President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Wednesday, 14 September 2022, embark on working visits to the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) to respectively build relations with South Africa’s third largest trade partner and to attend the State Funeral Service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

President Ramaphosa departs today for Washington DC in the United States where he will honour an invitation by His Excellency President Joe Biden for engagement between the two leaders.

The leaders will meet at the White House on Friday, 16 September, to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, climate change, food security, energy, and peace and security.

President Ramaphosa will reaffirm the importance of the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between South Africa and the United States. The President will further emphasise the need for enhanced multilateralism and dialogue as the means through which the challenges facing humanity can be addressed. These include the urgent need to stimulate economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Washington DC, President Ramaphosa and his delegation will meet Congressional leaders and the veterans of the Civil Rights Movement who were instrumental in lobbying the American public against apartheid and who remain loyal to the cause of anti-racism in both the United States and South Africa.

The United States is a major export market for South Africa, a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI), technology transfer, development assistance and tourism.

Trade and investment relations take place under the auspices of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free and quota-free access to the US market for value-added products. AGOA has created jobs in both South Africa and the US and is thus mutually beneficial.

The United States is South Africa’s third largest trading partner (after China and the European Union), with more than 600 United States companies operating in South Africa.

In 2021, the United States ranked as the second largest destination for South Africa’s exports globally.

The United States accounts for 17.4% of total South African outward FDI to the world, according to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

The President’s visit to the United States provides a platform for strengthening bilateral relations with the United States though the engagement with President Biden.


State Funeral Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
 
On Saturday, 17 September 2022, President Ramaphosa will travel from Washington DC to London in the United Kingdom to attend events associated with the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
 
Following his arrival in London on Sunday, 18 September, the President will attend The King’s Reception – a reception hosted by His Majesty King Charles III in honour of Heads of State and Government and guests invited to attend the State Funeral Service – at Buckingham Palace.
 
On Monday, 19 September, the President will be among world leaders attending the State Funeral Service for Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey, London.
 
Immediately after the State Funeral Service, the UK Foreign Secretary, The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, will host a reception for Heads of State and Government and other distinguished guests in the precincts of Westminster Abbey.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 12 September 2022, visit the Jagersfontein-Charlesville area in the Free State where a mudslide has claimed lives and destroyed homes.
 
The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of three people who lost their lives in the incident which allegedly involved a pipe burst from a mine at Jagersfontein around dawn today, Sunday, 11 September.
 
Four persons have been reported missing while 23 patients have been treated for hypothermia and four for broken legs.
 
The President wishes injured survivors a speedy recovery and a positive outcome in the search for missing residents of the Charlesville neighbourhood.
 
The President appreciates the rescue and recovery efforts in which emergency services and police from towns surrounding the mine and from Mangaung are engaged.
 
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency has noted the ruling handed down by the Western Cape High Court this afternoon, 09 September 2022, stating that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to suspend Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane is invalid.
 
The Presidency will seek guidance from the Constitution on the next steps. 
 
 
Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 13 September 2022, undertake an investment oversight drive in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. 
 
President Ramaphosa will officiate the launch of the Hesto Harnesses manufacturing facility in KwaDukuza before participating in the opening of the Sappi Saiccor Mill upgrade and expansion project in Umkomaas. 
 
The President’s engagement with these key investments mark the realisation of pledges made by industralists at the South Africa Investment Conference.
 
Government welcomed these investments as welcome contributions to South Africa’s efforts at economic reconstruction and recovery and endorsements of South Africa’s standing as an investment destination for domestic and international enterprises.
 
President Ramaphosa will commence his visit to the province in KwaDukuza where he will officiate the launch of the Metair Investments subsidiary Hesto Harnesses, where a new 35 000 square-metre state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will be unveiled. 
 
In partnership with Yazaki Corporation, Hesto Harnesses manufactures wiring harnesses and instrument clusters for supply to South African-based  automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Toyota, Isuzu, Nissan and Ford.
 
This facility is one of five capital investment projects that form part of a R1.4 billion commitment by Metair Investments Limited to support the expansion and localisation of the new Ford Ranger.
 
Metair Investments was formed in 1948 to meet the needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive components sector and exports products to approximately 46 countries. 
 
Metair Investments shareholding has 14  subsidiaries of which eight are based in South Africa, with KZN hosting the highest number of employees.
 
The facility in KwaDukuza has created 4 000 employment opportunities with a subsidiary employment total of 7 200. 70% of the labour force is female.
 
Following the Launch of the Hesto Harnesses manufacturing facility in KwaDukuza, President Ramaphosa will proceed to Umkomaas for the opening of the Sappi Saiccor Mill upgrade and expansion project.
 
Sappi first announced its upgrade and expansion project for Saiccor Mill at the South Africa Investment Conference in 2018, answering President Ramaphosa’s call for investment into the South African economy by domestic and international companies.
 
The R7,7 billion Sappi Saiccor upgrade and expansion project is aimed at increasing the capacity and global competitiveness of Sappi Saiccor Mill while also creating employment opportunities in the short and long term.
 
Work first commenced on the expansion project in 2018, but construction ceased for a period in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Sappi Saiccor Mill is a major role player in KwaZulu-Natal, contributing over R6.7 billion annually to the local economy. 
 
The mill employs more than 1 200 staff and 700 contractors.
 
 Sappi’s KwaZulu-Natal operations comprising three mills, forestry operations and sales and export services contribute R12 billion per annum to the provincial economy. This number rises to R60 billion per annum when reflecting indirect benefits.
 
Some 3 000 contractor positions were created over the lifetime of the project, with more than 2 500 local residents being employed. 
 
A permanent community skills centre was established at the mill and some R150 million has been invested in local enterprise and supplier development opportunities. The project has also seen a 9% increase in permanent staff at the mill.
 
MEDIA DETAILS 
 
The Metair Hesto Harnesses manufacturing launch:
 
Time     :           08h00 (Media to arrive at 07h00)
Venue   :           Hesto Harnesses, 1 Gledhow Mill Rd, Stanger Central KwaDukuza
 
 
Sappi Saiccor Mill upgrade and expansion project launch: 
 
Time     :           14h00 (Media to arrive at 13h00 for screening and briefing) 
Venue   :           Sappi Saiccor Mill, R197 Umkomanzi Drift, Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal
 
Members of the media who wish to cover the two events are requested to RSVP on or before Monday, 12 September 2022 at 12h00 with the following details; Full names, name of institution they are representing, ID or Passport number, Cell number, email address:
 
METAIR HESTO HARNESSES 
 
Naledi Malatji on naledi@presidency.gov.za 
and Bandile Nkambule bandile.nkambule@instinctif.com 
 
SAPPI SAICCOR MILL UPGRADE AND EXPANSION PROJECT
 
Zelda Schwalbach Zelda.schwalbach@sappi.com 083 6528528 and Batlile Phaladi Batlile.phaladi@sappi.com 073 9349664
 
 
Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315 or media@presidency.gov.za 
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his profound and sincere condolences to His Majesty, King Charles III on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
 
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96 and was the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom.
 
"Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life.  Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world", says President Ramaphosa.
 
The President met Her Majesty at the last Commonwealth meeting which was held in London in 2018 where they spent some time looking  at letters that Former President Mandela sent to the Queen, reminiscing about the great stateman that Her Majesty respected enormously.
 
President Ramaphosa says that South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their immense loss.
 
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the launch of the new Sandvik Khomanani Manufacturing Site in Kempton Park on Friday, 09 September 2022.
 
Sandvik is a Swedish global manufacturer of mining and mineral processing equipment, which has operated in South Africa since 1948.
 
Sandvik renewed its commitment to South Africa as an investment partner at the 4th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Sandton six months ago.

The launch of Sandvik’s Khomanani high-tech head office facility, workshop and manufacturing complex in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, is a fulfillment of this industrial giant’s investment pledge of R350 million, made at the investment conference.

The Khomanani facility, whose name means “hold each other as a unit” in Xitsonga, consolidates operations previously undertaken at five separate sites and accommodates approximately 550 employees.
 
This 62 000 square-metre site is one of Sandvik’s biggest and most advanced facilities globally and has the ability to produce underground loaders with over 60% South African content, allowing them to be designated as ‘Proudly South African’.
 
A media pool has been arranged to cover the President’s site tour and the official launch occasion.
 
Details are as follows:
 
Date: Friday, 09 September 2022
Time: 09h30
 
 
Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his sincere congratulations to Ms Liz Truss following her appointment by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

South Africa and the United Kingdom enjoy historically strong and friendly relations and the President expressed confidence that this strategic relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and the United Kingdom covers a range of areas including, inter alia, trade and investment, science and innovation, health, energy, and the environment.

South Africa and the United Kingdom collaborate within the multilateral context to address global challenges such as peace and security, underdevelopment, poverty, economic growth, climate change and prevent future pandemics.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to working with Prime Minister Truss to further strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 08 September 2022, deliver the keynote address at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Council of Mayors Conference at the East London International Convention Centre in the Eastern Cape. 

The SALGA Council of Mayors has since its formation in 2016 gathered mayors from across the country to deliberate and collaborate on matters concerning service provision, local governance and strengthening municipalities to carry out their Constitutional mandate.  

The Council of Mayors will on 8 and 9 September 2022 inaugurate new members who have become local government leaders since the November 2021 local government elections.

The Council of Mayors acts as a consultative forum for the development of local government positions on policies and legislation impacting local government.

This structure also identifies policy and legislative matters that SALGA needs to include in its advocacy, lobbying, and strategic engagements.

This collective of mayors identifies challenges faced by the executive in municipalities and proposes solutions and approaches
to address prevailing challenges facing local government.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address in the opening session of the conference under the theme “The role of Mayors to enhance good governance and sustainability”.

This engagement follows the South African Human Rights Commission National Conference on Local Governance which the President addressed on local government accountability, service delivery and human rights several days ago. 

Members of the national executive will join the conference of mayors for discussions on transitional progress following the 2021 elections; local government finances;
financial management and municipal financial recovery; opportunities for developing human settlements; safe and secure communities; the rural roads programme, the classification and proclamation of roads and related funding, as well as the status of water, sanitation and waste management.

Details are as follows:
Date: 08 September 2022
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: East London International Convention Centre   

Members of the media who wish to attend the conference are requested to register with Sivuyile Mbambato on smbambato@salga.org.za  , by 06 September 2022. 


Media enquiries:
South African Local Government Association
Tebogo Mosala , Head of Marketing and Communication - 084 6667699 or tmosala@salga.org.za

The Presidency 
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315 or media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 04 September 2022, join families of the police officers and reservists who lost their lives in the line of duty at the annual South African Police Service (SAPS) Commemoration Day.

The event will take place at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Memorial Site at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

This year’s event commemorates members of the SAPS who have fallen in the line of duty in the 12 months between 01 April 2021 and 31 March 2022. 

Members of the media wishing to attend the event are requested to submit credentials to Colonel Athlenda Mathe on 082 040 8808

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Sunday, 04 September 2022
Time: 10h00
Venue: SAPS Memorial Site, Union Buildings, Pretoria

NOTE TO MEDIA: Members of the media are reminded that no drones will be allowed for the duration of the programme.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sincere condolences at the passing of His Excellency Mikhail Gorbachev, Nobel Laureate and last leader of the Soviet Union.

Mr Gorbachev passed away at the age of 91, with his political career crowned by the glasnost and perestroika reforms he initiated in the late 1980s, to transform the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and to end the Cold War, which marked geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States.

The President joins the international community in offering his condolences to Mr Gorbachev’s family and associates, including the esteemed circle of Nobel Laureates, among whom President Nelson Mandela was numbered.

South Africa is greatly indebted to the support provided by the Soviet Union over an extended period – including Mr Gorbachev’s term of office – to South Africa’s liberation movement and to anti-colonial struggles in Southern Africa.

As the first President of a democratic South Africa, President Mandela visited the Russian Federation in 1999 to express his appreciation for this solidarity.

In November 1986, Mr Gorbachev, as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee, hosted African National Congress President Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki, for deliberations in Moscow on the anti-apartheid struggle and international questions.

President Ramaphosa said: “Mikhail Gorbachev was a statesman who was able to balance his love for his country and the advancement of its interests with the vision of a world in which conflict was reduced and humanity was able to live in conditions of peace and tolerance.

“In support of our own liberation, Mikhail Gorbachev sustained the Soviet Union’s support for our struggle in the critical period that led to the unbanning of the liberation movement and our transition to democracy.

“We are humbled by the regard he expressed for Nelson Mandela as an inspiration to him and as a model of leadership to the world.

“We will remember Mikhail Gorbachev with appreciation for his role in making our country a better place within a better world.”


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria