Cabinet convened for its last 2017 meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

A. Cabinet Decisions

1. Cabinet approved the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016-2026 for implementation. The NTSS is anchored on five strategic pillars, namely marketing, facilitation of ease of access for tourists, enhance visitor experience, destination management and broad-based benefits.

The full document is available on the Department of Tourism’s website: www.tourism.gov.za.

2. Cabinet approved the framework for the establishment of a National Broadband Network Company. It will be formed out of the merger of Sentech and Broadband Infraco. This will facilitate the roll-out of the interdependent elements in a coordinated manner and create a national broadband champion.
 
3. Cabinet approved the First Annual Progress Report on Implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD). The report covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2016.

The report gives a high-level assessment of the extent to which government departments have started embedding the policy directives of WPRPD into their respective planning, budgeting, and service delivery and reporting systems.
 
4. Cabinet approved the publication of the Strategic Disability Policy Framework for the Post-School Education and Training System for public comment.
 
5. Cabinet was briefed on the outcomes of the Review of the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme conducted from November 2015 until September 2016. The programme is part of the broader Public Transport Strategy, which aims to provide an integrated safety and efficient transport system in South Africa.

Cabinet approved that more consultation and work must be done with relevant departments before the National Department of Transport can embark on the revised approach.
 
6. Cabinet approved the public release of the 8th edition of the Development Indicators (2016). The Development Indicator Report focuses on South Africa’s development since democracy and monitors implementation of the National Development Plan Vision 2030.
 
7. Cabinet approved measures to strengthen the management of discipline of public servants in relation to officials conducting business with organs of state. It gives effect to the Public Service Regulations 2016, which prohibits public servants from conducting business with the State. From 1 March, National Treasury, supported by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), will monitor all new registrations on the online Central Supplier Database against the Persal System.
 
8. Cabinet approved the New Performance Management and Development System for Heads of Department, which accurately reflects the link between individual and organisational performance. It comes into effect on
1 April 2018.
 
9. Cabinet approved the introduction and implementation of the Public Service Graduate Recruitment Scheme Framework. This forms part of the development programme within the Public Service to attract talented graduates into the Public Service.

The framework includes earmarking a percentage of each department’s vacant posts for the recruitment of graduates in scarce occupations. The Minister of Public Service and Administration will also align this framework to the Youth Employment Service Programme.
 
10. Cabinet approved for the publication of the following Notices in the Government Gazette relating to the Rationalisation of Courts Jurisdiction, which aims to increase access to justice for previously marginalised and under-serviced rural villages. The rationalisation is in magisterial districts in the Free State and Northern Cape, and the removal of certain Magisterial Districts from the Gauteng Division of the High Court and placing them under the jurisdiction of the North West Division of High Court.
 
11. Cabinet approved the Regulations on Mediation Rules in terms of the Protection of Investment Act, 2015 (Act 22 of 2015). The regulations provide for an investor that has a dispute in respect of action taken by government that affects an investment, to request the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to intervene with possible mediation mechanism.
 
12. Cabinet approved the convening and hosting of the following conferences:

. National Community Development Workers Programme Consultative Conference 2018 by the DPSA.
. International Association of Prosecutors 23rd Annual Conference, to be hosted by the National Prosecuting Authority in Durban during September 2018.
. 2021 World Science Forum in South Africa. The Department of Science and Technology will engage with the World Science Forum Steering Committee for possible hosting.
. 2017 African Union (AU) High-Level Dialogue, hosted by the DPSA from 6 to 8 December 2017.        

13. Cabinet approved for the designs and commemorative collectors’ and circulation coin series to be issued in 2018.

The coin designs, with their proclamations, will be printed in the Government Gazette: 

. 2018 2oz, 22-carat gold Krugerrand;
. 2018 24-carat gold Natura coin series (Rise of the dinosaurs – Archosauria);
. 2018 24-carat gold R1 coin series (Reptiles of South Africa – the parrot beaked padloper);
. 2018 bi-metal R5 circulation coin (Nelson Mandela Centenary);
. 2018 24-carat gold and sterling-silver Protea coin series (Life of Legend – Nelson Mandela);
. 2018 sterling-silver R2 Crown and 2 ½ Tickey series (South African inventions – Computed Tomography); and
. 2018 sterling-silver colour finished coin series (Birds and Flowers of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve).

B. Issues in the Environment

14. GDP Growth Results

Cabinet is pleased with South Africa’s economy growth which grew by an annualised 2% in the third quarter of 2017, from an upwardly revised 2.8% in the second quarter. The stronger-than-expected performance was mainly due to continued strong growth in the agriculture sector, which contributed 0.9 percentage points to overall growth on the back of 44.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth.

Strong performance in agriculture, which has seen three consecutive quarters of robust growth, was due to higher production of field crops (such as maize) in summer rainfall areas and horticultural products. Mining and manufacturing also contributed to the growth recorded, with mining and quarrying increasing by 6.6% and contributing 0.5 percentage points to growth.

The electricity sector was the biggest laggard, down by 5.5%. Growth in household consumption of 2.6% was mainly due to spending on durable goods, which accounted for 1.6 percentage points of the 2.6% increase. Stronger-than-expected growth and the upward revision to the second quarter growth outcomes means growth could reach 0.9 per cent in 2017.

This is higher than the 0.7 per cent anticipated at the time of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. Government needs to ensure that this growth momentum is maintained by continuing to implement the 14 confidence-boosting measures that build on improving consumer confidence and can restore business confidence.

15. InvestSA One-Stop Shop

Cabinet welcomes the launch of the InvestSA One-Stop Shop in KwaZulu-Natal by President Jacob Zuma as part of efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. This is the third One-Stop-Shop launched in the country. It aims to create a conducive environment by providing a focal point of contact for investors to obtain all services to fast-track projects and reduce government red-tape when starting a business.

16. South Africa-Angola relations

Cabinet welcomes the agreements signed during the State Visit to South Africa by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. The following agreements were signed: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the creation of a Presidential Binational Commission, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Environment, Implementation Guidelines for the visa waiver, Protocol on Police Cooperation and an Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.

17. Fifth AU-EU Summit

Cabinet welcomes outcomes from the Fifth Summit of the AU-European Union (EU). The summit provided an opportunity for South Africa to enhance strategic economic and diplomatic relations through various engagements in the summit and in side events such as the Business Forum and Youth Summit, with a focus on inclusive economic growth, youth employment and entrepreneurship.

18. Slave trade of African migrants

Cabinet joins the international community in condemning the reports of auctioning of African migrants in Libya as slaves. Such inhumane acts go against the ideals of the AU, and relevant African and international instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Cabinet welcomes the announcement by authorities that they will set up a transit and departure facility in Tripoli for refugees and migrants in need of international protection.

19. Outbreak of Listeriosis

Cabinet appeals to all people to take the necessary precaution – such as washing their hands before preparing food and avoiding raw or uncooked foods – to curb the spread of Listeriosis, whilst investigations continue to establish the source of the bacteria.

The disease is caused by a bacteria found in soil, water, vegetation and non-pasteurised dairy products, and may result in flu-like symptoms with diarrhoea. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics, if detected early.

Cabinet calls on South Africans to continue using water sparingly as the country still continues to experience drought/. Notwithstanding the recent rains, the dam levels nationally continue to decline. This is due to the high temperatures as well as that we did not as yet have consistent rains.

Cabinet is encouraged by the progressive negotiations with the highly indebted municipalities towards finding a solution to the municipal debt.

C. Bills

20. Cabinet approved the submission to Parliament of following Bills:

20.1. Social Assistance Amendment Bill of 2017.
The Bill provides improved benefits with respect to child support grants for orphaned and vulnerable children, including those residing in child-headed households.
 
20.2. Property Practitioners Bill of 2017
The Bill repeals the current Estate Agency Affairs Act, 1976 (Act 112 of 1976). It creates an enabling regulatory environment to enhance economic activity within the real estate industry while also addressing a need to ensure transformation in the sector.

20.3. National Qualifications Framework Amendment Bill of 2016
The Bill strengthens the current National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act 67 of 2008). It introduces measures to deal with issues of misrepresentation and imposes consequences on persons who misrepresent their qualifications or organisations that issue qualifications that are invalid.

20.4. International Crimes Bill of 2017
The Bill provides an improved legislative framework to deal with international crimes committed in South Africa and across our border. It also provides improved protection and justice for victims of international crimes.

D. Messages

21. Cabinet congratulated:

21.1. President Uhuru Kenyatta on his inauguration as the President of the Republic of Kenya and his second term in government. Cabinet looks forward to building on the solid relationship enjoyed between our two countries.

21.2. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on his inauguration as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Cabinet looks forward to continuing a strong working relationship with the Government of Zimbabwe.

21.3. Major Seitebatso Pearl Block on winning the United Nations (UN) Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. The award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles within the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls on all parties in conflict to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence.

21.4. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who received two nominations for the 2018 Grammy Awards. The first is in the Best World Music Album category for their album Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration, and the second is in the Best Children’s Album category for Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents around the World. The Grammy Awards are set to take place on 28 January 2018.

21.5. Chad Le Clos, on becoming the first male swimmer to win four FINA Swimming World Cup series titles. We are proud of his achievement and are confident that he will continue to represent South Africa with distinction.

21.6. Super Sport United, on making the final of the Confederation of African Footbal Confederations Cup.

21.7. Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, on being crowned Miss Universe at the 66th pageant held recently in the United States of America.

21.8. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who was awarded a lifetime achievement Award Women Political Leaders Global Forum.

22. Cabinet extends its condolences to:

22.1. The government and the people of Egypt following a terrorist attack on a  mosque in the Sinai Peninsula that killed more than 300 people and wounded several others. Cabinet condemns this senseless attack on innocent civilians.

22.2. The government and the people of Nigeria following a suicide bomb blast on 21 November 2017 that killed over 50 people and injuring many others. Cabinet reiterates its principled and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism.

22.3. The family and friends of Dr Mochubela ‘Wesi’ Seekoe, liberation struggle veteran and former South African Ambassador to the Russian Federation. He has served the country with distinction as a South African Ambassador to Russia and as Chairperson of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation. President Zuma had declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for him.

22.4. The family and friends of Struggle stalwart and ex-Robben Island prisoner, Mr Eddie Daniels, who recently passed away. He will be remembered for his selfless dedication and service to the people of South Africa.

22.5. The family of Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on the passing away of her father, Mr Douglas Mapisa. He passed away at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London at the age of 96.

E. Upcoming Events

23. Commemoration of Nelson Mandela

Cabinet joins South Africans in commemorating the fourth anniversary of Nelson Mandela's passing on 5 December 2013. In 2018 the country will mark the centenary of the life of Mandela and all South Africans are encouraged to join in the year-long celebration as we pay tribute to one of Africa’s greatest sons.

Cabinet thanks all South Africans for their participation in the various OR Tambo commemoration events across the country and looks forward to the same level of participation as we remember our icon, Madiba.

24. Festive Season

Cabinet wishes all South Africans a joyous and safe festive season. We call on those who will be travelling to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. All road users, drivers and pedestrians must abide by the rules of the road.

The Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, launched the Arrive Alive campaign on the 5 December in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. The SAPS is implementing its nationwide campaign for a safer festive season and all have a responsibility to support the SAPS by upholding the law and behaving responsibly.

The Department of Home Affairs will announce the 2017/18 festive season plans for the South African border environment. This is for smooth facilitation and enhanced management of movement of people and goods in and out of South Africa during this peak period.

We also appeal to parents and guardians not to leave children unattended as we are duty-bound to take care of our children.

Cabinet is pleased that the Matric exams proceeded without major incidents and wish the class of 2017 well as they await their final results.

F. Appointments

All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the relevant clearance.

25. Ms Ilise Karg as the dti’s representative on the National Advisory Council on Innovation.

26. Board of Trustees of the National Empowerment Fund:

26.1. Ms Nonkqubela Helen Maliza;
26.2. Ms Lerato Cynthia Molefe;
26.3. Ms Nthabiseng Mateboho Moleko;
26.4. Mr Ernest Kwinda; and
26.5. Mr Sipho Zikode (the dti representative).

27. Mr Sandile Mkhize, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Magalies Water.
28. Mr Wiseman Mkhize, as Board member of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
29. Mr Phakamani Buthelezi, as CEO of Overberg Water.
30. Advocate Samuel Vukela, as Director-General (DG) of the Department of Public Works.
31. Ms Brenda Sibeko, as Deputy DG (DDG) for Comprehensive Social Security in the Department of Social Development.
32. Mr Zephania Nhleko, as DDG for Economic Planning and Coordination in the Economic Development Department.
33. Mr Mandla Victor Ngcobo, as DDG: Government Chief Information Officer in the  DPSA.
 
Enquiries:
Ms Phumla Williams – Acting Director-General (GCIS)
Cell: 083 501 0139

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) taking place from 4 to 6 September 2019 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
 
The delegation will comprise the Deputy President David Mabuza, the Ministers of Finance; Health; Trade and Industry; Small Business  Development; International Relations and Cooperation; Human Settlements; Higher Education and Training; Communications and Digital   Technologies; Transport; Public Works and Infrastructure; Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Public Enterprises.
 
Held under the theme “Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, the Forum will be attended by Heads of State  and Government from the continent and the world, as well as global leaders from business and civil society.
 
Delegates will engage and share best practices on various ways to grow their economies.
 
“South Africa is once again honoured to host this globally important gathering and we look forward to learning from partners and counterparts how best to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth that creates employment and enables us to improve the living conditions of all South Africans,” President Ramaphosa said.
 
“Now more than ever, South Africa needs to create opportunities that will empower young people.
 
“At the same time, the Forum allows South Africa to showcase the broad range of programmes we have put in place and actions we have taken to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.”
 
The Forum is a platform for South Africa to profile the ways in which the country has embraced the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and has begun to prepare for challenges arising from the interplay between technology and people.
 
South Africa will also learn from countries that have excelled in using technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to advance their economies.
 
A wide range of issues will be discussed at the meeting, including the future of state-owned enterprises, infrastructure, promoting female leadership, investing in mental health and achieving universal health coverage, Africa's climate change challenges, fighting financial crime, trade, education, energy, building Africa’s digital economy and contributing to inclusive growth, and reskilling workers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
Team South Africa’s objectives at WEFA 2019 are to:
 
- Position South Africa as a destination of choice with a large presence of successful domestic and multinational investors who benefit from the country’s location, infrastructure and logistics, and
- Profile investment opportunities in diverse sectors of South Africa’s economy. 

The President and his delegation will further highlight that South Africa has prudent macro-economic policies; is restructuring its state owned enterprises to position them to grow the economy; is striving to improve its competitiveness through a commitment to create an enabling environment for trade and investment; remains committed to innovations and technologies that will advance the country and the continent into the 4th Industrial Revolution, and is also strongly committed to the African development agenda.
 
 
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his best wishes to members of the Muslim and Jewish communities as they observe the beginning of a new year on religious calendars.

The President wishes Muslims Muharram Mubarak and wishes the Jewish community I’shana Tova as they commence their respective new years.

President Ramaphosa said: “All South Africans share in this celebration and this moment of rededication to the values of humanity and social solidarity that underpin these significant global faiths".

“As the new year begins, let us pray for a year of peace, happiness, unity and well-being of all in South Africa as we strive to grow SA together.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 3 September 2019, hold discussions with The Elders, an eminent group of global human rights and peace campaigners and former heads of government first convened by President Nelson Mandela, on South Africa’s introduction of National   Health Insurance (NHI) as part of achieving universal health coverage.

The Deputy Chair of the Elders, Graca Machel, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, will visit South Africa as part of their now three-year-old global campaign in support of  universal health care.

The World Health Organisation defines universal health care as meaning all people and communities can use the promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective. At the same time, the use of these services should not expose users to financial hardship.

The Elders was founded by the late Former President Nelson Mandela in 2007 and have since 2016 visited countries including Tanzania, Indonesia, India and the United States to advance their belief that publicly-funded health care is the best way to meet the United Nations’ overall Sustainable Development Goal on health, and particularly to improve the health outcomes of women, girls and adolescents.

The Elders are due to meet with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, and to engage with stakeholders, government leaders, health sector leaders and civil society in an effort to understand South Africa’s journey to Universal Health Coverage in relation to the introduction of National Health Insurance (NHI).

Parliament is currently engaged in public consultation on the National Health Insurance Bill which envisages access to health care based on values of justice, fairness and social solidarity.

On 3 September the delegation will meet the Portfolio Committee on Health at Parliament and will have discussions with President Ramaphosa on how best South Africa can introduce health reforms that will lead to universal health coverage.
The Elders will address media following their engagement with the President.

Members of the media are invited to the media briefing as follows:
Time: 13h30 for 14h15
Venue:Media Centre, Tuynhuys, Cape Town

Media RSVPs:Nangamso Gxaba on Nangamso@presidency.gov.za or 072 321 6355


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President David Mabuza today, Monday 2 September 2019, held their first monthly meeting with the leaders of business, labour and communities to tackle the country’s employment crisis.

The Jobs Summit Presidential Working Committee has been set up to accelerate the implementation of measures adopted at last year’s Presidential Jobs Summit to create employment, curtail job losses, provide training and work experience opportunities and unblock regulatory   and other hurdles that inhibit employment.

President Ramaphosa expects the monthly meeting of social partners to be a place where concerns can be raised in a frank and constructive manner  and where people can be held to account.

“In setting up these monthly meetings, we were motivated by the scale and the urgency of the crisis we are facing, and by the realisation that if we don’t move more quickly and with greater effect, our economy will lose more jobs than we create,” President Ramaphosa said.

“We reached important and far-reaching agreements at the Jobs Summit last year, but their effectiveness depends entirely on implementation. We know that despite the economic headwinds that we face – both globally and locally – we have the means as these four social partners to turn our economy around and create jobs,” he said.

In addition to the President and Deputy President, the committee comprises three senior leaders each from government, labour, business and community. It will meet at the beginning of each month to review progress in the implementation of Jobs Summit undertakings.

The committee agreed that each meeting should address a particular sector of the economy where intervention is needed to prevent job losses and stimulate far greater job creation. Representatives of employers and unions in each sector will be invited to make presentations on developments, challenges and opportunities.

Some of the sectors that have been initially prioritised by the committee include construction; clothing, textiles, footwear and leather, and metals and machinery.

Over the next few months, the committee will also address key constraints to greater investment and growth, such as the cost of doing business, security of electricity supply and policy uncertainty.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the figures released by Statistics South Africa that the economy grew by 3.1 per cent from April to June 2019 as a promising sign of improved economic performance.

The Stats SA figures come on the eve of South Africa’s hosting of the World Economic Forum Africa in Cape Town.

President Ramaphosa said: “We are delighted with the announcement that economic performance was much better (in Quarter 2) than in the earlier quarter.”

The President added that this growth had been achieved in various economic sectors on which government would focus in future.

“This is good news that is sorely needed, as we will be talking more and more about opportunities for South Africa, having adopted the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, which is due to be a major boost for the economic fortunes of our country across a number of sectors.”

The President said South Africa would leverage the free trade agreement, that provides access to a market with a population of 1,2 billion people, to “catapult various sectors of our economy to higher levels of growth”.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s hosting of WEF Africa was a platform for a “much broader, Africa-centric look at economic growth beyond our own shores, and how, through trade and investment, we can take up various opportunities that lie ahead”.

The President also invited South Africans to join in the discussion around the economic policy paper published recently by the National Treasury.

He said all perspectives and comments on the paper would be welcomed- and will enrich the debate around the appropriate economic strategy South Africa should be pursuing in the current climate.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the country’s law enforcement authorities for their action which led to the arrests of two suspects linked to the brutal murders of University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana and SA boxing champion Leighandre Jegels.
 
Mrwetyana’s alleged killer was arrested and charged with rape, murder and defeating the ends of justice. The man suspected of killing Jegels was also arrested and has since died in hospital.
 
The murder of these two young women, one at the hands of a stranger and the other killed by a man who was reportedly her boyfriend, remain a stark  reminder that the women of South Africa are not safe, either in their homes or in the streets.
 
On Monday, 2 September 2019, the body of a 14 year old girl was found in a backyard in Cape Town, adding to a grim body count of murdered women and girls across the country.
 
“This is a very dark period for us as a country. The assaults, rapes and murders of South African women are a stain on our national conscience.” President Ramaphosa said.
 
The President added: “We have just commemorated Women’s Month. Sixty three years after the women of 1956 marched for the right to live in freedom, women in this country live in fear - not of the apartheid police but of their brothers, sons, fathers and uncles. We should all hang our heads in shame”
 
In 2019, The Presidency signed the Declaration on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide with various civil society formations and has directed that urgent attention be given to its implementation, particularly on immediate measures around support to victims and access to shelters and places of safety.
 
The President has sent his deepest condolences to the Mrwetyana and Jegels families and urges all South Africans to keep them in their thoughts during this very traumatic time. The President will be meeting with the leadership of the police later on today to be briefed on, amongst others, steps being undertaken to stem the tide of gender based violence in the country.
 
 
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF Africa) taking place from 4 to 6 September 2019 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Held under the theme “Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, the Forum will be attended by Heads of State and Government from the continent and the world, as well as global leaders from business and civil society.

Delegates will engage and share best practices on various ways to grow their economies.

The President commences his programme this morning , 04 September 2019, on the margins of WEF Africa by addressing an interactive breakfast  session hosted by Brand South Africa under the theme ‘Enhancing the ease of doing business in South Africa’.  The session will take place at the 15 on Orange Hotel.

The seminar forms part of South Africa’s effort to secure domestic and international investment of $100 billion in five years. This engagement will allow potential investors to engage with South African government and business representatives on progress towards adopting and implementing policies that will enhance the ease of doing business in South Africa.

In the evening, President Ramaphosa will attend and address the WEF Africa Country Dinner South Africa to be held at the Westin Hotel.

On 05 September 2019, President Ramaphosa will participate in sessions known as Informal Gathering of World Leaders, where discussions will focus on “Charting Africa’s path in a Multiconceptual World” and “Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

South Africa will also host the Forum’s Mokete Cultural Soiree themed "Africa, Ikhaya lam", which will be attended by Heads of State and Government as well as senior business leaders.

WEF Africa is a platform for South Africa to profile the ways in which the country has embraced the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and has begun to prepare for challenges arising from the interplay between technology and people.

South Africa will also learn from countries that have excelled in using technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to advance their economies.

A wide range of issues will be discussed at the meeting, including the future of state-owned enterprises; infrastructure; promoting female leadership; investing in mental health and achieving universal health coverage; Africa's climate change challenges; fighting financial crime; trade; education, energy; building Africa’s digital economy and contributing to inclusive growth, and reskilling workers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Team South Africa’s objectives at WEFA 2019 are to:

- Position South Africa as a destination of choice with a large presence of successful domestic and multinational investors who benefit from the country’s location, infrastructure and logistics, and
- Profile investment opportunities in diverse sectors of South Africa’s economy. 

The President and his delegation will further highlight that South Africa has prudent macro-economic policies; is restructuring its state owned enterprises to position them to grow the economy; is striving to improve its competitiveness through a commitment to create an enabling environment for trade and investment; remains committed to innovations and technologies that will advance the country and the continent into the 4th Industrial Revolution, and is also strongly committed to the African development agenda.

The President will be joined by the Deputy President David Mabuza, the Ministers of Finance; Health; Trade and Industry; Small Business Development; International Relations and Cooperation; Human Settlements; Higher Education and Training; Communications and Digital Technologies; Transport; Public Works and Infrastructure; Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Public Enterprises.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the confrontation outside Brackenfell High School in Cape Town as deeply regrettable, and has called on all parties involved to act responsibly.

On Monday, 09 November 2020, a violent confrontation broke out between a group of parents from the school and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). 

The EFF members were protesting against alleged racism at the school.

“At this most important and difficult time for matriculants not only at Brackenfell High School but around the country, the spectacle of parents and protestors coming to blows at the school gate is deeply unfortunate,” President Ramaphosa said.

“It is the right of every South African to engage in peaceful protest, and any actions to suppress the right to freedom of expression, particularly through violence and intimidation, must be roundly condemned,” the President said.

“What happened today brings back hurtful memories of a past we should never seek to return to,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that allegations of racism levelled against the school needed to be urgently investigated.

“We should be ever mindful of the extent to which our actions, both publicly and in private, undermine the cherished principle of non-racialism upon which our democracy was founded,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President has called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue.

“We should not allow what has transpired at Brackenfell High School to be used by any groupings who want to cause racial polarisation,” the President said.


Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for restraint in Brackenfell 10 Nov

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on the matter of public and gender-based violence in a message that will be broadcast on radio and television at 18h00 today, Thursday 5 September 2019.

The broadcast follows a personal address by the President earlier today to thousands of protesters who had marched to Parliament to express their anger at gender-based violence.

The President welcomed the protesters’ demands for tougher measures against men who abuse women and assured demonstrators that the criminal  justice system will deal more harshly with perpetrators.


Media enquiries:Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by:The Presidency
Pretoria