Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), address the World Aids Day national commemoration event at the Walter Sisulu University Stadium, Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
 
South Africa will observe World AIDS Day 2017 under the theme, “It is my right to know my status. Prevention is my responsibility”. The theme encourages South Africans to make their actions count and to take personal and collective responsibility to prevent new HIV and TB infections. 
 
In a recorded message ahead of World Aids Day, Deputy President Ramaphosa said: “This is a time to remember those that we have lost to the twin epidemics of AIDS and Tuberculosis. It is also a time to reflect on the extraordinary progress that we’ve made as a nation in the fight against AIDS and TB. It is also a time when we recommit ourselves to the achievement of an AIDS-free generation”.
 
As part of the World AIDS Day activities, Deputy President Ramaphosa will engage in a dialogue session with traditional leaders at The Great Palace, Bhumbane, Mthatha.
 
World AIDS Day is commemorated internationally each year on 1 December and is an opportunity for everyone to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support to those infected and affected and to remember those who passed on from diseases associated with HIV.
 

Enquiries: Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa, address the Science Forum South Africa tomorrow, Thursday 7 December 2017.
 
The Forum takes place in the main (Diamond) Auditorium at the CSIR Convention Centre on Meiring Naude Rd, Brummeria, Pretoria.
 
This Science Forum is an annual event organised at the initiative of the Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor. The Forum promotes vibrant debate on the role of science in society and has achieved global acclaim for being Africa’s premier public platform for the science-and-society debate.
 
The 2017 Forum is focused on promoting Pan African cooperation in science and technology and the role of innovation in promoting inclusive development.
 
Minister Pandor and the African Union Commissioner of Human Resources, Sciences and Technology, H.E Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor, will set the strategic focus and orientation for discussion at the opening of the Forum.
 
Media are invited as follows:
 
Time: 9:00
Venue: CSIR Convention Center, Diamond Auditorium
RSVP to Nangamso Gxaba on 072 321 6355 / Nangamso@presidency.gov.za
 

Enquiries: Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Sunday 24 December 2017, received on behalf of President Jacob Zuma a memorandum from a delegation of KhoiBushmen Liberation Walkers.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa received the memorandum near the Nelson Mandela statue in the Union Buildings gardens where the group of four had set up camp to highlight land and identity issues.
 
On receiving the memorandum, Deputy President Ramaphosa assured the delegation that the memorandum would be given the necessary consideration.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa also informed the group of the passage by the National Assembly of a Bill that gives recognition to the Khoisan community and its heritage.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa said the next step would be the submission of the Bill to the National Council of Provinces.
 
This process demonstrated government’s determination to attend to the concerns of this community in a responsible and consultative manner.
 

Enquiries: Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Fellow South Africans,
 
It is a special honour for me to join you on the eve of Christmas 2017, at a time when all of us are devoting our attention to family and friends and celebrating the season of goodwill and peace.
 
2017 was made special by our celebration of the centenary year of our liberation leader, Oliver Reginald Tambo.
 
Oliver Tambo embodied our constitutional values of democracy, human rights and social justice.
 
His personal qualities of selflessness, integrity, trustworthiness, empathy and diligence should inspire all of us to follow in his footsteps as we work to unite our society and eradicate abuse, racism, sexism and prejudice.
 
2017 was a year in which, despite progress in many important areas that we have made, we continued to see the devastating effect of unemployment on individuals, families and communities.
 
That is why, as we reflect on the achievements and challenges of the last year, we must reaffirm our determination to build an economy that serves all our people.
 
We must enter the New Year determined to redouble our efforts to build a society in which all are safe, secure and feel valued.
  
We need to work together as social partners to focus on our economy by removing all the obstacles to investment and move South Africa to a higher level of growth.
 
The signs of recovery are there and we must all do all we can to ensure that we turn our economy around.
 
While December is a festive period for our nation, it is also a time when we observe World AIDS Day and we remember our brothers, sisters, parents, colleagues and others who have succumbed to illnesses associated with HIV.
 
We must remain focused on building a better society by implementing our National Development Plan with energy as well as with great urgency.
 
Our Vision 2030 remains the blueprint for inclusive growth, social cohesion and prosperity for all.
 
Under this Plan we will continue to develop skills that can help our country realise its developmental goals and address labour market issues.
 
We need more skilled managers, professionals, technicians, engineers and artisans.
 
We therefore encourage those who will be receiving their matric results in the next few days to investigate the possibilities that await them at universities, TVET colleges as well as community colleges.  Our challenges are many, but we have an even greater number of achievements to celebrate as South Africans.
 
During our 23 years of democracy, government, social partners and active citizens have created a South Africa where the provision of social services and amenities has helped to confront the legacy of apartheid. New schools, hospitals, clinics, factories, bridges, dams and airports tell the story of a South Africa that has indeed moved forward.
 
Finally, let us enjoy this festive season without causing harm to ourselves or others.
 
Let us use this time to reach out to needy members of our families and communities.
 
Let us travel across our beautiful country safely and responsibly.
 
Let us respect women, children and the elderly.
 
Let us be safe in our intimate relationships.
 
Let us rest and restore ourselves so that we can enter 2018 with a renewed determination to move South Africa further forward.
 
I thank you.
 
Ngiyabonga! Enkosi! Dankie! Kealoboga! Thank you! Muito obrigado!
 

Enquiries: Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday 23 July 2019, officially open and address the 25 Years of Democracy Conference.

The Presidency, in partnership with Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), an independent research Institution, and the University of Johannesburg, working in concert with other stakeholders will host the 25 Years of Democracy Conference on 23 - 24 July 2019.

The 25 Years of Democracy Conference is centred around the themes on Governance and Leadership; Socio Economic Transformation and Citizenship  and Identity. Participants from across academia, organised business and civil society will offer insights on the consolidation of democracy and  encouraging active citizenry, reflecting on the last quarter century since the fall of apartheid. The official review of the Twenty-Five Year government  Report will also be presented at the two day conference. 

The 25 years of Democracy conference also aims to provide an in-depth reflective analysis and reporting guided by the following critical questions:
- What lessons for governance, socio-economic transformation and nation building can we learn from our recent past?  
- What are some critical success factors and challenges for realising the democratic promise?
- What will be the key drivers of change in the next 25 years of our democracy?  
- Where will South Africa be in another 25 years? 

In his State of the Nation address at the opening of the sixth democratic parliament, President Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has remarkably progressed in building a new nation where all citizens have equal rights and broadening opportunities in the last 25 years since democracy, whilst acknowledging that the nation remains confronted by severe challenges. The President went further to say that due to collaborative work, a firm foundation on which all may know peace, comfort and contentment, has been laid. 

The Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, will officially close the conference on 24 July 2019.

The President will deliver the opening address as follows:
Date: Tuesday 23 July 2019
Time: 07:00
Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park

Media wishing to attend the conference should RSVP to conference@25yearsdemocracy.co.za by 22 July 2019 no later than 13h00.


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 25 July 2019, preside over the signing of the Presidential Health Compact which is aimed at improving the quality of the South African healthcare system.
 
At the Presidential Health Summit of 2018 government and key stakeholders agreed on the development of a Presidential Health Summit Compact.
 
The event will take place at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa outside Pretoria.
 
In recent months, government, civil society, labour, health services users, business, private providers, academia, statutory councils, health professionals  and allied health workers held consultations with their respective constituencies and developed a plan that includes clear objectives, methods, timelines,  indicators and financial resources to effectively address challenges in health institutions.
 
To reflect this collaborative approach, the compact will be jointly signed by President Ramaphosa, Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize and representatives of stakeholder groups. This partnership is directed at ensuring that the agreed interventions are implemented by all sectors of society.
 
All key stakeholders will be accountable to each other and is expected to report back annually to the President on the progress made in improving the health system.
 
The Presidency will have oversight and will provide leadership to the implementing government departments, namely: Health, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Service and Administration, Public Works, Home Affairs and Science and Technology.
 
The Signing of the Presidential Health Compact will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 25 July 2019 
Time: 12h00 (Media to arrive at 11h00) 
Venue: Dr George Mukhari  Academic Hospital, Nursing College Auditorium, 3111 Setlogelo Drive, Unit 2, Ga-Rankuwa
 
Members of the media should send their details including ID/passport number not later than 24 July 2019 at 12h00 to Shadi Baloyi on shadib2@gmail.com or 072 571 6415.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 29 July 2019 deliver a welcome message to the first high-level dialogue of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA).

The event takes place at the Emperors Palace Hotel in Gauteng.

The two-day forum on 29 and 30 July, will become an annual High-Level Policy Forum on Secondary Education in Africa.

It will bring together Ministers responsible for education, as well as labour, academics, policy-makers, high-level representatives from development  cooperation partners, the private sector, civil society, teachers and parents and youth organisations from across the African continent. 

The engagement will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to share and discuss comprehensive and innovative education and training models/programmes that aim at developing the youth with the necessary knowledge, tools and know-how for employability or job creation. 

Outcomes of the High-Level Annual Policy Dialogue Forum will contribute to the discussions and key decisions that inform reforms in the countries’ policies and practices.
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 29 July 2019
Time: 8:00 for 09:00
Venue: Emperors Palace Hotel, Kempton Park

Members of the media interested in covering the President's opening address should immediately with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 by no later than 09:00, Sunday 28 July 2019. 


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 / Elijah Mhlanga,
Spokesperson: Department of Basic Education on 083 580 8275 

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday 01 August 2019, receive a report by the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) on progress made in the implementation of the Framework Agreement adopted by the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit.

The Summit was convened in October 2018 at the Gallagher Conference Centre.

The NEDLAC report will document progress and challenges encountered in relation to the Framework Agreement that was adopted at the Summit and which included programmes and projects to create jobs; mechanisms to unblock barriers to effective implementation; as well as agreements on the   imperative for job retention and ways to prevent job losses.

 Since the Jobs Summit, agreements and commitments made have been tabulated in six work plans which are being used to inform implementation and monitor progress made.

The work plans are as follows:
• Prevention of Job Losses Interventions
• Economic Sector Specific Interventions
• Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Interventions
• Education and Skills Interventions
• Inclusive Growth Interventions
• Public and Social Interventions

The aim of the 2018 Summit was to explore mechanisms to ensure the economy grows and becomes more productive, and to upscale investment in the economy. The engagement among government, business, labour and community also set out to ensure that workers are better skilled and that the economic infrastructure is expanded. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 3 of the Commission on Gender Equality Act and Section 193(4) (b) of the Constitution, appointed members of the Commission for Gender Equality, effective today, 1 August 2019. 

The Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) is an statutory body established to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality. 

The CGE advances, promotes and protects gender equality in South Africa through undertaking research, public education, policy development, legislative initiatives, effective monitoring and litigation.

The following Commissioners have been appointed on a full-time basis: 
• Ms Tamara Eugenia Mathebula from 1 August 2019 and expiring on 31 October 2022 (the 
remainder of a term that began in 2017).
• Ms Octavia Lindiwe Ntuli-Tloubatla – from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2024.
• Ms Jennifer Smout – from 1 August 2019 to 30 June 2024
• Mr Mbuyiselo Botha – from 1 August 2019 to 31 May 2024
• Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng – from 1 August 2019 to 30 April 2024
• Ms O’hara Ngoma-Diseko – from 1 August 2019 to 31 March 2024

The following persons are appointed as part-time members of the Commission
• Ms Nomasonto Grace Mazibuko – from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2024
• Ms Dibeela Gertrude Mothupi – from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2024
• Ms Busisiwe Deyi – from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2024

President Ramaphosa has further appointed Ms Tamara Eugenia Mathebula as the Chairperson of the Commission Gender for the remainder of her unexpired term of office in the Commission, which will end on 31 October 2022. 

President Ramaphosa has wished the new Commissioners well in their roles. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

The Grand Patron of the National Orders, President Ramaphosa, invites members of the public to nominate persons from all walks of life who, in their view, are deserving of the country’s highest honours, the National Orders, in April next year.

The next National Orders awards investiture ceremony will take place in April 2020, honouring South Africans and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed to the achievement of a free, united, non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and democratic South Africa in various ways. Also   honoured are citizens who have sacrificed life and limb to save others and those who have excelled in various fields.

The ceremony contributes towards unity, reconciliation and nation building.

The selection process of the awards will be processed and administered by the National Orders Advisory Council appointed by the President of the Republic.

The members of the Council are:
Ms Brigitte Mabandla (Chairperson)
Mr Mandla Langa (Deputy Chairperson)
Dr Glenda Gray
Dr Molefi Oliphant
Dr Lindiwe Mabuza
Prof Malegapuru Makgoba
Mrs Sally Padayachie
Rev. Buti Tlhagale
Mr James Motlatsi
Dr Fazel Randera, and
Ms Nothembi Mkhwebane

The following six orders are bestowed annually on deserving recipients: 

The Order of Mendi for Bravery recognises South African citizens who have performed acts of bravery. 

The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

The Order of the Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and economy, science, medicine and technological innovation.

The Order of Luthuli recognises South African citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy, nation-building, building democracy and human rights, justice and peace as well as for the resolution of conflict.

The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have excelled and attained exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an Order of peace, cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.

Nominations forms are available on The Presidency website: www.presidency.gov.za. Members of the public are urged to attach a motivation on the person nominated.  

Self- nomination or the nomination of public servants is not permissible. The 2020 National Orders nominations will close on 31 August 2019.


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria