided by the SADC Terms of Reference”.

“The Lesotho government, and indeed members of the opposition parties including myself as facilitator, have also made certain proposals that could lead to the amendments of the Terms of Reference”.

“And we discussed this matter and we all agreed that we want to see the Terms of Reference being added to, when the Summit of the Troika meets again on the 16th of August, which is literally within a two week period”.

“So the commission will commence its work right now, proceed and we will them be, on a consensus basis, working on additional Terms of Reference to look at various other aspects which we believe needs to be looked at. And this by no means, means the commission should stop its work, it should commence and the people of Lesotho, through their various structures should participate in the work of the commission”.

“Now what it means is that as we proceed to move forward we will be able to add to the Terms of Reference but that will only be agreed to when the leaders meet on the 16th of August, because they are the ones who set up the commission; so further proposals will then be made”. 

“Everybody is open to that; everybody understands that, leaders of the opposition understand that, the government as well as myself as facilitator”. 

“So we are proceeding with great speed, with firmness, with determination to move forward, to make sure that the commission of inquiry executes its task and leaves no stone unturned and goes to the depth of what has been happening here in Lesotho, which recently led to the death of loved son of this country Lt –General Mahao.  So that is going to be all handled and I am sure the truth will come out”.

“So we call on everyone to cooperate, be they in government service; be they in the army; be they in the police; be they in the society; NGOs; to work with the commission and not to seek to impede the work of the commission, to make sure that the commission reaches a conclusion in a way where they will not be adversely influenced by anyone, be it a politician or whoever”.

“So it is an independent commission and we would like everyone in Lesotho to respect it for what it is, and there after the commission gives its report to SADC, to the Chairperson of the Organ (South African President Jacob Zuma) and its recommendation will be public to everyone and there after we will see what further action needs to be taken”.

“So I leave after a fairly successful trip, and thank the government, members of the opposition as well as His Majesty the King for once again having received me and having worked with me so that we can advance the interest of the people of Lesotho, I thank you”, concluded Deputy President Ramaphosa.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Your Excellency the Deputy Prime Minster of Vietnam Mr Hoang Trung Hai

Your excellencies Ambassadors who are here

Your honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers

It is a real pleasure and joy to have received the Vice Prime Minister of Vietnam and his honourable delegation on an official visit to South Africa.

It is a real joy and pleasure for us as South Africa to receive them because the relationship between Vietnam and South Africa has its roots many decades sago.

We first started relating to Vietnam 60 years ago when the two peoples met in Indonesia at the Bandung conference. This is the year when we celebrate 60 years of the Bandung conference when many leaders in the world got together to agree to work together to bring an end to colonialism in the world and unleash the forces of freedom in their various countries.

That it is when the delegation that was led by some of our leaders met with leaders of Vietnam in Bandung and that started a relationship between the two countries and the two peoples.

Over time our relationship has been strengthen on a number of occasions.

We recall very fondly how former President of the African National Congress Mr Oliver Regional Tambo visited Vietnam in 1978 and that time Vietnam placed their support, to supporting the struggle of the people of South Africa to rid ourselves of apartheid oppression. That was the key moment in the history of the African National Congress.

Throughout the years of our struggle, we as South Africans were greatly inspired by leaders such as Ho Chi Minh who is an icon of the Vietnamese people and the inspiration that we drew from Ho Chi Minh was such that it propelled our people to strengthen their resolve to defeat the apartheid system.

South Africa attaches a great deal of importance to the relationship between Vietnam and South Africa. We see Vietnam as a staunch friend and an ally. Over the 22 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the relationship between South Africa and Vietnam has grown and it has solidified in a number of multifaceted relationships with growing cooperation in a number of fields and a number of areas.

During our meeting today at bilateral level we reviewed the status of our trade relations. We also reviewed investment cooperation between our two countries.

We also touched on a number of other areas that have to do with Science and Technology, that have to do with Wild life protection. We also discussed a number of other regional and international issues.

On bilateral trade, we welcome the continuing increase in bilateral trade, which has now reached R13.4 billion in 2014 having come up from R3.7 billion in 2011 and agreed that substantial potential still exist to broaden and to deepen trade between the two countries.

We also noted the considerable trade deficit that South Africa has and agreed that we should focus on increasing our economic interaction with Vietnam and that it should be more balanced as we find a number of areas where South Africa can increase its export goods to Vietnam and also Vietnam will start looking closer at South Africa to increase its own investment activities in South Africa.

The relationship between South Africa and Vietnam can be characterized as an active, participative, and mutually beneficial relationship between two countries that relate at a number of levels.

We heard how Vietnam is actively involved in pursuing our mutual interest when it comes to wild life protection, particularly the protection of our Rhino which we have stopped being extinct.

Vietnam through the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in 2012 and renewed in 2013, has joined us actively in raising the levels of awareness in Vietnam, amongst Vietnamese about the importance of saving and securing the Rhino; has also embarked on a number of measures where they are helping to protect the Rhino by making sure that they increase their own watching mechanism; they are also arresting people who are getting involved in illicit trade of the Rhino horn; and we also heard how their activities have led to people getting arrested and Rhino horns being broad back to South Africa.

We were also very pleased to hear of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between our Minister of Science and Technology and Vietnam. The areas of cooperation are broadening and we have a relationship that, is alive with great progress and great potential and this is what the two countries want to pursue and make sure that we do all these in the interest of ensuring that our people prosper and we grow both economies.

As I conclude we also were particularly pleased on both sides that our relationship is also going to revolve around areas such as defence, such as agriculture – where we are going to be selling possibly exporting agricultural products such as fruits and beef. We were also very pleased to hear that they can teach as quite a lot of things as we can teach them.

Infrastructure is another area where we are going to be hoping to cooperate. There is a lot that Vietnam and South Africa will be cooperating on as we are cooperating in a number of areas.

As we welcome Vietnam here, we welcome Vietnam as a friend; and Vice Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai we welcome you.

We are very pleased that you are going to see President Zuma in a few minutes to pay a courtesy call. Please feel warmly welcome here in South Africa.

South Africa is your home and we are very pleased that you are here.

Thank you

Please click here to download the Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, and his Question and Answer session

Kensington - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 07 August 2015, chair the meeting of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at the Pick n Pay Office Park, Kensington, Johannesburg. The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) is a national, multi- stakeholder advisory body under the leadership and stewardship of the Deputy President. The council provides a platform for stakeholders to review progress achieved in the implementation of the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa 2010-2030.

In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa together with council members will have an opportunity to interact with the management of Pick n Pay stores, to learn more on how retail business in particular, contributes to human resource development. In the last five years since its inception, the HRDC agreed to focus on the following areas; The strengthening and support of Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges to increase access, Production of intermediate skills (artisans in particular) and professionals; Production of academics and strengthening partnerships between industry and higher education and training institutions in research and development; Worker Education; and Foundational Learning

Media is invited to cover as follows:

Arrival time: 14H00

Time: 14h30 (tour of Pick and Pay confectionary bakers)

      16h00 Closing comments by Deputy President Ramaphosa

Venue: Pick n Pay Office Park, No 2 Allum Road, Kensington, Johannesburg

Date: Friday, 07 August 2015

For accreditation and enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.

For comments please contact, Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Ndwedwe - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 8 August 2015 lead a delegation of Ministers and non-governmental stakeholders at a youth development and career expo at Ndwedwe Local Municipality, iLembe District, KwaZulu-Natal. The Youth Expo led by Deputy President Ramaphosa is aimed at the following: Showcasing youth empowerment initiatives and career choices, including relevant post-   school training opportunities; Promoting young people’s access to further education and training, Encouraging healthy lifestyles among young  people, with reference to responsibility around the use and abuse of substances and HIV prevention, among other factors and Promoting entrepreneurial activity among young people by advising them on how to start or sustain small businesses.

The expo supports the National Development Plan’s objectives for youth development and is a platform for young people to obtain detailed information about opportunities developed for them by government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

The Youth Expo also seeks to provide assistance to existing Small Medium Enterprises run by young people in the area, working together with the private sector and civil society organisations. Government is investing in youth through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and in this regard, the NYDA will also provide information and the necessary assistance to young people through exhibitions at the event. Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu, Members of the Executive Council, mayors and councillors, as well as representatives of various public and private institutions.

Media is invited as follows:

Date: Saturday, 08 August 2015

Venue: Nombika Sportfield, Ndwedwe, Ilembe District, KwaZulu-Natal

Time: 08h30

For accreditation and enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.

For comments please contact, Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will once more field questions from members of parliament in the National Assembly, scheduled for Wednesday 12 August 2015 in Cape Town.

The questions which Deputy President Ramaphosa will provide oral answers to relate to human resource development strategy, immigration issues, his recent visit to the People’s Republic of China and lastly his SADC facilitation efforts in the Kingdom of Lesotho. 

In this regard questions that Deputy President Ramaphosa will respond to include among others:

Human Resource Development

With reference to the National Development Plan’s emphasis that the need for a strong relationship between the technical and vocational education and training colleges and industry, to what measures are in place to ensure that these partnerships materialise and are sustained?

Immigration

Whether, the Deputy President has been briefed on the progress of the current deliberations on and reviews of the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs?

Visit to the Peoples Republic of China                                            

Which aspects of the 5-10 Year Strategic Programme on co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa were discussed during the Deputy President's official visit to China and what the key outcomes of the bilateral discussions were.

SADC facilitation efforts in Lesotho

What recommendations the Deputy President made to the SADC Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State held on 3 July 2015, regarding the political impasse in the Kingdom of Lesotho; what are the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry established by the specified Summit regarding the death of Brigadier Mahao of the Kingdom of Lesotho; and whether  any preliminary details been given regarding the approved oversight committee that will be established as an early warning system about events that signal potential instability in the region.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria