President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the publication of the report of the High Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA), which has assessed the mandate, capacity and organisational integrity of the agency.

The Presidency has shared the report with a range of stakeholders including Minister of State Security Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Dr Setlhomamaru Dintwe, and Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.

The  review panel was appointed in June 2018 to assess the structure of the SSA relative to its mandate and enquire into its systems and capacity.

President Ramaphosa asked the panel to identify all material factors that contributed to current challenges in the State Security Agency so that  appropriate measures could be instituted to prevent a recurrence.

The main objective of the review panel was to assist in ensuring a responsible and accountable national intelligence capability for the country in line with the Constitution and relevant legislation.

At a gathering with SSA leadership and staff in Pretoria on 15 February 2019, the President gave an undertaking that the report of the review panel would be published for the benefit of all South Africans, including the intelligence community.

The report would also be the subject of engagement with Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the Auditor-General.

The panel was chaired by Dr Sydney Mufamadi and included nine other members with a wide range of senior level experience and expertise in law, security studies, civil society, academia, the intelligence and security community and other arms of government.

The panel comprised:
• Dr Sydney Mufamadi 
• Prof Jane Duncan 
• Mr Barry Gilder
• Ms Siphokazi Magadla
• Mr Murray Michell
• Ms Basetsana Molebatsi 
• Mr Andre Pruis
• Mr Silumko Sokupa
• Mr Anthoni Van Nieuwkerk
• Prof Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo

A key finding of the panel is that there has been political malpurposing and factionalisation of the intelligence community over the past decade or more that has resulted in an almost complete disregard for the Constitution, policy, legislation and other prescripts.

It proposes the urgent development of a National Security Strategy as an overriding basis for redefining and refining the concepts, values, policies, practices and architecture involved in South Africa’s approach to security. 

This review should consider the separation of the SSA into two services – a domestic and a foreign service – with prudent delineation of scope.

With regard to investigations and consequences, the panel recommends that the President instruct the appropriate law enforcement bodies, oversight institutions and internal disciplinary bodies to investigate all manifest breaches of the law, regulations and other prescripts in the SSA as highlighted by the report of the panel, with a view to instituting, where appropriate, criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary proceedings.

President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the panel’s dedication to their task and for producing insights and recommendations that will enable open engagement on the role and character of the intelligence community in support of South Africa’s national development objectives and international relations.

A redacted version of the High Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency has been declassified and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2ELYzQ8.

The report has been redacted for public consumption in view of the fact that the full report contains the names and identities of persons who cannot be named at this point, as well as details of operational matters that would compromise the work of the State Security Agency.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to Harare, Zimbabwe, to Co-Chair the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) with his counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa  of the Republic of Zimbabwe.  The BNC  is scheduled to take place on 12 March 2019.

The BNC is preceded by a Senior Officials’ meeting that took place from 7– 8 March 2019 and a Ministerial meeting on 11 March 2019.

The two countries conduct their bilateral relations through a structured Bi-National Commission (BNC) established in 2015.

During the BNC, the two Heads of State will review the bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as review progress made with the implementation of bilateral Agreements. 

To date, the two countries have signed forty five (45) Agreements, which cover a wide range of fields, including trade and investment, health, labour, migration, defence, taxation, tourism, scientific and technological cooperation, water and environment.

Trade cooperation between the two countries is at a high level to the extent that South African exports to Zimbabwe in 2018, amounted to approximately R30.8 billion, while imports from Zimbabwe amounted to approximately R3.6 billion, thus placing Zimbabwe among South Africa’s top trading partners on the Continent.

South Africa and Zimbabwe have good bilateral political, economic and social relations underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,  Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, Home Affairs, Mr Siyabonga Cwele;  Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, expressed his great sadness and sent a message condolences to affected families following this morning's crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane. 

Flight ET302/10 was on its scheduled service from Addis Ababa to Kenya when it crashed shortly after take off. The airline said the plane was carrying 149 passengers and 8 crew. 

President Ramaphosa said the thoughts of the South African people are with the sisterly people of all the affected countries, especially the sisterly people  of Ethiopia and Kenya. 

The South African diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa and Nairobi have been directed to work with the airline and ascertain whether there were any passengers in the affected plane travelling on South African passports.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this evening, 11 March 2019, arrived in Harare in the Republic of Zimbabwe where together with His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, will seek to strengthen mutual cooperation and deepen implementation of 45   bilateral agreements during the Bi-National Commission (BNC). 

The two Heads of State will tomorrow, 12 March 2019, co-chair the third session of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission.

The BNC is preceded by a ministerial session which was held earlier today, 11 March 2019, to consider and adopt the draft agreed minutes and joint communique negotiated by senior officials on 07 and 08 March 2019. Ministers also coordinated the agenda and programme for the Heads of State  session.  

Relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe are conducted through the BNC which was established in 2015.

During the BNC, the two Heads of State will review bilateral cooperation and progress made with the implementation of bilateral agreements. 

South Africa and Zimbabwe are signatories to 45 agreements which cover a wide range of fields, including trade and investment, health, labour, migration, defence, taxation, tourism, scientific and technological cooperation, water and the environment.

In terms of trade, South African exports to Zimbabwe totalled R30,8 billion, while imports from Zimbabwe amounted to R3,6 billion.

South Africa and Zimbabwe enjoy sound bilateral political, economic and social relations underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.

Deputy President Mabuza will act as President of the Republic during the President’s absence. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu;  Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni; Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Home Affairs, Dr Siyabonga Cwele; Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande; Police, Mr Bheki Cele and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

1. At the invitation of His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA, President of the Republic of South Africa, paid an Official Visit to Zimbabwe from 11 - 12 March 2019, for the Third Session of the   Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries. President Ramaphosa was accompanied by five (5) Cabinet Ministers.

2. The Third Session was preceded by the meetings of the Ministers on 11 March 2019 and Senior Officials from 7 - 8 March 2019.

3. During the meeting, the two Heads of State held discussions with a view to further strengthening and deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa. They also exchanged views on regional, continental and international issues of mutual interest.

4. The two Presidents underlined the close and friendly bilateral ties deeply rooted in shared history, sustained and nourished through growing economic partnership, multifaceted cooperation as well as vibrant people-to-people contacts.

5. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere.

6. The two Heads of State welcomed the positive outcomes of the Third BNC held in Harare in 2019. They directed the Ministers and Officials to implement the decisions taken by the Heads of State to further cement the strategic bilateral partnership.

7. The two sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment to drive the strategic engagement forward. In this regard, the Heads of State directed their Finance and Trade Ministers to work together to achieve these goals.

8. Zimbabwe highlighted the key initiatives taken by Government to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further informed on the country’s efforts to simplify and rationalize investment rules with the view to attract foreign direct investment.

9. The relevant Ministries agreed to consider options for expanding the standing Facility arrangement between the respective Central Banks. Other Financing Options beyond this are also being explored (for example a facility from South African private banks to the Zimbabwe private sector and guaranteed by the South African Government, with an appropriate counter-guarantee from the Zimbabwe Government).

10. They also agreed to work together on re-engagement with the International Co-operating Partners in support of Zimbabwe’s economic reform and Debt Arrears Clearance Agenda.

11. Zimbabwe expressed appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the Government and people of South Africa in calling for the removal of illegal and unwarranted sanctions which are stifling the country’s economic recovery programme.

12. The two Leaders unequivocally called for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe whose adverse effects have been far-reaching across the political and socio-economic spectrums.

13. The two Presidents emphasized the importance of enhancing strategic bilateral engagement, particularly in defence and security cooperation, to accomplish the common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

14. At the multilateral level, the Commission welcomed the convergence of views on regional, continental and international issues and agreed to further harmonize their positions especially in view of South Africa’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and its upcoming assumption of the Chair of the African Union in 2020.

15. Zimbabwe expressed goodwill and confidence in the successful holding of elections in South Africa which will take place on 8 May 2019.

16. The two leaders expressed their deepest condolences to the Government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and all other nations on the sad loss of lives in the recent air disaster involving flight ET103.

17. At the conclusion of the BNC, His Excellency, Cde Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

18. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to his counterpart, His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to attend the Fourth Session of the BNC, to be hosted by South Africa in 2020, on a date to be agreed and communicated through diplomatic channels.

Harare, 12 March 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the multi award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir at the Market Theatre Square in Johannesburg tomorrow, Thursday   14 March 2019.

The Choir recently won its third Grammy Award in February 2019, with the group’s album “Freedom” crowned Best World Music.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, will have a short interaction with the group during which he will congratulate the choir on their achievement.

Media are invited as follows:
Date: 14 March 2019
Time: 10:00
Venue: Market Theatre Square, corner Lilian Ngoyi and Margaret Singana St, Newtown, Johannesburg

Media wishing to cover the event are requested to liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 or Petunia Lessing on 066 301 4645.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate multiple allegations of maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct and intentional or negligent loss of public money concerning the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

The NHLS is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa with the responsibility of supporting the national and provincial health departments in the delivery of healthcare.

The Service provides laboratory and related public health services to over 80% of the population through a national network of laboratories.

The allegations of wrongdoing pertain to the period between 1 July 2015 and the present.
In a proclamation in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (Act 74 of 1996), the President has directed that   allegations be investigated and that civil proceedings emanating from such investigation be adjudicated upon.
The SIU investigation will cover:

 • the provision of end user computer hardware and related maintenance and support services for a period of three years in terms of Tender RFB 027/15- 16;
 • the provision of a multi-protocol label switching wide area network (MPLS WAN) service to the NHLS for a period of three years in terms of Tender RFB  030/15-16;
• the leasing of motor vehicles for the NHLS for a period of five  years in terms of Tender RFP 001/15-16;
• the replacement of water, sewer and drainage pipes in terms of Tender RFP1455602;
• the  renovation of the library at the National Insitute of Occupational  Health in Braamfontein in  terms of Tender RFQ 1438906;
• the renovation of the virology laboratory at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in terms of Tender RFQ 1481824;
• the renovation of toilets at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 0695750;
• professional services for the construction of a refectory at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 1409815;
• professional services  for  the design,  project  management  and the certification of renovations and structural changes to the Ermelo Laboratory in terms of Tender RFQ 706002;
• the replacement of the waterproofing at the Centre for Enteric Diseases in terms of Tender RFQ 0961241;
• the renovation of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis in terms of Tender RFQ 1486702;
• professional  services  for the design,  project  management  and the certification of renovations and structural changes to the Diagnostic Media Products Building in terms of Tender RFQ 1351823; and
• construction of a kitchen and function area in terms of Tender RFB031/16-17, which was re-advertised as Tender RFB062/15- 16.

Any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the NHLS or applicable service providers will be examined by the SIU.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate alleged wrongdoing within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality or by service providers in the city’s procurement of or contracting for vehicles - known as the “red fleet” - from Fire Raiders (Pty) Ltd in a   2014 tender valued at R86,4 million.

Whistleblowers have alleged that while the costs associated with the purchase of the “red fleet” were paid over to the service provider, delivery was   not effected.

The President has referred allegations to the SIU in terms of Section 2(1) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (Act No 74   of 1996).

The SIU has been authorised to investigate any alleged serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the municipality; improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the municipality; unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property, and unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive acts, transactions, measures or practices that have a bearing on state property.

The SIU will probe whether municipal employees or officials or contractors or service providers had acted in a corrupt manner; engaged in fraudulent, unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure, or had acted in a corrupt manner or unduly benefited themselves or other persons or entities.

The investigation will cover the period between 1 January 2009 and the present will look into suspected intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property; possible offences under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and unlawful or improper conduct which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

These terms of reference will apply also to allegations of wrongdoing regarding repairs and maintenance work at fire stations in the City of Johannesburg; the procurement of closed-circuit television equipment and related services from SOS Protecsure National Division CC, and the procurement of or contracting for office accommodation and furniture for the city’s Integrated Operations Centre.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of condolence to the government and the people of New Zealand following the massacre that took place at two mosques in Christchurch on 15 March 2019.

“The Government and the people of South Africa convey their deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish all the injured a speedy recovery.

The South African Diplomatic Mission in Wellington has been directed to provide consular assistance and support to any South Africans affected” said  President Ramaphosa.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 March 2019, deliver the keynote address at the Zion Christian Church’s handover ceremony of their refurbished and extended facilities of the Marobathota High School and Evelyn Lekganyane Clinic in Zion City, Boyne in the   Limpopo Province. 

This initiative is a demonstration of active collaboration between government and social partners to realize the five urgent tasks identified by President Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address earlier this year. These tasks include improving the education system and developing required skills as well   as improving the conditions of life for all South Africans, especially the poor.

Media details
Date:  20 March 2019
Time: 14h00
Venue: Marobathota High School, Zion City, Boyne, outside Polokwane, Limpopo Province
RSVP: Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707  


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria