A high-level South African government and business delegation led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to touch down in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday 22 August 2015 to consolidate political and economic bilateral relations between the two countries.

The government delegation will include Ministers Naledi Pandor, Rob Davies, Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Deputy Ministers Bheki Cele, Nomaindia Mfeketo, Mzwandile Masina, Dr Nono Simelelela Special Advisor to Deputy President, senior government officials including Deputy   Director- General in the office of the Deputy President Busani Ngcaweni, Ambassador Anil Sooklal and South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko.

The visit which take place from 22 to 25 August 2015 is also aimed at reassuring Japanese business that South Africa is indeed open for business and to brief them about the stability, vibrancy and conducive business environment that exists in South Africa for Japanese business to invest in the country particularly in ventures that can create jobs. South Africa is currently exploring new and innovative ways of growing the economy.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will also utilise the visit to secure commitments from Japan regarding efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Similarly Deputy President Ramaphosa will seek to tap into the vast Japanese expertise and innovative technologies to increase collaboration in the fields of science and technology with a view to attracting essential skills in support of South Africa’s training and human resource development. In this context, South Africa and Japan will explore partnerships to promote innovation and technology to boost economic growth. This also comes within the context of South Africa’s implementation of the 9-point plan to strengthen the economy.

Simultaneously, Deputy President Ramaphosa will utilise the opportunity of the visit to strengthen alignment of South Africa and Japan’s approach to global issues of mutual concern including the enhancement of multilateral institutions and the reform of global political and economic governance.

The visit is also expected to consolidate the objectives of the African agenda through the strengthening of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) partnership by promoting increased trade, investment growth and infrastructure development in the continent of Africa. In this context South Africa continues to act within efforts of the African continent to facilitate African growth through Agenda 2063.

Accordingly, and at a political level Deputy President Ramaphosa and the high-level government delegation will pay courtesy calls on the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and hold discussions with the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki.

On trade and investment issues, Deputy President Ramaphosa will address the Japanese Captains of Industry, an organisation boosting a membership of about 1329 representative companies, 109 nation-wide industrial associations and 47 regional economic organisation.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is also expected to address the South Africa-Business Forum Plenary, chair a round-table discussion on investment in energy and meet with the Vice-President of Jetro, Tomiyasu Nakamura.  Jetro is an organisation that promotes trade and investment between Japan the rest of the world. It also promotes foreign direct investment into Japan while assisting to small and medium size enterprises to maximise their global export potential.

Deputy President Ramaphosa will furthermore pay a site visit to Toyota plant in Tokyo which will include a presentation of the MIRAI Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle developed by the company.

In addition, Deputy President Ramaphosa will pay a visit to Miraikan – a Japanese national museum of emerging science and innovation located in Daiba, Tokyo. The visit will include ICT, manufacturing, engineering and the Advance Step Innovative Mobility- a humanoid robot developed by Honda. It is also used to encourage students to study science and mathematics.  He will also meet with Hideaki Domichi, senior vice President of the Japan international co-operation Agency.

During his visit to Tokyo, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seize the opportunity to hold discussions with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi on peace-building efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka. Deputy President Ramaphosa is President Jacob Zuma’s Special Envoy to Sri Lanka.

Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency

Johannesburg - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust fundraising gala dinner at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg, Gauteng on Friday, 21 August 2015.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: 21 August 2015

Time: 18h00 (media to arrive at 17h30)

Please RSVP via SMS, with your name and media house, with Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Addis Ababa, in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Double Troika Summit. 

The Summit taking place tomorrow, 17 January 2019 will review and assess the political situation in the DRC following the recently held elections.

The SADC Summit will later be followed by a consultative meeting of Head of States and Government of SADC Double Troika members, International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR); African Union Troika and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Dipuo  Letsatsi-Duba.

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

South Africa has noted with concern terrorists attacks in Kenya on Tuesday, 15 January 2019.

South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the attacks on the government and the people of Kenya. South Africa extends its condolences to the bereaved and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

Initial reports are that no South African citizen has been reported injured in the attack, the South African High Commission in Nairobi is monitoring the   situation and interacting with authorities.

On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, we send a message of support to the government and the people of Kenya.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa sends heartfelt condolences on the passing of acclaimed author, journalist and anti-apartheid activist who passed away at his home at the age of 79 on Wednesday 16 January 2019.

Mr Lewin worked as a journalist at the Natal Witness, Drum Magazine and the Golden City Post.

He later became Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in Johannesburg and served as a member of the Truth and Reconciliation   Commission committee on human rights violations in Gauteng.

 As an author, he won the 2003, Olive Schreiner Prize for his prison memoir, “Bandiet Out of Jail” and in 2012 won the Alan Paton Award for another   personal memoir, “Stones Against the Mirror”.

Under apartheid, Mr Lewin served a full prison sentence for sabotage and left South Africa on a “permanent exit permit” in 1971 to live in exile in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

President Ramaphosa has noted: “We have lost an incredible writer and a valiant soldier who fought fearlessly for human rights and the justice and freedom that are the hallmarks of our democracy.

“His fighting spirit and humanity will forever be remembered by those he touched through his life, actions and also his written words. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and relatives. May his soul rest in peace.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

1. The Double Troika Summit (Summit) of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in   Addis Ababa, in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on 17 January 2019.

2. The Summit was officially opened by H.E President Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the Chairperson of SADC.

3. Summit was attended by the following Double Troika Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
 

•  Angola: H.E. President João Lourenço, Out-going Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation     
• Namibia: H.E President Dr Hage G. Geingob, Chairperson of SADC 
• South Africa: H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Out-going Chairperson of SADC 
• Zambia: H.E. President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
• Tanzania: H.E. Dr. Augustin P. Mahiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, representing the In-coming Chairperson of SADC 
• Zimbabwe: H.E. Mr. Raphael Faranisi, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Democratic Republic of Congo, representing the In-coming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation

4. Summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of SADC, H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax and was briefed by H.E Leonard She Okitundu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

5. Summit reviewed the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections that were conducted in the country on 30th December 2018. 

6. Summit congratulated the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for organising and conducting generally peaceful elections, notwithstanding some incidences and the logistical challenges, coupled with the impediments brought about by the devastating Ebola outbreak and security insurgencies. 

7. Summit commended the Congolese people and all Political Stakeholders for ensuring that the elections were conducted in a peaceful manner. 

8. Summit commended H.E. President Joseph Kabila for his leadership in holding the elections. 

9. Summit noted that that due to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus in Beni and Butembo areas, combined with security challenges, Legislative and Provincial elections in Beni, Butembo and Yumbi were postponed to March 2019. 

10. Summit encouraged the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue maintaining peace and security in the country. 

11. Summit took note of the election petition filed in the Constitutional Court challenging the provisional results of the Presidential Election and called upon all the Congolese People and all the concerned Political Stakeholders to remain calm and act in a way that consolidates democracy and preserves peace, and to address any electoral grievances in line with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitution and relevant electoral laws. 

12. Summit called upon the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with the AU Constitutive Act, and the SADC Treaty. 

13. Summit recognized and underscored the role of the Constitutional Court of the DRC and called upon the international community to respect the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the internal legal and political processes for the finalization of the electoral process. 

14. Summit also called upon the international community to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to maintain a peaceful and stable environment following the landmark elections, and avoid actions that are prejudicial to the electoral process. 

15. Summit further called for the continued implementation of the Peace, Security and Co-operation Framework in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region. 

16. Summit reaffirmed its commitment to continued support to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political processes, and with respect to neutralizing the negative forces and other armed groups operating in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and to remain seized with the matter. 

17. Summit expressed its appreciation for the support rendered to the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). 

18. Summit commended H.E. President Hage G. Geingob, Chairperson of SADC for convening the Double Troika Summit, 

Done at Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 17 January 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 22 January 2019, attend the launch in Geneva, Switzerland, of the Report on the Future of Work produced by the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
President Ramaphosa and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven are co-chairs of the 27-member Global Commission that has been tasked to identify challenges and make recommendations that will sustain and protect the livelihood of workers around the world amid the proliferation of the   fourth industrial revolution, climate change and the changing world economic cycle.
 
The Global Commission’s report will be launched at the ILO headquarters and will form part of this United Nations agency’s centenary year. The ILO has   since its founding in 1919 advocated for social justice and promoted decent work in all of its 187 member states. 
 
The President, has since his appointment in May 2018, as co-chair  of the ILO Global Commission hosted the Presidential Jobs Summit and the South Africa International Investment Conference in October 2018. These forums sought, among other objectives, to strengthen inclusive planning in protecting and creating sustainable livelihoods in an era of rapid technological change and climate impact, and attract investment that will yield returns in a fast-evolving digital economy.
 
More recently, government and social partners embarked on implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act which sets an historic precedent in the protection of low-earning workers and provides a platform for reducing inequality in society and decreasing huge disparities in income in the national labour market.
 
President Ramaphosa will engage with the ILO ahead of leading Team South Africa to Annual Meetings of the World Economic Forum - a gathering of world leaders in government, business and civil society - in Davos, Switzerland, from 22 to 25 January 2019.
 
For the ILO engagement President Cyril Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Ms Mildred Oliphant.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address at the third annual Basic Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, tomorrow, Monday 21 January 2019.

Hosted by Minister of Basic Education Ms Angie Motshekga, this three-day national event brings together provincial education departments, teacher unions, school governing body organisations, learner organisations, non-governmental organisations, academics, international guest speakers and   other stakeholders.
 

This year’s event is themed “Equipping Learners with Knowledge and Skills For a Changing World” and will focus on ensuring that South African are  prepared to participate in and contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and have the best possible chance at succeeding in a fast changing global  environment.

The Lekgotla takes place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Bardene, Boksburg.

Members of the media are invited to attend the opening session of the Lekgotla as follows:

Date: Monday, 21 January 2019
Time: 08h30
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, 14 View Point Rd, Bardene, Boksburg

Department of Basic Education contacts:
Elijah Mhlanga – 083 580 8275
Troy Martens – 078 899 3070


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa congratulated Mr Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo as President Elect of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the confirmation by the country’s Constitutional Court.
 
President Ramaphosa has called on all parties and all stakeholders in the DRC to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court and commit to continue with a journey of consolidating peace, uniting the people of Congo and creating a better life for all. 
 
 President Ramaphosa also congratulated the people of DRC for conducting peaceful elections and commended them for exercising great restraint and   staying calm when waiting for the Constitutional Court to make a determination. And now that the highest Court in the land has ruled, all the people of   Congo and all stakeholders are urged to accept the outcome of the Court  and move on to consolidate democracy and preserve peace, stability and   security of the country. 
 
President Ramaphosa reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC in keeping with UN Charter, the AU Constitutive Act and the SADC Treaty.
 
Further, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for the full implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
 
President Ramaphosa concluded by assuring the President Elect and the people of the DRC of South Africa's continued commitment to support them in the journey to peace, stability, security and development.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 21 January 2019, embarked on two working visits and a state visit that will encompass global discussions on the future of work, global governance and partnership in an age of rapid technological change, and reinforcement of South Africa’s relations with   India.

The government and people of the Republic of India will host President Ramaphosa as Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic Day Celebrations on Saturday, 26 January.

President Ramaphosa will begin his international visits in Geneva, Switzerland, tomorrow, 22 January 2018, in his capacity as Co-Chair – with Swedish  Prime Minister Stefan Löfven - of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
The Commission will launch its highly anticipated Report On The Future of Work at the ILO headquarters in Geneva tomorrow.

The report lays the foundation for global action on the challenges that governments, business and labour face amid the convergence of developments in the digital economy, climate change and cyclic economic trends.

Following his address to the ILO, President Ramaphosa will travel to Davis-Klosters, Switzerland, where he will lead Team South Africa’s participation in the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled from 22 to 25 January.

The 2019 gathering is themed “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” and brings together heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1 000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, and cultural, societal and thought leaders, among others.

The Davos discussions will explore how technological advances are impacting on or giving rise to new systems of health, transportation, communication, production, distribution, and energy, and the changes required in education and other programmes to prepare workers for this economic revolution and accompanying social changes

The. 2019 World Economic Forum is a platform for Team South Africa to engage and update the international community, including investors, on the path of renewal and growth on which the country has embarked.

It is also a platform for South Africa to showcase investment and trade opportunities.

The Forum enables Team South Africa to contribute to global dialogue on key issues facing humanity and to engage on key opportunities that are emerging.

Team South Africa comprises leadership of government, business, labour and civil society at large.

Following the conclusion of the World Economic Forum programme, President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to New Delhi in the Republic of India for a State Visit on 25 January 2019.

South Africa and India enjoy a Strategic Partnership and bilateral relations anchored by a deep and shared history of friendship and solidarity.

India is currently South Africa’s second largest trading partner in Asia and ranks among South Africa’s top 10 trade partners. In 2017 bilateral trade reached R107 billion (approximately $8 billion). Trade for the period January to November 2018 totalled R101 billion.

Indian investments in South Africa currently stand at US$8 billion and, have created an estimated 18 000 jobs. There are 130 Indian companies that have invested in South Africa, including TATA (automobiles and hotels), Mahindra (automobiles), Cipla (pharmaceuticals) and the Bank of India. South Africa’s total investment in India increased to R10,3 billion (approximately $800 million) in 2017.

South African companies that have invested in India, include SASOL, FirstRand, Old Mutual, ACSA, Shoprite and Nandos.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by a business delegation to further enhance trade relations between the two nations.

South Africa and India share a common vision on a range of global issues and domestic challenges. Many of the common foreign policy objectives which both countries share are pursued multilaterally, especially through South-South initiatives and close cooperation existing within the G20, BRICS, IBSA, and IORA. The two nations will further solidify relations with agreements on Higher Education and Training, Arts and Culture, Home Affairs, Defence and Energy among others to be signed.

Following the January 25 State Visit, President Ramaphosa will be honoured as Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic Day Celebrations on 26 January 2019 in New Delhi.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria