President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa Summit on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 October 2019 in Sochi in the Russian Federation. 

The forum will focus on key areas of cooperation between Russia and African countries. 

The discussions are framed by three thematic pillars: “Forging Economic Ties”, “Creating Joint Projects”, and “Collaborating in the Humanitarian and  Social Sector”.

The summit is expected to deepen friendly relations between the Russian Federation and countries of the African continent at both bilateral and  multilateral levels; forge closer collaboration on regional and international issues of common interest, raise strategic dialogue between Russia and African countries to a qualitatively higher level, and contribute to peace, security and sustainable development on the African continent. 

The Russia-Africa Summit will also contribute towards the overall objective of addressing the aspirations of African countries as encapsulated in Agenda 2063.

As the continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063 calls for a people-centered developmental process that ensures, inter alia, economic diversification and growth in order to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality. 

The participation of South Africa at this inaugural summit is in line with the South African Foreign Policy pillar of encouraging South-North Cooperation in various technical fields, as well as promoting economic development.

Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation are at optimal level and continue to grow from strength to strength. 

Diplomatic relations were established between South Africa and the Russian Federation on 28 February 1992. 

The Russian Federation is a Strategic Partner for South Africa in terms of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement that was signed in eThekwini in 2013.

One of the primary mechanisms for improving the bilateral relationship between the two countries and advancing South Africa’s development objectives is the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). The ITEC is the foundation for mutually beneficial trade and economic ties between the two countries. Further substance was added to the growing relationship through the South Africa–Russia Friendship and Cooperation Agreement which was ratified in 2008. This Agreement provides a framework for deepening the strategic partnership.

More than 38 Bilateral Agreements and/or memoranda of understanding that have been concluded, underpin the strategic nature of the relationship.

This has also manifested in both countries consistently adopting common positions around key issues facing the world at the United Nations, African Union and other international forums. Relations between the two countries were further bolstered by the meeting between President Ramaphosa and President Putin on the margins of the BRICS Summit in July 2018.

At the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, the two Presidents signed a Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the Russian Federation. 

An Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture was signed as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Water Resources.

The two Presidents also had an opportunity to meet on the margins of the G20 Summit in June 2019. The Sochi summit will be preceded by a Russia-Africa Business Forum on Wednesday, 23 October 2019, in which Russian and African private sector companies will participate.

The Business Forum’s focus will be on trade, economic and investment cooperation between Russia and African countries.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Co-operation, Dr Naledi Pandor, State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo and Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

Deputy President David Mabuza is appointed Acting President for the duration of the President’s trip abroad.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Sochi in the Russian Federation where he is leading a South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa  Summit to take place on Wednesday, 23 and Thursday, 24 October 2019.

The forum will focus on key areas of cooperation between Russia and African countries.

The discussions are framed by three thematic pillars: “Forging Economic Ties”, “Creating Joint Projects”, and “Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector”.
 
While in Russia, President Ramaphosa is expected to attend the inaugural Russia-Africa Economic Forum, have bilateral meetings with President  Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and other Heads of State and Government attending the Summit.

President Ramaphosa will also address the first Russia-Africa Summit Plenary session.

The summit is expected to deepen friendly relations between the Russian Federation and countries of the African continent at both bilateral and multilateral levels, forge closer collaboration on regional and international issues of common interest, raise strategic dialogue between Russia and African countries to a qualitatively higher level, and contribute to peace, security and sustainable development on the African continent.

The Russia-Africa Summit will also contribute towards the overall objective of addressing the aspirations of African countries as encapsulated in Agenda 2063.

As the continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063 calls for a people-centered developmental process that ensures, inter alia, economic diversification and growth in order to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The participation of South Africa at this inaugural summit is in line with the South African Foreign Policy pillar of encouraging South-North Cooperation in various technical fields, as well as promoting economic development.

Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation are at optimal level and continue to grow from strength to strength.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Co-operation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Public Enterprise Mr Pravin Gordhan, State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo and Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

Deputy President David Mabuza is appointed Acting President for the duration of the President’s trip abroad.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed recently retired Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron as the Inspecting Judge of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services for a three-year term with effect from 01 January 2020.

The President has also in terms of Section 86(1)(b) reappointed the current Inspecting Judge, the Honourable Justice Johann van der Westhuizen, for a period of three months, with immediate effect, until 31 December 2019. Justice Van der Westhuizen is also a retired judge of the Constitutional   Court.

The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services is tasked with monitoring and oversight of correctional facilities around the country and reports on the  treatment of inmates and the conditions of correctional centres.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 26 October 2019, launch the Hillside View Integrated Human Settlements project in Bloemfontein, Mangaung.

The project was initiated in 2016 as part of government’s commitment to providing  decent accommodation to members of the community of Mangaung.

The Hillside View development integrates different housing typologies and consists of 50 homes for military veterans, 18 Land Restitution units, 532  Breaking New Ground Homes (BNG) and 250 bonded houses.

The bonded houses address the need for first time home buyers in the gap market and these units are bought through the Finance Linked Individual  Subsidy Programme.

The 425 Social Housing rental units comprise of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodation.

The housing development is located near social amenities such as schools, clinics, police stations and places of employment.

The President will also hand over title deeds during a public participation engagement as part of the programme.

Over the years the Department of Human Settlements has delivered over 4 million housing opportunities.

The houses to be handed over on Saturday will be an addition to over 300 000 houses already delivered by the Free State Provincial Government over the past few years.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Saturday, 26 October 2019
Time: 08h30
Venue: Hillside View Integrated Housing Development

Media RSVPs: Nangamso Gxaba on 072 321 6355


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Acting President Ms Angie Motshekga has, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed sadness at the passing away of respected broadcaster and public speaker Mr Xolani Gwala.

Mr Gwala has passed away at the age of 44, following an extended illness.

President Ramaphosa learnt of Mr Gwala’s passing while en route today, Friday 01 November 2019, to Yokohama in Japan.

Mr Gwala, who last served as a senior host on Talk Radio 702, established his reputation as a media professional during a career that took him from  newsreader on Ukhozi FM to P4 Radio in KwaZulu-Natal in the mid-1990s, to various radio and television platforms at the South African Broadcasting  Corporation (SABC).

A decade ago he was appointed news editor at a radio station based in Ramallah in the Palestinian territory.

President Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt condolences to Mr Gwala’s family, friends and colleagues in the media fraternity in South Africa and abroad.

The President said: “We have lost a youthful veteran in an important sector in our country. As a professional who qualified in the mid-1990s, Xolani Gwala carried with him the values of our transition to democracy – the values of listening and being open to views that conflict with or offend your own, and a focus on solutions.

“While he became a prominent public figure, he never placed himself ahead of the interests and needs of large numbers of South Africans who trusted his platforms as safe spaces for dialogue and engagement.

“He never shied away from tough questions and from holding people in public office to account, but he never let his cross-examination impugn the dignity of anyone with whom he interacted.

“At the same time, he understood that public education was not only about the cut and thrust of debate but also about unpacking, in easily understandable terms, the attributes of our democracy and the development of our economy.

“We will miss his voice, his insight and his love for our country but we will remain grateful that he gave a voice to thousands of South Africans who shared their joys and frustrations in life on the many platforms Xolani commanded with excellence.”


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his elation at the Springboks’ triumph in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, saying “it's a great outcome”.

Speaking moments after the Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi, beat England 32-12 at the International Stadium Yokohama, President Ramaphosa said: “The boys have outshone everyone in the world. They are the best; they are the best team."

“When I spoke to them hours before the match, I could see in their eyes that they were really determined, and they have delivered a great victory. It was  really Go Bokke!"

“We are the Champions; indeed, we are the champions of the world.”

The President congratulated captain Siya Kolisi, coach Rassie Erasmus and the technical staff, the tournament squad, the team on the day and the leadership of SA Rugby for securing the Webb Ellis Trophy at the first Rugby World Cup to be staged in Asia. 

“This is a historic moment for South Africa, for World Rugby and for Japan as the host nation and close partner of South Africa.

“This historic win has been achieved with the passionate support of more than 57 million South Africans who have been inspired by the Springboks’ performances throughout the tournament."

“This is a powerful indicator of what we can achieve as South Africans when we set goals for ourselves and we work together to achieve success."

“This is a moment of inspiration for all South Africans in all avenues of life and all sectors of our society. It is a moment that is embedded forever in our national memory.” 

The President commended England as worthy finalists in Yokohama and said the World Cup result would ensure intense interest and competition in the 2021 tour of South Africa by the British & Irish Lions featuring the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

President Ramaphosa will depart from Tokyo tomorrow, Sunday 03 November 2019, to continue the national celebration on home soil. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Tuesday, 05 November 2019, officially launch the Tshwane Automotive Hub at the Ford Motor Company in Silverton, Pretoria. 

The Automotive Hub is an outcome of the SA investment conference held in October 2018 where the Automotive Industry pledged investment, transformation and localisation in fulfillment of commitments in the Automotive Master Development Plan 2035.

The Tshwane Automotive hub is expected to help the country attract new automotive component manufacturers, while also strengthening the City of  Tshwane’s positioning as an automotive city.  

Ford SA will be the anchor tenant of the Hub, crowding in new investments and localisation opportunities for component manufacturers. It is estimated that the Hub has the potential to create more than 5 000 jobs once fully operational. It is also estimated that the Hub will result in a number of new business opportunities to nearby communities such as Eesterust, Moretele View, Nellmapius and Mamelodi.

The automotive hub, which is part of the expansion of the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will be developed through a joint partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry, Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Tshwane.

Broadly, Special Economic Zones are an initiative of the South African government, aimed at repositioning the country in the world economy and have become global tools for social and economic transformation, resulting in exponential growth when deployed.  The programme’s main focus is to attract foreign direct investment and grow exports of value-added commodities.

Among key objectives of the Tshwane Automotive SEZ are:

• Developing infrastructure required to support the growth of industrial activities,
• Attracting foreign and domestic direct investment,
• Promoting regional economic development,
• Broadening the economic participation of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises and cooperatives.

Members of the media are invited to attend the launch which will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 5 November 2019
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ford Motors Company South Africa (Ford Nature Reserve) Silverton, Tshwane

RSVPs including names, ID numbers and media houses that journalists represent should be directed to Phumzile Kotane via email: pkotane@economic.gov.za or telephone on 071 462 8246 / 012 394 1147 AND Terrence Manase on terrence@presidency.gov.za / 082 338 6707.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on +27 72 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended social partners for the good progress being made in the implementation of the commitments made at the Presidential Jobs Summit held in October 2018. The President’s remarks followed the meeting of the Presidential Working Committee which was held   today, Monday 4th November 2019. 

The Presidential Working Committee on the Jobs Summit, composed of leaders of government, labour, business and the community constituency, meets on the first Monday of every month and was established to track progress and expedite implementation of the commitments made to create jobs   and stem job losses in various sectors.

 The Presidential Working Committee considered recent progress on measures to reduce the cost and improve the ease of doing business. This includes the publication by ICASA last week of the Information Memorandum on the release of spectrum. It further received updates on the e-visa portal to be launched as a pilot in Kenya later this month. The portal will make the application of both tourist and work visas easier and cheaper. 

The President has also welcomed the pilot of an online company registration system that enables users to register a company and apply for and obtain  a tax number, VAT number, B-B-BBEE certificate, unemployment insurance and the skills development levy, amongs others, in one place. Through this online portal, government aims to significantly reduce the time it takes to set up a company.

The Presidential Working Committee also received presentations on removing the regulatory inhibitors in the pharmaceutical industry, the review of the classification of critical skills, and expanding short-term training opportunities for young people in high growth sectors such as business processing services. 

The Committee also considered areas of concern to social partners, such as the operation of the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme, which is one of the mechanisms to respond to possible retrenchments. The Committee agreed to attend to these problems as a matter of priority.

The President has expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date saying that the Presidential Working Committee is beginning to yield significant results. He has further commended the determination and commitment of all social partners to accelerating the implementation of the identified reforms. 


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on +27 72 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch the 25 Year Review report at the University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela Municipality, on Friday, 08 November 2019. 

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) was tasked by the Presidency with the responsibility to lead a review of the 25- years of democracy in South Africa. 

The review process entailed consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country and African continent through  workshops, numerous roundtable discussions, a colloquium as well as the use of reliable primary and secondary research. 

The University of Mpumalanga stands out as one of the beacons of the achievements of the 25 years of the democratic dispensation, and also serves as the promise for future development. 

The launch will be preceded by the official opening of yet another achievement of the democratic dispensation, the newly built state of the art Mpumalanga High Court. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the launch of the 25 Year Review Report as follows: 
Date: 8 November 2019
Venue: University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela Campus
Time: 12:00

Media who would like to cover this event are requested to confirm by sending their details for accreditation to Mr Tlou Morifi at Tlou@dpme.gov.za or Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 by no later than the end day Wednesday 06 November 2019.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 08 November 2019 officially open the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela. 

The Superior Courts Act of 2013 states that the High Court should have divisions in all nine provinces in the Republic of South Africa. 

The official opening of the High Court follows the commencement of its functioning in May this year. Before then, the people of Mpumalanga had to travel to the Pretoria High Court for all serious criminal offences and civil claims above the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Courts in the province.

The official opening of the court is a milestone towards enhancing access to justice for all communities. 

The media is invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Friday, 08 November 2019 
Time: 09:00
Venue: Mpumalanga High Court, Samora Machel Drive, Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province 

Media was requested to apply for accreditation in an advisory issued by The Department of Justice. The closing date was 30 October 2019, 16:00. 
To follow up on accreditation matters please liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria