President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Addis Ababa, in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Double Troika Summit. 

The Summit taking place tomorrow, 17 January 2019 will review and assess the political situation in the DRC following the recently held elections.

The SADC Summit will later be followed by a consultative meeting of Head of States and Government of SADC Double Troika members, International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR); African Union Troika and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Dipuo  Letsatsi-Duba.

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

South Africa has noted with concern terrorists attacks in Kenya on Tuesday, 15 January 2019.

South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the attacks on the government and the people of Kenya. South Africa extends its condolences to the bereaved and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

Initial reports are that no South African citizen has been reported injured in the attack, the South African High Commission in Nairobi is monitoring the   situation and interacting with authorities.

On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, we send a message of support to the government and the people of Kenya.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa sends heartfelt condolences on the passing of acclaimed author, journalist and anti-apartheid activist who passed away at his home at the age of 79 on Wednesday 16 January 2019.

Mr Lewin worked as a journalist at the Natal Witness, Drum Magazine and the Golden City Post.

He later became Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in Johannesburg and served as a member of the Truth and Reconciliation   Commission committee on human rights violations in Gauteng.

 As an author, he won the 2003, Olive Schreiner Prize for his prison memoir, “Bandiet Out of Jail” and in 2012 won the Alan Paton Award for another   personal memoir, “Stones Against the Mirror”.

Under apartheid, Mr Lewin served a full prison sentence for sabotage and left South Africa on a “permanent exit permit” in 1971 to live in exile in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

President Ramaphosa has noted: “We have lost an incredible writer and a valiant soldier who fought fearlessly for human rights and the justice and freedom that are the hallmarks of our democracy.

“His fighting spirit and humanity will forever be remembered by those he touched through his life, actions and also his written words. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and relatives. May his soul rest in peace.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

1. The Double Troika Summit (Summit) of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in   Addis Ababa, in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on 17 January 2019.

2. The Summit was officially opened by H.E President Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the Chairperson of SADC.

3. Summit was attended by the following Double Troika Heads of State and Government or their representatives:
 

•  Angola: H.E. President João Lourenço, Out-going Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation     
• Namibia: H.E President Dr Hage G. Geingob, Chairperson of SADC 
• South Africa: H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Out-going Chairperson of SADC 
• Zambia: H.E. President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
• Tanzania: H.E. Dr. Augustin P. Mahiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, representing the In-coming Chairperson of SADC 
• Zimbabwe: H.E. Mr. Raphael Faranisi, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Democratic Republic of Congo, representing the In-coming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation

4. Summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of SADC, H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax and was briefed by H.E Leonard She Okitundu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

5. Summit reviewed the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections that were conducted in the country on 30th December 2018. 

6. Summit congratulated the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for organising and conducting generally peaceful elections, notwithstanding some incidences and the logistical challenges, coupled with the impediments brought about by the devastating Ebola outbreak and security insurgencies. 

7. Summit commended the Congolese people and all Political Stakeholders for ensuring that the elections were conducted in a peaceful manner. 

8. Summit commended H.E. President Joseph Kabila for his leadership in holding the elections. 

9. Summit noted that that due to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus in Beni and Butembo areas, combined with security challenges, Legislative and Provincial elections in Beni, Butembo and Yumbi were postponed to March 2019. 

10. Summit encouraged the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue maintaining peace and security in the country. 

11. Summit took note of the election petition filed in the Constitutional Court challenging the provisional results of the Presidential Election and called upon all the Congolese People and all the concerned Political Stakeholders to remain calm and act in a way that consolidates democracy and preserves peace, and to address any electoral grievances in line with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitution and relevant electoral laws. 

12. Summit called upon the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo in accordance with the AU Constitutive Act, and the SADC Treaty. 

13. Summit recognized and underscored the role of the Constitutional Court of the DRC and called upon the international community to respect the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the internal legal and political processes for the finalization of the electoral process. 

14. Summit also called upon the international community to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to maintain a peaceful and stable environment following the landmark elections, and avoid actions that are prejudicial to the electoral process. 

15. Summit further called for the continued implementation of the Peace, Security and Co-operation Framework in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region. 

16. Summit reaffirmed its commitment to continued support to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political processes, and with respect to neutralizing the negative forces and other armed groups operating in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and to remain seized with the matter. 

17. Summit expressed its appreciation for the support rendered to the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). 

18. Summit commended H.E. President Hage G. Geingob, Chairperson of SADC for convening the Double Troika Summit, 

Done at Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 17 January 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 22 January 2019, attend the launch in Geneva, Switzerland, of the Report on the Future of Work produced by the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
President Ramaphosa and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven are co-chairs of the 27-member Global Commission that has been tasked to identify challenges and make recommendations that will sustain and protect the livelihood of workers around the world amid the proliferation of the   fourth industrial revolution, climate change and the changing world economic cycle.
 
The Global Commission’s report will be launched at the ILO headquarters and will form part of this United Nations agency’s centenary year. The ILO has   since its founding in 1919 advocated for social justice and promoted decent work in all of its 187 member states. 
 
The President, has since his appointment in May 2018, as co-chair  of the ILO Global Commission hosted the Presidential Jobs Summit and the South Africa International Investment Conference in October 2018. These forums sought, among other objectives, to strengthen inclusive planning in protecting and creating sustainable livelihoods in an era of rapid technological change and climate impact, and attract investment that will yield returns in a fast-evolving digital economy.
 
More recently, government and social partners embarked on implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act which sets an historic precedent in the protection of low-earning workers and provides a platform for reducing inequality in society and decreasing huge disparities in income in the national labour market.
 
President Ramaphosa will engage with the ILO ahead of leading Team South Africa to Annual Meetings of the World Economic Forum - a gathering of world leaders in government, business and civil society - in Davos, Switzerland, from 22 to 25 January 2019.
 
For the ILO engagement President Cyril Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Ms Mildred Oliphant.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address at the third annual Basic Education Lekgotla in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, tomorrow, Monday 21 January 2019.

Hosted by Minister of Basic Education Ms Angie Motshekga, this three-day national event brings together provincial education departments, teacher unions, school governing body organisations, learner organisations, non-governmental organisations, academics, international guest speakers and   other stakeholders.
 

This year’s event is themed “Equipping Learners with Knowledge and Skills For a Changing World” and will focus on ensuring that South African are  prepared to participate in and contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and have the best possible chance at succeeding in a fast changing global  environment.

The Lekgotla takes place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Bardene, Boksburg.

Members of the media are invited to attend the opening session of the Lekgotla as follows:

Date: Monday, 21 January 2019
Time: 08h30
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, 14 View Point Rd, Bardene, Boksburg

Department of Basic Education contacts:
Elijah Mhlanga – 083 580 8275
Troy Martens – 078 899 3070


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa congratulated Mr Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo as President Elect of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the confirmation by the country’s Constitutional Court.
 
President Ramaphosa has called on all parties and all stakeholders in the DRC to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court and commit to continue with a journey of consolidating peace, uniting the people of Congo and creating a better life for all. 
 
 President Ramaphosa also congratulated the people of DRC for conducting peaceful elections and commended them for exercising great restraint and   staying calm when waiting for the Constitutional Court to make a determination. And now that the highest Court in the land has ruled, all the people of   Congo and all stakeholders are urged to accept the outcome of the Court  and move on to consolidate democracy and preserve peace, stability and   security of the country. 
 
President Ramaphosa reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC in keeping with UN Charter, the AU Constitutive Act and the SADC Treaty.
 
Further, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for the full implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
 
President Ramaphosa concluded by assuring the President Elect and the people of the DRC of South Africa's continued commitment to support them in the journey to peace, stability, security and development.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 21 January 2019, embarked on two working visits and a state visit that will encompass global discussions on the future of work, global governance and partnership in an age of rapid technological change, and reinforcement of South Africa’s relations with   India.

The government and people of the Republic of India will host President Ramaphosa as Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic Day Celebrations on Saturday, 26 January.

President Ramaphosa will begin his international visits in Geneva, Switzerland, tomorrow, 22 January 2018, in his capacity as Co-Chair – with Swedish  Prime Minister Stefan Löfven - of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
The Commission will launch its highly anticipated Report On The Future of Work at the ILO headquarters in Geneva tomorrow.

The report lays the foundation for global action on the challenges that governments, business and labour face amid the convergence of developments in the digital economy, climate change and cyclic economic trends.

Following his address to the ILO, President Ramaphosa will travel to Davis-Klosters, Switzerland, where he will lead Team South Africa’s participation in the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled from 22 to 25 January.

The 2019 gathering is themed “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” and brings together heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1 000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, and cultural, societal and thought leaders, among others.

The Davos discussions will explore how technological advances are impacting on or giving rise to new systems of health, transportation, communication, production, distribution, and energy, and the changes required in education and other programmes to prepare workers for this economic revolution and accompanying social changes

The. 2019 World Economic Forum is a platform for Team South Africa to engage and update the international community, including investors, on the path of renewal and growth on which the country has embarked.

It is also a platform for South Africa to showcase investment and trade opportunities.

The Forum enables Team South Africa to contribute to global dialogue on key issues facing humanity and to engage on key opportunities that are emerging.

Team South Africa comprises leadership of government, business, labour and civil society at large.

Following the conclusion of the World Economic Forum programme, President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to New Delhi in the Republic of India for a State Visit on 25 January 2019.

South Africa and India enjoy a Strategic Partnership and bilateral relations anchored by a deep and shared history of friendship and solidarity.

India is currently South Africa’s second largest trading partner in Asia and ranks among South Africa’s top 10 trade partners. In 2017 bilateral trade reached R107 billion (approximately $8 billion). Trade for the period January to November 2018 totalled R101 billion.

Indian investments in South Africa currently stand at US$8 billion and, have created an estimated 18 000 jobs. There are 130 Indian companies that have invested in South Africa, including TATA (automobiles and hotels), Mahindra (automobiles), Cipla (pharmaceuticals) and the Bank of India. South Africa’s total investment in India increased to R10,3 billion (approximately $800 million) in 2017.

South African companies that have invested in India, include SASOL, FirstRand, Old Mutual, ACSA, Shoprite and Nandos.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by a business delegation to further enhance trade relations between the two nations.

South Africa and India share a common vision on a range of global issues and domestic challenges. Many of the common foreign policy objectives which both countries share are pursued multilaterally, especially through South-South initiatives and close cooperation existing within the G20, BRICS, IBSA, and IORA. The two nations will further solidify relations with agreements on Higher Education and Training, Arts and Culture, Home Affairs, Defence and Energy among others to be signed.

Following the January 25 State Visit, President Ramaphosa will be honoured as Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic Day Celebrations on 26 January 2019 in New Delhi.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to longstanding diplomat and activist Ambassador Dumisani Khumalo who has passed away at the age     of 71.

The President has extended his sincerest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Ambassador Khumalo in South Africa and elsewhere.

Ambassador Khumalo served as South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York from 1999 to 2009, a period during which he represented South Africa during its first tenure on the UN Security Council from 2007-2008.

Ambassador Khumalo also served as co-chair for the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council; and was chair at the UN of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Group of 77 plus China.

As an anti-apartheid campaigner, Ambassador Khumalo played an influential role in the process that led to the UN’s declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity.

President Ramaphosa said: “South Africa and the international community shares this great loss with the family and friends of Ambassador Khumalo".

“We will remember this outstanding patriot, activist and consummate diplomat for influencing and guiding the global debate on apartheid and for asserting South Africa’s role in the global community during the early years of our democracy".

“Thanks to his passion for our country, Ambassador Khumalo was instrumental in South Africa’s transition from a Pariah state to a partner to the international community".

“Ambassador Khumalo flew the flag not just for his own country, but for the SADC region, African and the nations of the Global South. He also championed the cause of building a multilateral system of global governance that would advance inclusion, fairness and peace among the nations of the world".

“His dedication and tenacity has ensured that South Africans and people around the world live in a better world today”, concluded President Ramaphosa.


Media enquiries:Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by:The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 22 January 2019, arrived in Davis-Klosters, Switzerland, where he will lead Team South Africa’s participation in the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled from 22 to 25 January 2019.

The 2019 WEF will be held under the theme “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The annual gathering brings together heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1 000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, and cultural, societal and thought leaders, among others.

President Ramaphosa will begin his programme on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, where he will Co-chair a session on Shaping Africa’s Agenda in the  Global Context and also address a session on Country Strategy Dialogue on South Africa.

The President will also on the same day attend the Alibaba Spring Festival Dinner hosted by Founder and Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group, Mr Jack Ma.

On Thursday, 24 January 2019, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa Investment Seminar to showcase successes of the first Investment Conference held in October 2018 and use the opportunity to communicate on the reforms government has initiated to improve ease of doing business, and enhance country’s profile as an investment partner of choice.

He will also make contributions during sessions on Europe and Africa: Towards a New Development Architecture; the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) Lunch: The World in the age of Globilization 4.0 and Africa’s Leadership in the Global Context.

The President will also during the WEF gathering meet with various investors showcasing South Africa’s investment and trade opportunities.

The WEF gathering provides a platform for Team South Africa to engage and update the international community, including investors, on the path of renewal and growth upon which the country has embarked.

The Davos discussions will explore how technological advances are impacting on or giving rise to new systems of health, transportation, communication, production, distribution, and energy, and the changes required in education and other programmes to prepare workers for this economic revolution and accompanying social changes.

The Forum enables Team South Africa to contribute to global dialogue on key issues facing humanity and to engage on key opportunities that are emerging.

Team South Africa comprises leadership of government, business, labour and civil society at large.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria