President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on South African products.

The reciprocal tariffs have been imposed by the US on a significant number of its trade partners and South Africa has not been spared. South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30 percent tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025.

All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. 

Government has been engaging the United States, and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US. 

In the meantime, Government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a  number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course. 

South Africa and US trade relations are complementary in nature and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry. Importantly, SA exports to the US contain inputs from the African Continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 

South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.

To this end, Government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets. In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details  are to be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on its website. 

Government, through the dtic is also in constant contact with the US on the  Framework Deal. The Executive order published by the United States today clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 eastern daylight time on 5 October 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in accordance with section 174(3) of the Constitution, decided to appoint Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, with effect from tomorrow, Friday, 1 August 2025.

Judge Mlambo has, since November 2012, served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa has, in writing, informed Chief Justice Mandisa Maya that in appointing Justice Mlambo, the President has considered the views of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the views of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

The President has also expressed to the Chief Justice his appreciation for the transparent, inclusive and robust process undertaken by the JSC. 

This process exemplified the Commission’s commitment to upholding the nation’s constitutional values.
 
The Commission had enhanced the nation’s confidence that the appointment of the Deputy Chief Justice was firmly grounded on merit, fidelity to the Constitution and a vision for the continued transformation and strengthening of the Judiciary.

President Ramaphosa, similarly, thanks the incoming Deputy Chief Justice Mlambo for stepping forward to assume a new responsibility of critical national importance, and wishes Justice Mlambo well in strengthening the rule of law, enriching jurisprudence and asserting the rights of all citizens.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency invites members of the media to the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Minister-Designate, Professor Firoz Cachalia.

In accordance with section 91(3)(c), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Prof. Cachalia as Minister in the National Executive with the expressed intention that following the swearing-in, Minister Cachalia will be designated to act as Minister of Police.

The Swearing-in Ceremony will take place as follows:

Date: Friday, 01 August 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony should send their details to Ndivhuwo Kharivhe on Ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za 

The proceedings will also be live streamed on all PresidencyZA social media platforms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 01 August 2025, undertake an outreach programme, aimed at addressing service delivery challenges facing communities, through integrated Government service delivery initiatives, in Moretele Local Municipality, Bojanala District, in the North West Province.

Joined by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, Deputy President Mashatile will commence his visit by handing over a 25ML Concrete Water Reservoir to the Moretele Local Municipality, as part of a commitment by Government to improve the provision of reliable water supply to communities.   
 
These initiatives are in line with the clarion call by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to elevate the provision of quality water services to communities. As one of its apex national priorities, Government has committed to spend over R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years, to revitalise roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise ports and airports and power the economy. 

Deputy President Mashatile will, as part of the outreach programme to the Moretele Local Municipality, also embark on a Clean Cities and Towns campaign in Mogogelo Village, in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. This nationwide campaign is aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces, while advancing sustainability, equality, and solidarity among all citizens.  

On the conclusion of his visit to the North West, the Deputy President will deliver remarks at a Community Meeting, which will provide an opportunity for Government leadership to give feedback on progress achieved in addressing service delivery challenges affecting the surrounding communities. 
 
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi; Morelete Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr George Manyike; Members of the North West Provincial Executive Council; as well as senior Government officials.

Members of the media are invited as follows: 

Date: Friday, 01 August 2025
Times:

09h00 - Deputy President Mashatile, accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, unveil the Moretele Concrete Water Reservoir 
09h55 - Media Doorstop
10h00  - Integrated Service Delivery and Cleaning Campaign, Mogogelo Village 
12h00 - Community Feedback Session, Mogogelo Community Hall

For enquiries and accreditation, please contact Mr. Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Good afternoon, colleagues and friends.

It is a real honour for me to say a few words this afternoon as we bid farewell to a remarkable public servant, an intellectual giant, a principled leader, and for me personally, a dear friend, Mr. Busani Ngcaweni.

Busani’s tenure as Principal of the National School of Government has left an indelible mark on the State and its capacity to serve. Under his leadership, the NSG became more than just a training institution - it became a space for bold ideas, critical reflection, and transformation in the public sector. He challenged us to think deeply, act ethically, and serve with integrity.

But, beyond the titles and achievements, Busani is someone who leads with both head and heart. His friendship, wisdom and humour have enriched not just our work, but our lives, his insistence on nuance, and his ability to remain principled in the most difficult of times.

As you move on to your next chapter, Busani, I hope you will continue to guide and inspire young public servants. We need your mind and your mentorship more than ever. Please continue writing, and not just for the pages of newspapers and journals, but for our growth and learning. I hope you will run writing workshops, help us sharpen our thinking, and support Government in turning ideas into operational reality.

Busani, thank you for everything you have given to the NSG, to the Public Service, and to the project of building a capable, developmental state. I know this is not the end just the closing of a chapter before a new and exciting one begins.

Go well, my friend. We are proud of you.

Thank you.