Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 15 May 2025, attend and engage with the agricultural sector at the Nampo Harvest Day agricultural gathering taking place from 13 - 16 May 2025 at Nampo Park in Bothaville, Free State Province.

Hosted annually by GrainSA, NAMPO is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the Southern Hemisphere. The event draws more than 80 000 visitors each year and includes over 750 exhibitors from across the entire agricultural value chain - including mechanisation, technology, inputs, financing, agri-services and farmer support. It is a proudly South African event that brings together commercial, developing and emerging farmers in a spirit of collaboration and shared learning.

The theme for 2025 is "Global Agriculture, Local", which highlights the adaptation of global agricultural innovations to suit South African conditions. 

As the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President is known as a keen supporter and enthusiast of agriculture, and his attendance underscores the significance that Government places on agriculture as the biggest contributor to job creation, food security and economic growth in South Africa.

During the visit, the Deputy President will undertake a walkabout through the exhibitions to witness the best agricultural technologies and products on offer, and also engage with selected agricultural groups.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the visit as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025
Time: 10h00-13h00
Venue: Nampo Park, Bothaville, Free State Province.

Members of the media are requested to confirm their attendance with Ms Tshiamo Selomo (The Presidency) on 066 118 1505 or Ms Alzena Gomes (Public Relations Officer  Grain SA) on 082 463 4356 or alzena@grainsa.co.za. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Esteemed educators and principals,
Officials from Home Affairs and other departments,
Our dedicated learners, and
Distinguished guests,

Good morning,

It is an honour to be with you here today in Nyanga for this important Career and ID Registration Outreach. I believe this is my first formal programme in the constituency, apart from our earlier back-to-school engagement. As such, I want to begin by introducing myself not only as Deputy Minister in the Presidency, but as the designated Member of Parliament responsible for this constituency.

Every MP is assigned to a Parliamentary Constituency Office, or PCO. The role of a PCO is to bring Parliament closer to the people. It is a space where you the public can engage with your elected representatives, raise service delivery issues, and access information about government programmes. It is here to help close the gap between citizens and the state. I encourage you all to use it. The Nyanga Constituency Office (PCO 601) exists to serve you.

Today, we are gathered for more than just a ceremonial visit. We are here to support real access to opportunity beginning with something as fundamental as an Identity Document. This outreach will assist around 300 Grade 12 learners from six high schools in Nyanga and Gugulethu to register for their first IDs. This is more than just paperwork. An ID is your gateway to adulthood, independence, and participation in exams, university, bursary applications, employment, and voting.

But this programme is not only about getting IDs. It is also about motivating you to apply for tertiary programmes in time. That is why we have combined this outreach with a Career Expo, where young people can meet representatives from different industries, institutions, and government departments. Learners can opportunities for skills development, further education, and future employment. Career expos help expose learners to new possibilities, possibilities that, especially in under-resourced communities, are not always visible.

We are speaking primarily to high school learners today the future leaders, professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs of South Africa. Let me say this clearly: Education remains your most powerful tool. It is the single greatest investment you can make in yourself. And it is the responsibility of government, communities, and families to create an environment where education is protected and prioritised.

I must acknowledge that learning and dreaming big are not always easy especially here in Nyanga, a place often referred to as the murder capital of South Africa. This is a painful label, but it reflects a harsh reality. High crime, gang violence, and trauma have a direct impact on your ability to focus, to feel safe, and to believe in your future.

That is why events like today matter so much. They are a small but important step in saying: We see you. We are with you. And you deserve better.

To our learners: Your dreams are valid. Your journey matters. And your presence here today is the beginning of something powerful. This government, through programmes like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, the National Pathway Management Network, and outreach efforts like this, is committed to walking with you.

To our partners from Home Affairs and the tertiary institutions present: thank you for your collaboration. This is what it means to work together not in theory, but in practice.

And to every school represented here, thank you for your leadership and your commitment to the learners under your care.

Let us leave here with renewed determination to support one another, to invest in our young people, and to build a future where no learner is left behind.

Thank you. Enkosi. Baie dankie.
 

Programme Director;
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli and Councillor Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini our gracious hosts;
Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Honourable Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honourable Magdeline Sotyu;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive;
Executive Mayors and Councillors present;
Leaders and representatives of tourism authorities from across the continent;
Captains of industry and business leaders;
Partners from the travel and tourism industry;
Exhibitors and buyers;
Ladies and gentlemen,
Sanibonani,

Welcome to Africa’s Travel Indaba, in KwaZulu-Natal, here in the vibrant city of Durban, eThekwini. A city renowned for its rich cultural history and breathtaking coastline. It is thus the ideal location for this major event, that showcases Africa's tourist offers and potential for growth.

I also like to congratulate you Mayor Xaba and your team for hosting a successful Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, well done.

Ladies and gentlemen,

May is Africa Month. It is a month to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union (AU). In this month we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

Thirty years ago, President Mandela spoke at this very event, which was then named the Indaba International Tourism Workshop. On that day, he reaffirmed our country's commitment to work with the rest of Africa to boost South Africa’s and the continent’s tourism industry. He underlined that while we work to improve our tourism industry, we can benefit from the continent's wealth of experience in various aspects.

African wisdom and our knowledge systems have flowed like a river and passed through the ages by the ancestors of this great land, who, against the tides of hardship, stood resolute to protect our beloved Africa, our cherished home. These are leaders refused to be defined by their circumstances and instead stood as a beacon of light, illuminating Africa's path.

In particular, I speak of those valiant spirits, both men and women, among them Jomo Kenyatta, who united in a fervent spirit of defiance, like the Mau-Mau in Kenya, who rose to claim the freedom of their beautiful homeland, which encompasses the Savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley, and mountain highlands.

I am referring to leaders like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president, known for his role in achieving independence for Tanganyika and his efforts to create a unified and egalitarian society. His actions reflected his love and optimism for his country's beauty. Who can today refuse to visit a nation with such amazing wildlife and natural scenery, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater?

We will always be grateful to Thomas Sankara, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Milton Obote, Patrice Lumumba, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, and other leaders who contributed to the transformation of our wonderful continent. Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud!

Furthermore, tourists from all over the world can now freely experience a diverse range of attractions, from iconic landmarks like the Table Mountain and Victoria Falls, our vibrant African cities and wildlife reserves, not forgetting Uganda's diverse national parks and Morocco's rich culture landscapes.

When you explore Africa's vast regions and different civilisations, you will surely be met by a rich history, customs, and natural beauties that demonstrate the interconnection of this great continent. From the ancient civilisations that thrived along the Nile River to the vivid cultures that cover the streets of busy cities today, Africa is a land full of stories that are just waiting to be told.

Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also means that our continent is an important part of the world's economy, politics, growth, and humanity. Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries.

Our unity is cemented by social cohesion!

It is a reminder of how unique we are as humans, created with love, compassion, and care that are inextricably linked to our identities. Our humanity makes us stand out in the world's melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage.

As Africans, we strive to live by the principles of Ubuntu, which emphasise interconnectedness and promote a sense of community, mutual support, and respect for human dignity. It is a core value that influences social interactions, governance, and conflict resolution, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.

In the embrace of an interconnected Africa, it is important to recognise the obstacles that the continent encounters. Africa faces numerous challenges, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread misery, violence, and loss of life.

We cannot remain silent when the fabric of our societies disintegrates, torn by widening geopolitical divides, economic tensions, and the harsh impacts of a changing climate, bringing forth catastrophic consequences.

These issues require our collective action. This gathering must confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions. Africa can overcome any obstacle that stands in her path. However, the key to overcoming lies in our ability to work together.

Compatriots,

Tourism undoubtedly serves as a significant economic engine, a catalyst for social change, and a cornerstone of inclusive growth.

At the heart of this vibrant industry is its human capital. We pride ourselves on the warm human experience and rich cultural diversity that make a visit to Africa unforgettable.

We recognise that for Africa to realise its full potential, we must unlock the vast, untapped opportunities in the tourism sector within our own borders. Tourism contributes significantly to Africa's GDP, directly and indirectly. In 2023, travel and tourism contributed 6.8 per cent to Africa's GDP, up from 5.9 per cent in the previous year.

In South Africa, tourism contributes 8.9 per cent of the GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs – a figure we are determined to grow to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.

Projections indicate that tourism's contribution to GDP could rise to 10.4% by 2030, driven by increased international arrivals, infrastructure investments, and targeted marketing initiatives.
We are determined to accelerate investment, open our skies, deepen our partnerships, and position Africa not at the margins of the global economy, but firmly at its centre – where it belongs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Africa’s Unlimited Potential is not just a vision — it’s a Pan-African reality waiting to be realised. Our theme, "Unlimited Africa", is not just a statement; it is a bold declaration of Africa’s promise and possibilities. It speaks of an Africa unbound by old stereotypes, an Africa driven by its own ambitions and solutions.

This is an Africa where intra-continental trade, investment, and tourism are no longer mere aspirations but rather everyday realities. The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to significantly benefit tourism in Africa by fostering intra-African travel, attracting investment in tourism infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth.

What is also important is that we boost our intra-Africa travel while also increasing the share of international tourism. Intra-African tourism is crucial for boosting local economies, fostering regional integration, and promoting cultural understanding within the continent. It creates jobs, strengthens economies, and contributes to infrastructure development while conserving natural environments and cultural assets.

Therefore, Africa’s Travel Indaba stands as a beacon of what is possible when we act together. It reminds us that tourism is not just about travel—it is about connection, empowerment, and shared belief. It is about promoting each other’s markets and harnessing what we have as diverse nations.

The South African Government has already begun this journey of promoting tourism by enabling seamless African travel. We aim to remove barriers, unlock access, and make it easier for Africans and the world to experience Africa. We remain committed to ensuring that travel is safe, secure, and seamless for all. We want each traveller to find joy in their journey through our land.

This will be the case for those who will be travelling to South Africa for the historic G20 Summit, in November. The hosting of the G20 positively catapults Africa into the global spotlight. It signifies a progressive milestone for both South Africa and the African continent, providing an opportunity for us to highlight African perspectives on global economic and development issues.

We need to echo a united African voice on every global stage. With one voice, we boost Africa's role in global matters, strengthen country-to-country integration, and enable better support for important issues like development, peace, and security.

Furthermore, we must engage constructively with our global partners within the G20, developing relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and reciprocity. Together, we can create a more egalitarian and inclusive global order that benefits all countries by overcoming divides and forging partnerships.

Compatriots,

Over 200 G20-related meetings will take place across South Africa, putting our country and our continent at the heart of the world’s most important economic conversations. We have already hosted a successful first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting. The G20 Tourism Working Group has also hosted a second meeting, with subsequent meetings and the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting expected towards the end of the year.

South Africa's tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are consistent with the continental priorities outlined in Agenda 2063 and the core objectives of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa - Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent.

As the only African member of the G20, South Africa has a solemn responsibility and a proud opportunity to advocate for developing nations and the global South, to champion sustainable tourism, and to secure investment in Africa’s future.

Let us be clear, Africa’s future lies in Africans choosing Africa!

We must choose to explore each other's countries with curiosity and determination.

We must choose to invest in each other's businesses.

Over the decades, we have noted meaningful progress that signifies a shift from viewing tourism purely as leisure to recognising it as a strategic driver of economic development.

This gathering and those that follow ought to act as sparks for greater regional cooperation, enabling African nations to present themselves together as diverse yet unified destinations.

We need to integrate our technologies, innovation, and sustainable practices into the tourism strategies.

More importantly, we must be able to identify the implementation of tangible Empowerment Programmes targeting our local communities through tourism-linked employment and enterprise development.

We must deepen our efforts to build resilient and inclusive tourism economies that benefit women, youth, and people with disabilities. As we come together in discussion and reflection during this Indaba, let us also think about meaningful strategies to enhance our infrastructure, connectivity, and visa systems to facilitate travel throughout our continent.

Last year, we implemented key visa reforms, including the Remote Work Visa and the Points-Based System for skilled workers. Other reforms included revised immigration regulations for countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

Indeed, we have seen how this has contributed to the growth in tourist arrivals from Ghana and Kenya. This is without a doubt a clear indication of the power of easing and streamlining immigration requirements combined with targeted and strategic marketing. These success stories are evidence that when we reduce red tape and increase access, our entire tourism economy benefits.

We need to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive. We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honouring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance.

Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.

With these words, I would like to officially declare the Africa Travel Indaba 2025 open!

Asante Sana, Medaase, I thank you!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Monday 12 May 2025, concluded his Working Visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The visit centred on the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which was held under the theme, “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa used the Working Visit to Côte d’Ivoire as an opportunity to consolidate existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to discuss matters of mutual interest. The two leaders committed to strengthening bilateral ties and to increase trade between their countries. 

President Ramaphosa also used the Africa CEO Forum as a platform to promote Pan-African trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and align key themes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency with issues of interest for the African continent. 

President Ramaphosa together with his counterparts from Mauritania and Rwanda participated in the Presidential Panel discussion that explored better coordinated efforts to spearhead Africa’s development. 

The Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for CEOs of the largest continental and and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of financial institutions.

Since its launch, the event has served as the place of high-level business meetings where new innovations are showcased and business ideas are exchanged.

The Forum was officially opened on 12 May and is scheduled to close on 13 May 2025 in Abidjan. 

South Africa is expected to host the 14th edition of the Africa CEO Forum in 2027.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, through the Nyanga Constituency Office, invites members of the media to cover an outreach programme aimed at supporting learner access to national identification services.

This initiative will assist approximately 300 Grade 12 learners from six high schools across the Nyanga and Gugulethu sub-regions to register for their first Identity Documents (IDs). This service is critical for enabling access to examinations, tertiary education, and economic opportunities.

The Deputy Minister will engage learners, local leaders, and Government partners during the programme, underscoring The Presidency’s commitment to youth development and inclusive service delivery.

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

Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Time: 10h00 – 15h00
Venue: Zolani Centre, Nyanga, Western Cape

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On 07 May 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched Operation Vulindlela Phase ll -  joint initiative between The Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation. 

Phase II of Operational Vulindlela will implement reforms in three new areas, including in digital transformation. 

To operationalise this new reform area, Cabinet has approved the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government as a key pillar of Operation Vulindlela. The Roadmap sets out a focused plan to modernise delivery of Government services through investment in digital public infrastructure. 

These crucial digital reforms will enable all citizens to access seamless Government services through a single trusted platform. This will be driven through improvements in identity verification, real-time payments, and data exchange. 

Today, 12 May 2025, the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government will be officially launched by The Presidency, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), and National Treasury. 

To drive implementation of the Roadmap, The Presidency is establishing the Digital Service Unit (DSU) to coordinate this whole-of-Government effort to modernise services. 

The Presidency has appointed South African tech entrepreneur, Melvyn Lubega, to lead the DSU.  

Mr Lubega is a globally recognised technology pioneer, who co-founded Go1 - a platform used by businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments in more than 60 countries. He has advised governments in Africa, Asia and Europe on digital transformation programmes.      

The establishment of the DSU in The Presidency, and the appointment of Mr Lubega, demonstrates the commitment of the 7th Administration to improving service delivery and driving economic growth through investments in digital innovations. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, deliver the Africa’s Travel Indaba Official Opening Address, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The Africa Travel Indaba is scheduled to take place from 13-15 May 2025, under the theme “Unlimited Africa", and it celebrates the continent's boundless tourism potential and encourages greater collaboration across borders.

This year, the Indaba will showcase the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products and services. It will also offer robust agendas featuring a diverse range of exhibitors, insightful workshops, and high-level presentations from captains of the industry and experts.

The South African Government is once again pleased to host this spectacular event in light of its growing potential to provide opportunities for global tourism professionals to connect, collaborate, and create lasting value and economic impact.

The tourism sector contributes about 8.8% to the GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, with the prospects of increasing the number to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.

This year, the Travel Indaba coincides with South Africa’s hosting of the G20 and offers an opportunity to advocate for African destinations and champion sustainable tourism across the African continent.

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

Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Chief Albert Luthuli ICC, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

For accreditation, members of the media are requested to register before 12:00pm today using this link below: https://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/media/default.aspx 

For more information contact Ms Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; 
Eastern Cape Finance MEC Mvoko, standing in for Premier Oscar Mabuyane; 
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso;
Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembi Simelane;
Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Stanley Mathabatha;
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa;
All MECs present;
Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Nkosi M. Gwadiso;
Representative of the King of Amampondomise, King Zwelozuko Luzuko Matiwane; Ah! Zwelozuko!
Executive Mayor of O.R Tambo District Municipality, Cllr. Mesuli Ngqondwana;
Mayor of Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Cllr Mbulelo Jara;
Our esteemed Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders present;
Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Ms Nomfundo Ntloko;
Senior Government officials; 
And even more importantly, our Honoured Beneficiaries from the Qelana and Qolombana communities;
Molweni,

I stand before you today with a heart that is filled with excitement as we celebrate a critical milestone in our path towards advancement, development, and restorative justice.

This day is a strong indicator of the progress our Government has made in restoring land ownership to the historically dispossessed.

As the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, I want to take this opportunity to appreciate the consistent and determined efforts by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, in partnership with communities, Traditional Leaders, and our Municipalities, to ensure that the land rights of our people are fully restored.

The handover of title deeds to the Qelana and Qolombana communities will unquestionably impact the course of the lives of its people for future generations to come.

Each of these title deeds represent more than simply a piece of paper; they represent ownership, security, pride and dignity. They embody the rights and advantages that come with being full custodians of this valuable resource: land.

Title deeds provide clear ownership and stable tenure, allowing beneficiaries to use their land and access financial resources profitably. They also act as an official record of property rights, minimising disagreements and streamlining land transactions, helping to promote economic prosperity and social stability.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Land redistribution in South Africa has always been an emotive issue rooted in the history of apartheid and colonial land dispossession. Apartheid laws, especially the Natives Land Act of 1913, severely restricted access to land by Black South Africans.

This Act, coupled with succeeding policies such as the Group Areas Act, systematically deprived Black people of land and its use and benefits. It limited Black people to specific neighbourhoods and remote locations, ultimately establishing a system of racial segregation that resulted in the socio-economic hardships such as poverty and inequality that persist even today.

The dispossession of Qolombana in 1936 and 1963, and the dispossession of Qelana in 1957 and 1963 in particular was not just an act of land theft—it was an assault on identity, family, and heritage. It erased the best means of survival and inherited farming abilities.

Let us bear in mind that prior to colonialism, Black South Africans relied on their own approaches and techniques to cultivate crops such as sorghum and millet, as well as herd animals such as cattle, poultry and sheep peacefully without hindrance. This allowed Black people to establish sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families. It provided food security for many families, and was a source of wealth and established our indigenous economic and cultural systems.

However, when land was taken from Black South Africans during colonialism and apartheid through wars of dispossession, many were forced to work for low wages, typically on white-owned farms and enterprises, sometimes far away from their families. The absence of land for subsistence or commercial farming forced the majority of Black communities to rely on a parasitic capitalist system that was hostile and disrupted the essence Black families and Black lives.

Following the official end of apartheid in 1994, the newly elected Government sought to redress the unequal distribution of land, largely through land reform, which included redistribution, restitution and tenure security.

Since then, the Government has redistributed 5.3 million hectares of land using a variety of techniques. As a result of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act, and Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act of 1996, we have been addressing the issue of agricultural evictions and secure tenure rights for individuals, including through the acquisition of land rights by labour tenants.

Furthermore, through the Farm Dweller Programme, we have been striving to improve the living and working conditions of farm workers and dwellers. This has been accomplished through a variety of interventions, such as housing, municipal services and economic opportunities in agriculture.

We are also helping communities to hold and manage land through Communal Property Associations (CPAs). In this regard, President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill on 9 October 2024. The new CPA Amendment Act amends the Communal Property Associations Act of 1996.

These amendments seek to provide improved protection of the rights of communities who are part of the Communal Property Associations and to bring clarity to the objective of CPAs.

The law, as amended, now makes it clear that land will be owned by residents who are members of associations, and not by the associations themselves.

Through the Restitution of Land Rights Act, enacted 31 years ago, we are restoring land rights to individuals and communities.

We are using land redistribution not only to address historical injustices but also to foster agricultural production, stimulate rural economies, and create jobs. With the use of rights-based interventions and by addressing unequal patterns of ownership and distribution of wealth and assets, the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme is working to improve living conditions and welfare, as well as to redress injustices that have occurred in the past.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our goal is to see the land restored to its rightful owners not only in title but also in productivity, serving as a foundation for enterprise development and local economic growth. 
This process not only corrects the wrongs of the past, but also contributes to the transformation agenda that our country is committed to specifically as it relates to gender equality. Women’s access to land is an important factor in the redistribution programme, and we must never lose sight of the possibilities that exist for families and communities when women also have access to and are owners of land.

Through all our efforts we must ensure that there is meaningful economic potential for rural communities and that claimants are supported with training, provided with proper infrastructure, and also have access to finance. We do not want land to lie fallow; we want it to be a living asset.
That is why, going forward, we will continue strengthening partnerships across all levels of Government to deliver integrated and sustainable development. This means not just giving land, but providing roads, water, fencing, extension services as well as market access.

As part of the Comprehensive Farmer Support, Government will continue to implement steps to capacitate emerging farmers with requisite skills and mentorship programmes based on their specific needs.

As recipients of these title deeds, you must optimise land use through improved and climate-smart farming techniques, through infrastructure and land ownership strategies that increase productivity and contribute to food security, poverty reduction and job creation. We know that you can be excellent stewards of the land, caring for it with love and respect.

Moving forward, Government will continue to prioritise the Backlog Reduction Strategy to resolve outstanding land claims, especially old-order claims that have long awaited justice.

We shall further use the Expropriation Act as a strategic tool to advance land justice.

Let us build a rural economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable, so that land reform is not just a promise of the past fulfilled, but a foundation for the future realised.

I have full confidence that the Qelana and Qolombana communities will thrive and prosper.

May this land be a source of prosperity, abundance and happiness for all who call it home. May it serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others who are also striving for a better tomorrow.

With these title deeds in your hands, you now have the power to shape your destiny and that of your families.

Congratulations to the Qelana and Qolombana communities on this momentous occasion.

Siyabulela, Thank you!

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, at the invitation of His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, undertake a Working Visit to Côte d’Ivoire.

The visit is centred on the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, scheduled to take place in Abidjan on 12 and 13 May 2025. 

The theme of this year’s session is “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”. 

This theme resonates with the current priorities of the African Continent, which seek to promote closer cooperation between the private sector and public sector in infrastructure and industrial development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Working Visit to Côte d’Ivoire will consolidate existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The President’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum will provide South Africa with an opportunity to consolidate its position as one of the leading investment destinations on the continent. Importantly, South Africa’s G20 Presidency will further enhance the country’s visibility at the Forum.

The Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for CEOs of the largest continental and and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of financial institutions.

Since its launch, this event has served as the place of high-level business meetings where new innovations are showcased and business ideas exchanged.

Côte d’Ivoire, the host of this year’s Forum, is one of South Africa’s strategic partners in West Africa.

In recent years, the two countries have consolidated their bilateral cooperation and intensified the exchange of high-level visits.

In December 2021, President Ramaphosa undertook a successful high-level State Visit to Côte d’Ivoire. The following year, in July 2022, President Ouattara reciprocated by undertaking a State Visit to South Africa. Several key South African companies have invested in Côte d’Ivoire, including MTN, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Nedbank, Debonairs Pizza, Stanbic, Investec, Rand Merchant Bank, Absa, Multichoice, Sanlam, Solenta Aviation and Carrick Wealth.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with BrandSA, will host the “Invest South Africa” session on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa today convened ministers and senior business leaders under the Government Business Partnership. The partners agreed to fast-track the implementation of key structural reforms and support performance improvements at Transnet and Eskom through an accelerated delivery plan and an intensified phase of the Partnership’s ongoing efforts to expedite delivery on priority interventions vital to economic growth and job creation.
 
The partnership believes that this acceleration is necessary to achieve a step-change in progress in response to difficult economic headwinds. Focus will remain on improving Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and unblocking delays in new generation capacity to ensure a continued reprieve from load shedding. Work is underway to resolve grid access and allocation bottlenecks that hinder new generation projects. Whilst Transnet’s performance is not at the level required, it has stabilised and there is a significant focus on growing volumes which will increase exports and revenue collected to support economic growth and preserve and grow employment.
 
Expediting reforms and performance improvement is crucial to reducing the possible negative impact of the complex global and domestic environment, which continues to present substantial challenges and uncertainty. GDP growth projections for 2025 have been revised down, and current forecasts remain far below the minimum 3% required to create the level of jobs needed to make an impact on the country’s high levels of unemployment.
 
The Government Business Partnership, established in 2023, is focused on accelerating crucial reforms and operational improvements to lift confidence levels and to drive economic growth in four priority areas: energy, transport and logistics, crime and corruption, and youth employment (the latter added in January 2025).
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “Through the strength of this partnership, we have been able to unlock many constraints that undermine growth and job creation. While there is much to improve, the dedication and commitment from both government and business remains undiminished. The pace of our work must increase to match the scale of the challenge.”
 
Important progress has been made to lay the groundwork for sustained accelerated action, including the finalisation of the Transnet Network Statement, the launch of a Request for Information (RFI) to attract private investment in port and rail infrastructure, and NERSA’s approval of electricity wheeling regulations. These reforms enable broader private sector participation in energy and transportation and logistics. Both the crime and corruption and the youth employment focal areas are largely tracking against their plans which have a longer-term time horizon.

In line with this commitment to focused execution, the Partnership welcomed the launch of the second phase of Operation Vulindlela, which has a delivery focus that closely aligns with the Partnership’s objective of more rapidly accelerating reforms and operational improvements that will drive growth and job creation.

Adrian Gore, BUSA Vice President and business co-convenor of the Partnership, said: “We are entering this accelerated execution “sprint” with a real sense of urgency. Progress has been made, but it’s not enough. This requires a step change in the pace of decision making and execution. We need to redouble our collective efforts to help shift the country onto a sustained upward trajectory and deliver on our shared ambition of a virtuous cycle of growth, jobs, a more positive narrative and increased investment.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria