Programme Director, Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Representatives of civil society organisations,
Representatives of NEDLAC,
Representatives of development agencies and all participating organisations,
Colleagues,

Four years since I spoke of the need for this Social Sector Summit in my first State of the Nation Address, and after many months of preparation, it is wonderful that we have finally been able to convene.

There were a number of factors that delayed the convening of this Summit, not least of which was the COVID-19 pandemic.

With our country and indeed the world now in the process of recovery, I want to thank and salute civil society organisations for their role in the national effort to contain and overcome the pandemic.

There are few words to describe the pride and gratitude we felt as a country as we saw our resilient and committed non-governmental organisations serving the South African people during those difficult days.

Where government had capacity and resource constraints, civil society stepped into the breach.

Where government rolled out relief programmes and initiatives, civil society provided support.

The partnership, collaboration and alignment between government and civil society organisations during the pandemic was an example of how we can work, and how we must work, to overcome our society’s many challenges.

It was a model from which we can draw many lessons as we strive to ensure that our Bill of Rights is not mere words on paper, but that it is translated into progress and prosperity for every South African man, woman and child.

A strong, vibrant and activist civil society is key to the development of any nation.

It is therefore critical that the interface between government and civil society is improved and strengthened.

We have a common appreciation that we are all heading in the same direction and on the same road towards the realisation of a better South Africa.

We know that to reach this goal we have to be partners, and not adversaries.

But at the same time, we have an expectation that where we falter or fall short, that we will hold each other to our promises.

There is an expectation that we can require transparency and accountability of each other.

Since before the dawn of democracy, civil society organisations in South Africa have taken up the causes of the marginalised, the oppressed and the vulnerable.

From the HIV/Aids pandemic to substance abuse, from poverty to illiteracy, from unemployment to gender-based violence, civil society has been crafting constructive strategies and driving collaborative approaches that put the needs of the poor first.

At the height of the HIV/Aids pandemic in in the late 1990s to mid-2000s, civil society movements waged a brave and principled struggle against stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

Just as civil society fought to ensure equitable access to anti-retroviral treatment, South African civil society bodies are supporting the global advocacy for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. 

Just as civil society advocated for legal reform to tackle discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the early days of our democracy, civil society continues to speak out against practices and beliefs that discriminate against the LGBTQI+ community.

Just as civil society has consistently confronted entrenched practices that are discriminatory and harmful to women and girls, it now plays a key role in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

Twenty-eight years into our democracy, the role of civil society is as critical as ever. 

Poverty, unemployment and inequality remain the most pressing challenges facing South Africa.

Our society is confronted by lawlessness, crime and corruption, gender-based violence, hunger and malnutrition.

Over the past few days, we have witnessed scenes of violent protest, damage to public infrastructure and, in some cases, loss of life in areas such as Kagiso in the West Rand and Tembisa in Ekurhuleni.

These incidents are of grave concern and highlight many of the challenges our country faces. 

As we address these incidents, we need to distinguish between legitimate protest and criminality, addressing the concerns and grievances of communities, while acting to prevent loss of life and destruction of property.

We can all understand the public outrage in Kagiso sparked by the gang rape of eight young women last week and we all deeply and sincerely share in the pain of the victims, their families and the neighbouring communities.

Police are hard at work with investigations.

As we commend the police for apprehending suspected illegal miners and shutting down their operations, they must double their efforts in catching those responsible for the heinous crime of gang raping the young women.

This horrific crime is a reminder that as government, and as a society, we must do more to tackle gender-based violence.

Over the last few years, as a result of cooperation between government and civil society, we have strengthened the response of the criminal justice system to such crimes.

As part of the National Strategic Plan against GBVF, we have enacted new legislation and focused on the capacity of the SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority and courts to better support survivors and prosecute offenders.

We know that the NPA continues to place special emphasis on prosecuting these crimes, obtaining a conviction rate of 74%.

We want to encourage the National Prosecuting Authority and the Police to do more in their common efforts in the fight gender-based violence and femicide.

Government, represented by the South African Police Service and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, will convene an Imbizo with the community of Kagiso over the weekend to interrogate issues of illegal mining and crime.

As government, we remain steadfastly committed in our fight against corruption.

In the last financial year, for example, the specialised commercial crimes unit finalised 380 cases with a 90% conviction rate.

Over that period, 380 government officials were convicted for corruption and related crimes, whilst 209 people were convicted for private sector crimes.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit has completed 370 confiscations estimated at a value of R406 million.

There are currently 82 state capture cases are under investigation with 65 accused persons enrolled for prosecution in 20 cases.

There is clearly much more that needs to be done, but the fight against corruption is gaining momentum.

Overcoming these and other challenges requires all sectors of society to bring their respective capabilities together and unite behind a common vision.

Civil society organisations are where our people are, whether as NGOs, as community, professional and faith-based organisations, as academia or as worker representative organisations.

One of the priorities of this administration is to drive people-centred, localised development through the District Development Model.

It seeks to promote an approach to development that takes into account needs, circumstances and priorities on the ground. 

Now more than ever we count on your breadth and diversity of knowledge, experience and expertise to work with us, but also to guide us on what interventions are needed, where, how and on the best way to allocate scarce resources.

Civil society reaches where business and government often cannot.

You have a solid track record of organic interventions and activations that yield results.

For this reason, this summit is crucial, for us to align our efforts and actions.

Our most pressing priority right now is recovery from the pandemic.

We are hard at work implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to grow our economy and create jobs.

It is only through a stronger economy that we will be able to lift millions out of poverty, expand the rollout of comprehensive social support, improve the delivery of services and create employment so people can lead lives of dignity.

We have listened to your ideas and proposals on how to drive an inclusive and equitable economic recovery that leaves no one behind.

We also thank you for your participation in the ongoing process to develop a comprehensive social compact.

As civil society organisations continue with their difficult work they are confronted with challenges that demand our attention.

Foremost among these are financial constraints.

Like your global counterparts, South African civil society has been impacted by fewer resources, reprioritisation of donor budgets, worsening economic conditions and other factors.

Many civil society organisations are struggling to find money to keep their doors open, to pay their staff and to implement their programmes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened their situation.

Currently, government invests substantially in supporting the work of civil society organisations through the Department of Social Development.

In addition, the National Development Agency provides grant funding and capacity building to the sector.

We have to work collectively to develop sustainable and consistent funding streams for civil society, including emerging community-based organisations.

The second challenge is a capacity shortage that undermines the effectiveness of organisations.

I have heard reports of some civil society organisations being unable to submit annual reports as required by the NPO Act simply because they lack the expertise.

Besides a lack of professional skills, there are difficulties with recruiting highly qualified personnel.

Qualified staff are often lost to government and other sectors because civil society organisations cannot pay competitive salaries.

Civil society needs an enabling regulatory framework.

Many social sector organisations find that onerous red tape is holding them back.

In this regard, the Department of Social Development has published the Non-Profit Organisations Amendment Bill.

It seeks to strengthen the existing regulatory regime and make it more relevant to the prevailing environment, but without constraining the sector.

The Bill seeks to increase efficiencies and reduce red tape.

This is in recognition of the benefit civil society brings to policy-making and to the provision of services in our society.

We must acknowledge that corruption has contributed to the funding challenges the sector is facing.

By way of example, the Special Investigating Unit has uncovered how some civil society organisations were set up with the sole intention to loot the National Lotteries Commission.

This denied legitimate and deserving organisations the opportunity to access funding.

It is good that the investigations are progressing, that a number of arrests have been made and that civil action is being considered against a number of implicated individuals.

At the same time we must acknowledge that there needs to be greater accountability and transparency in the sector itself.

It is unacceptable for the lion’s share of donor and other funding to be spent on paying senior staff or funding lifestyles, instead of programmes.

High standards of governance, proper accounting and due diligence must apply.

This Summit has provided an opportunity to hear more about these challenges and how they can be overcome.

It has been an opportunity to hear more about work civil society organisations are doing in communities across the country, having taken stock of the reports that have come from all provinces through the Provincial Dialogues and roundtables.

Colleagues and friends,

The signing of the Social Sector Framework Agreement today is a milestone.

We are establishing a more comprehensive and inclusive framework for collaboration that recognises, supports and empowers civil society.

It sets the basis for us to foster a strong state-civil society partnership to tackle poverty, inequality and employment, and to deepen democratic participation. 

We must seize this opportunity to deep our collaboration as we build a better South Africa that leaves no-one behind.

I would like to thank all representatives of civil society organisations that have been part of this process.

I would also like to thank the Department of Social Development, the NEDLAC Community Constituency and the Presidency for guiding this process.

I have no doubt that government, civil society and all social partners will continue to work together meaningfully beyond this Summit, as we have done for many years, to improve the lives of our people and build a better country.

I thank you.

Your Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana,
Your Excellencies High Commissioners of both South Africa and Botswana,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Business Leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Colleagues and Friends, 

Your Excellency, Mr President, 

I am pleased that the undertaking we gave each other in April this year to hold this engagement has now materialised. 

We have been looking forward to this visit to Gaborone to commemorate and celebrate 28 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries.

The trade and investment ties between our two countries have grown stronger over the years. They lay a firm basis for even greater economic cooperation and integration into the future. 

My delegation comprises Ministers and officials, and representatives from our state-owned companies, financial institutions and South African business. 

I am encouraged by the work that has already begun through our respective Trade and Industry Ministers to align our plans towards a common SACU plan of action for operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

The joint export promotion platforms that are being discussed at SACU level for leveraging AfCFTA trade opportunities are promising. 

I urge that the same vigour be given to concluding the work of creating industrial value-chains in the SACU. 

Through these value-chains we will be able to grow our industrial exports to the rest of the continent. 

New markets in West, East, North and Central Africa hold immense potential for both South Africa and Botswana. 

We will be able to produce and export local goods, products and services to our fellow African countries that would otherwise be sourced from outside the continent. 

Even as we do so, we do not seek to displace other African businesses. 

The intention instead is complementary trade and industrial development. 

Botswana and South Africa can both achieve more by working closely together. 

The development of value-chains can also move SACU towards a brighter new future of joint investment and development. 

I am also pleased to note that work is underway in SACU on a Work Programme on Industrialisation to promote industrial development and regional value chains, export promotion, investment attraction and promotion. 

Work is already underway on leather and leather products, fresh produce, meat and meat products, textiles, clothing, cosmetics and essential oils. 

These sectors present opportunities for the development of regional value chains across region. 

They also present opportunities for SACU exports to the rest of Africa, to the United States under AGOA, to the European Union under the EPA, and to other strategic markets in Asia and the Middle East. 

There are also opportunities for further cooperation in minerals.

Botswana is currently the chair of the Kimberley Process, an initiative that has successfully addressed concerns regarding the diamond industry, and last year was the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value.

Your Excellency, 

In April this year you opened the first SACU Investment Roundtable in Gaborone under the theme “Positioning SACU as an industrial, investment, manufacturing and innovation hub for the African continent and beyond” 

This remains our collective aspiration. 

Over the past five years, South Africa’s foreign direct investment stock in Botswana has increased year-on-year, reaching US$ 5.1 billion in 2021. 

While we will continue to encourage South African investment into Botswana, we are encouraged by the Botswana companies that have already invested in South Africa. 

Between January 2003 and December 2021, we saw nine FDI projects from Botswana to South Africa. 

They attracted capital investment worth R3.9 billion, resulting in the creation of over 2,000 jobs. 

We would like to see these numbers grow exponentially. 

Intra-African trade opportunities accruing from the AfCFTA can only be realised if we facilitate intra-Africa investments. 

In particular, we need to encourage our respective companies to invest in areas that will address the continent’s infrastructure and industrial deficits. 

South Africa is committed to supporting our partners on the continent to reach their industrialisation goals. 

As Team South Africa we want to be part of the African growth story by way of strategic investments into the continent by our companies, financial institutions and state-owned companies. 

It is our expectation that today’s session will unpack all these matters further, and that we will jointly identify the priorities for strengthening the Botswana-South Africa economic relationship. 

I look forward to vibrant and productive discussions.

I thank you.

Your Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana,
Your Excellencies High Commissioners of both South Africa and Botswana,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Business Leaders,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Thank you for joining us on the conclusion of what has been a successful and highly productive South Africa - Botswana Business Roundtable. 

I would like to thank His Excellency President Masisi for the warm reception given to me and my delegation.

The delegation comprises government Ministers and Deputy Ministers, representatives of our state-owned companies and financial institutions, and leaders from the South African business community. 

It has been 28 years since South Africa and Botswana established formal diplomatic ties. 

Even as our bilateral relations have grown stronger over the years, we want to see far greater levels of trade and investment between our two countries.  

As we noted earlier, South Africa’s foreign direct investment stock in Botswana reached $5.1 billion last year.

There have been important investments by Botswana in South Africa.

Between 2003 and 2021, there were nine such FDI projects, which attracted capital investment of R3.9 billion and led to the creation of over 2,000 jobs. 

In today’s discussion we got to hear the perspective of members of the Botswana business community on doing business in South Africa.  

This included representatives from companies that already have a presence in South Africa, and it has been refreshing to hear of their optimism about expanding their businesses in South Africa. 

The South African business delegation includes representatives from a wide range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, automotive, manufacturing, agriculture and others. 

Like all countries in the region and indeed the continent and the world, our economy was hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

We have affirmed that deepening intra-African trade and investment, and taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, can hasten an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery for the region and for our continent. 

His Excellency President Masisi and I agreed that we need to encourage business in our respective countries to invest in catalytic development projects, particularly infrastructure.  

It has been pleasing to have representatives of our respective state-owned companies share their perspectives on the importance of infrastructure development to our common industrialisation efforts. 

As South Africa we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting our fellow countries on the continent, including Botswana, to reach their industrialisation goals. 

This can be done through strategic investments into other parts of the continent by our companies, financial institutions and state-owned companies.  

A major point of discussion today was around alignment towards a common plan of action by the Southern African Customs Union, of which Botswana and South Africa are members, for the operationalisation of the AfCFTA. 

We expressed confidence at the work being done around creating industrial value chains in SACU, which would have great benefits for our respective economies. 

We see great potential in leather and leather products, fresh produce, meat and meat products, textiles, clothing, cosmetics and essential oils.  

As Botswana and South Africa, we have agreed that our respective economies stand to gain substantially from the development of these value chains.

This Business Roundtable has been a good starting point for us to begin strategising and aligning our efforts in pursuit of common prosperity, greater reciprocal trade and much higher levels of investment.   

I am extremely pleased it has gone well and we look forward to the reports of our respective officials on the progress of the various initiatives we have agreed on today. 

I thank you.

His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 14 October 2022, depart South Africa for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a State Visit to take place on 15-16 October 2022.

President Ramaphosa’s visit is at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness (HRH) King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and he will be hosted by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Saudi Arabia were formalised in 1994 with four South Africa’s democratically elected Presidents having visited the Kingdom to date.

The late President Nelson Mandela visited the Kingdom in 1998; President Thabo Mbeki visited in 2007; President Jacob Zuma visited in 2016 and President Cyril Ramaphosa visited in 2018.

The Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy a strategic bilateral partnership based on cordial and fraternal relations. 

The discussions would focus on export market opportunities for South African produce and on South Africa as an investment destination as well as an entry point into Southern Africa and beyond within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It is envisioned that the various deliberations will provide renewed impetus to strengthened economic cooperation in identified priority sectors, notably agriculture, defence, energy, and transport, further underpinned by regular high-level engagements between the two countries.

The recent 9th session of the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Joint Economic Council held from 3-4 October 2022 launched the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council.  

The Joint Business Council brings together leading business people from both countries to deepen economic ties as Saudi Arabia is the largest source of imports from the Middle East region. 

Total bilateral trade between South Africa and Saudi Arabia amounted to R66 billion in 2021.

President Ramaphosa will also participate in high-level business engagements with leading businesspersons as well as institutional and private investors.  In this regard, the President will deliver the closing remarks at the Saudi Arabia - South Africa Investment Forum and participate in Saudi Arabia – South Africa Investment Roundtable.
 
The high-level meetings will also afford the leaders an opportunity to discuss bilateral, continental and global issues, and to reaffirm their commitment to further cooperate closely on multilateral issues.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform; Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy and Fikile Mbalula of Transport. 


Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host President Brahim Ghali of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) for a State Visit on 18 October 2022 in Pretoria.
 
The visit aims to strengthen the already existing good political relations fortified by the strong historical ties dating back from the years of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
 
The two Presidents will exchange views on recent developments related to the question of Western Sahara, including the mobilization of regional, continental and international support toward finding a sustainable resolution to the Western Sahara conflict in line with the provisions of the 1991 Ceasefire Agreement.
 
In 2019, South Africa hosted a Solidarity Conference for the region's support of self-determination.
 
The South African government remains concerned about the impasse in a dialogue toward finding a lasting solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic in line with the relevant AU and UN resolutions and the objectives and principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
 
South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the Saharawi people and continues to provide humanitarian and material support to alleviate the harsh living conditions that they have continued to suffer.   
 
The State Visit will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2022
Time: 10h00 (Media arrival at 08h30)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria 
 
Members of the media wishing to cover the State Visit should sent their details to Shadi Baloyi on 072 571 6415/shadi@presidency.gov.za by Thursday, 13 October 2022 at 16h00. No RSVPs passed the deadline will be accepted. Media not accredited will not be allowed access in the Union Buildings.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency has received the amended version of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture Report, which incorporates corrections made by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who chaired the Commission. 
 
The release follows the granting of permission by the Pretoria High Court on the 4th of October 2022, to allow Chief Justice Zondo to make corrections to the final volume of the report which was submitted to the Presidency in June 2022. 
 
The amended reported is available and can be downloaded from the Presidency’s website: www.thepresidency.gov.za.
 
 
Media enquires: Mr Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 13 October 2022, address the Agri SA Congress 2022 which is themed “Growing Local”.
 
The event will be held at the Maslow Time Square Hotel, Pretoria.
 
Agri SA was established in 1904 and has become the biggest group of agricultural organisations in South Africa with membership including provincial affiliates, commodity organisations, and corporate members. 
 
The agriculture sector is seeking to address threats to the country’s food security, including persistent supply chain constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic, increases in fuel, shipping and fertiliser costs, disruptions to electricity supply, rural safety, market access and the impact of natural disasters among other challenges.
 
The 2022 Congress is an opportunity for the agriculture industry to deliberate on the challenges it faces and to showcase achievements, opportunities for growth and solutions that will foster food security and contribute to broader economic development.
 
Congress delegates will engage on such issues as making agriculture masterplans work for local growers; sustainable infrastructure for locally grown food; making the local environment sustainable for local food production into the future, and strengthening food producers’ capacity to process locally grown produce.
 
The President’s participation and address will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 October 2022
Time: 10:00–12:00 (Keynote address at 11:00)
Venue:  The Maslow Time Square, 209 Aramist Avenue, Pretoria.
 
Members of the media who wish to cover the event are requested to RSVP on or before Wednesday, 12 October 2022 at 13h00 with the following details; Full names, name of institution they are representing, ID or passport number, mobike number, and email address to Naledi Malatji on naledi@presidency.gov.za / 078 633 6302.
 
 
Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa, due to changes to his programme, will regrettably, no longer address a gathering marking the commissioning of a state-of-the-art plastics production plant by the ALPLA Group, a leading international manufacturer.
 
The President will be represented by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy.
 
The event is scheduled tomorrow, 12 October 2022 at the ALPLA Production Plant at Lanseria, Gauteng.
 
In his 2020 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa positioned infrastructure development and the establishment of new cities as means to stimulate the economy and increase employment.
 
The ALPLA investment is a key contribution to the Lanseria Smart City masterplan.
 
The ALPLA Group’s US$50 million commitment will not only drive sustainability and recycling in the country, but will create and sustain 350 jobs, with an apprenticeship programme that will train 36 mechatronics and recycling technicians for ALPLA operations across southern Africa. 
 
The apprentice programme will commence in 2023 with the first 12 South African apprentices from local communities beginning their training in the plastics technology and machining technology trades in the ‘Future Corner’ training centre in Lanseria.
 
In the new headquarters for Sub-Saharan Africa, the ALPLA group is merging five previous plants which were located in Harrismith, Denver, Isando, Kempton Park and Samrand.  The new location in Lanseria features 35 000 square metres of covered production, administration and storage space, another 12 500 for future expansion, and 30 000 square metres of roof area equipped with solar panels.
 
ALPLA is one of the leading companies for plastic packaging and recycling. 
 
Around 22 100 employees produce tailor-made packaging systems, bottles, closures and injection moulded parts at 177 locations in 45 countries.
 
The new plant will produce bottles, closures and special packaging for the food, personal and home care, chemical, cleaning agent and pharmaceutical industries – a total of around 3.5 billion pieces per year.
 
ALPLA uses six different technologies, including injection and compression moulding, injection stretch blow moulding and extrusion blow moulding. In addition to international corporations, ALPLA also supplies smaller local companies with plastic packaging solutions.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to undertake a number of bilateral and multilateral engagements in coming weeks in which he will advance partnerships for growth and development in South Africa and for global solidarity, security and inclusive prosperity.

South Africa’s programme of economic diplomacy is a key lever for the realisation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) to rebuild the economy.

At the multilateral level, South Africa seeks to advance its national interest – the well-being and development of all citizens - as well as the development priorities of developing countries including the SADC region and the African continent, and to promote an equitable rules-based multilateral system.


OCTOBER

In October, President Ramaphosa will host President Brahim Ghali of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic for deliberations in Pretoria.

President Ramaphosa will also welcome Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain to Pretoria for discussions on relations between the two countries.

Still in October, President Ramaphosa will undertake a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, in fulfilment of a planned visit the President postponed in April 2022 to focus on Government’s intervention in the KwaZulu-Natal flood disaster.

Saudi Arabia is South Africa’s second largest trading partner the Middle East and largest source of imports from the region. The exchange of political and business visits, as well as trade and investment exhibitions and seminars by both countries in the past years have had a positive effect on trade and investment trends.


NOVEMBER

In November, President Ramaphosa will participate in the global climate change conference, COP 27, to be held at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Heads of State and Government, government delegations, non-governmental organisations, private sector delegates and other representatives will engage at the global conference on action on climate and sustainable development goals; adaptation and resilience; climate4 finance; education and youth; gender; innovation, and land use, as part of deliberations on mitigating climate change and securing sustainability for future generations.

President Ramaphosa will subsequently undertake a visit to the Republic of Kenya for his first engagement with recently elected President William Ruto with a view to expanding trade between the two countries and enhance people-to-people relations between two significant economies in their respective regions.

Still in November, President Ramaphosa will participate in the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, where leaders of the world’s major developed and emerging economies will hold discussions on global priorities advocated by Indonesia during its term as the G20 Presidency.

These priorities include the global health architecture, sustainable energy transition and digital transformation.

Together, the G20 members represent more than 80 percent of world GDP, 75 percent of international trade and 60 percent of the world population. 

Later in November, President Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe will honour an invitation by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom to undertake a State Visit to the United Kingdom.

The State Visit follows visits at this level to the United Kingdom by Presidents Mandela, Mbeki and Zuma since the advent of democracy and follows visits by King Charles III and the Queen Consort to South Africa.

South Africa and the UK are strategic partners with a broad and vibrant relationship, led by a commitment to liberal values, democracy and the rule of law.

The two countries share a wide array of mutual interests and continue to deepen collaboration to resolve global challenges.
 

DECEMBER

In early December, President Ramaphosa will host President Nicolás Maduro of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for bilateral discussions in Pretoria.

Venezuela is a strategic partner of South Africa in Latin America, especially in the context of South-South cooperation as well as the potential for future economic partnership due to its abundant oil and gas reserves.

The Presidency will provide closer details of these engagements, including dates, closer to these events.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, address a gathering marking the commissioning of a state-of-the-art plastics production plant by the ALPLA Group, a leading international manufacturer.
 
The event will be held at the ALPLA Production Plant at Lanseria, Gauteng.
 
In his 2020 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa positioned infrastructure development and the establishment of new cities as means to stimulate the economy and increase employment.
 
The ALPLA investment is a key contribution to the Lanseria Smart City masterplan.
 
The ALPLA Group’s US$50 million commitment will not only drive sustainability and recycling in the country, but will create and sustain 350 jobs, with an apprenticeship programme that will train 36 mechatronics and recycling technicians for ALPLA operations across southern Africa. 
 
The apprentice programme will commence in 2023 with the first 12 South African apprentices from local communities beginning their training in the plastics technology and machining technology trades in the ‘Future Corner’ training centre in Lanseria.
 
In the new headquarters for Sub-Saharan Africa, the ALPLA group is merging five previous plants which were located in Harrismith, Denver, Isando, Kempton Park and Samrand.  The new location in Lanseria features 35 000 square metres of covered production, administration and storage space, another 12 500 for future expansion, and 30 000 square metres of roof area equipped with solar panels.
 
ALPLA is one of the leading companies for plastic packaging and recycling. 
 
Around 22 100 employees produce tailor-made packaging systems, bottles, closures and injection moulded parts at 177 locations in 45 countries.
 
The new plant will produce bottles, closures and special packaging for the food, personal and home care, chemical, cleaning agent and pharmaceutical industries – a total of around 3.5 billion pieces per year.
 
ALPLA uses six different technologies, including injection and compression moulding, injection stretch blow moulding and extrusion blow moulding. In addition to international corporations, ALPLA also supplies smaller local companies with plastic packaging solutions.
 
The address by the President will be live streamed on all PresidencyZA Digital platforms just after 15h00.
 
A media pool arrangement is in place and further enquiries should be directed to ALPLA, Erik Nielsen (Senior Communications Manager) on +43 (0)5574 6021 701 / erik.nielsen@alpla.com.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria