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Deputy President Mashatile to address SAYEC Business Dialogue at the Mining Indaba
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Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 06 February 2024, deliver a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Business Dialogue on the margins of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

The Business Dialogue is held under the theme: “Growing Investments in the South African Mining Industry & Repositioning South Africa as a Global Destination for Critical Minerals”.

It will be attended by various leaders of government, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Mayors, business leaders, key decision makers and an array of young people involved in the mining sector. 

The dialogue will provide an opportunity for robust engagement through panel discussions and will give young people an opportunity to advance their ideas and innovations with key decision makers in both the private and public sectors. 
 
Details of the Business Dialogue are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Time: 18h00 – 21h00 
Venue: Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 

For more information on how interested stakeholders can participate in the Mining Indaba Business Dialogue, emails can be sent to info@sayec.co.za

 

Media enquiries: Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233 or Mhlontlo Buhle Geleba, SAYEC Spokesperson on 076 885 8206.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba, Cape Town International Convention Centre
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Programme Director,
Your Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia,
Your Excellency Sama Lukonde, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the African continent,
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Cllr Geordin Hill-Lewis,
Chairman of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, Mr Frans Baleni,
Representatives of industry, labour and civil society,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

As we gather here for this, the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba, I wish to pay tribute to Dr Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia, who passed away yesterday.

President Geingob was one of Africa’s foremost leaders, a champion of development and progress. He was a visionary leader who saw in Africa’s abundant natural resources great opportunities to improve the lives of its people.

We once more extend our deepest sympathies to President Geingob’s family and to the government and the people of Namibia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is fitting that the 30th Mining Indaba is taking place in the year that South Africa celebrates the 30th year of its democracy. 

Over the last three decades, South Africa’s mining industry has undergone significant transformation. 

For nearly 150 years, mining has been a pillar of the South African economy. It currently contributes roughly 7.5 percent towards GDP and accounts for some 60 percent of South African exports by value. 

Working with industry and labour, the democratic government has been able to effect wide-ranging and sustainable transformation of the sector over the past three decades. 

In 2004, the year the Mining Charter was first introduced, black ownership in the industry stood at some 2 percent. Today this stands at approximately 39 per cent. 

During apartheid, the mining sector was notorious for labour exploitation, human rights violations, and poor health and safety standards. 

Today, miners employ approximately 476 000 people. 

Mineworkers can organise and rights are protected. 

A legal regime confers responsibility on mining companies to provide quality services and promote development in communities where they operate. 

There are also a number of employee share ownership schemes through which mineworker participation in mining companies is being promoted. 

We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. 

Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.

Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and returns. 

We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges.

Last year, we outlined four objectives to develop the sector, improve its global competitiveness and harness the global drive towards sustainable development.

The first is to achieve a secure supply of electricity. 

Through the Electricity Action Plan, government has taken several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1 384 MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation.

The Department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000 MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7, 2 000 MW of gas-to-power and 615 MW of battery storage. 

Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. 

Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7.

The second objective we identified was to accelerate economic reforms to improve the operating environment.

We have instituted a number of reforms to enable businesses to operate optimally. 

Since the removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa has registered no less than 1 312 generation facilities with a combined capacity of over 6 300 MW. Around a third of this capacity supplies the mining load. 

It is encouraging that more and more mining companies, including Gold Fields, Anglo American, Seriti and Exxaro, are beginning to take advantage of these reforms to power their mining operations and curtail their operational costs.

The third objective we identified was to tackle illegal mining and damage to infrastructure.

Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime. 

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, through Mintek, continues to seal ownerless and derelict mines.

Since 2019, the department has closed and sealed 251 derelict holes and shaft. Over the next 3 years, the department intends to close a further 352 shafts.

Criminal activity, and copper cable theft, in particular, has had a serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay. 

Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months.

South Africa’s freight logistics system itself is undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency and position it for the future. 

Working with the private sector under the auspices of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, we are working to overcome the challenges with ports and rail. The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which has recently been approved, sets out a clear plan to guide this process. 

By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining state ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture. 

Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets. 

As Government we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with industry, to ensure this roadmap is implemented without delay. 

Finally, we committed in 2023 to improve the regulatory environment by developing and putting in place a new cadastral system to assist in the operation of a modern mining rights administration system. 

Now that we have a preferred bidder in place, we are confident that the speedy implementation of a modern world-class solution will clear the backlogs in prospecting and mining applications and pave the way for the development of new mines.

The theme of this year’s Mining Indaba is about embracing the power of positive disruption. The transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy, society and world is one of the most significant positive disruptions of our modern age. 

The vast majority of the minerals that are key to the global energy transition lie beneath the soil of our continent. These include manganese, iron ore, copper, cobalt, nickel and platinum group metals. 

Africa has the potential to be the fulcrum of the global energy transition, with mining at its core. 

This Indaba must prioritise deliberations around how we can leverage these changes to breathe new life into mining, to strengthen mining value chains, and to enhance beneficiation. 

South Africa is pursuing a just energy transition – one that is at a pace and scale that our country can afford, and in a manner that ensures energy security and creates new opportunities for those affected. 

Our Just Energy Transition Investment Plan outlines a pathway to create new industries and support more livelihoods in the green economy. 

The delivery of this plan is premised on strong collaboration between government and all social partners. It cannot be overstated how crucial the mining sector is to the success of just outcomes, notably in regions like Mpumalanga. 

We ask you to walk this journey with us through embedding just transition principles in your Social Labour Plan projects, community trusts initiatives, and by driving innovative green technology development. 

Mining has crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow. 

We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind.

I thank you.

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President to engage with youth in pre-State of the Nation engagement
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday 6 February 2024 engage with young people in the Western Cape as part of the National Youth Development Agency’s marking of three years since the commencement of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and Youth Employment Intervention.

These flagship programmes of the Sixth Administration have collectively generated more than a million job opportunities and provided livelihood support, predominantly benefiting young individuals.

As the Administration nears its conclusion and in anticipation of the State of the Nation Address 2024, President Ramaphosa will participate in this youth-centred event at the Belhar Sports Centre in Cape Town.

The mass gathering will acknowledge the collaborative efforts of partners and beneficiaries who have significantly contributed to the expansion of economic opportunities for the nation’s young people.

During this engagement, young people will have access to a training hub that will facilitate interactions with trainers, mentors, and peers who have benefited from the opportunities created by the Presidential initiatives.

Additionally, an Opportunities Hub will showcase stakeholder offerings to aid the youth in transitioning from learning to earning, while a Partners Hub will spotlight contributions from all partners of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

This multifaceted event is designed to emphasise the importance of youth development programs and the PYEI.

The National Youth Development goal with the Belhar event is to create a dynamic platform that not only showcases existing youth programs and opportunities but also fosters direct engagement with young beneficiaries and stakeholders.

This dialogue aims to ensure continuous support and improvement in youth development initiatives.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: 6 February 2024
Time: 13:30 for 14:00
Venue: Belhar Sports Centre

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President mourns passing of His Excellency President Geingob of the Republic of Namibia
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President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing early today, 4 February 2024, of His Excellency Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extends deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia, and especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos and the immediate and extended family.

President Ramaphosa extends his sympathy to Acting President of the Republic of Namibia His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.

Dr Mbumba announced to the Namibian nation today that President Geingob had passed away while being treated for cancer.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections.

“I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.

“During the visit, we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by President Geingob’s passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.

“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.

“We are therefore filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation.

“May his soul rest in peace.” 
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile attends the 2024 commemoration of the Saint John's Apostolic Faith Mission Church
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At the invitation of Lady Archbishop Maraga, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday, 04 February 2024, attend and deliver a keynote address at the 2024 commemoration hosted by the Saint John’s Apostolic Faith Mission.

The Saint John’s Apostolic Faith Mission was founded in 1938 by the late prophetess Nkgono Christinah Nku, who handed over the reins to the late Mkhulu Masango and the late Mkhulu Maraga in succession.

Currently, the church is led by Lady Archbishop GL Maraga, with branches in all nine provinces. The church also has a footprint in the neighbouring African countries.

The 2024 commemoration (sehopotso/isikhumbuzo) is a yearly special event that takes place every first Sunday of February and it is aimed at honouring present and previous leaders of the church for their commitment in extending a helping hand to their congregants as well as giving thanks for the continuous growth of the church and its people. This year’s theme is ‘Peace/ Khotso/ Ukuthula’.

The Deputy President will attend the event in line with his delegated function of promoting social cohesion initiatives and nation-building across all sectors of South African society.

“The role of the Church in building a better society did not end when we attained our democratic freedom. You have an important role to play in fighting social ills and uplifting the underprivileged in our communities, pushing for improved quality of life for all individuals”, said Deputy President Mashatile.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Sunday, 04 February 2024
Time: 11h00 (media to arrive at 10h00)
Venue: Saint John’s Apostolic Faith Mission Headquarters: Masakhane St, Katlehong, Johannesburg, 1431

Dress Code: Men – Semi-formal (Jacket is mandatory)
Dress Code: Women – Skirt/dress (Headgear mandatory and no earrings)

 

Media enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233, or Ms Pinky Tsubele, Saint John’s Apostolic Faith Mission, on 083 390 3031. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Presidency encourages any persons with genuine evidence of criminal wrongdoing to approach relevant authorities
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The Presidency has noted the statement by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the Union Buildings, during which the party purportedly wanted to hand over a ‘docket’ containing allegations of criminality against Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
 
Ordinarily, the very first port of call for anyone with evidence of criminal wrongdoing against anyone should be the police, to lay criminal charges. Anyone who uses laying criminal charges as a threat to be activated if they don’t get some or other demanded political concession is obviously acting with a political motive.

Any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the Deputy President should be tested and verified by competent authorities.
 
 As part of existing and rigorous measures to ensure probity and ethical conduct among public representatives, the Deputy President and all other members of the National Executive signed the Executive Members Code of Ethics, which includes a sworn declaration of assets and income. 

As Members of Parliament, Cabinet members also make similar oaths and declarations on Parliament’s Register of Members’ Interests. These are public documents to which the DA and all other interested parties have unfettered access.

Guidelines and procedures have been adopted and implemented to subject members of the Executive branch and senior State officials to lifestyle audits, as an additional critical measure to prevent corruption and capture. 

The Government is committed to clean government, ethical leadership, and ending the scourge of corruption and state capture. 
 


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Mining Indaba
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 5 February 2024 deliver a keynote address during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town. 

This years theme, "Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African Mining", marks three decades as Africa’s premier platform for deal-making and discussions on critical mining issues.

The President's participation underscores the significance of collaboration and sustainable development in the mining sector. His insights will contribute to disruptive discussions aimed at uncovering opportunities and addressing challenges within the industry. The event showcases Africa's commitment to attracting investment in its mining sector.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Monday, 05 February 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Cape Town 


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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