Compatriots! 

It brings me great joy to be talking to you as we gather to celebrate Christmas and this festive season, where we take a moment to reflect on the year that is ending, celebrating the successes, but also acknowledging some of the challenges of the year. 

This holiday season united in our diversity offers us the opportunity to spend time with family and friends; to rest, create memories, and foster lasting connections that will carry us beyond the festive season and into the New Year.

Among other things, this festive season offers families the opportunity to have inter-generational conversations about their unique lineages, as well as about the history of our beloved nation. 

We know today that as a country, we have made significant inroads in undoing the legacy of decades of apartheid spatial planning and its consequences on the lives and livelihoods of South Africans.

As the government, we have accelerated the provision of social services over the past few years by investing in education, healthcare, housing, water, and sanitation, among other things.

We have seen improvements in access to education, with six out of ten children aged 0–4 years having access to Early Childhood Development. Secondary education completion rates have doubled. Disability prevalence has decreased from 7.4% to 6.0% between 2011 and 2022. Over 82.4% of households now have access to piped water, and access to electricity has increased to 94.7% of residents. 

Nevertheless, we acknowledge that more still needs to be done to establish South Africa as an equal society, where all of us share in the wealth of our country, whilst taking pleasure in being a diverse and growing nation in pursuit of a non-racial, non-sexist, equal, democratic and prosperous society.

The festive season presents us with an opportunity to take a moment to think about those who are less fortunate than ourselves, the sick, vulnerable, and destitute, who are unable to fully enjoy the festive season because of the scourge of social ills. 

This reality is for us a reminder of how much change is still needed in our society, and we must collectively strive to make our country a better place for all to live in.

Compatriots, 

Since Christmas is a time for giving, we must renew our commitment to each other as families and friends. We must remind each other about the values of Ubuntu, and that umuntu, ngumuntu ngabantu. This is a time for us to show love and care for each other. 

May the shared joy we experienced during the Rugby World Cup 2023, one of the proudest moments of this year, be reignited throughout this festive season. Once more, we congratulate the Springboks for winning the Rugby World Cup. Let's set aside our disagreements once more and come together in a spirit of harmony, because together we are stronger.

Let this period also remind us that we are one nation, regardless of our socio-economic background, race, or beliefs. May we use this opportunity to appreciate the little and precious moments, that have guided us on the path of social cohesion and nation-building.

Compatriots,

Together with stakeholders such as traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society, communities and donor partners, we have done a lot this year to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and contributed in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB, towards the realisation of the 95-95-95 targets.

During this festive period, we urge that health and other safety precautions are taken into consideration – taking Anti-Retroviral Therapy, contraceptives, and other chronic treatments remains essential. 

We further urge motorists to adhere to the rules of the road, to arrive alive to their destinations, to drive safely, not drink and drive, when tired get some rest. Motorists and other road users traveling to various destinations are encouraged to avoid traveling at night where possible and to be more cautious when traveling on weekends as road accidents are particularly high on these days as advised by the Road Traffic Management Corporation.

To the Matric Class of 2023, I wish you well as you await the final matric results. We thank the teachers and the parents who have supported them throughout this year. Your commitment towards building the future of our country is inspiring.

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the tireless efforts of the individuals who have played an important role in our country throughout this year; health workers, law enforcement officials, firefighters, community workers, faith leaders, and traditional authorities, and all those who have shown much dedication to helping government to provide services to the people of South Africa, especially during this festive season. We appreciate your sacrifices and dedication.

Realeboga, Nakhensa, Baie Dankie, Siyabonga!

Finally, 

May this holiday season offer all South Africans and our visitors everlasting joy, peace, and happiness.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
 

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will this Thursday, 21 December 2023, brief the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.

Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing as follows:

Date: Thursday, 21 December 2023

Time: 09:00 for 10:00

Venue: GCIS Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

Live Streaming details:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA   

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity - 082 084 5566 /tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa extends his warmest congratulations to His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi upon his successful election as President of the Arab Republic of Egypt following the conclusion of the Presidential Elections held from 10 - 12 December 2023. 

The historic elections reflect the will of the people of Egypt in charting their future. The President also commends the other candidates for participating in the elections in a gracious and commendable manner. 

The South African Government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the Government and people of Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate together in consolidation of the African Agenda.

The President further wishes to congratulate the National Election Authority of Egypt and all national stakeholders for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted.  

The President also takes note of the observations of the AU- COMESA Joint Observer Mission. The South African Government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Egypt.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Fellow South Africans, 

Dumelang, Molweni, Sanibonani, Goeie Dag, Thobela, Lotjhani, Ndi masiari, Nhlekanhi. 

I greet you all on this Day of Reconciliation. 

Every year on this day we celebrate our greatest achievement: reconciliation between the races and the forging of a common identity as South Africans.

Reconciliation is not an act of forgetting or ignoring the wounds of the past. 

Instead, it is a courageous and intentional effort to confront our history, to learn from it and to build bridges of understanding across the chasms of misunderstanding and mistrust. 

Reconciliation is a commitment to creating a society where everyone is valued, where diversity is celebrated, and where the scars of the past are transformed into stepping stones towards a brighter and more compassionate future.

As we mark Reconciliation Day, we are reminded of just how extraordinary our experience was.

Many believed it was not possible for the former oppressor and the oppressed to make peace and reconcile, and yet we did so.

Our national days, our flag, the national anthem and our national symbols stand as testament to a new, unique nation that emerged from a difficult and bitter past. 

These are no mere symbols or gestures. They serve as important reminders of what we have been able to build within a relatively short period of time. 

Our democracy will soon be 30 years old. Some of the world’s oldest democracies are still grappling with racial and ethnic tensions among their people.

And yet South Africa, despite its many challenges, has not slid into the morass of bigotry, racism and tribalism that is prevalent many other societies.

This is what we celebrate today, and every year on national Reconciliation Day.

This year we bore witness to the power of reconciliation when our national rugby team the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in France. 

To have seen so many South Africans of all races and all ages rallying behind the team, showing their support so passionately and joining in the victory celebrations reminded us that, despite our many challenges, we are a united nation, proud of who we are and proud of how far we have come.

The proud and resilient South African spirit has carried us through the many difficulties of the past and it will continue to do so well into the future. 

Just a short three years ago we were able to overcome one of the worst public health disasters in modern times because we stood and acted as one. 

We came together and rallied behind the national effort to contain COVID-19. 

We all played our part to keep ourselves and others safe. 

In our journey of reconciliation, it is crucial that we engage in open and honest conversations about the injustices of the past and present so that we can heal. 

We must confront the uncomfortable truths, learn from them and work together to create a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

Next year we will mark 30 years since attaining our freedom. 

Yet, the legacy of our divided past continues to manifest itself in the enormous divides between rich and poor, between black and white, between men and women, between urban and rural.

Inequality is the greatest challenge to meaningful and lasting reconciliation in our country.

Central to the advancement of reconciliation must therefore be a concerted effort to end poverty and unemployment and meaningfully reduce inequality.

That is why, since the advent of democracy, we have worked to advance the economic position of those South Africans denied opportunities under apartheid. 

That is why we introduced broad-based black economic empowerment, affirmative action, preferential procurement and other transformation policies to address the imbalances created by years of apartheid rule.

We have undertaken a massive redistribution of resources towards mainly black South Africans through the provision of basic services, subsidised housing, improved education and health care, and social grants.

The impact of these interventions is evident not only in communities and homes across the land, but also in the insights provided by the results of Census 2022.

The effective implementation of these programmes, which have transformed the lives of millions of South Africans, are part of the work of reconciliation.

We have prioritised the growth of an inclusive economy that creates employment and provides the means to further reduce poverty.

We have been working with social partners to overcome the most immediate obstacles to the growth of our economy.

We have taken far-reaching measures to deal with the electricity crisis. 

These range from removing the licensing threshold to enable private investment in energy generation, to improving the performance of Eskom power stations, to encouraging and enabling households and businesses to invest in rooftop solar. 

These measures are seeing results. There has been a measurable and steady decline in the severity of load shedding over the last few months.

We need to accelerate and expand our efforts even further, not only to overcome the immediate crisis, but to ensure that we never face such a shortfall again.

We continue to focus on the needs of young people.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has provided income, work experience and skills for more than 1.2 million unemployed people. 

More than 1 million young people have been able to access opportunities for learning and employment through the SAYouth online platform.

On Thursday I attended the pass-out parade of a group of new recruits into the South African Police Service who are going to bolster government’s efforts to tackle crime that is wreaking havoc in our communities. 

This forms part of a wider effort to better capacitate our law-enforcement authorities to step up visible policing, offer better services to communities and to deal with priority crimes.

Reconciliation means that we need to bridge the divides between men and women.

We must work for gender equality in all areas of life, from the home to the workplace, from Parliament to the community.

This means that we must end once and for all the violence that men perpetrate against women. 

All parts of society must work together to change social attitudes and practices that discriminate against and oppress women.

We must work together to implement the National Strategic Plan against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, to provide better support to victims, harsher consequences for perpetrators and more economic opportunities for women.

All of this work – indeed the entire programme of government – is focused on building a more equal society.

For millions of our citizens burdened by the hardships of everyday life, it is sometimes difficult to remain optimistic.

And yet we must continue to have hope. We must persevere. 

We will overcome this period of hardship as we have so many times in the past. 

Two years ago, deadly riots in parts of our country threatened to tear apart our national fabric. 

There were attempts to divide us as a people, but we stood firm. We rejected all attempts to stoke divisions and came together to rebuild.

As a people our greatest strength is the celebration of our community humanity. It is our ability to see beyond colour, race, creed, ethnicity and national identity to embrace each other. 

There can never be place in our democracy for discrimination against others on the basis of their race, the language they speak, the faith they follow, their sexual orientation, or whether they are citizens or non-citizens.

We celebrate our progress towards reconciliation when much of the world is in turmoil. 

There are conflicts between and within nations, including on our beloved continent, Africa.

In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the devastation being wrought on the Gaza Strip, are a reminder of the tragic outcome when old wounds are left to fester. 

The dispossession, occupation and discrimination directed against the Palestinian people has endured for over 75 years.

As South Africa we have maintained that the only solution to this conflict is a just and lasting peace, and for both sides to come together and reconcile.

In a world and at a time when divisions between and amongst peoples are becoming more pronounced, South Africa is united.

Through unity we can build a better South Africa. One that offers freedom, shared prosperity and equal rights for all, and where no one is left behind.

I wish you all, wherever you may be on this day, a meaningful, peaceful and fulfilling Reconciliation Day. 

I thank you.
 

Government welcomes the increase in employment for the period June to September 2023 as per the 3rd Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) report of Statistics South Africa. Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that “The continuous increase in employment is a demonstration that measures put in place by government, the partnership with business and labour to reduce unemployment and create opportunities for more jobs are steadily and firmly gaining traction despite prevailing domestic and global challenges facing the economy. Government remains resolute in resolving the domestic constrains to the economy as indicated by the recently Cabinet approved Freight and Logistics Roadmap and the Integrated Resource Plan 2023. These interventions will also help facilitate economic growth opportunities to reverse the contraction in real gross domestic product (GDP), which was 0.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2023”. 

Government is also pleased with the year-on-year increase or 2.6% increase in employment. According to StatsSA, the total employment increased by 256 000 between September 2022 and September 2023. 

Notable in the increase is also an increase in Gross Earnings paid to employees which increased by R16,7 billion (2,0%) from R833,6 billion in June 2023 to R850,2 billion in September 2023. This means to some levels there are measures 2 being put in place to ensure earnings are kept up with the increasing cost of living. 

Government has also noted that both increases in employment and gross earnings have been driven by sectors that are critical to South Africa’s economic growth, namely by trade, mining, transport, electricity industries and community services. In addition, the contribution of business services, manufacturing, and construction in the increase in gross earnings is a positive development. 

As the country ends the year on this good news of a resilient economy which is steadily creating employment, government undertakes to double its efforts in the new year to bolster an employment-creating economy. 

Media enquiries: Sipho Mbele Spokesperson: Minister in The Presidency on 083 625 3446 

Issued by: The Presidency and Government Communication and Information System,
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 16 December 2023, deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation celebrations.

The national event will be held at Thohoyandou Stadium, Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo.

This year, Reconciliation Month is commemorated under the theme “Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation”.

The National Day of Reconciliation aims to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality by highlighting and advancing the constitutional values and principles that bind together all South Africans. 

The day also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

South Africa has made significant progress in transforming from an apartheid state into a democratic one.

In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors of various forms of abuse or infringements of rights.

National Day of Reconciliation focuses attention on national unity that is enriched by the diversity of histories and experiences, languages and cultures that make South Africa unique.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa.

As part of the celebrations, President Ramaphosa will visit Fulufhelo Special School, which is a legacy project in Thohoyandou.

Fulufhelo Special School was established in 1987 by Phalalani Association for people with intellectual disabilities.

Media accreditation has concluded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and no new applications will be accepted.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Minister of Police, Gen Bheki Cele, 
Premier of the Northern Cape, Mr Zamani Saul,
MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison in the Northern Cape, Ms Nomandla Bloem,
SAPS National Commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola,
SAPS senior management, commanders and personnel,
SAPS members,
Representatives of SAPU and POPCRU,
Our guests of honour, the trainee constables on parade,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning. 

It gives me the greatest pleasure to be here today to witness the passing out of our new recruits. 

Having reached this milestone, you will now join the ranks of one of the most noble and honourable of professions, serving your community and the South African people as members of the South African Police Service. 

It is not an easy road you have chosen.

Being a policeman or policewoman involves gruelling training, many hours spent away from friends and family and hard work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. 

This profession puts you at the frontline of service to our citizens, who come to you for help, and in the frontline in the fight against crime. 

And yet it is a path you have chosen. The path of the bravest of the brave, the path of service and dedication. For this, we thank you and we salute you. 

Our country is under siege from criminals. Crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart. 

Crime is undermining our economy, affecting small and large businesses alike, and holding back a sustainable economic recovery. 

We are tired of crime. We are tired of criminals operating with impunity. 

We are tired of the abuse and violence directed at women, children and other vulnerable groups. 

We are tired of the rule of law being undermined. 

Sikwanele. Genoeg is genoeg. Enough is enough. 

We have recruited and trained you as part of a new front in the fight against crime. 

In February this year, during the State of the Nation Address, I said that the SAPS will train 10,000 new recruits this year to bolster the 10,000 recruits that were trained in 2022. 

As the latest intake, these trainees will contribute to government’s visible policing efforts and strengthen the capacity of the SAPS. 

This week there will be passing-out parades at various sites across the country for the first cohort of recruits, with the second cohort scheduled to be inducted early in 2024. 

Our new constables will be deployed to various police stations and also to specialised units such as Public Order Policing, Visible Policing, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units. 

Among their first tasks will be to strengthen the country-wide effort to ensure that South Africans are safe and secure during this festive season.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate those trainees who have been recognised for their outstanding performance in Street Survival, Law, Physical Training and Drill. 

A strong, capacitated and well-resourced South African Police Service is critical in the fight against crime. 

Despite the challenges it faces, the SAPS has made significant inroads in recent months.

Operation Shanela, launched in May this year, has undertaken high-density operations across the country that have resulted in over 250,000 arrests, the seizure of over 3,200 firearms and the recovery of more than 1,700 stolen vehicles.

The police have made progress in tackling crimes like cash in transit heists, drug smuggling, illegal mining and damage to critical infrastructure.

Working together with the NPA, the police have secured 247 life sentences for 187 perpetrators of gender-based violence since the beginning of this financial year.

This is progress, but much more needs to be done.

The trainees who are passing out today therefore carry an important responsibility.

Police members are the first responders. Police members are first point of contact with victims of crime. Police stations are the places people go first when a crime has been committed. Suspects who have been apprehended or arrested are taken away in police vans or detained at police stations. 

This comes with a great and heavy responsibility, to serve with courtesy, dignity and respect, to embody the finest values of the public service, and to respect the rights and human dignity of all. 

It is important that we restore and maintain people’s faith and confidence in the SAPS. We expect you to serve our people with respect and to do everything within your means to earn their trust. 

We thank you for taking up the call to serve your country. 

You have shown your willingness to subject yourselves to the discipline and hard work that comes with being a member of the SAPS. 

This is just the beginning of your journey. Ahead of you are years of dedicated service. 

I am confident that you will perform your duties to the best of your ability, respecting the laws of the land and upholding the Constitution. 

Wear your uniform with pride, be ever mindful of the SAPS Code of Conduct, and keep yourselves and each other safe. 

I express my sincere gratitude to the Commanders of SANDF 3 Infantry Battalion Academy for their leadership and unwavering support throughout the training period. 

To the parents, family members and friends of the trainees, your support, sacrifice and inspiration have been invaluable. 

To all the trainee constables passing out here and in other parts of the country: welcome to the SAPS and congratulations. 

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 13 December 2023, met with the leadership of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) at the Presidential residence Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria.

 The SAJBD petitioned President Ramaphosa to namely;

1. Restore full diplomatic recognition of Israel, including the re-opening of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv and providing assurances that the Israeli embassy in Pretoria will not be closed  to enable the return of the Israeli Ambassador to South Africa 

2. Speak and/or act against the boycott of Israeli and Jewish businesses in South Africa 

3. Protect the South African Jewish community against anti-Semitic incidents and/or attacks

President Ramaphosa reiterated the South African government position on the current conflict in Israel and Palestine that the South African government; 

1. Stands with the people of Palestine who have endured over 7 decades of apartheid type of brutal occupation

2. Condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on the 7th of October 2023 on Israeli citizens, including women and children

3. Calls for all hostages to be returned

4. Condemns the genocide that is being inflicted against the people of Palestine, including women and children, through collective punishment and ongoing bombardment of Gaza

5. Calls for the International Criminal Court to investigate all the atrocities and war crimes committed in Israel and Palestine and to hold all those responsible to account 

6. Calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities to allow for more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and;

7. Calls for the resumption of negotiations between Palestinians and Israel that will lead to a two state solution along the 1967 internationally recognised borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine

President Ramaphosa indicated that the South African diplomats based in Tel Aviv will remain in South Africa for consultations during the current state of conflict, however, the government will endeavor to make available all the necessary support that is required by South African citizens in need of assistance. 

The President further emphasised the government’s denunciation of anti-Semitic behavior towards Jewish people in South Africa, including the boycott of Jewish owned businesses, and Islamophobia. President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to remain true to the tenets of the country’s constitution. 

All participants appreciated the opportunity to engage openly and frankly and committed to continue seeking solutions to the issues of concern that were raised and to the devastating and intractable conflict in the Middle East. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria