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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile on the occasion of the SAYEC Business Dialogue at the Mining Indaba 2024, Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
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President of SAYEC, Kanakana Mudzanani;
Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane in absentia;
MEC of Limpopo Economic Development, Rodgers Monama;
CEO of the Development Bank of South Africa, Boitumelo Mosako;
Acting CEO of the Petroleum Agency of South Africa, Dr. Tshepo Mokoka;
Representative of the National Youth Development Agency, Lwazi Khoza;
CEO of JEPA Resources, Mpho Skweit;
CEO of Swarisanang, Seane Kanyane;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening,

Let me begin by thanking the SAYEC President and his team for inviting me to this dialogue. It is a great pleasure to be part of this South African Youth Economic Council dialogue that takes place alongside the Mining Indaba. 

I was impressed by the gala dinner you hosted as SAYEC last year and have since looked forward to engaging with you again.

I acknowledge SAYEC’s efforts in keeping the youth as a focal point in the country’s economic trajectory. Young people must be constantly engaged in issues that affect the development of our nation. 

It is through such engagements that you can consolidate the voice of the youth and advocate for its inclusion and involvement in strategic decision-making.

Permit me to extend my sincere congratulations to the leadership of SAYEC and its President, Kanakana Mudzanani, assisted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, on the successful completion of a significant transaction involving the purchase of Shiva Uranium and Gold for Africa Gulf International Mining.

It is indeed encouraging to see the youth at the forefront and participating in strategic sectors of the economy. 

Today, we are here to explore possibilities in the mining sector that we can leverage to create a platform that enables and promotes strategic engagement with youth.

Yesterday, at the opening of the Indaba, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, "Mining has a key role to play in building the economy of tomorrow." You are the future of this country, and you need to take advantage of the valuable resources and huge business opportunities in the mining industry.

The mining sector is playing a crucial role in shaping our nation's economic terrain. It has contributed significantly to our economic growth and employment, supported by a rich natural endowment of mineral resources. 

In addition to diamonds and gold, the country also contains reserves of iron ore, platinum, manganese, chromium, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, and titanium.

We must capitalise on the increased demand for these raw materials to build our nation's economy and attract more investors. 

Therefore, the theme of this year’s Mining Indaba, “Making South Africa a Favourable Destination for Mining Investments,” is relevant given the position of transition that South Africa finds itself in.

As we mark 30 years of democracy this year, we can all acknowledge that South Africa’s mining industry has undergone significant transformation.

As President Ramaphosa said yesterday, for nearly 150 years, mining has been a pillar of the South African economy. It currently contributes roughly 7.5 percent to GDP and accounts for some 60 percent of South African exports by value.

Recently, a survey of 32 member companies undertaken by the Minerals Council of South Africa found that these companies largely complied with the five key transformation elements of the 2010 Mining Charter.

These elements included ownership, employment equity, procurement, human resources development, and mine community development. It is worth noting that the surveyed companies achieved a weighted average of 39.2 percent ownership equity by historically disadvantaged South Africans, which exceeds the Charter's 26 percent target.

Although the Mining Charter has had some success in reforming the mining industry, much more work still needs to be done. The 30 years of our nation's democracy should compel us to become even more proactive about the issue of economic transformation in this industry and country.

The transformation of this sector is important because it forms a vital part of our country's development trajectory, driving infrastructure development, which includes the construction of roads, railways, and power plants, and positively impacting the economy. Our country's rich natural resources provide a comparative advantage in processing, manufacturing, and beneficiation through mining value chains.

It is therefore an opportune time to explore opportunities that will make the youth a key part of this sector, integrating it with strengthening vital industries like manufacturing and technology. As youth, you should identify your role in the value chain and position yourselves in a way that empowers you and benefits the mining sector globally.

The economic viability of the mining sector relies on developing strategies for expanding the industry through mineral beneficiation, which improves the economic and social contribution of the sector. This presents an opportunity for youth inclusion in the value chains associated with the mining sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finding complementary sectors supported by policies that can enhance the mining sector is important. 

Alongside this, strong emphasis should be placed on the significance of skills development for the youth that is not in employment education and training between the ages of 15 and 24, a demographic that is over 32 percent of the total population and is increasing notwithstanding the multiple efforts to address unemployment.

To challenge this pattern, we urge industries like mining to provide skills-development opportunities that will lead to much-needed employment opportunities.

It is time for us, as government and private sector, to invest more than ordinary resources in the development of our youth. We must allow them to voice their concerns, and their proposed solutions must be valued and integrated into the broader strategy for economic growth.

The dynamic perspectives of the younger generation and the wealth of experience from industry leaders and public servants should lead to notable strides in the process of growing and transforming the sector.

I must emphasise that while the economic growth of the sector is important, equally important is its transformation, to the extent that it is inclusive of women, youth, and other marginalised groups in our society.
 
The subject of diversity and inclusion in the mining sector should be at the top of our agenda. We must ask ourselves: How can we ensure equitable sharing of social and economic benefits in the mining sector? 

Our talks must thus be aligned with our developmental goals of developing a society that is non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous.

Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to the mining industry, strategic partnerships between established incumbents and emerging young entrepreneurs are important. 

Such partnerships help cultivate an environment that promotes creativity, diversity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

Since 1994, the Government has promulgated policies, programmes, and initiatives to facilitate transformation in the mining industry. We not only created a regulatory framework to optimise the sector, but we also actively created the technical capacity for the inclusion of youth and other marginalised groups.

The Mining Charter and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), which are the foundation of the Government's primary procurement incentives, encompass our commitment to economic transformation.

The Mining Charter establishes transformation targets and procurement standards, while the B-BBEE programme promotes diversity by empowering black people and businesses. 

Through the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), the Government fulfils its responsibility of guiding processes and ensuring that the selection of suppliers is inclusive.

The implementation of these regulations results in the development of a diverse and empowered supply chain, addressing past injustices while encouraging economic equality.

When it comes to promoting the growth of local content, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) takes the lead by promoting local goods, encouraging the hiring of nationals, and enabling the transfer of talents.

In line with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, we emphasise local industrialisation and value addition and are committed to increasing the proportion of value-added operations that we participate in within the mining value chain.

The Government is committed to including the youth in its sustainable development strategy. Our mining policies are more than paperwork; rather, they are strategic frameworks that direct us towards mining operations that are responsible, sustainable, and socially inclusive.

President Mudzanani, I am aware of your ambition to launch what you call a 'Young Industrialists Fund’ to raise R1 billion towards providing capital support for emerging entrepreneurs.

Regarding this, I would like you to directly contact my office so that we can bring on board relevant departments such as NYDA, the National Empowerment Fund, the Industrial Development Corporation of SA, and other development finance institutions and the private sector to engage further on how we can make this vision a reality.

Your aspiration as future leaders of our society brings us hope. As the Government, we are committed to playing our part in developing our youth and creating a better society.

I look forward to this evening's deliberations, and I am confident that the inputs from the discussion will provide insights to enhance South Africa's attractiveness for investments in critical minerals and demonstrate social commitment towards all South Africans.

It is my sincere hope that your participation in the Indaba will be fruitful and that you will make the most of the possibilities presented by the industry.

I would like to conclude by congratulating Tayla, a young South African woman who has won a debut Grammy award for her single 'Water'. 

We are proud of her.

I would equally like us to celebrate and congratulate Bafana Bafana for their sterling performance at the African Cup of Nations. We are behind them, and tomorrow they will emerge victorious against Nigeria, as we are well on the way to reaching the final, like the team of 1996.

The future of our country is in good hands. 

Let us continue to build a winning nation - a nation that contributes to the betterment of the continent and the rest of the world.

Thank you.

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President Ramaphosa agrees to delayed departure with SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter
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President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter have agreed to extend the tenure of the Commissioner beyond the end of his term to enable an orderly transition in the organisation.

In March 2019, President Ramaphosa appointed Commissioner Kieswetter in terms of Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act, for a five-year term that started on 1 May 2019. His contract of employment comes to an end on 30 April 2024.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Tuynhuys, Cape Town

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Progress in the nation's recovery and rebuilding documented in summary Five-Year Review
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Progress in South Africa’s recovery and rebuilding since 2019 has been documented in a new Presidency publication on the impact of the Sixth Administration’s focus on addressing the immediate challenges facing South Africa and putting in place the foundations for better lives and sustainable growth into the future.

Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five Year Review outlines in summary form the progress made in growing the economy and jobs; fighting corruption; tackling poverty; developing human capital; providing quality health care for all; fighting crime, violence and instability; making communities safer; and investing in infrastructure.

The publication is an exercise in accountability and draws attention to the collective efforts of Government and social partners to improve conditions in the country under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This information resource can be accessed on www.stateofthenation.gov.za and http://bit.ly/4blAA93 or downloaded here A Five Year Review _ Presidency Achievements February 2024.pdf 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Minister Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister Motaung to unveil state-of-the-art studios at CCFM
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Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, accompanied by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nomasonto Motaung, will on Tuesday, 06 February 2024 lead the official unveiling of a brand new state-of-the-art studios at CCFM in Cape Town. 

The unveiling forms part of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA)’s ongoing work to support the development and diversity of community and small commercial media. 

Community media forms a vital part of any society, as it ensures that communities are represented and reflected as part of a diverse nation. It engages people from different cultures and backgrounds, through the use of indigenous languages advances dialogue and promotes participatory democracy. 

The year 2024 marks 30 years of democracy in South Africa, and it is also an election year where citizens can exercise their democratic right to vote. The media, especially community media therefore plays a crucial role in providing access to relevant, reliable and timely information upon which citizens can make informed choices. 

Cape Community FM, also known simply as CCFM, is a contemporary Christian community radio station serving Cape Town and its surroundings. 

The unveiling of the brand-new broadcast studios for CCFM signifies the MDDA’s mission to support the development of a vibrant, innovative, and people-centred community media sector.

Members of the media are invited to the unveiling of the broadcast studios scheduled as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 06 February 2024
Time: 15h30 - 18h00
Venue: 38 Raapkraal Rd, Kirstenhof, Cape Town


Media enquiries: Margaret Ndawonde on 082 785 6071 or margaret@mdda.org.za, or Sipho Mbele on 083 625 3446

Issued by: Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) on behalf of MDDA
Pretoria

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Minister Ramokgopa to visit power stations in the Western Cape
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The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will continue with his second round of oversight visits to Eskom power stations by visiting 2 key power installations in the Western Cape this week.

The visits are in line with the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) which aims to end the severity of load shedding and create sustainable energy security. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: 
1. KOEBERG POWER STATION
Date: Tuesday, 06 February 2023
Venue: Koeberg Power Station, Western Cape
Time : 13:00

 2. PALMIET POWER STATION
Date: Thursday, 08 February 
Venue: Palmiet Power Station 
Time: 09:00

Members of the media who would like to cover the power station visits are required to complete and return the following form to Kutlwano@presidency.gov.za / 066 079 1365. 


Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity on 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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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: 6 February 2024
Time:  6pm – 9pm 
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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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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 Union Building